From the localization of U.S. trucks to the development of unique models for the Korean military
Military vehicles are divided into standard vehicles manufactured for military use from the beginning and vehicles used by introducing civilian vehicles. Standard vehicles include jeeps and trucks that are more robust than civilian vehicles and have the ability to overcome rough terrain. The unit number and vehicle number are written on the front and rear bumpers, so it can be easily seen on public roads.
The replacement cycle for civilian vehicles is 5-7 years, but standard vehicles reach 15-20 years due to structural and strength reinforcement. The number of production units is more than 100,000 units per year for civil vehicles and more than 8,300 units per month. On the other hand, standard vehicles range from 300 to 400 per year and 25 to 30 per month.
Production facilities are also different. Civilian vehicles are mass produced by process segmentation and automation, whereas military vehicles are small-volume production systems of multiple types. Even for the same vehicle, a separate production line is required depending on the operation and use.
Kia has largely gone through three generations to develop, produce, and deliver standard vehicles that the Korean military wants. △Development of military only vehicles that localized US military trucks △Military use of civilian vehicles △Development of unique models for the Korean military.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the government led the benchmarking of U.S. trucks and designed and newly developed all vehicle parts for military use. At that time, the vehicle performance that the South Korean military wanted included vertical and horizontal slope and wading, electromagnetic wave countermeasures, off road driving and durability, and the installation of firearms and equipment.
The representative vehicle of this period was the 2.5-ton truck (K-511), which is often referred to as 'dudonban'. The size of a 2.5-ton truck is similar to that of a civilian 5-ton truck. A 2.5-ton truck carries about 5 tons of cargo. However, the difference was shown in that civil trucks indicated their pavement transport capacity, and military standard vehicles indicated their off-road transport and towing capacity. This is because military vehicles are mostly operated in the field during war.
The carrying capacity of a 2.5 ton truck on the pavement is 4.5 to 5 tons. In the field, about 2.5 tons (2270 kg) is possible. Similarly, the pavement transport capacity of the 1.25 ton truck (K-311) is 2 to 3.5 tons, and the 5 ton truck (K-711) is 9 to 11.5 tons.
In the 1990s and 2000s, they focused on securing a large amount of parts by applying the parts of civilian vehicles to standard vehicles. The vehicles produced at the time were deployed in conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Iraq to perform various missions. Since the vehicle is operated in a war torn country, the parts of a civilian vehicle were applied so that it can be repaired and maintained quickly in the event of a minor breakdown.
The representative vehicle of this period was the 0.25-ton Jeep (K-131) called 'Retona'. In 1996, me and the battalion commanders of front-line units to generals used it as an official vehicle for official duties. These are the 1st battalion car, the 1st division car, etc.
The development company at the time of its first appearance in 1996 was 'Asia Automobile'. However, as Asia Automobile was merged with Kia, it was produced at the Kia Gwangju plant. It is a vehicle that transports less than 6 people or small goods and equipment. There are also derivative models equipped with anti tank missiles or recoilless guns. After 2012, production was halted as a civilian vehicle was used as the 'first car'.
Since the 2010s, Kia has been focusing on developing its own model for the Korean military. Based on civilian vehicles, we have chosen a remodeling method that applies the specifications required by the military. It is a method of attaching military equipment to Kia's large sport utility vehicle (SUV), Mojave's bare chassis (a semi finished product with main driving devices such as engines attached to the body frame).
In addition, to contribute to the development of the Korean military's future combat system, Kia is applying the latest automotive technology to military vehicles. We are conducting research on vehicles capable of autonomous driving in military bases such as airfields, using an electric vehicle only platform and autonomous driving technology. When this technology is commercialized in the military, it is expected that unmanned transport vehicles that supply various supplies will appear in future combat areas.
Kia's military vehicles run overseas beyond Korea Based on the performance and quality of military vehicles proven by the Korean military, Kia is exporting new products to two countries on average every year. Currently, it is supplying vehicles to more than 20 countries, including the Philippines, Sudan, Indonesia, and Chile. Some countries are creating a friendly environment in military and diplomatic relations between countries by supporting industrialization through local production and strengthening cooperation with other governments.
It is also active in promoting military vehicles to expand exports by participating in international defense exhibitions. Kia participated in 'IDEX 2021' held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in February this year and introduced new military vehicles decorated with new emblems. It introduced two concept cars, a '4-seater cargo' and a bare chassis.
Based on the small tactical vehicle currently operated by Kia, these vehicles secured frame rigidity equivalent to that of a 7-ton vehicle, and were equipped with a 225 horsepower engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The four seater cargo concept car is designed to carry troops and various weapons. It can transport about 4 tons of goods, including 8 fully armed troops. The bare chassis concept car is a vehicle equipped with only the powertrain, such as the frame and engine, which form the basic skeleton of the vehicle. It has versatility to develop and install various types of equipment, including armored vehicles.
A Kia official said, “We will do our best to advance the Korean military vehicles and improve military mobility. We will take the lead and establish ourselves as a top brand in the field.”
