|
Entered service |
late 1990s |
|
Crew |
4 men |
|
Dimensions and weight |
|
Weight |
~ 44 t |
|
Length (gun forward) |
? |
|
Hull length |
? |
|
Width |
? |
|
Height |
? |
|
Armament |
|
Main gun |
115-mm smoothbore |
|
Machine guns |
1 x 14.5-mm, 1 x 7.62-mm |
|
Elevation range |
? |
|
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
|
Ammunition load |
|
Main gun |
~ 40 rounds |
|
Machine guns |
300 x 14.5, 1 500 x 7.62 |
|
Mobility |
|
Engine |
diesel |
|
Engine power |
~ 750 hp |
|
Maximum road speed |
50 ~ 60 km/h |
|
Range |
400 ~ 500 km |
|
Maneuverability |
|
Gradient |
60% |
|
Side slope |
40% |
|
Vertical step |
~ 0.9 m |
|
Trench |
~ 2.8 m |
|
Fording |
~ 1.4 m |
|
Fording (with preparation) |
5 m |
|
The P'okpong
(Storm) is the latest North Korean main battle tank. It is
also popularly known as the M2002. Previously it was reported that
the new North Korean main battle tank is a derivative of the Soviet
T-72. However it seems that the M2002
is likely a further development of the T-62, which was
license-produced in North Korea. The M2002 was developed in the late
1990s to replace the previous Ch'onma (Flying Horse) series
of medium tanks, based on the Soviet T-62. It was first observed
during performance trials in 2002, hence the designation. Actual
production numbers of the new MBT are unknown, however it is
believed that only few of these new tanks are operational. It is
unlikely, that this new tank will be produced in large numbers,
considering the current economical situation of North Korea.
It is clear,
that considerable modification were made to original design of the
T-62. It uses a stretched hull with one road wheel added on each
side. It is believed that some of it's components and subsystems are
imported from China, Russia and possible Belarus.
Vehicle has
a welded hull and turret. Turret has a large wedge-shaped armor
module, bolted onto the front for improved protection. A large
turret bustle is built at the rear, which possibly contains crew
gear or additional ammunition. This MBT possibly might be fitted
with explosive reactive armor kit. However this tank looses in term
of protection to most current MBTs.
The M2002 is
possibly armed with a 115-mm smoothbore gun, similar to that of the
T-62. It is capable of firing a wide range of ammunition, including
HE, HEAT, HE-FRAG and APFSDS rounds. Despite that it is inferior to
modern 120-mm and 125-mm tank guns. This tank might carry over 40
rounds of ammunition. It is believed that this gun is loaded
manually. The P'okpong uses a relatively modern computerized fire
control system.
Secondary
armament consists of coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and another
manually-operated 14.5-mm heavy machine gun, mounted on top of the
roof. It might be used to engage ground and low-flying air targets.
It is
believed that this tank has a crew of 4, including commander,
gunner, loader and driver.
This tank is
powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing ~ 750 hp. The
road wheels and drive sprockets appears to be T-62 components.
Vehicle can be fitted with additional fuel tanks for expended range.
The M2002
losses to most contemporary main battle tanks in all critical
aspects, such as protection, firepower and mobility. It could not
match even older Russian, Chinese or South Korean main battle tanks.
Currently it is unknown if any specialized variant of this MBT, such
as armored recovery vehicle, bridgelayer or engineering vehicle have
been produced.
|