The K151 Raycolt (Korean: 현마 "Hyeon-ma",[4] Hanja: 現馬) or the Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV)[5] is a light utility vehicle released by South Korea's Kia Motors. It entered full production in 2016 and entered service with the Republic of Korea Army the following year.[6][7]
| K151 Raycolt | |
|---|---|
 A Kia LTV armored tactical vehicle on display during ADAS 2018 in Manila, Philippines | |
| Type | Light utility vehicle |
| Place of origin | South Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2017–present |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Kia Motors |
| Designed | 2014 |
| Manufacturer | Kia Motors |
| Unit cost | Standard cabin: ₩100 million Armored cabin: ₩150 million (2018)[1] Export variants: ₩200 million (2023)[2] |
| Produced | 2016–present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5,700–7,000 kg (12,600–15,400 lb) |
| Length | 4,900–6,050 mm (16.08–19.85 ft) |
| Width | 2,195 mm (7.201 ft) |
| Height | 1,980–2,750 mm (6.50–9.02 ft) |
| Crew | 1 (driver), more depending on configuration |
| Passengers | 1–7 |
| Armor | Samyang Comtech Ceramic / Polymer matrix composites (STANAG 4569 Level 2 or 3)[3] |
Main armament | It can be armed with Weapons such as the: AT-1K Raybolt ATGM K4 grenade launcher K16 machine gun M60 machine gun M240 machine gun Mk 19 grenade launcher WKM-Bm heavy machine gun UKM-2000P machine gun |
| Engine | Hyundai S2 D6EB 3.0L V6 diesel 225 hp (168 kW) |
| Power/weight | 32.14–39.47 hp/t (23.96–29.43 kW/t) |
| Payload capacity | 1,000–2,000 kg (2,200–4,400 lb) depending on configuration |
| Transmission | Hyundai Powertech A8TR1 8-speed automatic |
| Suspension | 4x4 wheeled |
| Ground clearance | 405–420 mm (15.9–16.5 in) |
| Fuel capacity | 76 L (20 U.S. gal) |
Operational range | 560–640 km (350–400 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 130 km/h (81 mph) |
It was originally designed to meet the needs of the South Korean armed forces, and was developed with assistance and funding from the South Korean Ministry of National Defense. It is also eyed as a replacement for the existing fleet of Kia KM420 and KM450 utility vehicles in South Korean military service.[8]
History
editThe Kia KLTV was first displayed in the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.[9] After starting production in 2016, about 60 vehicles were deployed to the Republic of Korea Army in January 2017.[6][7]
The KLTV Weapon Carrier, which is designated K151 in ROK service, was displayed in Asian Defense, Security & Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference (ADAS) 2016 and 2018 in Manila, Philippines, which is a huge market for military vehicles from Kia Motors. Kia announced that two KLTVs were in the Philippines during the ADAS 2018 event for testing.[10]
The KLTV181 Armored Personnel Carrier variant, which is officially called K152 in ROK service, was presented in Defense Expo (DX) Korea 2018.[11] The K151 Weapon Carrier was also displayed at the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2018 in Karachi, Pakistan, as interest from the Pakistani Army on the vehicle was said to be high.
In 2018, the KLTV is being proposed to the Pakistani Army in a partnership effort with the Hajvairy Group during the IDEAS 2018 convention.[12][13]
As of 2019, the Philippines has received three KLTVs for technical evaluation.[14]
In August 2023, the Polish Ministry of National Defense signed a contract with the Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA (PGZ) and Rosomak SA to acquire Light Reconnaissance Vehicles (LPRs), Polish-made versions of the Raycolt.[15]
Operational history
editKia KLTV is currently operated by the armed forces of the Republic of Korea and Mali. The Kia KLTV has been used in UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon and in South Sudan by South Korea.[16][17] It is also being used by the Malian Armed Forces for counter-insurgency operation.[18]
Design
editCompared to previous generation of light utility vehicles developed by Kia, the KLTV was designed combining mobility, survivability, and practicality in mind. It was developed with modularization of its basic chassis and using for various derivative models including standard, long wheel base, armored, and armed variants.[8][19]
The basic 4-door variant can carry one driver and three passengers, while a single-cab variant is also available. Modular compartments can be used on both single and double cab variants.
