North Korean Main Battle Tanks (English Version)

• T-54/55, Type 59

North Korean T-55 MBT

T-54/55, including its various variants, is, without argue, the tank with the largest production number on earth. Since its introduction, around 86000 to 100000 have been produced. Sources indicate that the Korean People's Army (KPA) today has around 2000 of these tanks in service. The operating numbers of each variant is controversial, but one clear fact is that, being a post-WWII MBT, it is completely obsolete by today's standards, and their age poses great difficulty to the maintenance, given their already poor condition. The last time North Korea had obtained these tanks was in 1992. Today, they are no match to South Korean K1A1 and American M1A1 MBTs.

T-55

  Armour-wise, the thickest part on the turret is 203mm RHA (Rolled Homogeneous Armour). The hull is only 99mm thick. ERAs, which are commonly fitted on modern tanks, are not applied. Due to their poor condition, this type of tank has long been absent from North Korea's frequent military parades.
The 100mm main gun loses in every aspect when compared to current 120mm and 125mm guns. At a range of 1000m, its AT rounds can penetrate approximately 300mm of RHA, provided that they did not miss.
T-54 (Type 59)s and T-55s can be differentiated from appearance by the presence of semi-sphere ventilation devices on their turrets.

Chinese Type 59

The semi-sphere ventilation device is on the top of the turret, in front of the MG

• T-62

Model of a North Korean T-62

In the early 1960s, American engineers installed a 105mm main gun on their newly-developed M60 MBT. As a response, the Soviets developed a 115mm gun, and placed it on an improved version of T-55, the T-62. Its armour is slightly thicker compared to that of the T-55: 242mm for the turret, 102mm for the hull. This resulted in a slight increase in weight. Retaining the same engine, the mobility has decreased as a result. My opinion is that the T-62 has no huge improvement over the T-54/55 except for the main gun.
  According to some sources, North Korea had obtained about 500 T-62s from the USSR before the year 1980. After which it began production of key parts in its own plants and used them to assemble more T-62s and variants, including the Chong'ma-ho.

 As of 2011, an estimated number of 2000 T-62 and variants are in service in the KPA.

• Chong'ma-ho

This type of tank is rather interesting to study. It is commonly agreed that they are built on the chassis of the T-62, but incorporates many North Korean technologies. Five variants have been witnessed by keen journalists and fans, each one possessing improvements over the previous. On the turret, ERAs are installed on both front and back. A laser range finder and IR searchlight can also be found. Early versions of the Chong'ma-ho retained the 115mm gun from the T-62. Pictured below are Chong'ma-ho's on parade on the 60th Anniversary of the Worker's Party of North Korea.

  Some sources indicate that the fifth version has a new Fire Control System (FCS), including a new ballistic computer and thermal vision. The main gun is swapped for a 125mm unit, probably a copy of the Russian 2A46.
Chong'ma- ho's are regarded as advanced tanks in North Korea, and are thus allocated to elite units of the KPA. Such units will act as spearheads in case of invasion of South Korea begins.

  Many assume that North Korea has acquired more recent T-72 and T-90 tanks. This assumption is based on the fact that several Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) or former Warsaw Pact countries had these models in stock. North Korea might have obtained these tanks, together with samples of ERAs, for research. North Koreans are fairly familiar with the technologies of the T-62, including the chassis and engine. Through a process of reverse engineering, engineers are able to install parts of later tanks, i.e., 125mm smooth bore gun, ERA, newer FCS, and high-power Diesel engines, on the already familiar T-62s. This provided a cost-effective way to unlock the potential of the old T-62.

  Nevertheless, it is without doubt that the T-62 is way outdated. Even the later T-72s did not stand a chance against M1 MBTs in the Gulf War. The combat effectiveness of Iraqi troops are seriously affected by low morale and lack of training. In serious shortage of petrol and food, it is a question whether normal combat training and exercises are still regularly taking place in North Korea. At least one can get some clues from the increasing number of abandoned jets on the airfields due to lack of maintenance.

