Hanwha Aerospace (Korea's defense and aerospace industry group) has just conducted live-fire tests for the upgraded version of the K9 Howitzer self-propelled howitzer, named K9MH.
The highlight of this system is the dual automatic loading mechanism, which helps increase the rate of fire to 8–9 rounds per minute, significantly faster than previous versions.
According to test data, each shot of the K9MH is about 7.5 seconds apart. The ammunition loading system is designed with two separate lines, separating ammunition and propellants with specialized conveyor belts, thereby optimizing the entire firing cycle.
Thanks to this improvement, the K9MH is considered one of the self-propelled artillery systems with the fastest loading speed today.
The high rate of fire allows the K9MH to effectively implement modern tactics such as multi-shot simultaneously, in which the bullets are launched in different orbits but hit the target almost simultaneously.
This is an important factor in increasing damage and reducing reaction time on the battlefield.
Compared to the previous version, the K9A1, which has a rate of fire of about 6–8 rounds per minute, the K9MH shows clear progress in performance. In addition to firepower improvements, the system is also optimized in design and operation.
K9MH is installed on an 8×8 Tatra T815-7 tire chassis, helping to increase maneuverability on many different terrains. The car uses an independent suspension system combined with a central backbone, supporting stable movement on rough terrain.
The main gun of the K9MH is a 155 mm type with a barrel length of 52 calibers, allowing to reach a range of more than 40 km depending on the type of ammunition.
The system can carry up to 40 rounds of ammunition, enough to maintain high-intensity firepower without immediate supply. Notably, the operating crew is reduced to 3 people thanks to the high level of automation.
According to Mr. Mike Smith, representative of Hanwha Defense in the US, the K9MH is developed based on actual battlefield experience and is aimed at long-range precision firepower missions.
This system is also considered a potential platform for the US military's Mobile Tactical Artillery program in the future.