Both standard and armored variants are available, with the armored variant having extra protection including bullet-proof windshields and door glass, composite panels and doors, mine-protected flooring, blast-absorbing seats, and gunner protective armor.[20] Samyang Comtech, a South Korean manufacturer of bulletproof ballistic armors, produces KLTV's bulletproof panel.[21]
Weapons can be mounted on the roof opening, including manually-operated canopy weapon mounts or remote-controlled weapon systems. Weapon mounts could be for 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, 40mm automatic grenade launchers, or anti-tank missiles.
A 10kW power generator can be added to provide power for RCWS and other equipment like communication radios and computers, special equipment and other electric-operated optional equipment.
Models
editShort wheel base armored cabin
edit- KLTV141 Armored Command Vehicle (base trim) - officially designated K151[22]
- KLTV181 Armored Personnel Carrier - officially designated K152[23]
- KLTV182 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle - officially designated K153[24]
- K153C Weapon Carrier (Manually-operated Machine gun or ATGM)[25]
- K154 Artillery Observation Vehicle - originally designed as a multipurpose vehicle, but it is serviced as an artillery observation vehicle in the South Korean Army[26]
- Remote Control Weapon Carrier[25]
Short wheel base standard cabin
edit- KLTV280 Multi-Purpose Vehicle (base trim)
- KLTV223 Cargo Truck - officially designated K154C[25]
Long wheel base standard cabin
editSpecifications
edit| Description | KLTV141 (K151) | KLTV181 (K152) | KLTV182 (K153) | K154 | KLTV280 | KLTV223 (K154C) | KLTV243 | K351 | KLTV240 (K351C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Armored command vehicle | Armored personnel carrier | Armored reconnaissance vehicle | Artillery observation vehicle | Multi-purpose vehicle | Cargo truck | Shop van | Cab chassis truck | |
| Seat | 1 + 3 | 1 + 7 | 1 + 4 | 1 + 7 | 1 + 6 | 1 + 1 | 1 + 3 | ||
| Overall length | 4,900 mm | 5,250 mm | 6,000 mm | 5,950 mm | 6,050 mm | ||||
| Overall width | 2,195 mm | ||||||||
| Overall height | 1,980 mm | 2,320 mm | 2,550 mm | 2,750 mm | 1,980 mm | ||||
| Ground clearance | 410 mm | 405 mm | 410 mm | 405 mm | 420 mm | 410 mm | |||
| Gross weight | 5,700 kg | 7,000 kg | |||||||
| Engine power | 225 ps / 3,200 rpm | ||||||||
| Engine torque | 51 kg·m / 1,750 rpm | ||||||||
| Maximum speed | 130 km/h | ||||||||
| Gradient | 60 % | ||||||||
| Minimum turning radius | 7.8 m | 9.2 m | |||||||
| Fording depth | 760 mm | ||||||||
| Cruising range | 640 km | 560 km | |||||||
| Option | Turret system Remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) Spare tire and carrier |
None | 10 kW generator in powertrain | ||||||
| Variants | K153C Weapon Carrier | K154C Cargo Truck | K351C Cab chassis truck | ||||||
Operators
edit
Chile – 20 unit acquired, KLTV181 version acquired in December 2022 for the Chilean Marine Corps.[29]
Mali – Malian military began receiving Kia KLTVs in 2017 for use by FORSAT forces.[30]
Nigeria – Nigerian army began receiving Kia KLTVs in 2020. At least one KLTV was spotted brand new with the factory sticker on the windscreen.[31]
Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines was provided with a few units by Kia Motors.[citation needed] Most are with the Philippine Army, and at least 1 is with the Philippine Marine Corps.[citation needed]
Poland – 400 ordered for Polish Land Forces, 1 ordered for Polish Border Guard. To be assembled in Poland as Legwan.[32][33]
South Korea – KLTV began entering service in 2016.[34]
Turkmenistan – State Border Service of Turkmenistan operates at least dozen KLTV.[35]
Non-State Actors
edit
ISIL – One of the KLTVs shipped to the Nigerian Army was captured by Islamic State - West Africa Province in December 2020.[36]
References
edit- ^ Lee Han-seung (14 September 2018). "한국형 소형전술차 KLTV, 방탄차는 1억5천만원". Top rider. Archived from the original on 13 September 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
- ^ Lee Seung-jun (2 August 2023). "기아의 소형 전술차량 수출 시작". Defense Today. Archived from the original on 13 September 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
- ^ "Armor Research Division". Samyang Comtech. Archived from the original on 2 September 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
- ^ "Republic of Korea Army designates new vehicle names". 10 June 2022.
