K21 + Cockerill XC-8 gun
At the international exhibition Eurosatory-2012 in France, the German company Rheinmetall presented its new project. In fact, it represents the modernization of the infantry fighting vehicle Marder with the maximum possible bringing its combat characteristics to the level of the main battle tanks. It is assumed that such medium-sized and relatively cheap armored cars in the near future will interest a fairly wide range of customers.
Such an medium "tank", according to the idea of the authors of the project, will be of interest to both small and poor countries that need modern technology with good capabilities, as well as large states that already have their own modern armored troops. With regard to the latter, the reasoning goes as follows. In modern conditions, tanks very rarely fight with tanks, especially with peers in terms of characteristics. Therefore, to combat lightly armored vehicles or obsolete tanks, you need a cheap and massive combat vehicle with good weapons, created on the basis of existing structures, for example, based on an infantry fighting vehicle. The new Marder Medium MBT tank has not yet become the subject of a supply contract, but has attracted the attention of the military around the world.
The idea interested in other manufacturers of armored vehicles. At IDEX-2013, held in Abu Dhabi, a similar project of joint Korean-Belgian development was demonstrated for the first time. Doosan DST (South Korea) and CMI Defense (Belgium) jointly carried out a profound modernization of the Korean infantry fighting vehicle K21.
CMI Defence and Doosan DST presented a new 120/105mm Medium Tank concept. The system integrates the Cockerill XC-8 turret and the Doosan K21 IFV chassis. With a system weight of some 25 tonnes, the concept offers advanced 120mm or 105mm firepower with high operational flexibility and tactical mobility. The Cockerill XC-8 is a low-weight concept-turret that recognises divergent market requirements; specifically for the broad operational flexibility demanded by the medium-tank requirement, and for the narrower, more specialised anti- armor requirement. Thus one of two low-recoil force guns may be fitted in the XC-8.
The Cockerill 105mm high pressure gun provides commanders with a wide choice of ammunition to suit the tactical situation; it fires all NATO-standard 105mm types and the Cockerill Falarick 105 Gun Launched Anti Tank Guided Missile (GLATGM). Elevating to +42° this weapon delivers exceptional engagement capability in complex terrain, an indirect-fire HE capability to 10km range, and the GLATGM permits heavy armor to be enagaged at extended ranges.
The Cockerill 120mm high pressure gun provides a strengthened anti-armor capability. This weapon fires all NATO-standard 120mm smoothbore ammunition and the Cockerill Falarick 120 GLATGM, which permits the effective engagement and penetration of heavy armor to beyond 5km range.
Both guns are employed using a common high performance, digital, fully-stabilised, day/night weapon control system. Turret weight is kept low through the use of a bustle- mounted autoloader, which permits a two-person crew. The Cockerill XC-8 concept-turret draws on the proven modular technology of the Cockerill CT-CV 105HP turret and may be realised at low risk.
Interesting, that due to the relatively small size of the 105-mm gun and a fairly spacious tower, it was possible to bring the maximum angle of the barrel to 42 °. For most modern tanks this is a very large angle, but it will increase the combat effectiveness of the armored vehicle in urban conditions. In addition, when firing at the maximum elevation, the maximum firing range is increased to ten kilometers. The 120mm gun does not have this capability, but thanks to its caliber it provides firepower at the level of modern main tanks.
This weapon is also compatible with Cockerill Falarick 105 guided anti-tank missiles launched from the cannon. These missiles are launched in the same way as ordinary rounds. This missile has a semi-automatic laser orientation with tandem warhead. CMI Defense also included Falarick guided missiles developed in conjunction with the Ukrainian design bureau "Luch" as part of the new ammunition nomenclature. These missiles are launched directly from the gun-launcher and significantly increase the combat potential of the tank. It should be noted that Falarick rockets are available in two versions, for use with 105mm and 120mm guns. Thus, regardless of the type of main weapons, the Korean-Belgian tank carries a number of guided missiles.
The claimed characteristics of penetration of the armor (at least 550 millimeters behind the dynamic defense) allow the former infantry fighting vehicle to effectively combat some tanks. The additional armament of the new tank, apparently, includes at least one machine gun coupled with a gun. On the prototypes shown, an anti-aircraft machine gun and smoke grenade launchers were missing. Probably, they can be installed at the request of the customer.
The Doosan K21 IFV chassis represents the latest-generation of vehicle technology. In service with the Republic of Korea, the K21 offers outstanding tactical mobility through the use of hydro-pneumatic suspension, a 750HP powerpack and advanced running-gear design. Tactical mobility and flexibility is further enhanced by the vehicle’s ability to swim without assistance at full combat weight. A high- capacity digital data-infrastructure permits the functional integration of the Driver with the turret crew by using shared imagery and control. The same architecture permits straightforward through-life upgrade and low obsolesence risk.
the original K21 is capable of crossing water obstacles only after opening and filling of special cylinders on the sides of the hull. In the marching position they are located under the bulwarks of the car. This possibility of a new tank raises certain doubts. Rubber cylinders can be pierced even from small arms, which quickly sends the car to the bottom. Obviously, its own buoyancy leaves much to be desired. In addition, with such characteristics, the tank on the water can only fire from machine guns, which significantly reduces its combat capabilities.
The combination of the Cockerill XC-8 concept-turret with the Doosan K21 chassis promises a significant advance in terms of medium-weight direct-fire capability. The combination of highly effective and flexible lethality options with outstanding strategic and tactical mobility, opens up a new range of operational possibilities.
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