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[Altank]

 

 

 

"Knowledge is power."

Altank's Reviews: Chapter XIV, The K2 Black Panther.

 

Index:

1. -History.

2. -In-game overview.

3. -Development and upgrades.

4. -How to get the best out of it (Role) and How to deal with one (Countermeasures).

5. -References.

6. -Special thanks.

 

Patch 1.22 version; last update: 16/07/15.

 

 

 

1. -History:

In 1995, the South Korean Agency for Defense Development was given the task of developing a modern armored fighting vehicle based upon Korean state-of-the-art domestic technologies. It was intended for this development program to further modernize the Republic of Korea Army; despite the superior capability of existing K1 and K1A1 designs versus existing North Korean tanks; most of which are aging T-55s and Type 59s. Emphasis upon indigenous technologies would also allow the proposed vehicle to enter the export market without licensing issues.

Early design variants included a version with an unmanned turret, which was later scrapped in favor of manned turret designs. It was also planned for the vehicle to be equipped with Rheinmetall's experimental 140 mm smoothbore gun, though this had to be abandoned when Rheinmetall ceased development upon the rationale that its current weapon, the 120 mm/L55 would be more than adequate to counter prospective armored threats for the foreseeable future. The K2 was subsequently reconfigured for the 120 mm/L55, though it is capable of mounting the 140 mm gun with minimum modifications should the need arise.

The design became production-ready in 2006, following 11 years in development and a research budget expenditure of approximately US$230 million, and entered production phase on March 2, 2007 in Changwon, South Korea.

It was planned that the K2 would feature a domestically-designed powerpack, based upon the German-designed MTU-890, comprising a Doosan Infracore Corporation 1500 horsepower 12-cylinder diesel engine and a S&T Dynamics transmission. However, this encountered recurrent technical trouble in testing, leading to a delay in operational deployment of the K2 for two years.

In March 2011, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that mass production of the K2, which the Army was expecting to deploy in 2012, would not happen until due to problems concerning its engine and transmission. In April 2012, DAPA announced that due to ongoing issues with the reliability and durability of the domestically-produced powerpack, the first 100 production K2s would use a MTU powerpack and that service entry would be delayed until March 2014.

On 26 September 2014, the K2 was demonstrated to 40 foreign military visitors from 9 countries at DX Korea 2014. When compared to the K1A1 tank, the K2's main gun reloaded quicker and reached targets faster. Although both are 120 mm, the K2's barrel is 1.3m longer (6.6m total length), resulting in a faster muzzle velocity of 1,400 m/s (compared to 1,140 m/s for the K1A1) for higher accuracy and armor penetration. Other features demonstrated included the tank's ability to cross a 4m-deep river, a posture control function that can lower its height by 40 cm, and a laser warning systems that turned the turret towards the source almost instantaneously. Personnel from Hungary and others expressed interest in the K2 after the event.

The K2 Black Panther tank was put into service in July 2014. Faulty indigenous engines and transmissions previously halted production, but the lowering of required acceleration performance allowed it to enter service. The "power pack" of tank is locally developed, but based on the German-made MTU-890 1,500 horsepower diesel engine and transmission. Around 100 K2s will be deployed by 2017.

 

 

 

2. -In-game overview:

The K2 Black Panther is a high-tier S.Korean MBT and, as such, it's very expensive, having a very high purchase price of 22000 silver coins (this purchase option is unlocked once reaching rank 44, Brigadier General Grade 1) or of 1200 gold coins (this purchase option is unlocked once reaching rank 40, Lieutenant Colonel Grade 1).

The K2 Black Panther has the highest starting level among all the units of the S.Korean line, featured in the Asian tech tree, following in its line the K9 Thunder SPG, starting at level 60 and reaching level 67.

It's, however, worth mentioning that a fully upgraded K9 Thunder's level is sensibly higher than a fully upgraded K2 Black Panther's, the former being, in fact, 70. Unsurprisingly, a fully upgraded K9 Thunder SPG has the highest level amongst all the units in the Asian tech tree.

