Country of origin |
North Korea |
Entered service |
1970s |
Crew |
? |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
40 t |
Length (gun forward) |
? |
Hull length |
~ 6.5 m |
Width |
~ 3.3 m |
Height |
? |
Armament |
Main gun |
170 mm gun |
Barrel length |
? |
Machine guns |
- |
Projectile weight |
? |
Maximum firing range |
40 - 60 km |
Maximum rate of fire |
1 - 2 rounds in 5 minutes |
Elevation range |
? |
Traverse range |
? |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
- |
Machine guns |
- |
Mobility |
Engine |
V-54 diesel |
Engine power |
520 hp |
Maximum road speed |
~ 40 km/h |
Range |
~ 300 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
40% |
Side slope |
20% |
Vertical step |
~ 1 m |
Trench |
~ 2.5 m |
Fording |
~ 1.2 m |
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The M1978
Koksan self-propelled gun was developed in North Korea. A key
requirement for this artillery system was the capability of reaching
Seoul from the north of the demilitarized zone. Designation of this
vehicle was allocated by the US Department of Defense. It was first
observed by US intelligence in 1978 in the city of Koksan, hence
its designation. This artillery system was first publicly revealed
in 1985. It is in service with the North Korean army, however the
number employed in not publicly reported.
A number of
these self-propelled guns were supplied to Iran. Some of these were
captured by Iraq in the late 1980s during Iran-Iraq war.
The M1978
Koksan is armed with a 170 mm gun of a previously unknown type. It
may be a Soviet naval or costal gun, supplied in the 1950s. It has
been mounted on top of the chassis in an open mount. This artillery
system is based on a modified Chinese Type 59 medium tank chassis
(copy of the Soviet T-54A). It is worth mentioning that North Korea
produced a significant amount of self-propelled artillery units,
mating towed artillery tubes with chassis already in inventory.
These incorporate proven technologies and components.
This
self-propelled gun fires high-explosive, submunition projectiles of
chemical rounds. Maximum range of fire is up to 40 km with extended
range projectile and up to 60 km with rocket assisted projectile.
Vehicle carries no on-board ammunition. Two large spades are lowered
to the ground manually before firing. Traverse range of this gun is
very limited to avoid overstressing the chassis.
Chassis of
the M1978 SPG provides the same level of protection as the Type 59
medium tank.
The M1978
Koksan is employed in regiments, each with a total of 36 weapons. A
number of these artillery systems are positioned north of the
demilitarized zone and are targeted towards South Korea. These units
operate from hardened artillery sites. North Korea placed a great
emphasis on artillery firepower, because its air force limited
ground attack capability.
Variants
M1989 later
version, developed as a successor to the M1978. It is based on a new
chassis and carries 12 rounds on-board ammunition supply.
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