Name: Korea Type 88 KI Tank 1:35 Model Kit by Trumpeter
Brand: SCH Models
SKU: TRU00343
Price: 21.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

Korea Type 88 KI Tank 1:35 Model Kit by Trumpeter

£21.99

Model Features

1:35 scale plastic model kit
Accurately represents the South Korean Type 88 K1 Main Battle Tank, also known as the K1 Rokit, one of the most significant modern armoured vehicles developed by South Korea
Detailed representation of the original K1 production variant fitted with the 105mm KM68A1 rifled gun
Highly detailed turret featuring realistic armour shaping, gun mantlet, commander’s cupola, and machine gun mounts
Detailed hull with accurate armour layout, engine deck, storage areas, and surface details
Accurately reproduced suspension system with detailed road wheels, drive sprockets, and idler wheels
Detailed tracks and running gear components
Realistic external equipment including fuel tanks, tools, tow cables, and vehicle fittings
Detailed commander’s machine gun mount and turret accessories
Includes clear parts for headlights and optical equipment
Waterslide decal sheet featuring authentic Republic of Korea Army markings
Precision-moulded plastic parts for a detailed modern armour build
Ideal for Cold War and modern military collections, Korean Peninsula dioramas, or South Korean Defence Force displays.

Specifications

Brand: Trumpeter
Scale: 1:35
Subject: South Korean Type 88 K1 Main Battle Tank
Material: Injection-moulded plastic
Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate modellers
Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
Recommended Age: 14+
Kit Number: 00343
Vehicle Type: Main Battle Tank
Track Type: Plastic track components included
Decal Options: Republic of Korea Army markings
Main Armament: 105mm KM68A1 rifled gun
Model Length: Approximately 270mm
Model Width: Approximately 100mm

What's in the Box

Plastic sprues
Detailed upper and lower hull components
K1 turret assembly
105mm main gun components
Suspension and running gear parts
Track assemblies
External fuel tanks and vehicle equipment
Clear parts
Machine gun and turret accessories
Waterslide decal sheet with South Korean markings
Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Vehicle

The South Korean Type 88 K1 Main Battle Tank, commonly known as the K1 Rokit, was the first domestically developed modern main battle tank of the Republic of Korea and represented a major advancement in South Korea’s armoured vehicle capability. Developed during the late Cold War, the K1 was created to replace ageing M48 Patton tanks and provide the Republic of Korea Army with a modern vehicle suited to the challenging terrain of the Korean Peninsula.

Development of the K1 began in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with assistance from Chrysler Defense and later American defence companies. The design incorporated experience gained from the development of the M1 Abrams, leading to the K1 receiving the nickname “Baby Abrams” due to its similar appearance and design philosophy. However, the K1 was independently engineered to meet South Korean requirements, particularly for operations in mountainous terrain where mobility and a low profile were important advantages.

The first prototypes were completed in 1983, and mass production began in 1984. The tank entered service with the Republic of Korea Army during the mid-1980s, providing a significant improvement over the older American-built M48 series tanks then in use.

The K1 was armed with the 105mm KM68A1 rifled gun, a South Korean version of the American M68 tank gun. This weapon provided effective anti-armour capability against contemporary threats and was supported by advanced fire-control equipment, including a laser rangefinder and modern targeting systems.

Unlike many Western tanks of the period, the K1 was designed with a lower weight and smaller dimensions to suit South Korea’s geography. Its compact design allowed it to operate effectively across mountainous regions, narrow roads, and difficult terrain where larger tanks could face mobility challenges.

Powered by the MTU MB 871 Ka-501 diesel engine, producing approximately 1,200 horsepower, the K1 combined strong mobility with excellent protection. Its hydropneumatic suspension system allowed the vehicle to adjust its ride height, improving firing capability and allowing it to negotiate difficult terrain more effectively.

The K1 has continued to serve as a core component of South Korean armoured forces and has undergone several upgrades throughout its service life. Improvements to electronics, armour protection, and fire-control systems eventually led to the development of the more advanced K1A1, which introduced a larger 120mm smoothbore gun.

Although designed primarily for defence against North Korean armoured forces, the K1 has become an important symbol of South Korea’s domestic defence industry. Its development demonstrated the country’s ability to design and manufacture advanced armoured vehicles while adapting foreign technology to national requirements.

Today, the K1 remains an important part of South Korea’s armoured forces alongside the newer K2 Black Panther main battle tank. It represents a key transition between older Cold War-era vehicles and modern digitally equipped armoured platforms.

For modellers, the Type 88 K1 offers a distinctive subject due to its unique combination of Western design influence and South Korean engineering. Its unusual appearance and role in modern Asian military history make it a valuable addition to contemporary armour collections.