 

 

 

3. -Development and upgrades:

 

K2 Black Panther's starting stats:
Health: 696.0
Armor: 494.0
Damage: 359.0
Speed: 45.0
Reloading speed: 1.7
Turret rotation speed: 30.0
Damage per minute: 12670.6

 

Fully upgraded K2 Black Panther's stats:
Health: 696.0
Armor: 827.3
Damage: 359.0
Speed: 61.1
Reloading speed: 1.3
Turret rotation speed: 46.0
Damage per minute: 16569.2

 

 

3.1 -Hull:

• Hull upgrades: two-tier hull upgrade available.

The K2 Black Panther features a two-tier hull upgrade; both of them are required in order to acquire most of the other upgrades and don't change the tank's appearance; as of patch 1.22.

 

3.2 -Health pool:

• Health pool upgrades: no upgrades available.

The K2 Black Panther doesn't feature any health upgrade and, even worse, the tank's starting health pool is slightly below average: the low amount of hit points is definitely a major downside: plan every single engagement carefully.

 

3.3 -Armour and active protection system:

• Passive armor upgrades: two-tier upgrade available.
• Reactive armor upgrades: two-tier upgrade available.
• Spaced armor upgrades: no upgrades available.
• Active protection system upgrades: two-tier upgrade available.

Details of the composite armor of the Black Panther are classified. The frontal armor has been proven to be effective at defeating the 120 mm APFSDS round fired from the L55 gun. Explosive Reactive Armor blocks are also present, with the addition of Non-Explosive Reactive Armor planned for the K2 PIP version.

Defense against incoming missiles is provided by a soft-kill anti-missile system. The K2 PIP will likely deploy a hard-kill anti-missile defense system when it is released within the next few years.

The millimeter band radar system mounted on the turret is capable of operating as a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS). The vehicle's computer in turn can triangulate incoming projectiles, immediately warn the vehicle crew and fire off Visual and Infrared Screening Smoke (VIRSS) grenades, which can effectively block optical, infrared and radar signatures. Once the hard-kill AMS is installed, the radar system will also be responsible for tracking and targeting the incoming missiles for the AMS.

The K2 also has a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and radar jammer. Four all-bearing Laser warning receivers (LWR) are also present to alert the crew should the vehicle become "painted", and the computer can also fire off VIRSS grenades in the direction that the beam is coming from.

An automatic fire suppression system is programmed to detect and put out any internal fires that may occur, and atmospheric sensors alert the crew if the tank enters a hazardous environment.

Beside the fairly high starting overall armour statistic, the K2 Black Panther features a two-tier upgrade of passive armor as well as a two-tier upgrade of reactive armor. A major downside, however, is the total absence of spaced armor, which makes the K2 Black Panther vulnerable to HEAT rounds, particularly, the sides and the rear of the tank.

Neverthless, the front armour, is just amazing and perfectly capable of withstanding direct hits with relative ease, should the need arise; the turret front, in particular, is very tough indeed.

The K2 Black Panther also features a two-tier upgrade of active protection system.

 

3.4 -Main gun and ammo:

• Main armament upgrades: no upgrades available.

The K2 Black Panther is armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm/L55 smoothbore gun. This gun is license-produced in South Korea.

The 120mm gun can fire variety of munitions. It is compatible with all standard NATO tank rounds. It is also capable of firing the new KSTAM (Korean Smart Top-Attack Munition) rounds. These are smart target-activated fire-and-forget projectiles, but shouldn't be confused with anti-tank guided missiles. The KSTAM has its own guidance system, aided by four stabilizing fins. At the final stage a parachute will deploy to slow its fall and accurately engage target. Such principle is broadly similar to mortar-launched anti-tank munitions. Furthermore the K-2 tank can fire KSTAM munitions from behind the cover. The KSTAM has a maximum effective range of 8 kilometers.

