Kiamaster 1250 kg Truck

     Notes: This is basically a civilian panel truck, such as those that might be used for bulk deliveries, with a minimum of modifications for military use.  The cargo area has been changed to an open area topped with canvas, a rear tailgate fitted, and a starter switch instead of a key is used (usually), but it is otherwise the same as the civilian vehicle.  The Kiamaster has a cabover configuration, without a roof hatch, and the Kiamaster has no provisions for weapons mounts. The engine is a 6-cylinder 4.052-liter diesel developing 115 horsepower. The Kiamaster 1250 kg Truck is normally used in rear areas or where good roads are expected, and is not normally considered a combat vehicle.

Asia Motors K111

     Notes: This is South Korea’s version of the old Jeep, and is similar in appearance to the Japanese Jeep CJ series (J601).  It is a basic off-road utility vehicle of conventional configuration, and is the standard light vehicle of the South Korean armed forces.  Many variants exist; the standard utility vehicle is the K111, and there is also a K111L long wheelbase version, the K115 ambulance version of the K111L, the K113 TOW ATGM carrier, the K116 106mm recoilless rifle carrier, and the K117 searchlight carrier. Most parts of the K111, including body panels and the floor, are made of stamped steel, reducing RL costs, simplifying fabrication, and saving weight. The engine is the MVA-2000, a militarized variant of the VA-2000.  This is a 4-cylinder gasoline engine developing 73 horsepower, adequate considering the light weight of the K111. The suspension is also beefed up over the J601’s suspension, being based on progressive springs instead of leaf springs, leading to better off-road performance. A muffler was added to reduce noise. The seats also have better upholstery and cushioning. Most K111s are soft-topped, covered in a canvas tilt over a folding framework, but some are hard topped. The soft-topped versions may have a post behind the rear seats with a weapon mount.

     I saw many of these vehicles when I was stationed in Korea; I thought they were copies of the Willys MB, until I was able to talk with one of the drivers (in German, no less; I did not speak Korean and he did not speak English), and do some more research.

Kia Motors K311

     Notes: This is a South Korean 5/4-ton truck, similar in appearance to the US M715 series.  However, they are fitted with new diesel engines and a new power train.  The basic model is the K311 cargo truck; other variants include the K312 ambulance (a fully enclosed body with space for eight seated or 5 stretcher casualties), K314 communications vehicle (fully enclosed body), and various other van-body types (K313 to K317), used as mobile offices and workshops. A special variant of the K311A1, the K319 Bulletproof Truck, was developed for use by the ROK Zaytun Division during the Iraq War; this variant has a fully enclosed rear cargo area. The K311 is powered by a Kia/Mazda ZB 6-cylinder diesel developing 115 horsepower; the K311A1 is powered by a Hyundai/Mitsubishi Fuso D4DA diesel developing 130 horsepower.