Type 08 Kurohyou II
| Type 08 Kurohyou II | |
|---|---|
 Type 08 during drills | |
| Type | Main battle tank |
| Place of origin | Dayashina Hanhae |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2008–present |
| Wars | 2019 Invasion of Vyzhva Kainan Crisis |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1995-2007 |
| Manufacturer | YRK Heavy Industries |
| Unit cost | $8.5M |
| Produced | 2008-present |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 62+t |
| Length | 7.5m (chassis) |
| Width | 3.6m |
| Height | 2.4m |
| Crew | 3 (Commander, driver, gunner) |
| Armor | KKR MIL-12560H armor steel and other classified plate along with ERA and NERA modular add-on armour in addition to soft-kill and hard-kill anti-missile defense systems |
Main armament | Mitsuna 120 mm 55 caliber smoothbore gun (40 rounds) |
Secondary armament |
|
| Engine | 12-cylinder 4-cycle 1,500 hp (1,110 kW) |
| Power/weight | 27.2kW/tonne |
| Suspension | hydro-pneumatic |
Operational range | ~450km |
| Speed | 70 km/h (43 mph) On-road 50 km/h (31 mph) Off-road |
The Type 08 Kurohyou II is a main battle tank designed and manufactured by YRK Heavy Industries as a replacement for the Mitsuna Type 83 Kurohyou I. It entered service with the Republic of Dayashina Defence Forces in 2008. It is one of the most expensive main battle tanks in service in Septentrion.
Development
Design
Service history
The Type 08 entered service with the Republic of Dayashina Defence Forces and Hanhaean Army in 2008. They were first equipped by the 1st Armoured Division and 2nd Armoured Division of the Republic of Dayashina Army. The vehicle has had limited export success, with Shijuku securing an order for an unclassified number of Type 08s in 2020. Hallia expressed interest in acquiring the Type 08 platform as its next-genration tank, but the possibility fell through when Shijuku blocked the sale out of concern that Type 08s would end up in the hands of Mabondeni, a regional competitor.
Vyzhva (2019)
The Type 08 solidified its reputation as a premiere main battle tank during the 2019 Invasion of Vyzhva, where Republic of Dayashina Army Type 08s were involved in several major set piece battles in the northern plains of the country, inflicting devastating losses on Vyzhvan armoured forces for no losses of their own. Dayashinese Type 08s were also involved in the seizure of Kupka and Melna, dense urban environments wherein tanks of the RDA fought street-to-street. Despite the fact that they were constantly supported by infantry, a few Type 08s were impacted or disabled due to repeated Vyzhvan anti-tank fire from high-up emplacements in urban environments.
Kainan Crisis
Type 08s deployed alongside Republic of Dayashina Navy Marines during the Kainan Crisis. The tanks were heavily involved in urban fighting in the slums of the country's four largest cities, and proved effective in routing and suppressing insurgent activity in the open country of Kainan. Type 08s have played a critical role in the conflict and have proven vital to immediate supply-line and logistical security for Dayashinese forces in the region.
Variants
Type 08 A
Type 08 A is the production standard for all Type 08s, featuring a 120mm 55 calibre smoothbore gun capable of firing programmable, top-attack, and rocket-boosted munitions, complemented with an autoloader capable of firing 10 rounds per minute with a total capacity for 40 rounds alongside GLATGMs. It also features a highly advanced fire control system which allows operators to optimise their accuracy utilising its lock-on system and linked gun stabiliser and trigger delay systems. It is fitted with ERA, NERA, and a MAWS capable of deploying soft and hard kill defensive measures, alongside extensive electronic warfare capabilities. The vehicle offers 360-degree vision and has compartments for small unmanned aerial vehicles deployable by crew members.
Type 08 B/X
Type 08 B/X is a series of next-generation technology demonstrators operated by the Dayashinese Ministry of Defence. Most notable among the improvements are the presence of a domestic 130mm gun, hybrid-electric transmission, classified armour materials, and a stealthier outer design. It is entered production and service in 2022.