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Hyundai has unveiled its vision for a next-generation main battle tank that will eventually use a sophisticated hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. This may well be the future of the military industry, MotorCar writes.
This intriguing tank has not appeared in public for the first time. Officially named the Main Battle Tank, but also known as the K3, its concept was first unveiled 12 months ago at the Seoul International Aerospace and Design Exhibition. Since then, Hyundai Rotem — a related heavy industry company — has shown it at several other events in Korea and Europe.
Visually, this tank cannot be confused with others. The exterior is decorated with panels in the form of honeycombs. Slim LED headlights and a massive 130mm smoothbore main gun are visible. The hull is made of modular steel, ceramic and composite armor and is expected to hit the battlefield with autonomous control features.
There was speculation last year that the K3 could be completely unmanned and controlled solely by a remote operator, but current data shows that it can actually accommodate a crew of three. It can also fly drones, which can be very handy in reconnaissance missions. Hyundai Rotem talks about radar-absorbing paint to avoid detection of the K3.
The Korean military currently uses a tank known as the K2 Black Panther, equipped with a 12 hp 1500-cylinder diesel engine. Initially, the K3 can also be offered with a diesel engine, although it will be complemented by a hydrogen fuel cell. In the future, the tank may switch exclusively to a hydrogen engine. This would not only contribute to the environment, but would reduce the thermal performance of the tank and make it more difficult to be seen by opponents.
Currently, the prospects of K3 are still very far from reality. In fact, development is not expected until 2030, and the tank may not be received by the Korean military until 2040.