• Pok'pung-ho

Pok'pung-ho form the right side

First discovered by journalists and military fans outside North Korea in the year 2002, this type of MBT was thus named as M-2002. Early production models can be traced back to the 1990s. This was a rather turbulent time for many communist countries: the USSR had dissolved, politics were unstable in Eastern Europe, many governments had been overthrown and replaced. During this period, American troops began the invasion of Iraq, also known as Operation Desert Storm. The poor performance of Iraqi T-72 tanks when resisting American troops shocked many of its operators. With the knowledge of K1 MBTs being allocated to South Korean armoured corps, North Korea began reflecting on its own armoured forces and tank tactics. Studies on three types of Soviet tanks, namely the T-72, T-80, and the T-90, had been carried out. Some sources claim that North Koreans had also acquired samples of Chinese Type 88 tanks for studying purposes.

The chassis and engine of the Pok'pung-ho are identical to that of the T-72, except for a slightly increased length and an additional pair of road wheels. Early models are equipped with 2A20 115mm main guns, which was later upgraded to the 125mm 2A46. Later models had composite armour and ERA specifically designed. A 14.5mm MG is installed on the top of the turret, which also houses four smoke grenade launchers on each side.

Pok'pung-ho in parade

The appearance and build quality of these tanks seem rather obsolete compared to tanks of the same era. No additional armour is installed to protect the road wheels and most parts of the tracks, as well as the engine hood, making it prone to personal AT weapons. On some models, a thin plate of armour is installed in front of the lower hull, which leads to premature explosion of incoming AT shells before they impact on the main armour.

A Pok'pung-ho during exercise

Currently, no photos of the interior have been leaked. The Pok'pung-ho is likely to be equipped with an autoloader similar to that of the T-72, as well as a Fire Control System. Russian 125mm 2A46 guns are capable of firing Anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), thus it is safe too assume that the Pok'pung-ho possesses the same ability. It is also clearly shown in the photos that certain parts of the Fire Control System are not effectively integrated, such as the laser rangefinder and infrared searchlight.

The South Korean K1A1 MBT, which is slightly smaller in size compared to the M1A1 Abrams

K1A1 MBTs during winter exercise

The production has been fairly slow due to economic hardships and the nuclear programme. Around 200 of these tanks are currently in service in the KPA, all of which are allocated to the elite 105th armoured division. This spearhead unit operates both the Chong'ma-ho and the Pok'pung-ho.

朝鲜的主战坦克 / North Korean Main Battle Tanks (Chinese Version)

• T-54/55，59式

北朝鲜 T54/55

        这型坦克以及其多种改型，以大约8万6千辆至10万辆的产量，毫无争议地成为了世界上产量最大的坦克。资料显示朝鲜装备有总数约2000辆左右的此系列坦克（http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_People%27s_Army_Ground_Force#Tanks）（http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/dprk/kpa-equipment.htm），T-54,、T-55和59式均有（North Korea Country Handbook, May 1997, US Department of Defense) 。关于每个型号的具体装备数量，不同的资料来源有不同的数据，似乎存在争议。带有一点可以肯定，那就是朝鲜装备的这些坦克早已老旧，保养不当更给这些博物馆级的装备雪上加霜。朝鲜最近一次获得这型坦克已是1992年，而在当时它们已经远远落后于西方的主战坦克，如M60，M1以及韩国的K1系列。

T-55

       炮塔的装甲厚度为203毫米，车壳仅99毫米，质量和后来的均质轧钢装甲不在一个档次。据我观察朝鲜装备的此系坦克并未加装爆炸反应装甲，而且可能是由于过于老旧的关系，没有出现在今年4月15日的阅兵式上。T-54、59式使用高爆反坦克弹时，在1000米距离的穿甲深度才达到300毫米，而且火炮的最大俯角仅5度，不适宜在朝鲜半岛地区的地形作战。区分T54（59式）和T-55的方法，是看其炮塔上有无半球形通风装置。

