Computer image of the PKX-B patrol craft
Key Points
- South Korea has launched the first of 16 PK(X) B patrol craft planned for the country’s navy
- Platform will bolster South Korea’s defences around the Northern Limit Line
South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) has launched the country’s first ‘B’ variant of the Patrol Killer Experimental (PKX) fast attack craft.
The vessel, which has been referred to by South Korean media as the patrol boat killer medium, rocket (PKMR) platform, was launched on 28 July at HHIC’s facilities in Busan and has been given the pennant number 211.
Citing industry sources, IHS Jane’s reported in July 2015 that the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) is acquiring an initial batch of 16 PKX-B vessels.
The 210-tonne platform has an overall length of 44 m, an overall beam of 7 m, and can accommodate a crew of 20. The vessel has been designed by HHIC under a contract awarded by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) but it is unclear if the shipbuilder will construct all 16 hulls.
The PKX-B is powered by General Electric’s 6,000 shp LM 500 gas-turbine engines and Caterpillar Marine’s Cat C32 diesel engines in a combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) configuration. The vessel is propelled by waterjets and has a top speed of 40 kt.
Besides an aft-mounted, 12-barrelled multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) for 130 mm rockets, the platform has also been equipped with a 76 mm naval gun and two remote-controlled 12.7 mm machine guns.
South Korean media reported that the vessel will be commissioned in 2017 and will most probably be deployed as deterrence against fast-moving North Korean hovercraft operating near the Northern Limit Line.
IHS Jane’s 360: IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly – Digital, Online and Print Magazine
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