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| K2 Black Panther main battle tank |
By Kang Seung-woo
The country's weapons procurement agency said Monday that it has decided to extend the test period for engine and transmission of the indigenous K2 Black Panther main battle tanks (MBTs) due to unmet capability.
"We conducted tests last month on the engine and transmission, known as a ‘power-pack,' but it failed to meet the military's required operational capabilities. For further tests, we've extended the test period for one month," said an official of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
"DAPA extended the testing period to discuss with other related agencies whether to further postpone the development project or revise the project."
The German-made MTU-890-designed power-pack was jointly produced by Doosan Infracore (engine) and S&T Dynamics (transmission).
While most other tests have been completed, the tank's engine failed during a durability test in April, and DAPA extended the test period until the end of August.
Unless the local companies satisfy the military's quality standard, DAPA will consider importing the power-pack from Germany, the official said.
In 2006, Korea started developing the new-generation MBT that will replace the aging K1 and US-built M48 tanks, with its mass production being initially scheduled to begin in 2009, but the faulty power-pack delayed this.
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