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Hyundai Rotem K2EX Black Panther - The Korean Big Cat: Part 2
Hi and welcome to my 57th suggestion, which is about the new Korean K2EX Black Panther, hope you like it. 
First of all:
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
Basic Background
Development of the K2 began back in 1995, when the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) conducted comprehensive system concept research to determine what technology and performance should be developed and how a home-made tank could be created. This phase lasted from mid-1995 to the end of 1997 and ran almost parallel to the K1A1 development.
From 1998 to 2002, an “exploratory development” phase followed, in which the development potential of the components was technically examined. In January 2003, comprehensive “system development” finally officially began, which lasted about four years.
Parallel to the development of the K2 Black Panther, several prototypes were produced to test specific systems, firepower, mobility and self-defense capability; the XK2 MTR (Mobility Test Rig), the XK2 FTR (Firepower Test Rig) and three XK2 PV (Pilot vehicles). The MTR and FTR conducted mobility, fire control, combat control and low temperature endurance testing, while the PV1, PV2 and PV3 conducted endurance, developer, operator and integrated logistic support testing.
One of the biggest challenges was developing the domestic power pack that combined the engine and transmission. Overheating and durability issues during the test evaluation process resulted in the K2s produced being fitted with a German MTU power pack. Nevertheless, efforts were made to promote homeland production of the power unit.
A key development focus was also on integrating state-of-the-art technologies and equipment to maximize the XK2’s combat capabilities. These included an advanced navigation system, an automatic loading system for the main gun, laser warning sensors and an active protection system (APS) that warns the tank crew of enemy attacks.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, the development of the K2 Black Panther was a significant step in Korean defense technology. The final prototype, the XK2, which is based on one of the XK2 PVs and integration of the final elements of all components, arrived in 2007 and was officially completed in September 2008 after operational tests by ROKA.
After the K2 finally went into production in 2011, at least one XK2 was tested afterwards with the experimental hardkill APS: KAPS - the Korean-Active-Protection-System. However, this system never found its place on the production K2s, but its likely to be integrated into the future K2 Product Improvement Program (PIP).
At ADEX 2023, Eurosatory 2024 and KADEX 2024, Hyundai Rotem introduced a new and improved version of the K2; the K2EX - which now also had hardkill APS, improved protection systems and an RCWS.
The K2EX Black Panther Overall
The K2EX is the successor to the K1 series and further improved version of the K2. It offers impressive mobility, firepower and protection that improves its survivability on the battlefield compared to the K1 thanks to over 1.85x increase in protection, increasing its ability to withstand enemy attacks. In an experiment, a XK2 testrig was able to withstand off its own K279 long-rod APFSDS, from which the effective armor is estimated at approximately 750mm to 850mm KE and 900mm to 1000mm CE.
In addition to commercial composite armor, K2EX is fitted with ERA plates to increase protection against missile impacts. In order to be able to detect missile fire at an early stage, for example, the K2EX is equipped with radars that warn the crew of approaching fire and take action. In addition to the radars, the tank also has LWS (Laser Warning System). In terms of armament, the K2EX is equipped with a Hyundai WIA CN08 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun. The ammunition used is the K279 and K280 HEAT-MP, which can be fired efficiently with a reload time of just 6 seconds. The penetration power of the K279 is estimated at more than 700mm at 2 km and up to 800mm against RHA.
The K2EX’s mobility is aided by a hydraulic chassis that allows the tank to rise and lower to adapt to different terrain conditions. This allows the K2EX to maintain a stable vehicle body and maintain precise control over its position even in difficult terrain. With a combat weight of 60 tons, 5 tons more than the previous version, and a powerful 1,500 hp engine, you can reach speeds of over 68 km/h, it can also cross rivers up to a depth of 4.1 m with a snorkel. Compared to the standard K2, the new K2EX features a partially new turret on the outer sides, a new RCWS with 12.7mm machinegun, a ‘Trophy Heavy Vehicle (HV)’ (referred as KAPS-2) hardkill active protection and a new situation awareness as well as anti-drone systems.
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it 
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]
Sources:
Links
현대로템, 포탑 무장 '30t급 차륜형장갑차' 실물 최초 공개 - 파이낸셜뉴스
http://www.defensetoday.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=6418
The National Interest: Blog | The National Interest
Hyundai Rotem exhibits upgraded K2EX Black Panther tank at Eurosatory 2024
K2 Main Battle Tank | Hyundai Rotem
승리의 검은 표범! 현대로템 K2전차 ‘흑표’ 지식테스트
DX KOREA 2024
[한국무기 디테일] ⑫ 국내 국방과학기술이 총 결집된 현대 로템의 K2 흑표 전차 – 시큐리티팩트
강바닥 달리는 국산 '차기전차(XK2)' 개발 | SBS 뉴스
서로 서로 자료로 담가요 : 네이버 블로그
What We Do>Ground Weapon Systems>K2 Tank | 국방과학연구소
[단독] K2전차, 핵심 방어장비 장착 안 했다