中国59式，可以观察它顶部的半圆形通风装置

• T-62

        美国国防部97年5月出版的《North Korean Handbook》中，把北朝鲜的T-62和“天马虎”列为同一种坦克。可能此书的编者认为“天马虎”只是T-62基础上幅度不大的改进型，甚至有人认为，“天马虎”坦克就是在北朝鲜T-62坦克上换装14.5毫米高射机枪而成的。个人认为，“天马虎”的基础无疑是T-62，只是改动幅度没有如此之小。

北朝鲜 T-62（模型）

        60年代初期，因美国当时在最新式M60系列坦克上安装了105毫米M68线膛炮，苏联人便决定在T-62安装一门新设计的115毫米滑膛炮，以取代T54/55上的100毫米线膛炮。其动力系统与T-54/55相同，装甲厚度有所提升，炮塔前部为242毫米，车体前部为60度倾斜，102毫米厚的装甲。这导致车重在T54/55的基础上有所增加，致使机动性有小幅度的降低。个人认为T-62和T54/55并无太大差距，而且在北朝鲜获得T-62时，这种坦克已全面过时。据我了解，北朝鲜在70年代从苏联分批获得了大约500辆T-62坦克（具体型号不明），后开始自行组装T-62/“天马虎”系列坦克。

    2011年，大概有2000辆T-62/“天马虎”坦克在北朝鲜军队服役（http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-62#Operators）。

• “天马虎”

        这型坦克十分有趣。一般认为它是在T-62基础上改进后的，到现在为止一共出现5种型号（外界观察）。在近些年阅兵式上出现的型号，是经过数次改进后的后期型。在炮塔后部有反应装甲，在炮根处加装了激光测距仪和红外探照灯。初期的天马虎继续使用T-62上的115毫米滑膛炮。下图是朝鲜工人党成立60周年阅兵式上的天马虎。

        有资料称，天马虎在第五次改动之后，装备了新的观瞄系统和火控系统，包括新的弹道计算机和热成像仪。主炮更换为125毫米口径的，2A46的仿制品。

        “天马虎”在朝鲜被看做是较高级的主力坦克，所以也被配给了较高级的部队。一旦发生战争，将主导部队突破韩军防线，或在后方纵深中充当移动防御力量。

这是较早期的天马虎，可以看到炮塔上的8块反应装甲和新设计的烟幕弹发射器。

        有观点认为朝鲜曾经获得过新型的T-72和T-90型坦克，这一点并不难，因为很多与朝鲜关系亲密的前华约国家或亲苏国家，都有装备T-72坦克的基本型或是改型，并同时给了爆炸反应装甲的样品，以供研究。至于T-90型坦克，本身就是T-72的改型，俄罗斯或是其他有装备的国家可能无偿或有偿提供了基本型以供参考。朝鲜人可谓是吃透了T-62的技术，了解其底盘、动力系统、各项参数等。他们把运用在新型坦克上的技术，例如125毫米炮，爆炸反应装甲，更大马力的柴油引擎，以及带红外成像和激光测距的观瞄装置等，移植到成熟的T-62底盘上来，进行重新的设计，提升现有平台的潜力，并为旧坦克的升级改装提供选择。经估计，北朝鲜装备的原装或是自行组装的T-62，都可进行一系列升级，但是无论怎样升级，T-62已经全面过时是毋庸置疑的事实。海湾战争中，伊拉克陆军装备的T-72在面对联军的“挑战者”和“艾布拉姆斯”系列坦克时，完全处于下风。技术基础和训练不足，以及低落的士气，大大影响了伊军装甲部队的战斗力。朝鲜燃油严重短缺，粮食又不足，虽然优先供应军队，但日常的训练是否还能有序进行？装甲车辆的保养情况是否正常？这些都是难以解答的问题。从北朝鲜军用机场里停放的，数量不断增加的废弃战斗机，应该可以看出一些端倪来。

