K136 Kooryong

The K136 Kooryong (Romanization: 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]

K136 Kooryong
구룡 다연장 로켓
Gu-ryong Da-yeon-jang Rocket
TypeMultiple rocket launcher
Place of originSouth Korea
Service history
In serviceK136: 1981–1987
K136A1: 1987–present
Production history
DesignerAgency for Defense Development (launcher)
Hanwha Group (rocket)
Designed1973-1978[1]
ManufacturerDaewoo Heavy Industries
Specifications
Mass16.4 t (18.1 short tons)
Length7.7 m (25 ft)
Width2.5 m (8.2 ft)
Height2.9 m (9.5 ft)
Caliber130 mm 36×1 (K30)
131 mm 36×1 (K33)
130 mm 36×1 (K37)
130 mm 36×1 (K38)
Rate of fire36 rds/in 18 sec
Effective firing range23 km (K30)
36 km (K33)
22 km (K37)
30 km (K38)
Maximum speed 80 km/h (50 mph)

History
Firing Exercise Multiple Rocket Launcher, Republic of Korea Army 8th Corps.

The K136 Kooryong 36 extended multiple rocket launcher (MRL) 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. Three batteries of K136 Kooryong MLRS from South Korea were expected to be delivered in 2020.[2] Delivery of the units has been delayed several times.[3][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

Future operators
  •  Philippines: Four batteries worth of units are expected to be delivered with three batteries to be established under the Philippine Army and one under the Philippine Marine Corps.[7]

See also

References
  1. 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.
  2. "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".
  3. 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.
  4. "South Korea-donated rocket system expected this June". Philippine News Agency.
  5. Pike, John. "Kooryong". www.globalsecurity.org.
  6. "K136 Kooryong Multiple Launch Rocket System". Military-Today.com. Retrieved 2022-08-20.
  7. "Army to activate Aviation Regiment within this year". Philippine News Agency.
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