Hyundai’s Yong wheeled armoured vehicles in development since 2012 for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army are completing preproduction trials.
The vehicle is being provided in two versions: the K-806 which is a 16-tonne six-wheel drive vehicle and the K-808; an 18-tonne eight-wheel drive platform. Both use the same turbocharged 420-horsepower Hyundai engine with a seven speed transmission and an adjustable hydro-pneumatic suspension system, although the K-808 is amphibious.
Protection is provided to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s Standardisation Agreement Level Four, with provisions for add-on armour. Initially, each vehicle will be armed with a heavy machine gun in a an open top shielded weapon station, a 30mm autocannon could be accommodated in the future.
The vehicles will be fielded are part of a major ROK Army modernisation and reorganisation that focuses on use of manoeuvre. The K-806 is for rear security tasks while the K-808 is intended for frontline combat. Full production is planned for 2018 at a rate of 100 vehicles per year.