• ＂暴风虎＂

绘制的“暴风虎”侧视图

        此型坦克在2002年首次被外界发现。一般认为，研制从1990年代初期开始。这一时期，苏联解体，朝鲜从俄罗斯以及其他独联体国家获得了大量的即将退役的T-72，甚至还有T-80和T-90。同一时期，第一次海湾战争爆发，出口型T-72坦克在伊拉克的恶劣表现，使很多国家为之震惊。同时，韩军装备了和早期型艾布拉姆斯相似的K1型主战坦克（后升级为K1A1）。有鉴于此，朝鲜开始对自己的装甲力量进行反思。通过研究此三型苏制坦克的结构和性能，朝鲜在一定程度上掌握了它们的技术。有消息称，朝鲜也获得了中国88式坦克的技术，不过很难证实。从负重轮和引擎舱判断，＂暴风虎＂的底盘是基于T-72的。初期性装备了仿制自2A20的115毫米坦克炮，后期经过改进，装备了以2A46为基础的125毫米炮。后期型同时装备了自主设计制造的复合装甲和爆炸反应装甲，抗弹性能相对均制轧钢装甲的T-62有所提高。除了7.62毫米PKT并列机枪以外，炮塔顶部还有一挺14.5毫米高射机枪。烟幕弹发射器位于炮塔两侧，一侧4具。

以上两图为韩国K1A1主战坦克，相较“艾布拉姆斯”略小

     
      从外部看，此型坦克的工艺相对粗糙，行走机构只有上半部分的一排装甲板，无多余防护，引擎盖完全裸露，在城市站中，易受单兵反坦克武器攻击。某些型号驾驶舱下半部分的装甲被额外的薄装甲板保护，目的在于提前诱爆来袭弹药。驾驶舱上部放置备用履带板，也起防御作用。

阅兵式上的“暴风虎”

        该型坦克的内部照片从未公开，无法判断是否安装了T-72类的自动装填机。俄2A46型坦克炮可以发射炮射反坦克导弹，因此有理由推测＂风暴虎＂也具有这种能力。若是朝鲜吃透了T-72的技术，火控系统也应源于T-72，包括PNK-3或PNK-4型昼夜观测系统，红外线感应器和激光测距仪。不难发现，观瞄系统并未有效整合在一起，很多元件裸露在外，极易损坏。外界认为此型坦克生产速度一直缓慢，生产过程中也不断改进，而资金经常被挪作他用，至今装备不过二百辆。并且配给精锐的105装甲师，此部队同时装备＂天马虎＂和＂暴风虎＂两种坦克。

训练中的“暴风虎”

On April 15 N.Korea Military Parade (English Version) / 4月15日朝鲜阅兵式 （英文版）

APRIL the 15th is the first Paramount Leader of North Korea, Mr Kim Il Sung's birthday. To commemorate his 100th birthday last month, Pyongyang held a grand military parade, the typical North Korean way to celebrate monumental events. As a result of the high frequency of military parades, few new weapons have been displayed. There will always be new additions to the existing armoury every time a parade is held, but we military fans have been left an impression that those 'new' equipment has already existed and been planned to be unveiled on specific events. I did not watch the video footage of this event, and my observations are all made from a number of photographs.

    My personal view is that in recent years, North Korea has fewer breakthroughs in technology, its weapons and equipment are kept on the same level for nearly a decade. Some equipment that appears to be new additions, but their first production and introduction in other countries can be traced back for years. I have  also found out some interesting pieces, some of which we may not be familiar with, to share with you.

    1) 9K111 Fagot (NATO reporting name AT-4 Spigot)

Loading vehicle should be the product of the UAZ (Ulyanovsk Automobile Plant), sinilar to the UAZ-469. For specific information, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAZ-469. But this is not the focus. This type of anti-tank missile was developed by the Tula Machinery Design Bureau (Tula KBP) and production began in 1970, production model named 9K111 Fagot, NATO reporting name AT-4 Spigot ( not to be confused with the AT-4 unguided anti-tank weapon of Swedish origin). When using 9M111M missile, it is capable of piercing 400 mm of homogeneous rolled armour (RHA), and only 230mm when the armor is tilted to an angle of 60 degrees. They would probably get a chance when attacking M48 tanks, but when  attacking South Korean K1 series tanks? Although I do not have the data of the K1's armour, but my conclusion should be: powerless. Moreover, South Korea hopes to complement the existing K1 tanks with newly developed K2 tanks, meanwhile phasing out the outdated M48 series. This missile would also be unable to penetrate South Korean T-80U tanks, and can only be used to attack other armoured targets. Missile launchers are placed on open top loading vehicles with four men on board, two of whom are equipped with T-88/T-98 (AK-74) assault rifles,no machine guns are mounted on the vehicles. The members are so poorly protected, even infantry can easily deal with them, hence its survivability on the battlefield is rather low.