The K2 is also equipped with an advanced fire-control system (FCS) linked to a millimeter band radar system deployed on the frontal arc of the turret, along with a traditional laser range-finder and crosswind sensor. The system is capable of a "lock-on" mode, which can acquire and track specific targets up to a range of 9.8 km using thermal optics. This allows the crew to fire accurately while moving as well as effectively engage low-flying aircraft. The FCS is also linked to an advanced gun stabilizer and trigger-delay mechanism to optimise accuracy while moving in uneven terrain. Should the trigger on the main gun be pulled at the moment the tank encounters an irregularity in the terrain, oscillation of the gun barrel will cause temporary misalignment between a laser emitter at the top of the barrel and a sensor at the base. This will delay the FCS from activating until the beam is re-aligned, improving the chances of hitting the intended target.

The Korean Gunner's Primary Sight (KGPS) and the Korean Commander's Panoramic Sight (KCPS) are present in the Black Panther as in the original series of K1A1 tanks, though modified to utilize the more advanced sensors and armaments deployed on the K2.

The commander of the tank has the ability to override the command to take control of the turret and gun from the gunner. Moreover, unconfirmed reports state that, in the event of an emergency, the vehicle can be operated by only two, or even a single, crew member. It is speculated that the FCS can automatically spot and track visible targets, compare them using the data link established with other friendly vehicles to prevent redundant target engagements, and fire its main gun without manual input.

Despite the capability of accomodating a 140mm gun, the K2 Black Panther's damage is slightly below average, compared to the other high tier tanks', probably hinting that the in-game version can only be fitted with the 120mm/L55 smoothbore gun and surely a way to make the tank more balanced.

Evidence supporting this theory is the total absence of any upgrade of the main gun.

The different types of ammo available for the tank's gun are:

• Armor Piercing (AP): one-tier ammo upgrade available;
• Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS): one-tier ammo upgrade available;
• High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT): one-tier ammo upgrade available;
• High Explosive (HE): one-tier ammo upgrade available;
• Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), a one-tier ammo upgrade available.

 

3.5 -Engine:

• Engine upgrades: four-tier upgrade available.

The K2 Black Panther is powered by a MT 833 diesel engine provided by Tognum. The engine generates 1,500hp and provides a power to weight ratio of 27.3hp/t. The fully automatic transmission of the vehicle includes five forward and three reverse gears.

The Black Panther fields an advanced suspension system, called the In-arm Suspension Unit (ISU), which allows for individual control of every bogie on the tracks. This allows the K2 to "sit", "stand" and "kneel", as well as "lean" towards one side or a corner. "Sitting" gives the tank a lower profile and offers superior handling over roads. "Standing" gives the vehicle higher ground clearance for maneuverability over rough terrain. "Kneeling" augments the angular range in which the tank's gun barrel can elevate and depress, allowing the vehicle to fire its main gun downhill as well as engage low-flying aircraft more effectively. The suspension unit also cushions the chassis from vibrations when travelling over uneven terrain, as the bogies can be adjusted individually on-the-fly.

The MBT has an off-road speed of 50km/h and can attain a maximum speed of 70km/h on road. It can traverse a maximum range of 450km.

The vehicle is also equipped with a dynamic track tension system (DTTS) as well as roll, pitch and bounce control system.

The K2 Black Panther features a four-tier upgrade of the engine, which makes this tank very fast and extremely agile.

The engine is located at the rear end of the tank and is slightly elevated in comparison to the rest of the hull, besides being relatively compact, and therefore, rather difficult to hit.

3.6 -Reloading system:

• Reloading system upgrades: three-tier upgrade available.

The K2 Black Panther's main gun is complemented by an autoloader, similar to that designed for the Leclerc; it can fire up to 20 rounds a minute or every 3 seconds, without being affected by the gun's angle. The ammunition for the main gun is loaded in a 16-shell magazine, with a total ammunition capacity of 40.

