Hanwha Aerospace, formerly known as Hanwha Defense, signed a contract on December 22 with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to mass-produce Sky Tiger 30mm Anti-Aircraft Gun Wheeled Vehicle Systems (K30W AAGV) for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA). The contract followed successful field tests and evaluations of the new wheeled-type short-range air defense system between May and August 2022. While Hanwha Aerospace led the self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) programme, several other major firms and about 200 small firms participated in its development.
Based on Hyundai Rotem’s K808 8×8 armoured vehicle, the Anti-Aircraft Gun Wheeled Vehicle Systems was designed to thwart threats against low-flying aircraft and drones in a more efficient way. The K30W AAGV will replace the 20 mm M167 Vulcan Air Defense System that has been operational for more than 40 years in South Korea’s Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The Anti-Aircraft Gun Wheeled Vehicle Systems weighs 26.5 tons and can travel up to 90 km/h. The system is equipped with a two-man turret, the same one used on the tracked armored anti-aircraft vehicle called K30 Biho self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG).
The K30W AAGV is equipped with an electro-optical tracking system and a periscope for target detection and automatic tracking. The cyclic rate of fire for a single gun is 600 rounds per minute and an effective anti-aircraft range of 3,000 m (1.9 mi),with each gun being provided with 300 rounds of ready-to-use ammunition. The firing control system of the 30mm AAGW includes Electron Optical Targeting Systems (EOTS) and a Visual Targeting System enabling Automatic Tracking and Self-Targeting Capabilities. Its firing range is 3 km, 1.2 km farther than the M167.
Vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver that it can accommodate more operators. Driver is seated towards the front on the right side, with the diesel power pack to the left. Commander and gunner are seated in the turret. This self-propelled anti-aircraft gun has an all-welded armored hull. It provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. A new wheeled SPAAG might supplement the tracked K30 Biho self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG). The K808/806 White Tiger (Baekho) wheeled armored personnel carrier is family of 8×8 and 6×6 armored vehicles.
