The K9 self-propelled howitzer is powered by an MTU 1,000 hp diesel engine coupled to an Allison Transmission X1100-5A3 automatic transmission system. (Hanwha)
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced the rollout of the first locally developed engine for the Hanwha K9 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer.
The new engine – the name of which was not specified by DAPA – is being built by local company STX Engine, which DAPA said won a contract to develop the powerplant in 2021. Since its development the K9 has been powered by a German MTU diesel engine built under licence by STX Engine.
DAPA said a roll-out ceremony for the new engine, which delivers 1,000 hp, was held on 27 September at STX Engine's manufacturing facility in the southern city of Changwon. DAPA claimed the engine has improved performance and efficiency compared with the MTU version but provided no details.
DAPA also said the new engine would boost exports because South Korea did not require clearances from Germany to sell the powerplant to third parties.
The engine was developed through an agreement, signed in September 2020, between DAPA and South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) to support South Korean import substitution efforts and local defence industrial capability advancement.
DAPA said engine development started in April 2021 with an investment of KRW32.1 billion (USD24.25 million), including KRW22.8 billion in government funding. The development phase involved several companies and STX Engine was selected as prime contractor for the engine in 2021. STX Engine said that prototype production and performance testing of the engine was completed earlier in 2024.
For more information, please seeK9 155 mm/52 calibre tracked SPH . https://customer.janes.com/display/JAA_1053-JAAD
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