K9 Thunder South Korean 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
K9 Thunder
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Other
Basic Information
Name
K9 Thunder South Korean 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Designation
K9 Thunder
Alternate Designation
K9 Thunder
Equipment Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Manufacturer
Hanwha
Date of Introduction
1999
Description
The can fire its first round within 30 seconds from the moment it first receives firing information from the Fire Direction Center (FDC) while in emplaced situation. While moving, it can fire after 60 seconds. After firing, K9 Thunder can quickly move away from its last position in anticipation of the enemy’s counter fire, before firing its next shot. K9 howitzers operate in groups with the K10 automatic ammunition resupply vehicle variant.
Ground Specifications
Crew
5
Mobility Type
Tracked
Main Weapon
155 mm howitzer
Engine
Diesel (1000 hp)
NBC Protection
Yes
Max Speed
67.0 km/h
Range
360.0 km
Variants
K9A1
The K9A1 uses the same armament as the K9 thunder but is fitted with improved mission system components with a windows based operational system. An auxiliary power unit (APU) also helps to optimize operational range and system performance.
K9 Vajra-T
The K9 Vajra-T is the Indian manufactured variant of the K9 and is in service with the Indian Army, with 50% of its components are manufactured in India.
AS9 Huntsman
The AS9 Huntsman is an Australian version of the South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzer.
K10
The K10 is an ammunition resupply vehicle designed to extend the length of time that an SPH can provide fire support during combat.
K77
The K77 FDCV is designed to provide a K9 battery with a modern command-and-control (C2) vehicle to better co-ordinate fire missions and improve the integration of a battery within an armoured unit.
Krab
The Krab is an SPH developed in Poland with the assistance of multiple companies from around the world.
Firtina
The Firtina (also referred to as the T-155 Firtina) is an SPH derived from the South Korean K9 that is manufactured in Turkey for the Turkish Land Forces.
System
Alternative Designation
K9 Thunder
Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Caliber
155 mm
Manufacturer
Hanwha Land Systems
Crew
5 ea
Emplacement Time
30 seconds
Displacement Time
30 seconds
Dimensions
Length, Overall
12.0 m
Length, hull
7.44 m
Width
3.40 m
Height, to Turret Roof
2.73 m
Height, to Top of Roof Mounted Weapon
3.5 m
Weight, Combat
46,300 kg
Track Width
548 mm
Track Length on the Ground
4.72 m
Ground Clearance
0.41 m
Automotive
Engine Name
MTU MT 881 Ka-500
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
1,000 hp at 2,700 rpm
Power-To-Weight Radio
21.60 hp/t
Fuel Capacity
850 liters
Acceleration
0 to 32 km/h in 12 seconds
Maximum Range
360 km
Speed, Maximum Road
67 km/h
Speed Maximum Swim
Not Amphibious
Gradient
60%
Side Slope
30%
Vertical Step
0.75 m
Trench
2.8 m
Fording Depth, without Preparation
1.5 m
Main Weapon System
System
Type
Howitzer
Caliber
155 mm
Elevation
+70° (1,244 mils)/-2.5° (-44 mils)
Traverse
360° (6,400 mils)
Muzzle Velocity
928 m/s (K307 HE ER FB BB Projectile)
Muzzle Velocity System
Mounted over the rear part of the 155 mm/52-calibre ordnance is a muzzle velocity measuring system that feeds information to the onboard computer. This Doppler-type system has a muzzle velocity recording range of from 20 to 2,000 m/s.
Sustained Rate of Fire
3 rds/min
Rapid Rate of Fire
8 rds/min
Primer Magazine
The primer magazine automatically feeds, inserts, and extracts the primers and movement of the breechblock allows for the continuous firing capability of 21 × 155 mm rounds.
Maximum Firing Range
40 km (K307 HE ER FB BB Projectile)
Ammunition (Option #1)
Name
M107
Type
HE
Caliber
155 mm
Muzzle Velocity
INA
Warhead
6.62 kg of cast TNT or 6.985 kg of Composition B, the former produces approximately 1,950 fragments on detonation.
Maximum Range
18 km
Basic Load
48 rounds
Ammunition (Option #2)
Name
K307
Type
HE ER FB BB
Caliber
155 mm
Muzzle Velocity
928 m/s
Warhead
INA
Maximum Range
40 km
Basic Load
48 rounds
Auxiliary Weapon System
Note
1 × roof mounted 12.7 mm M2 HB Machine Gun
Fire Control System (FCS)
Fire Control System (FCS)
Honeywell Modular Azimuth Position System (MAPS), automatic fire-control system (FCS). The computerized FCS for the K9 Thunder artillery system has been developed by Samsung Thales specifically for this artillery system. It includes a display unit, system control unit, fire-control unit, and communication processor that are all linked via a 1553 data bus to the power control unit. According to the company, key features of this computerized FCS include automatic/manual data input, common module conception, real-time ballistic solution, simple man/machine interface, easy to modify program through RS422 port, built-in test, and a high-precision ballistic solution.
Battalion Tactical Command System (BTCS)
The K9 is linked to the RoKA's Battalion Tactical Command System K9 (BTCS), an artillery fire-control system that is designed to integrate multiple types of indirect fire platform. It is produced by LIG Nex1 Co Ltd and provides automatic target priority calculation, ammunition decision, and target allocation. The primary hub of the system is in the K77, and it disseminates details to the batteries under its control.
Protection
Hull Armor
The hull has a maximum thickness of 19 mm and is built from steel armor. This provides the occupants with protection from small arms fire and HE 155 mm projectile fragments.
Turret Armor
Steel Armor
Applique Armor
INA
Mine Clearing
No
Self-Entrenching Blade
No
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
INA
Image Sources
Notes
http://mbiz.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20150626000130; https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2024/06/129_235134.html; https://sputnikglobe.com/20231218/poland-receives-18-self-propelled-howitzers-from-south-korea-1115655654.html; https://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/gallery/view.html?b_bbs_id=10044&num=132701&pn=0; https://industry-update.com/finland-is-developing-an-option-for-another-38-k9-sph/196651/
Details
Country of Origin
South Korea
Category
Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Land > Artillery > Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Filter Label
K
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
12 m
Width
3.4 m
Height
3.5 m
Weight
46300 kg
Operators (9)
South Korea
Poland
Turkey
India
Spain
Australia
Estonia
Finland
Norway
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