Hyundai Rotem’s N-WAV Targets Europe, Competes with U.S. Amphibious Combat Vehicles

South Korea’s K808 “Baekho” wheeled armored vehicle is poised to make its debut in Peru. On April 30, the Peruvian Army’s logistics command chose STX as its primary negotiator for procuring these vehicles. Hyundai Rotem, the K808’s manufacturer, will supply 30 units through STX once the contract is finalized, marking South Korea’s first armored vehicle export to South America. The contract, valued at around $60 million, underscores the growing reach of South Korean defense industries.

Expanding Horizons: The N-WAV’s European Ambitions

Beyond Peru, Hyundai Rotem has set its sights on Europe, aiming to introduce its next-generation wheeled armored vehicle, the N-WAV, to new markets. During the 2023 Seoul ADEX exhibition, the company showcased the N-WAV, a vehicle designed to meet increasing global demand for highly mobile and heavily protected combat vehicles. The N-WAV is pitched as a competitor to the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and other top-tier military transports.

Competing for Contracts: The Polish Market

Poland is currently in the process of seeking new armored vehicles for its military modernization project, expected to run through 2028 to 2035. Hyundai Rotem has entered the competition, proposing the N-WAV as a potential solution. Reports suggest that Rotem is also exploring a joint development deal with Poland’s defense group, PGZ, leveraging its experience with the K808. This partnership could pave the way for further exports across Eastern Europe, with Ukraine being a key potential market

A New Era in Armored Vehicle Design

Next-generation wheeled armored vehicles are moving towards heavier designs, prioritizing crew protection by increasing their weight to over 30 tons. Hyundai Rotem’s N-WAV is a prime example of this global shift in armored vehicle development, coming in at around the 30-ton mark.

Western militaries have recently introduced combat vehicles in a similar weight class, with combat weights ranging from 36.5 to 38.5 tons. For comparison, Singapore’s Terrex 3 weighs 35 tons, while other vehicles like France’s Nexter VBCI, Finland’s Patria AMV XP, the U.S. General Dynamics Piranha V, and Israel’s IAI Eitan all fall within the 30 to 35-ton range.

Specifications and Performance

The N-WAV is designed to stay under the 35-ton threshold, measuring 30.5 feet in length, 10.2 feet in width, and 9.2 feet in height, or 11.5 feet with the turret installed. By comparison, the K808 weighs under 44,000 pounds (20 tons) and is smaller at 24.3 feet long, 8.9 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high, making the N-WAV a significantly larger and more robust platform.

With this larger size comes greater power. The N-WAV is equipped with a diesel engine that produces 700 horsepower and 2,213 foot-pounds of torque, allowing it to reach top speeds of up to 62 mph. This powertrain gives the vehicle impressive mobility despite its heft.

Mobility is further enhanced by tactical run-flat tires, tire shields, and a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) as standard features. The N-WAV is also outfitted with independent suspension and ABS braking systems, making it highly capable in diverse environments, from amphibious operations to rough off-road terrain.

Crew Capacity and Protection

In terms of crew capacity, the N-WAV can accommodate three crew members along with eight dismounts. The vehicle offers advanced protection, with its V-shaped hull providing mine protection up to level 4, a significant upgrade over the K808’s defensive capabilities. This design greatly improves its resistance to threats from all directions, making it a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Advanced Surveillance and Defensive Features

The N-WAV comes equipped with advanced 360-degree surveillance systems, ensuring round-the-clock operational capability. This includes a suite of 13 cameras providing full situational awareness both day and night. Among these features are a thermal sight for the driver, rear and side cameras, and electronic sights for the crew, all feeding into an integrated video and information display. These enhancements give the crew a significant edge in terms of battlefield awareness.

In terms of protection, the N-WAV is built to withstand hits from 14.5×114mm machine gun rounds and anti-tank rifle fire. It is also capable of surviving blasts from TNT anti-tank mines weighing up to 22 pounds (10 kg) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). One of its standout defensive features is the Active Protection System (APS), designed to neutralize incoming anti-tank missiles or rocket-propelled grenades, adding an extra layer of safety for its occupants.

Other defensive measures include a laser warning system to detect incoming threats, shock-absorbing seats in the troop compartment, and a collective protection system to safeguard against nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) threats. Additionally, the vehicle boasts an automatic fire suppression system, which can respond to both internal and external fires. Hyundai Rotem has also designed the N-WAV to integrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), providing features like maintaining safe distances from other vehicles or automatic braking in the event of an imminent collision.

Offensive Capabilities and Versatility

On the offensive side, the N-WAV’s firepower has seen a significant upgrade. It is fitted with a remotely operated turret equipped with a 30mm cannon, allowing operators to engage targets while remaining protected inside the vehicle. The Remote-Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) is linked to surveillance sensors, enabling effective defense against aerial threats, such as drones.

For heavier fire support, the N-WAV offers the option of mounting a 120mm mortar or a 120mm tank gun turret. Reports suggest that this turret-equipped variant outperforms the U.S. Army’s newly introduced M10 Booker fire support vehicle in both firepower and mobility.

The N-WAV’s versatility doesn’t stop there. It can be adapted to various mission profiles, including troop transport and medical evacuation roles. It supports integration of systems for chemical and biological threat detection, laser warning systems, and shock-absorbing seats, making it a truly multipurpose platform capable of meeting a wide range of battlefield needs.