    2) 9K310 Igla-1 SAM (NATO reporting name SA-16 Gimlet)

The truck-mounted quad anti-aircraft guns and dual SA-16 missiles with all female operators in the second figure seem rather special. However, it appears to be an old photo. The first photo was taken on the 15th, in which the soldiers are holding radios or maybe GPS scramblers. I need some help to identify the nature of this device. North Korea is able to produce the base models of SA-16 SAMs. Its original designer, Kolomna, said that it has an opportunity of 30% to 48% to shoot down targets with no countermeasures, typical performance of an SAM in the 70s.

    3) RPG-7 Rocket Grenade Launchers

Only in North Korea, we see KPA infantrymen on a parade with RPGs. This almost makes it an North Korean speciality. the second photo was shot in previous parades, in which common PG-7 HEAT rockets are shown. In contrast, soldiers in the Apr 15th parade are holding launchers armed with 105mm PG-7R grenades, a fairly new design that emerged in 1988. It is equipped in relatively small numbers due to its high cost as a tandem HEAT grenade that is particularly effective against ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour). The smaller warhead on the front end would destroy ERA bricks and allow its main warhead to be undisturbed when attacking the main armour. Penetration ability is estimated to be around 600mm. This weapon poses a greater threat to South Korean K1 tanks, as compared to the AT-4 missiles just shown.

    4) Newly developed Long Range Ballistic Missile

This is the first official debut of the new Long Range Ballistic Missile in woodland camouflage. However no official information is found. It is reported that China supplied the carrier of this missile with a possible range of 4500km. Wan Shan Automobile Factory, which has collaborations with a missile carrier producing factory in Minsk, exported the vehicles to North Korea. The three-stage missile has never been test-fired, making us suspect its value in combat. The failures of North Korean rocket tests proved that the nation is not  capable in developing such long range missiles. Therefore it would be a success for this missile to fly and reach the target area, before we further question its accuracy. The camouflage patterns are rather in fashion compared to the Scud-like missiles the country has shown before.

    5) Light Machine Gun, unknown model.

Look at this RPK-like light machine gun that plays the same role as the Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in the US military. Folding stock, 30-round metal magazine are elements of assault rifles instead of light machine guns, while its long and heavy barrel, and the bi pod attached clearly indicates it is the North Korean counterpart of the RPK-74. Anyone know its specifications?

   These are my personal observations of the parade, comments are welcome, as I have already posted it share with you.

4月15日朝鲜阅兵式 /On April 15 N.Korea Military Parade(Chinese Version)

        上个月的15日，是北朝鲜第一代最高领导人金日成诞辰百年的纪念日。平壤又在这天举行了盛大的阅兵式，以示庆祝。阅兵次数频繁，致使每次举办时看点数量较少。新型装备总会有，但给人以早计划好在何时亮相的感觉。我没有直接观看电视直播或是录像，仅凭亲眼所见的数张照片说事。

        个人感觉朝鲜近年来在武器装备上的突破越来越少，有些首次出现的装备，还是别国早已生产、装备了数年的。我也发掘出了一些有趣的装备，不一定都是新出现的，给大家分享一下。
        1）9K111 Fagot 反坦克导弹

