H2K35005 K9A1 'Thunder' Polish Army SPH 1/35
- H2K35005
- Manufacturer: Hobby2000
-
Availability:
Low stock
Delivery time: 1-3 days
- Type: Vehicle model kit
- Medium: plastic
- Scale: 1/35
- Remarks: Academy + Cartograf
A model of a Korean self-propelled gun introduced into the Polish Army. Academy plastic parts and Cartograf decal (Polish markings).
K9A1 Self-Propelled Howitzer of the Polish Army
A modern self-propelled artillery model manufactured in Korea. It includes Polish markings (Cartograf decals).
Colours and Marking:
1. Masurian Artillery Brigade 2024 - Węgorzewo
The K9A1 Thunder of the Polish Army
The Polish self-propelled howitzer project, AHS Krab, utilized modified K9 chassis after Polish adaptation. This occurred after it was found that the original chassis did not meet expectations. An agreement for the production of 120 chassis for the Polish self-propelled howitzer was signed between Huta Stalowa Wola and Hanwha Techwin in 2014.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in July 2022, the Polish Ministry of National Defense decided to purchase K9 Thunder howitzers due to delays in Krab howitzer production. This decision was met with criticism in the media and professional circles due to the possibility of the Polish industry producing a similar-class howitzer.
On July 27, 2022, Poland signed a framework agreement for the delivery of 672 K9A1/K9PL howitzers. The first 212 units were ordered in August 2022 for $2.4 billion, including ammunition, training, and logistics packages. The howitzers will be integrated with Polish communication systems and the Topaz fire control system and are expected to be delivered by 2026, with the first batch of 24 K9A1 units in 2022. The remaining 460 units in the Polish version, K9PL, are to be produced in Poland and equipped with solutions from the K9A2 howitzer, such as automatic loading and a 4-person crew.
The K9 is resistant to 14.5mm heavy machine gun ammunition, 152mm shell fragments, and anti-personnel mine blasts, made entirely of steel. Its main armament is a 155mm gun with a 52-caliber barrel length and a maximum range of 40 kilometers. The vehicle utilizes a 1000 horsepower engine and hydropneumatic suspension, crucial for Korea's mountainous terrain. Additionally, it is equipped with full NBC protection and can conduct Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) fire, meaning it can fire 3 rounds at 5-second intervals at different elevations to ensure all rounds hit the target simultaneously.