|
Entered service |
? |
|
Crew |
? |
|
Dimensions and weight |
|
Weight (empty) |
15 t |
|
Length |
~ 10.5 m |
|
Width |
~
3.3
m |
|
Height |
~ 2.6 m |
|
Armament |
|
Caliber |
240-mm |
|
Number of tubes |
12 |
|
Rocket weight |
407 kg |
|
Warhead weight |
90 kg |
|
Firing range |
? - 43 km |
|
Full salvo duration |
48 - 96 s |
|
Reloading time |
? |
|
Mobility |
|
Engine |
diesel |
|
Engine power |
? |
|
Maximum road speed |
60 km/h |
|
Range |
? |
|
Maneuverability |
|
Gradient |
? |
|
Side slope |
? |
|
Vertical step |
? |
|
Trench |
? |
|
Fording |
? |
|
The M1985 is
a multiple launch rocket system, developed in the North Korea. It
was first observed by US intelligence in 1985. Number in the
designation indicates the year it was first observed. This artillery
system was produced in quantity. According to some reports, North
Korea has about 200 of these launchers in service. Large numbers of
these systems are located north of the demilitarized zone and are
targeted towards South Korea. The DPRK has about 500 various
long-range artillery systems within range of Seoul. This artillery
system has been exported to Iran.
The M1985
has 12 launching tubes for 240-mm unguided spin-stabilized rockets.
The type is easily identified by it's two rows of 6 tubes. A
standard HE-FRAG warhead weights 90 kg and contains 45 kg of high
explosives. Other types of warheads exist, including
incendiary, smoke and chemical. It is claimed that maximum range of
fire is 43 km. This artillery system can launch one rocket every 4
or 8 seconds.
Four
manually-operated stabilizing jacks have to be lowered, prior to the
rockets being launched. Elevation and traverse controls are also
manually-operated. Vehicle can leaves firing position within 2
minutes.
The M1985
MLRS is based on a Japanese Isuzu 6x6 truck. The same chassis is
used for the North Korean 122-mm MLRS. This launcher pack can be
also adapted to any suitable cross-country truck.
The M1985 is
supported by a reloading vehicle, which carries one complete reload
and is fitted with a crane. Reloading would normally be carried out
well away from the firing position, to avoid counter-battery
fire. A battery of the M1985 consists of five launching vehicles.
Variants
Fadjr-3,
Iranian MLRS, similar to the M1985. It is believed that Iran have
taken delivery of 9 artillery rocket systems. It is understood that
production technology has also been transferred to Iran.
Iranian-built vehicles are based on a commercially available
Mercedes-Benz 6x6 truck chassis;
M1991, a
more powerful rocket system, fitted with 22 tubes for 240-mm
rockets. It is in service with the North Korea.
|