- Yes
- No
Hyundai Rotem XK2 Black Panther - The Korean Big Cat Part: 1
Hi and welcome to my 35th suggestion, which is about the Korean XK2, hope you like it. 
First of all:
- This is a suggestion for a Vehicle we could see in game at some point in the Future , that doesn´t mean next Patch or somewhere in the near Future
- 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
- Please, keep distance from Political discussions, comments on that matter will be deleted
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).
The XK2 Black Panther Overall
The XK2, also known as Black Panther and prototype of the K2, the successor to the K1 series, 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, XK2 was 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 XK2 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 XK2 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. Besides the main cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm M60E2-1 and a secondary 12.7mm K6 heavy machine gun are available.
The XK2’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 XK2 to maintain a stable vehicle body and maintain precise control over its position even in difficult terrain. With a combat weight of 55 tons and a powerful 1,500 hp engine, you can reach speeds of over 70 km/h, it can also cross rivers up to a depth of 4.1 m with a snorkel.
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: