Korean rocket reaches far

Korean rocket reaches far

BY CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) currently deploys the Chunmoo 12-round 239mm diameter Long Range Multiple Rocket System (LRMRS) from Hanwha Defense (Stand 12-B20). This carries two pods each of six 239mm rockets, which have a global positioning/inertial navigation system (GPS/INS) guidance system to provide a precision strike capability out to a maximum range 80km. More recently, a new guided rocket has been developed called the Chunmoo II, which has a diameter of 400mm, also fitted with GPS/INS, but a has a maximum range of 180km. Each launcher can carry four of these rockets.

The Chunmoo LRMRS system is based on a locally developed DST 8x8 cross-country chassis fitted with a protected forward control cab and with the power-operated launcher at the rear. Before a firing mission is carried out, four hydraulically operated stabilisers are lowered to the ground, two either side. Onboard computerised fire control includes a land navigation system, which enables a fire mission to be rapidly carried out and redeployed to avoid counter battery fire.

The Chunmoo launcher is supported by a dedicated resupply vehicle based on a similar 8x8 cross-country chassis. This is fitted with a hydraulically operated crane, which places the pods of sealed rockets on the ground from where they are then picked up and rapidly reloaded. As with all artillery systems, conventionally tubed as well as rocket systems, the exact position of the target has to be known before it is engaged.

Latest VAB offers more of everything

French company Arquus (Stand 07-B30, French Pavilion) has brought its latest Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé (VAB) Mk 3 (6x6) armoured personnel carrier (APC) to IDEX. The VAB Mk 3 has been developed for the export market and has already been sold to two countries in the Middle East.

Mk 3 is a follow-on to the original VAB, which was built in large numbers for the home and export markets in both 4x4 and 6x6 versions, and many of these are still in service. However, the latest VAB Mk 3 is marketed only in a 6x6 model and, when compared with the original VAB, has more volume, payload and protection, enabling it to undertake a wider range of battlefield missions.

The vehicle at IDEX is fitted with a mock-up of the Belgian CMI Defence Cockerill Protected Weapon Station Generation 2 (GPWS Gen 2), armed with a 25mm cannon and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. It can, however, be provided with a wide range of other weapons, such as a two-person turret armed with a 90mm gun and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

On the lower part of the side of the hull, the VAB Mk 3 at IDEX is fitted with the Advanced Survivability System (ASS), which is being shown for the first time. This is claimed to provide protection against anti-tank weapons with a tandem highexplosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, which are being deployed in increasing numbers on the battlefield. According to Arquus, ASS detects the impact of the HEAT warheads on the hull and then launches a countermeasure, which negates the tandem warhead effect. The front of the hull is protected with more conventional bar/slat armour, and a new mine protection package is fitted.

The company is marketing the VAB Mk 3 powered by a Renault MD7 engine developing 340hp or a Caterpillar C7 developing 370hp. Both are coupled to a fully automatic transmission. VAB Mk 3 is also fitted with Arquus’ own Battlenet information and training system.