K136 Kooryong
| K136 Kooryong 구룡 다연장 로켓 Gu-ryong Da-yeon-jang Rocket | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Multiple rocket launcher |
| Place of origin | South Korea |
| Service history | |
| In service | K136: 1981–1987 K136A1: 1987–present |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Agency for Defense Development (launcher) Hanwha Group (rocket) |
| Designed | 1973-1978[1] |
| Manufacturer | Daewoo Heavy Industries |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 16.4 t (18.1 short tons) |
| Length | 7.7 m (25 ft) |
| Width | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) |
| Height | 2.9 m (9.5 ft) |
| Caliber | 130 mm 36×1 (K30) 131 mm 36×1 (K33) 130 mm 36×1 (K37) 130 mm 36×1 (K38) |
| Rate of fire | 36 rds/in 18 sec |
| Effective firing range | 23 km (K30) 36 km (K33) 22 km (K37) 30 km (K38) |
| Maximum speed | 80 km/h (50 mph) |
The K136 Kooryong (RR: K136 'Gu-ryong'; Hangul: K136 '구룡'; Hanja: K136 '九龍') is a South Korean 36 extended rocket artillery system that was deployed in 1981.[1]
History
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The K136 Kooryong 36 extended multiple rocket launcher began research and development in 1973 at the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) as a means of responding to the BM-21 122 mm multiple rocket launcher possessed by North Korea, and was performance tested in 1978, and the initial model K136 was deployed in 1981.[1] Later, the K136A1 improved model, which added a stainless steel launch tube and hydraulic system, was deployed to the South Korean Army from 1987 to 1991, and the K33 and K38 rockets with ranges of 36 km and 30 km were developed in 1988.[1] Called Kooryong, the weapons system was designed, tested, and manufactured in Korea for field artillery and artillery. Daewoo Heavy Industries is in charge of production and the rocket was developed by Hanwha.
Possible transfer to the Philippine Army
The Philippine Army has negotiated with the South Korean government for the transfer of its MLRS launchers for the newly activated MLRS Battalions of the Army Artillery Regiment. They are set to receive 3 batteries of K136 Kooryong MLRS from South Korea in 2020.[2] Due to delays, they'll be transferred by late 2021 instead.[3]
All K136s in Philippine military service are expected to be operational by June 2022.[4]
Design
The multiple rocket launcher has 36 tubes[5] and fires K30 130 mm and K33 131 mm rockets.[1][6] There are also improved high explosive K37 rockets for better performance and pre-fragmented HE K37 rockets with warheads containing 16,000 steel balls.[1] The launcher is carried on a KM809AL 6x6 truck.[6]
Operators
Current operators
South Korea: About 150 units were built.[6]
Future operators
Philippines: Was suppose to receive K136s in 2020.[2] Instead, they'll be received by 2022 with 22 K136s expecting to be in the Philippines to be used by the Philippine Army and Marine Corps.[3] Four batteries are to be established with one assigned to the PMC.[7]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f Lee Chiheon (12 August 2019). "견인포 같은 K136A1 구룡 다련장 로켓포". Defense Today. Archived from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
- ^ a b "Philippine Army to receive K136 Kooryong MLRS from South Korea | June 2020 News Defense Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2020 | Archive News year".
- ^ a b Mangosing, Frances (2021-11-11). "PH military to boost arsenal with South Korean hardware". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on 2021-11-12.
- ^ "South Korea-donated rocket system expected this June". Philippine News Agency.
- ^ Pike, John. "Kooryong". www.globalsecurity.org.
- ^ a b c "K136 Kooryong Multiple Launch Rocket System". Military-Today.com. Retrieved 2022-08-20.
- ^ "Army to activate Aviation Regiment within this year". Philippine News Agency.
