Academy 13561 1/35 R.O.K. Army K9A1 SPH Tank, Plastic Model Kit (A13561)

Contents

Model Specifications

• Detailed hull and gun turret
• Realistic surface texture and panels
• Openable covers and detailed cockpit opportunity
• High quality stickers for realistic marking
• Suitable for both beginners and experienced modelers

K9 Thunder is a modern South Korean tracked self-propelled artillery vehicle. The first prototypes of this vehicle were produced in 1996 and mass production started in 1999 and continues until today. The vehicle is powered by the 1000 horsepower MTU MT 881 Ka-500 engine. It is armed with a 155 mm L52 cannon and a single 12.7 mm K6 heavy machine gun.

Initial work on the K9 Thunder artillery system began in 1989 at Samsung Techwin (now Hanwha Techwin). The first K9s entered the South Korean army's inventory in 1999. Vehicles of this type are characterized by high off-road mobility, hydropneumatic suspension and a very good power-to-weight ratio. They are protected by armor made of steel plates, which provides protection against small-caliber firearms and artillery pieces with a caliber of up to 14.5 mm. The K9 vehicle also has increased survivability in the event of an anti-personnel or anti-tank mine explosion. The maximum range of the K9 Thunder's main gun exceeds 30,000 meters when firing a normal high-explosive projectile and 50,000 meters when firing a K315 projectile. The K9 can also fire in MRSI mode; That is, it fires a salvo of 3 missiles at different barrel elevation angles at 5-second intervals, ensuring that all 3 missiles hit the target at the same time. K9 vehicles were sold to Türkiye, where - after modernization - they serve as the T-155 Fırtına. The K9 Thunder's chassis also forms the basis for the Polish-made Krab howitzer and is produced under license at Huta Stalowa Wola.