the world’s first powered by a hydrogen fuel cell

The military industry is one of the most technologically advanced in the world. With emphasis on manufacture increasingly autonomous vehicles to increase the precision and safety of weapons crew, companies around the world, including Spain, are working to integrate AI and automated systems. The result is armored vehicles that do not need soldiers and are already being tested by powers like the United States, but the advances are also aimed at main tanks or MBTs (Main Battle Tanks), with developments like the Pantera KF51, the most futuristic German tank. tank that attacks with suicide drones.

But another revolution is coming: that of propulsion systems. Current battle tanks continue to rely heavily on diesel engines, which could change in a few years with electric motors. This is what Rotem, a subsidiary of Hyundai, which works with the Korea Defense Development Agency on the K3, a new generation tank powered by hydrogen cells.

Rotem first presented the model and initial specifications of the K3 at the Eurosatory show in 2022. After its latest modifications, according to the newspaper Herald of Korea Citing industry sources, the company plans to first develop a hybrid model that will combine diesel and electric engines before betting on a platform based on hydrogen fuel, which would enter production in 2040. Among the advantages of this ambitious system, in addition to lower consumption, stealth stands out, since the thermal signature of the tanks will be much lower. The main goal is to make it much more difficult to detect their presence on the battlefield.

Hydrogen in tanks

Due to the particularities and volatility of hydrogen, to reach the units ready to enter service, Rotem engineers They have a lot of work ahead of them to make K3s as safe as current MBTs..

Hydrogen fuel cell technology, which has already reached cars but still has many challenges to overcome in replacing gasoline and its derivatives, is not the only technological advance that this tank represents. “The next generation of main battle tanks exceeds all capabilities of current CCPsenabling more effective use of the mission with the latest technologies for future warfare,” Rotem himself states on his website.

“As battlefield conditions change, further changes are needed in the firepower, command and control, and survivability of MBTs so that they are better optimized and create combat synergy maximum.” The real goal is “supplement the capabilities of fighters and replace their functions“, with remote operation possibilities for the crew, made up of the pilot, commander and gunner.

According to Army recognitionthe first units of the K3 (a clear evolution of the K2 Black Panther) will have a combat weight of less than 55 tonnes and dimensions less than 10.8 meters long, 3.6 wide and 2.4 high. Propulsion, at least in the first units, will be provided by a diesel engine which will ensure a maximum speed of 70 km/h on the road and 50 km/h off-road, with 500 km of operational autonomy. To minimize noise emissions, the tracks will be made of rubber, which will not prevent you from crossing steep and uneven terrain.

To improve its protection compared to the previous generation of combat tanks, this MBT will have directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM), designed to confuse thermal missiles, in addition to an active protection system (APS) and a drone jamming device. Much more effective improvements, a priori, than the defensive measures of the new Russian tanks in Ukraine, with anti-drone cages to cover their weak point.

In addition, the K3 will have a discreet design, with a reduced radar and infrared signature, camouflage that will be enhanced when fueled with hydrogen and engine noise and its heat signature will be kept to a minimum. As for the shielding, you will have a modular system made of steel, ceramic and composite materials. This includes reactive armor modules capable of withstanding the impact of large-caliber projectiles.

Great firepower

Artificial intelligence algorithms, as it could not be otherwise, will also have their share of prominence in CSISR (Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Cyber ​​​​Information Set, Surveillance and Reconnaissance). The system will provide better situational awareness on the battlefield and provide options for operate the tank remotely, or even independently. In addition, it will also have advanced connectivity capabilities and secure high-speed satellite communications.

To this must be added “a greater capacity for preventive attack thanks to a fire control system based on artificial intelligence”, according to a Rotem manager. It will also have fewer moving parts, meaning a lower frequency of maintenance needsin theory simpler and faster than traditional battle tanks.

The unmanned turret will rise a 130 mm smoothbore gun with automatic loadersgreat firepower and a range of up to 5 km. To this must be added a remote-controlled weapons station, equipped with 12.7 mm machine guns, a 30 mm cannon, smoke grenade launchers and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launchers.

There, the range is up to 8 km, in confrontations both in line of sight and outside. In addition, will have autonomous and “slave” reconnaissance droneswhich will allow the crew to have better knowledge of the threats present on the battlefield.

If Hyundai can overcome the many challenges posed by hydrogen and its supply chain, which could also be reflected in its automotive technology, we will face a decisive leap in military technology. This is a determined commitment by South Korea to its military industry, under constant pressure from threats from its northern neighbor, which already has thousands of soldiers deployed in Ukraine to support the Russian invasion, including fighter pilots.