S. Korea working to identify malfunction in tank under development

By Sam Kim
SEOUL, Nov. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's defense procurement agency said Tuesday
it is working to identify a defect that has resurfaced in a key component of a
battle tank under development.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a statement that a
"power pack" inside a K-2 Black Panther has continued to malfunction after its
initial development in 2005.
"Some elements have been found that need to be complemented in the power pack of
the K-2 tank under performance testing," DAPA said. The component comprises the
engine and the gear.
The Seoul-based agency, however, said the technology involved in the power pack
is not part of an agreement its country signed with Turkey last year to help the
country develop a new tank.
DAPA said researchers are working to identify the cause of the flaw, with the
component set to be completed by next year. South Korea plans to start
mass-producing its Black Panthers in 2011.
The DAPA statement came after a parliamentary hearing during which South Korean
lawmakers raised questions over progress in the development of the tank and its
cost-effectiveness.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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