- ^ "Kia's Light Tactical Vehicle is More Hummer Than Telluride". 17 September 2018.
- ^ a b "KIA Showcases KLTV Light Tactical Vehicle". Global Business Press. 4 November 2022. Archived from the original on 4 July 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ a b Kim Gwan-yong (5 April 2017). "[르포]"험지·하천도 문제없다"…'한국형 험비' 소형전술차 타보니". Edaily. Archived from the original on 3 July 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Kia Light Tactical Vehicle". Military Today. Retrieved 2018-12-30.
- ^ "KIA Military Vehicles Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV) makes its premiere in IDEX 2015 | IDEX 2015 News Official Online Show Daily Coverage | Defence security military exhibition 2015". 3 March 2015.
- ^ "Kia Motors pushes KLTV for Philippines (Video) - Shephard Media".
- ^ "DX Korea 2018: New K152 4x4 APC Armored Personnel Carrier of South Korean Army". Army Recognition. 2018-09-13. Retrieved 2018-12-30.
- ^ "IDEAS 2018: Hajvairy Group Partners with Kia Motors to Propose Light Armoured Vehicle to the Pakistan Army". 11 December 2018.
- ^ "IDEAS 2018: Kia Motors and Hajvairy Group partnership to propose light armored vehicle to Pakistan army | IDEAS 2018 News Official Show Daily | Defence security military exhibition 2018 daily news category". 17 December 2018.
- ^ "Philippine Army receives 2 light tactical vehicles".
- ^ "PGZ Announces Delivery of first LPR 4x4 Armored Vehicles to Poland". 17 April 2024.
- ^ http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10002&num=9925[better source needed]
- ^ http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10044&pn=1&num=217824[better source needed]
- ^ http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10044&pn=1&num=218385[better source needed]
- ^ "Battlefield Taxis with Attitude". 25 July 2019.
- ^ "Kia Light Tactical Vehicle Catalog" (PDF). Kia Motors. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "Ballistic Protection". Samyang Comtech. Archived from the original on 21 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
- ^ "K151 지휘 4인승". Kia Motors. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "K152 지휘 8인승". Kia Motors. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "K153 기갑수색". Kia Motors. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f "소형전술차 계열 특수용도/장비탑재차량". Kia Motors. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "K154 관측반". Kia Motors. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "K351 정비밴". Kia Motors. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ "K351C 캡샤시". Kia Motors. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ García, Nicolás (12 December 2022). "The Marine Infantry of the Chilean Navy incorporates KLTV 4x4 tactical armored vehicles". Infodefensa.com. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
- ^ "Trois véhicules blindés pour les Forces spéciales antiterroristes – Ministère de la Sécurité et de la Protection Civile". Archived from the original on 2019-08-11.
- ^ "Nigerian army gets South Korean K152 APCs | Defense News September 2020 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2020 | Archive News year". 21 September 2020.
- ^ Ratka, Damian (2023-08-14). "Umowy na ciężki BWP oraz następców Rosomaka i Honkera". defence24.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2023-08-22.
- ^ https://zbiam.pl/mspo-2024-legwan-4x4-z-rosomak-s-a-dla-strazy-granicznej/
- ^ "South Korean Army Will Receive New KIA Light Tactical Vehicle in 2016 | DFNS.net Land". land.dfns.net. Archived from the original on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
- ^ "Turkmenistan's Parade Analysis: What's New?".
- ^ "ISWAP Captures Newly Inducted Nigerian Army Armoured Vehicle". 8 December 2020.
