DX Korea 2018: New K152 4x4 APC Armored Personnel Carrier of South Korean Army.

At DX Korea 2018, South Korean army presents its new generation of 4x4 light tactical vehicle called K152 in APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) version developed jointly by the ROK (Republic of Korea Army) and the Company KIA manufacturer of civilian and military vehicles. The K152 will replace the old light 4x4 light tactical K131 which is in service with the South Korean armed forces since 1997.

New South Korean Army K152 4x4 APC Armored Personnel Carriier at DX Korea 2018 defense exhibition in South Korea. September 2018. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The K152 is the armored version of the wheeled KLTV (KIA Light Tactical Vehicle) designed and manufactured by the Company Kia Motors Corporation. The KLTV was unveiled in February 2015 at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference IDEX in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The serial production of the vehicle began in 2016.

The KLTV is designed in two versions, one with a chassis of 3,3m length and one with a 4 m chassis length. The K152 APC has a total length of 5.0m, width of 2.2m, wheel base of 2.0m, and ground clearance of 0.41m.

The K152 APC is divided in three main parts, the engine at the front, crew cabin with two doors in the middle and the troop’s compartment with a raised roof. It can carry a total of 8 military personnel with four seats at the front in the crew cabin and two seats alongside each side of the hull facing inwards.

The hull of the K152 APC provides protection against firing of small arms and artillery shell splinters, while the floor is offer protection against mine blasts.

The K152 APC is motorized with a turbo Diesel engine developing 225 hp. coupled to an automatic transmission with eight speeds. The vehicle can run at a maximum road speed of 130 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 640 km. The K152 APC can negotiate a gradient of 60%, side slopes of 30% and a depth of up to 76cm.

Inside view of the K152 APC 4x4 Armored Personnel Carrier