K9 Thunder 155 mm self-propelled howitzer
In the late 1980s Republic of Korea Army drew up its requirements for a new indigenous 155 mm tracked howitzer to meet the requirements of 21st century. Key operational requirements included a higher rate of fire, longer range, better accuracy and faster into and out of action times. Development of the K9 Thunder began in 1989. It was developed as a replacement for the M109A2K, also known as the K55. First prototypes were completed in 1994. This artillery system entered service in 1999. South Korea ordered a total of 1 136 of these howitzers. Finland ordered 48 of these howitzers for delivery in 2017. India ordered 100 of these artillery systems. In 2018 at least 25 units were reportedly delivered to the Indian Army. Estonia ordered 18 units. Deliveries began in 2020 and are planned to be completed in 2023. Norway ordered 24 units. In 2021 Australia ordered these artillery system, which included local production of the AS9 Huntsman howitzer and AS10 ammunition resupply vehicle. Local production in Australia is planned to begin in 2024. In 2022, after long negotiations, Egypt made a deal with South Korea for technology transfer and local production of the K9 howitzers. During the same year Poland ordered a large number of these howitzers from South Korea to meet an urgent operational requirement. The K9 was also tested in the United States. By 2022 some 1 700 K9 howitzers were produced. Currently it is one of the most commercially successful howitzer in the world.
The main armament of the K9 Thunder consists of 155 mm/L52 howitzer, fitted with automatic shell handling and ramming system. It is compatible with standard NATO 155 mm ammunition. Maximum range of fire is 30 km with standard HE shell and 40 km with rocket-assisted shell.
The K9 Thunder has a maximum rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute and is capable of multiple-round simultaneous-impact firing. It can launch 3 shell in 15 seconds, each in different trajectories, so that all of the shells arrive on target at the same time. Sustained rate of fire is 2 rounds per minute.
The K9 Thunder is fitted with automatic fire control system with internal navigation system and automatic gun laying systems. It takes 30 seconds to prepare to fire at emplacement and 60 seconds from movement. The howitzer can quickly leave its position in order to avoid counter-battery fire.
The K9 has all-welded steel hull and turret with a maximum thickness of 19 mm. It provides protection from small arms and artillery shell fragments. Vehicle is also fitted with NBC protection system.
This self-propelled howitzer has a crew of five, consisting of commander, gunner, assistant gunner, loader and driver.
Vehicle is powered by German MTU MT 881 Ka500 diesel engine, developing 1 000 horsepower. Interestingly the same engine is used on the German PzH 2000 howitzer. Transmission of the K9 Thunder is a further development of that installed on the M1 Abrams main battle tank. The K9 is fitted with a hydropneumatic suspension.
The K9 Thunder is resupplied form the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle. It is based on the K9 chassis. The reloading process is fully automated and can be performed without exposing the crew under enemy fire or in the contaminated areas.
