Successfully Tested In Australia, South Korean Army Will Test Operation Redback Infantry Combat Vehicle

South Korean Redback infantry fighting vehicle. (Source: Hanwha Defense via Korea Times)

JAKARTA - The South Korean Army (ROK) has prepared an action plan to test the operation of the Redback infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), developed by local company Hanwha Defense.

Under the scheme, the ROK Army will test the operation of the Redback IFV in an armored cavalry unit for two months from April to May, to review its mobility, operation and maintenance.

According to Hanwha Defense, the Redback is set to undergo Army mobility tests as well as operational trials, as reported by the Korea Times February 19.

For the mobility test, the vehicle is set to be assessed on both paved and unpaved roads with various driving skills applied. Includes spins, obstacle passes and night maneuvers with situational awareness equipment.

Operational trials will include evaluation of situational awareness cameras, operation during hard braking, load space to the ergonomics of various seating configurations. The tactical operation of the auxiliary power unit and turret system should also be tested.

In addition, Redback is also scheduled to demonstrate the offboard Health and Usage Management System (HUMS), which allows monitoring and diagnosis of component faults at an early stage from outside the vehicle.

To note, last year from February to October this futuristic IFV successfully completed tests and evaluations by the Australian Defense Force, as one of the last two candidates for the introduction of the next generation of armored vehicles for the Australian Army.