Military

Kilurki / Chamsuri / Sea Dolphin (PKM : Patrol Killer Medium)

The Coastal Patrol and Interdiction Craft (CPIC), upon which the Sea Dolphin class is based, was developed by the US Navy in the early 1970s. The first of the class, designated by the Tacoma Boatbuilding Company as PSMM 5, was launched by Tacoma in 1974 and commissioned in March 1975. The fire-control system (originally designated EX-93) was extensively tested by the US Navy eventually being designated Mk 93.

The lead ship was transferred to the South Korean Navy in August 1975 as the Gireogi or PKM 123 (later Kilurki 11 or PKM 211). The prototype CPIC was returned to the US in 1980. Also during 1975, Honeywell began development of an improved version based upon their Honeywell Experimental Distributed Processing System (HXDP), a federated system using modular software architecture. This became the H-930 Mod 0 which was installed in the remainder of the PSMM 5 class built by Korea Tacoma Marine beginning with Pae Ku 56, which was commissioned in February 1976.

The initial types were equipped with 20-mm Vulcan Automatic Cannons on the bow and 40-mm Bofors cannons at the stern. Subsequently, the vesselsr had 2 30-mm Emercen extended cannons at the bow and 2 20-mm Vulcan automatic cannons at the stern. The latter types were equipped with 40-mm Bofors cannons (cover types) at the bow instead of the 30-mm cannons. Optical aiming systems were used for fire control at first, but later an automated Fire Control System (FCS) system was introduced.

The Kilurki [Kirogi] class patrol boat, also known as Chamsuri class, was a larger model of the Tacoma-designed Schoolboy-class patrol boat manufactured in South Korea during the 1970s. The first unit was laid down at the DAEWOO Okpo, Korea SEC, Korea TACOMA Shipbuilders in 1978. A total of 90 Kilurki 11 class (Sea Dolphin type) small patrol boats were built, numbered PKM 212+ and named "Kilurki "xxx". Built 1970's, the exact completion dates are unknown. Approximately 75 were believed to be in service as of 2002.

The Kilurki-class patrol boat, a 170-ton vessel, required a thirty-one-person crew and was equipped with five guns: one 40mm single-barreled Bofors on the bow, two 30mm twin-barreled Emerson Electrics in the stern, and two 20mm Oerlikon twin-barreled guns behind the bridge. The Kilurki-class patrol boat, with a range of 700 kilometers and a maximum speed of 38 knots, was well suited for its inshore patrol mission.

This Fast patrol Boat is designed to a capable of performing combat missions and also peace time surveillance. Missions include: fast strike against hostile naval forces; escort of shipping and denial of sea passage to hostile sea transport; provision of naval gun fire support; surveillance of shipping close to national territories; and enforcement patrol.

This vessel's Principal Features are: planning Hull Type enabling high speed, strong propulsion power by 4,500 HP D/E, excellent tactics and operation conducted by a few crews. The strong body structure (Shock absorbing body structure) enables it to withstand ramming damage. This boat has spacious living area the can accommodate 1 commanding officer, 4 officers, 20 ratings. All operational and accommodation spaces are air-conditioned and located to optimize both functional efficiency and crew comfort.

The boat is 37 meters long overall, a maximum beam 6.9 meters and displaces around 170 tons. The ship is propelled by 2 diesel engines driving fixed pitch propellers through 2 shafts. Also the ship has some gun armament variation and some minor superstructure changes in later ships of the class. The ships of this class, as typical for a fast patrol boat with distinctive planing hull design, show remarkable performances improvements in patrol and interdiction. Easy operation and economical maintenance are other features proven in actual operations.

On June 29th, 2002 there was a surprise attack on PKM Chamsuri 357 by a North Korean vessel. PKM Chamsuri 357 , which was conducting close-range maneuvers in an effort to remove the North Korean patrol boat, responded to the provocative suprise attack, and successfully defended the NLL with courage and faith in certain victory. The Captain Lieutenant Commander Yun Young Ha, died in combat while keeping a close watch on enemy movements. The Chief Petty Officer Han Sang Guk, who was manning the rudder until the end during the engagement as a quartermaster. The Petty Officers First Class Cho Cheon Hyung and Hwang Do Hyun, who continued to pull the trigger of the warship guns until their dying moments. The Chief Petty Officer Seo Hoo Won died a heroic death returning fire with an M-60 from the deck, where he could not even conceal himself. Petty officer second class Park Dong Hyuk who was shot while helping his wounded comrades and passed away at a young age after 3 months in hospital.