Hyundai Rotem presents its prototype N-WAV 8×8 armored personnel carrier with a cannon and machine gun (photo)
Hyundai Rotem has unveiled a prototype of the N-WAV armored vehicle equipped with a new turret, defined as a “technical prototype.” which could become the next generation wheeled armored vehicle for the Republic of Korea’s army.
The N-WAV armored vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of less than 35 tons and its powerplant delivers 700 hp, which means a power-to-weight ratio of 20 hp/t. It is equipped with independent double wishbone suspensions with coil springs and shock absorbers. As standard, the first and second axles are steered, but the company is ready to provide steering on the fourth axle as an option to reduce the turning radius.
The armored vehicle is 9.1 m long, 3.1 m wide, and 2.8 m high. A significant volume is due to the need to make the machine amphibious, with two channel propellers located at the rear providing floating thrust and a maximum speed of 8 km/h.
The engine has a capacity of 700 liters. is mated to an automatic transmission with seven forward and one reverse gear. Hyundai Rotem is closely following the evolution of fully Korean engine solutions currently under development, which will open up export markets while avoiding foreign restrictions when it comes to exporting to other countries. Currently, the N-WAV’s propulsion system is a traditional diesel-only solution.
The configuration of the combat vehicle can accommodate a crew of three plus eight infantrymen. All soldiers are provided with energy-absorbing kits, and mine protection is one of the main design factors. Both mine and ballistic protection levels remain classified.
The body is made of welded steel with an additional armor package that allows for modernization. However, passive armor is not the only element that provides protection; an active defense system is also installed, the launchers of which are visible in the aft part of the tower.
The driver is equipped with a digital integrated display with a front thermal imaging control camera, and side and rear cameras are also part of the sensor suite. The vehicle has a 360° observation system that provides comprehensive situational awareness for the commander and infantrymen, and the airborne section has onboard crew displays and electronic periscopes.
For comfort, a heating, ventilation and cooling system is provided, while the NBC filtration unit provides protection in contaminated areas, and an automatic fire extinguishing system in the engine and landing compartments increases safety.
The N-WAV is armed with a 44-mm Northrop Grumman Mk30 Bushmaster II dual-feed cannon. The company intends to pack 500 rounds of 30×173 mm ammunition into the system, which will mean significant firepower. Twin 7.62 mm machine guns are installed, and a remote-controlled combat module armed with a 12.7 mm cannon is mounted above the roof of the tower. On the starboard side of the tower is a twin launcher for anti-tank missiles.