       载车原型应是乌里昂诺夫斯克机车厂的产品，酷似UAZ-469。具体介绍请见http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UAZ-469（英文）。不过这不是重点。此型导弹系原苏联图拉机械设计局开发，1970年开始生产，型号为9K111 Fagot。北约名称AT-4 Spigot，注意不要和瑞典AT-4型火箭筒相混淆。朝鲜装备的是哪种具体型号，及装备数量多少，我并不清楚，维基百科上未列出数据。使用9M111M导弹时穿甲能力为400毫米均质轧钢装甲，对于以60度角倾斜时的装甲只有230毫米的穿甲能力。攻击M48坦克还有机会，但攻击韩国K1系列坦克时呢？尽管我没有K1坦克装甲的数据，但结论应该是：力不从心。况且韩国希望用新开发的K2坦克与K1形成互补，并逐渐淘汰M48系列，此导弹面对韩国少数T-80坦克也是无力，只能用来攻击其他装甲目标了。导弹发射器置于无顶棚载车上，载员4人，携2支T88/T98（AK-74）突击步枪，无车载机枪。成员防护如此之差，步兵即可搞定，相信战场生存能力不会很高。

        2）SA-16 “手钻”单兵便携式防空导弹

   第二张图的四联装高射炮加每车两具SA-16比较特别，全女性操作员。不过是老图，并不是4月15日阅兵式上的。第一张图则是4月15日当天拍摄的，图中士兵手持的是单兵电台？或者是GPS干扰器更靠谱些？才疏学浅，不会辨认。SA-16的基本型号朝鲜已能自己生产。设计公司原苏联Kolomna（列宁勋章与红旗勋章国有机械设计局）表示其有30%到48%的几率击落无反制能力的目标，已是上世纪70年代的老旧设计。

        3）RPG-7火箭发射器

        步兵方阵气势磅礴地携RPG-7火箭发射器经过主席台，这是很有朝鲜特色的画面。每次阅兵都以差不多同样的姿态出现。第二张图是往届阅兵式上所拍摄，第一张则是4月15日当天拍摄。我的观察不一定准确，但第二张图内应是85毫米PG-7高爆反坦克火箭弹。第一张图就特别了，这种串联战斗部，105毫米的PG-7R火箭弹1988年才出现，成本较高，数量不多，长度超过其它型号的火箭弹，专门用作攻击爆炸反应装甲之用。位于头部的小战斗部，先击毁爆炸反应装甲块，让主要战斗部得以全力攻击主装甲。穿甲深度大概在600毫米。这种火箭弹对于K1坦克的威胁，个人感觉要大于AT-4反坦克导弹。

       4）新型远程弹道导弹

    这型洲际弹道导弹还是头一次出现，向各位请教制式名称。三级构造，据传射程达到4500公里发射车是从中国万山汽车厂引进的。已经证实万山汽车厂2011年向朝鲜出口了大型运载车，8轴设计，16个全动轮。问题是此型弹道导弹从没有经过实弹射击实验。朝鲜的火箭技术仍不过关，银河-3号火箭升空后解体。这种导弹的精度先不谈，光是能否安全飞行，并抵达目标区域上空就值得担忧。不知道采用的是用固体还是液体燃料的发动机，按常理采用固体燃料的长程弹道导弹应放在发射筒中保存。有消息说西方有人士通过照片断定此型导弹是模型而已，我不敢苟同。照片毕竟是照片，若是朝鲜连基本外形都做不好，不能使人信服的话，那部署假导弹的意义何在？话说回来，这还是此型导弹首次亮相，载车的涂装也相当新潮，和北朝鲜以往飞毛腿式的载车有很大不同。

        5）某型轻机枪

      

         是否直接改进自RPK呢？从弹匣弧度来看，使用的应该是5.45毫米弹药。总体设计比较奇葩：折叠式枪托，30发弹匣。这些突击步枪的元素出现在拥有加长、加重枪管的支援性武器上，是不是会影响火力持续性及射击精度呢？枪口消焰器好像是自己的新设计，原型RPK及RPK-74上没有，也不知其它规格是否接近RPK-74，请高手指教。

      这些仅是我个人的观察，拿出来同大家分享一下，相信看过阅兵式的各位也都有自己所喜欢的镜头吧。