[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] 33-Degree Driving Test 'Thrilling'... Birthplace of Military Logistics Vehicles

Visit to Kia Gwangju Plant Military Factory
Control over Production Building Entrants and Even Parts

During World War II, the United States was greatly shocked by the German military's transportation vehicles. These were military motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles manufactured by BMW, boasting overwhelming mobility. In response, the U.S. commissioned Harley-Davidson to produce military motorcycles, and the prototype of today's Jeep, the 'Willys-Overland,' was born. After the war ended, American Motor Corporation (AMC) acquired Willys. Asia Motors (now Kia) received technology transfer from AMC in 1977 and began producing military vehicles directly. Forty-six years later, on the 30th of last month, we checked the current status of military vehicles at the Kia factory in Gwangju, Jeollanam-do.

36,000 Pyeong Factory with No End in Sight... Capable of Producing 1.6 Vehicles per Hour

The scale of the Kia factory was larger than expected. The area alone was 120,000㎡ (36,000 pyeong), stretching as far as the eye could see. Inside the factory, dozens of large buses bearing the 'Kia' logo indicated the owner of the facility. The factory produces large buses and military vehicles, with production lines clearly divided left and right. In front of the military production building on the left, a sign reading 'Authorized Personnel Only' restricted access. Not only personnel but even a single part was difficult to approach easily.

Upon entering the military production building, long production lines appeared on both sides. The length reached 197 meters. The left side was the body production line, corresponding to the vehicle body, and the right side was the frame production line, corresponding to the vehicle skeleton. After production on both lines was completed, they were joined in the middle of the production line. The factory floor was green, but pedestrian paths were marked with yellow tape for safety. The frame production line floor moved forward gradually. For the 1.25-ton truck, it moved one section every 36 minutes to proceed to the next task. The 1.25-ton truck production capacity was 1.62 units per hour. About 2,700 small tactical vehicles are produced annually on this line. The sound of work never ceased, and the workers seemed to have no time to look around.

Different Frame Heat Treatment Method from Civilian Vehicles... Easily Drives on 33-Degree Climb Test Track

The 5-meter-long frame uses high-strength steel plates, unlike civilian vehicles. Because it must bear the weight of military vehicles, the heat treatment method differs from civilian vehicles, making it sturdier. Another difference is that all military vehicles use the same key, unlike civilian vehicles. Since these vehicles are deployed in wartime, anyone must be able to drive them. Around the middle of the production line, the body and frame were joined, and finally, the engine and engine oil were installed.

To test the performance of the completed military vehicle, we moved to the climb test track. The test track had a small hill 10 meters high. The hill's angle was 33 degrees, appearing difficult even for a person to walk up. Together with a company official, we boarded a tactical small vehicle and began climbing the hill. As the front of the vehicle soared toward the sky, my hands instinctively gripped the handles. The descent from the peak was dizzying, like a ride. Just when I thought the climb was over, we started climbing again in reverse. Although it felt like the vehicle would tip over forward, it easily reached the peak again with the roar of the engine.

At the driving test track for noise, vibration, and harshness (MVH) testing, I drove the vehicle myself. The driver's seat was equipped with an automatic transmission and navigation system, similar to civilian vehicles. However, when driving through corners, the vehicle felt like it was sinking to the ground. The width was also wider. The gap between the driver’s seat and the passenger seat was as much as 1 meter. The steering wheel was different from that of a regular passenger car. It required more rotations than a civilian vehicle. Even when turning the front wheels at the same angle, the steering wheel had to be turned about twice as much. This was to enhance safety when driving on rough terrain. In contrast, race cars require less steering wheel rotation because straight-line speed is more important.

In 2018, Kia won the contract for the 'Medium Standard Vehicle (2.5t and 5t) and 5t Armored Kit Vehicle Integrated Development Project.' This project involves developing new medium standard vehicles and armored trucks for the army by next year. The currently operated 2.5t and 5t trucks were developed in 1977 and have long been criticized for aging issues. Once developed, 7,000 units of the 2.5t truck, 3,400 units of the 5t truck, and 600 units of the 5t armored truck will be deployed to frontline units starting next year. After the Korean War, our military used military vehicles abandoned by the United States, but now we operate military vehicles developed domestically and even export them to various countries. A Defense Acquisition Program Administration official stated, "The small tactical vehicle project will continue quality improvements until vehicle mass production ends in 2025, aiming to become a premium tactical vehicle."

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