H2K35005SE K9A1 'Thunder' Polish Army SPH - Special Edition!
- H2K35005SE
- Manufacturer: Hobby2000
-
Availability:
Low stock
Delivery time: 1-3 days
- Type: Armered Combat Vehicle
- Medium: plastic + accessories
- Scale: 1/35
- Remarks: includes Cartograf decals and Aber barrel
Academy kit enhanced by Hobby2000 with Cartograf decals and Aber barrel
K9A1 – Self-Propelled Howitzer of the Polish Army
A modern model of Korean self-propelled artillery, featuring Polish markings (Cartograf decals). Additionally, the model is equipped with a machine turned aluminum barrel from the renowned Aber company, enhancing its precision and realism.
Paint Scheme and Markings
- K9A1 Thunder of the Polish Army, 14th Self-Propelled Artillery Battalion, Jarosław, October 2023.
Project History
The AHS Krab self-propelled howitzer, used by the Polish Army, is based on a modified K9 chassis, which was adapted to national needs after initial tests with the original chassis proved unsatisfactory. In 2014, Huta Stalowa Wola and Hanwha Techwin signed an agreement to produce 120 chassis for Polish howitzers.
Purchase of K9 Thunder After the Invasion of Ukraine
Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, in July 2022, Poland decided to purchase K9 Thunder howitzers due to delays in the production of the Krab howitzers. This decision sparked some controversy, as it was suggested that the Polish industry could independently produce similar equipment. Nevertheless, on July 27, 2022, a contract was signed for the delivery of 672 K9A1/K9PL howitzers.
Purchase Specifications
The first 212 units, ordered in August 2022 for a total of $2.4 billion, included ammunition, training packages, and logistical support. All units are expected to be delivered by 2026, with 24 K9A1s in the first batch in 2022. The remaining 460 howitzers, in the K9PL version, will be built in Poland, incorporating advanced technologies such as an automatic loading system and a four-person crew, based on the modern K9A2 version.
K9 Thunder’s Durability and Mobility
The K9 Thunder is characterized by a robust steel construction that provides sufficient protection against 14.5 mm caliber fire and 152 mm shell fragments. The vehicle is also resistant to landmine explosions.
Armament and Combat Effectiveness
The main armament is a 155 mm gun with a barrel length of 52 calibers, allowing for a firing range of up to 40 km. The vehicle uses a 1,000 horsepower engine and advanced hydro-pneumatic suspension, ensuring excellent mobility even in difficult, mountainous terrain. The howitzer is also equipped with ABC protection systems and can perform MRSI fire, which allows multiple shells to be fired in quick succession so that they hit the target simultaneously.