Unsurprisingly, the K2 Black Panther features, thanks to a three-tier upgrade of the reloading system, the highest reload speed among all the tanks in the whole game, along with the US light tank M8 AGS; therefore, it doesn't come as a surprise that, despite the relatively low damage, this MBT features an amazing DPM, second only to the absurd Type 10's.

3.7 -Turret rotation system:

• Turret rotation system upgrades: two-tier upgrade available.

The K2 Black Panther features a two-tier upgrade of the turret rotation system, achieving a high turret speed, being capable of performing a full rotation in less than 8 seconds. Unless having a very high momentum, this  MBT is very difficult to outflank, without it at least being able to return fire.

3.8 -Additional upgrades:

• Radio upgrades: one-tier upgrade available
• Radar upgrades: two-tier upgrade available
• Smoke grenade dischargers upgrades: four-tier upgrade available.
• Infrared optics upgrades: one-tier upgrade available.
• Thermal optics upgrades: one-tier upgrade available.
• Fording kit upgrades: one-tier upgrade available.
• Floating kit upgrades: no upgrades available.

 

 

 

4. -How to get the best out of it (Role) and How to deal with one (Countermeasures):

Now that we have analyzed the characteristics of the K2 Black Panther, it's time to sum up:

~Pros:

-Good front hull and turret armour.

-Outstanding reloading speed, which, combined with the adequate damage dealt by the tank's main gun, grants this tank an extremely high DPM.

-Amazing power-to-weight ratio: this tank is extremely agile as well as featuring a great acceleration.

-Very high speed.

-The turret has a very low silhouette as well as being very tough, allowing for hull-down engagements.

-Very high turret rotation speed.

~Cons:

-The tank's health pool is below average.

-Total absence of spaced armor, thus making this tank is very vulnerable to HEAT rounds.

-Passive armour, aside from the frontal arc, is not very effective.

-The tank's main gun is not very accurate, especially when firing HEAT rounds.

 

 

4.1 -Role:

The K2 Black Panther is a very versatile high-tier MBT, perfectly capable of performing a wide range of different roles.

Despite not being really suited for holding the frontline, it is perfectly capable of engaging enemies head on, very similarly to the M1A2 Abrams: when it comes to close-quarters engagements, remember to take full advantage of your amazing agility and always keep your front armor towards your opponent, preventing them from outflanking you, otherwise they will most likely make short work of you every single time.

However, this MBT is even less suited for long-range engagements: one of the major downsides of the K2 Black Panther is, in fact, its main armament's low accuracy, particularly noticeable when firing HEAT rounds. This severely hinders this MBT's great potential as a deadly effective long-range sniper, having an exceptional RoF and tough turret armor which allows for successful hull-down engagements.

The K2 Black Panther is, instead, at its best when used as a fast and extremely effective interceptor or ambusher. Never engage enemies at long-range: wait for them, then use your high speed and agility to close the distance, and finally, only engage them at mid-to-close-range, though the closer, the better. Try and take your opponents by surprise and use your DPM to rip them to shreds, before they can even notice it, particularly, heavily armored targets featuring a low health pool. Remember that you can't afford to waste many shots nor can you afford to take many.

After a successful engagement, immediately get away from the heat of the battle by using your high speed and, eventually, your smoke grenade dischargers, then, just repeat the process.

 

4.2 -How to deal with one:

Dealing with a K2 Black Panther is very similar to engaging an M1A2 Abrams, though arguably less tricky; however, as for any other unit, never underestimate one: this MBT can prove to be a fearsome and tough opponent to take down, particularly if driven by experienced players who take full advantage of its strong points.

Avoid engaging one head on, especially at close to very-close range: its potential RoF and DPM pose a serious treath to any tank it may face on the battlefield, notably to heavily armored units featuring a limited amount of hit points. Therefore, despite its thin side armor, trying to outflank a K2 Balck Panther is quite risky, though surely a viable way to make short work of one, especially when using HEAT rounds.

