With the next U.S. M1E3 Abrams tank going hybrid, it’s no surprise that other countries are following suit or coming up with their own unique designs. South Korea’s K3 concept is a standout, both in composition and aesthetics. It’s a next-generation hydrogen-powered “stealth-tank” currently under development by Hyundai Rotem and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). It looks a lot like the U.S. B-21 Raider stealth bomber, and like it, is designed to run quietly. It achieves that through a hybrid powertrain that relies on full hydrogen fuel cells. It also offers reduced acoustic and thermal signatures alongside its virtually seamless exterior shell. Some other improvements in the thoughtful design include separated crew and ammo sections, active protection, infrared sensors, and more. The exterior shell design of the K3 resembles DARPA’s RACER, an autonomous robot tank with glowing green eyes.
Resting atop the tank is a 130mm smoothbore main gun and an unmanned turret. The K3 will be drone-like, supported by an AI-enhanced fire control system for automated target tracking and battle arrangements. Korea aims to use the tank for long-range attacks, preparing for the future of warfare where autonomous vehicles and robotics spearhead the action. The tank is expected to go into full production in 2040.
A gradual rollout of the hydrogen fuel system
Early models won’t use the complete hydrogen-fuel system planned. Instead, they’ll have a dual-mode hydrogen-diesel system, which still offers similar improvements over traditional models. Even the early K3 tanks will have drastically lower acoustic and thermal signatures, made possible thanks to the next-gen fuel and technology enhancements. Full hydrogen power will come later, after some challenges are solved. Hydrogen storage and refueling options are considerations, along with standard maintenance. Storing hydrogen can be awkward, for instance, and the K3 will undoubtedly require large amounts.
Hyundai Rotem says this next-generation battle tank “surpasses all capabilities of today’s Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), providing more efficient mission employment with the latest technologies for future warfare.” As for why this new design is the focus, Hyundai Rotem explains that “as battlefield conditions change, more changes are required to MBT’s firepower, command and control, and survivability to be more optimized and to create maximum combat synergy.”
The next-gen K3 tank offers improvements in mobility and stealth, survivability through its multi-layer protections, improved firepower, and real-time battle management connectivity. While the fully hydrogen-powered unit is not slated to start production until 2040, the future of tanks has already arrived with autonomous robot tanks blowing up cars remotely. Not to mention, remote combat submarines are also being rolled out by the world’s militaries. It shows the future of warfare is evolving, and this new tech, like what Korea’s Hyundai Rotem is developing, will be critical to future operations.
