K9 Thunder vs M142 HIMARS
The K9 Thunder is a Self-Propelled Artillery, while the M142 HIMARS is a Multiple Launch Rocket System. At 48.5 tons, the K9 Thunder is 3.0x the M142 HIMARS's 16.2 tons. Top speed is 67 km/h for the K9 Thunder vs 94 km/h for the M142 HIMARS. The K9 Thunder is armed with a CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun, while the M142 HIMARS carries a 6 x GMLRS rockets or 2 x PrSM missiles or 1 x ATACMS missile. The K9 Thunder has been produced in 1,136 units vs 750 for the M142 HIMARS. Unit cost is $3.1M for the K9 Thunder vs $4.9M for the M142 HIMARS. The K9 Thunder entered service 6 years before the M142 HIMARS (1999 vs 2005).
| Introduced in 1999, the South Korean K9 Thunder is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer featuring an automated loading system and a 52-caliber main gun. | |
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| Origin country | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
| Category | Self-Propelled Artillery |
| Type | 155 mm self-propelled howitzer |
| Manufacturer | Hanwha Aerospace |
| Number produced | 1,136 units |
| Estimated unit price | $3.1 million |
| Introduced in 2005, the United States' M142 HIMARS is a light multiple rocket launcher mounted on a five-ton wheeled truck chassis for mobile artillery support. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Multiple Launch Rocket System |
| Type | Light multiple rocket launcher |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Number produced | 750 units |
| Estimated unit price | $4.9 million |
| Combat weight | 48.5 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 67 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | -- km |
| Length | -- m |
| Width | -- m |
| Height | -- m |
| Crew | 3 (2 in emergency) |
| Engine | 1,000 hp STX Engine SMV1000 diesel engine |
| Main armament | CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun |
| Secondary weapon | Remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) |
| Combat weight | 16.3 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 94 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 480 km |
| Length | 6.94 m |
| Width | 2.44 m |
| Height | 3.18 m |
| Crew | 3 (commander, second in command, driver) |
| Engine | Caterpillar 3116 ATAAC 6.6L diesel, 330 hp |
| Main armament | 6 x GMLRS rockets or 2 x PrSM missiles or 1 x ATACMS missile |
| Secondary weapon | -- |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the K9 Thunder or M142 HIMARS?
The M142 HIMARS is faster with a maximum road speed of 94 km/h compared to the K9 Thunder's 67 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the K9 Thunder or M142 HIMARS?
The M142 HIMARS has a longer operational range at 480 km compared to the K9 Thunder's 0 km.
Which is heavier, the K9 Thunder or M142 HIMARS?
The K9 Thunder is heavier at 48.5 tons combat weight compared to the M142 HIMARS's 16.2 tons.
Which is larger, the K9 Thunder or M142 HIMARS?
The M142 HIMARS is longer at 6.94 meters compared to the K9 Thunder's 0.00 meters.
How many crew members do the K9 Thunder and M142 HIMARS require?
The M142 HIMARS requires a larger crew of 3 (commander, second in command, driver) compared to the K9 Thunder's 3 (2 in emergency) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the K9 Thunder or M142 HIMARS?
The M142 HIMARS is more expensive at approximately $4.9 million per unit compared to the K9 Thunder at $3.1 million.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the K9 Thunder or M142 HIMARS?
The K9 Thunder has been produced in greater numbers with 1,136 units compared to 750 units of the M142 HIMARS.
What are the main armaments of the K9 Thunder and M142 HIMARS?
The K9 Thunder is armed with CN98 155 mm, 52-calibre artillery gun while the M142 HIMARS carries 6 x GMLRS rockets or 2 x PrSM missiles or 1 x ATACMS missile as its main armament.