Avoid letting one catch you by surprise and take full advantage of its major downsides; first and foremost, its main armament's poor accuracy: always keep your distance and make sure to always engage one at mid to long range. Many of its shots will miss and, subsequently, its main strong point, its potential DPM, will suffer heavily from it. Besides, this MBT lacks a spaced armor upgrade and its health pool is rather low, so, it won't take many direct hits before going down; make sure to use HEAT rounds and aim at its tracks, so that you may even immobilize it, effectively preventing it from trying and close the distance, or at the flat section of its front hull armor to deal the most damage.

 

Here I end my review of the K2 Black Panther, the mighty S.Korean steel-clad kitty.

I apologize in advance if something written is wrong and I hope you enjoyed it. If you liked it, another one will shortly follow! Tell me what you think about it in the comments and any advice you may suggest is welcome.
If you want to help, contact me via PM.
Take care on the battlefield, fellows!

Copying/Using any part of this review anywhere else is strictly forbidden, unless my proper authorisation is given.

 

 

 

5. -References:

www.military-today.com

www.army-technology.com

Armedforces-Int.com

 

 

 

6. -Special thanks to:

The Reviews team.

Fiutel_88 for allowing the Reviews Team to perform armor tests on his K2 Black Panther.
And last but not least all of you that read this review!

[randy12345]

Increible like always atlank, this will help future tanktastic players, very far when basically all of us qill be gone.

[Tankiller96]

Great review as always Altank. These are always a interesting read.

[randy12345]

They should add that camo :/

[rcmppolice]

great job altank

[m1 tanker]

Increible like always atlank, this will help future tanktastic players, very far when basically all of us qill be gone.

I will always be here.........

[Unknown 4249]

They should add that camo :/

It was an awesome exclusive camo for the K2, we don't have enough green ones right now.

Hopefully they will add the cancelled ones, those were cool.

[monkeyman7832]

Great review Alt.Personally one of my favourite reviews from you!

[PufPuf]

Inspiring review Altank. I'm gonna get me this 'mighty South Korean steel-clad kitty' very soon! Must be a monster for close quarter matches on Demo and Military maps.

[Nas25]

GREAT

[randy12345]

I will always be here.........

As all games do, this game might survive aout 2-3 more years before GHOR looses interest and quit or stat another game, so you can't say forever

[m1 tanker]

As all games do, this game might survive aout 2-3 more years before GHOR looses interest and quit or stat another game, so you can't say forever

I mean I will be here till that happens.

[Davis11]

Altank, I applaud your ability to make even bad tanks sound and look very good ☺

[randy12345]

Altank, I applaud your ability to make even bad tanks sound and look very good ☺

K2 isn't bad, is on best

[Unknown 4249]

I've been thinking about for a while:


The K2s level range should be reworked. Have the max level be higher, at least 70. Then we can put on its 140mm gun.

Now that I think about it, they should get more level 70 vehicles. Then they could have their own level range (every range is 10 levels). But youre probably thinking: There aren't enough tanks to have a level 70 range to themselves.

This is the chance to add more of the latest advanced tanks. Right now in the level 70 range we have the TOS, Black Eagle, and K9. Here are some more tanks that could be added and some that will most likely be in that range.

T-14 Armata
PL-01 Concept
Altay
Type 99 (Japanese artillery)
PLZ-05

There are more I can't think of right off the top of my head, but we would have enough to have a new level range.

[randy12345]

forgot the higest, BMPT

[Unknown 4249]

forgot the higest, BMPT

I know the level ranges for almost all tanks are screwed up, so I just used the database to find it.

Does it need a higher max level (higher than 68) ? Definitely.

[Unknown 4249]

I wonder if there are any other tanks that dont have their best modules so they can be balanced out. Those would get the same thing as the K2.

[randy12345]

I wonder if there are any other tanks that dont have their best modules so they can be balanced out. Those would get the same thing as the K2.

K2 level is fine, is good how it is, only needs atleast a cannon upgrade

[Unknown 4249]

But it would be too powerful if it had a 140mm at level 67. Have the max be 71 or 72 and it should be at the right place. It should have its 140mm in the game, just not at level 67.