First PKX-B Chamsuri II-class Patrol Boat with 130mm Guided Rockets Delivered to ROK Navy

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MADEX 2017 / Marine Week 2017 - Show News
 
 
 
 
First PKX-B Chamsuri II-class Patrol Boat with 130mm Guided Rockets Delivered to ROK Navy
 
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced today that the first Chamsuri II-class (project name PKX-B batch I) patrol boat has been delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROK Navy).
     
PK B ROK NavyLead ship of PKX-B Batch I. Picture: DAPA
     
PKMR 211 (for Patrol-boat Killer Medium Rocket - hull number 211) is the first vessel to be fitted with the LIG Nex1/Hanwha 130mm guided rocket launcher at the stern. The system was specifically design to counter swarming attacks of DPRK Navy (North Korea) fast attack crafts and hovercrafts.

The vessel was launched on 28 July at Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction (HHIC)'s shipyard in Busan in July 2016. The 2nd to 4th ships will be delivered to the ROK Navy by the end of 2019.
     
130mm guided rocket LIG NEX1 MADEX 2017 news 1130mm guided rocket launcher at MADEX 2017
     
Talking to Navy Recognition at the recent MADEX 2017 exhibition, a LIG Nex1 representative (and former ROK Navy captain) explained that the launcher combined with the 130mm guided rocket gives precision strike capability to the ROK Navy small surface combatants.

The launcher has 12 canister each containing one guided rocket. The 130mm rocket has a maximum range of over 20 Km and minimum range of 3 Km. The rocket weighs over 80 Kg (including the 8Kg warhead).

The mid course guidance of the rocket is GPS + INS + data uplink and the terminal guidance is IIR homing. The system fitted aboard the PKX-B can engage over 3 targets simultaneously according to LIG Nex1.
     
130mm guided rocket LIG NEX1 MADEX 2017 news 3Concept of operation: 130mm rocket aboard PKX-B. LIG Nex1 image.
     
The PKX-B Batch I class is a 230-ton high-speed fast attack craft that replaces the aging Chamsuri-class of patrol vessels. The vessel is 44.7 meters in length. Its speed is 35 to 40 knots. It is powered by GE 6,000 shp LM 500 gas-turbine and Caterpillar Marine's Cat C32 diesel engines in a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) configuration.

Weapons include the 130mm guided rockets launcher at the stern by LIG Nex1, a 76mm gun by Hyundai Wia, two 12.7mm remote weapon stations (RWS) by Hanwha Land Systems and Korean combat management system. Reflecting the lessons learned from the 1st and 2nd Yeonpyeong naval battle, DAPA and ROK Navy strengthened the firepower, accuracy, and survivability of these vessels. Crew complement is 20 sailors.
     
Lead ships of PKX-B Batch I. Picture: DAPALead ship of PKX-B Batch I during sea trials. Picture: DAPA
     
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced that it has entered into a contract with South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction (HHIC) on June 28 for the construction of additional 'B' variants of the Patrol Killer Experimental (PKX) fast attack craft. This will be the "Batch II)

The 5th to 8th ships are scheduled to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROK Navy) by 2020 after three to four months of trials.

The contract for ships 9th to 12th Boat will be awarded in early 2018 in order to stimulate the recent slowdown in the Korean shipbuilding industry.
     
Video coverage of LIG Nex1 130mm Guided Rocket at MADEX 2017