South Korea Unveils 'Underwater' Tank

From PhysOrg.com - Latest Science and Technology News:

South Korea on Friday unveiled what it calls the world's best tank, capable of fording shallow rivers, defending itself against missiles and firing "smart" projectiles. The XK2 Black Panther is a main battle tank of "the highest technical level all over the world," said its developer, the state-run Agency for Defence Development. Key features include an active defence system against incoming missiles and aircraft, automatic tracking and ammunition loading systems, an active suspension unit and high underwater manoeuvrability. "We have stolen a march over other developed countries in developing ground weaponry. The Black Panther proves it," agency president Ahn Dong-Mahn told journalists. Kim Eui-Hwan, the official in charge of the project, said the Black Panther has "more superb capabilities than any other existing tank." Its armament includes a 120-mm smooth bore main gun which is automatically loaded and capable of firing up to 15 rounds per minute. A unique system enables it to fire on the move and compensates for errors caused by bumpy terrain. A special suspension unit enables the tank to "sit", "stand" and "kneel," allowing it to fire its main gun downhill.

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