ADEX 2017: Hanwha Developing 8x8 Anti-Air Gun Vehicle for ROK Army.

At ADEX 2017, the International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition currently held in Seoul, South Korea, local company Hanwha Defense Systems is showcasing the anti-air gun vehicle (AAGV), a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun currently being developed for the ROK Army.

AAGV scale model on Hanwha Defense Systems stand at ADEX 2017

Army Recognition learned at ADEX 20AY that Hanwha Defense Systems (the integrator) started field testing of a AAGV prototype this year and full production is expected for 2020. The number of AAGV to be delivered to the ROK Army can not be disclosed at this time.

The system consists in a Hyundai Rotem 8x8 Wheeled Armored Vehicle (WAV) chassis fitted with the BIHO tracked SPAAG's turret. The BIHO is armed with two 30 mm automatic cannons. The cyclic rate of fire for a single gun is 600 rounds per minute. Each gun is provided with 300 rounds of ready to use ammunition. The Biho fires HE-FRAG rounds which can be used to destroy air targets with an effective firing range of approximately 3 km.

EOTS being proposed by Hanwha Systems for the AAGV

Hanwha Systems was showcasing its solution at ADEX 2017. Hanwha's EOTS is fitted with three sensors: A infra red camera, a TV camera and a laser range finder. During testing, the EOTS demonstrated the tracking of a small UAV target (2.5 meters x 2.0 meters) moving at a speed of 200 Km/h at a distance of 5 Km. Detection range is even larger.

A Hanwha Systems representative explained that this EOTS, while capable of detecting and tracking land, air and naval targets, is particularly suited to detect small air targets such as UAV, as per the ROK Army requirements. DPRK (North Korea) is fielding an increasing number of UAVs and started flying them over the DMZ and border. The ROK Army is looking for effective ways of detecting, tracking and eventually disabling this new threat.

Field testing of AAGV prototype. Hanwha Defense Systems picture.

In its baseline configuration, the 8x8 Wheeled Armored Vehicle is an infantry combat vehicle that is fitted with a 420 ps diesel engine developed by Hyundai Motors, 7-speed transmission and 2-mode secondary transmission. Capable of moving on both land and water, it has been engineered to maximize crew operability with its ergonomic design and scalability to family vehicles. The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) placed an order for 500 units (designated K808 in ROKA service), with the first ones set to be delivered in November. Combat weight is 20 tons.

The AAGV features a combat weight of 26 tons, a maximum speed of 100 Km/h and a crew of 4 soldiers. Despite the weight increase, the vehicle retains its amphibious capabilities.