Hanwha Aerospace is using this year’s DSEI exhibition, taking place in London from 12-15 September 2023, to unveil a K9A2 self-propelled howitzer (SPH) fitted with the Composite Rubber Track (CRT) system developed by Soucy Defense.
This configuration of the K9A2 is the SPH Hanwha Aerospace is proposing to address the British Army’s Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme.
“CRT is one of the key innovative technologies to be featured on the British K9A2, enabling greater all-weather terrain accessibility for shoot-and-scoot operations, alongside reduced noise, vibration, maintenance and fuel consumption to enhance operational mobility,” Simon Humphrey, vice president of Hanwha Aerospace UK, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “CRT is a game changer and makes huge strides in closing the gap between the oft-heard wheels vs track polarising debate.”
Separately, a source associated with the K9A2 MFP bid recently noted to ESD that the use of rubber tracks in place of metal ones significantly reduces the amount of metal fragments penetrating the vehicle hull should the SPH run over a mine or improvised explosive device.
The K9A2 also features a fully automatic ammunition handling system, whereas its K9A1 predecessor relies on a semi-automatic loading system, in which the rounds are loaded automatically but the charges are loaded manually. One consequence of this is that the K9A2 can attain a fire rate of fire of at least nine rounds per minute with a crew of three instead of five.
For the MFP bid Hanwha Aerospace is leading Team Thunder UK: a unique international partnership that includes Lockheed Martin UK, Leonardo UK, Pearson Engineering, Horstman Defence Group, and Soucy Defense.
Hanwha Defense Australia has also joined Team Thunder to maximise the synergies and opportunities presented by its work in suppling the AS9 Huntsman variant of the K9 SPH for the Australian Army’s Land 8116 Protected Mobile Fires programme.
Hanwha is also exhibiting its Redback infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) at DSEI 2023. This July it was announced that the AS21 Redback had emerged victorious in addressing the Australian Army’s Land 400 Phase 3 IFV requirement.
Peter Felstead
