323 MLRS (BM-11)

ChieftainWarrior · January 24, 2024, 8:38am

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North Korea sub-tree in China
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323 MLRS (BM-11)

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Unknown official name

Brief History
North Korea has a surprisingly long history of tank and AFV production, with some of their most recent developments being very interesting. During the Korean War, and for a couple decades after, North Korea relied on Soviet hand-me-downs, namely T-34s and their derivatives, T-55s, etc. In the 70s, the DPRK started development of their first MBTs based on their copy of the T-62 (Ch’ŏnma), which have continually been upgraded to this day. They haven’t just built MBTs, however. They have a number of other AFVs, such as SPGs and tank destroyers.

Alongside these vehicles, North Korea has developed a number of APCs. In 1973, the 323 was spotted for the first time (sometimes incorrectly referred to as VTT-323 in the west). The 323 is a derivative of the Chinese YW 531A, which the DPRK bought and operated, with the biggest changes being the addition of a turret, one extra roadwheel, and amphibious capabilities. This suggestion focuses on 1 of the 2 rocket launcher variants of the 323.

Characteristics
The 323 MLRS removes the turret added onto the North Korean 323 APC variant and replaces it with 2 3x2 rocket launchers. The launchers are the BM-11, the North Korean variant of the Soviet BM-21 ‘Grad.’ These launchers fire the 122mm M-21OF rockets. Each rocket weighs 65kg, has a maximum velocity of 660-690m/s, and 6.4kg of explosives inside the warhead. These rockets should peform similarly to those of the Japanese Type 75 MLRS in game.

This variant lacks the 14.5mm KPV that other 323 variants have.

The 323’s engine is believed to be the same as that on the Chinese YW 531 – 320hp. The US estimated the top speed of the 323 at 80km/h, but it is much more likely to be around 65km/h.

Armour is probably very similar (if not identical) to the YW 531, being ~14mm all around.

The 323 has a crew of 4 – commander, driver, gunner, and machine gunner

Conclusion
This vehicle would be a fun mid-tier rocket launcher for a North Korean sub-tree. I think it would play relatively similarly to the Type 75 MLRS in game, with better mobility, and very similar rocket performance, so I think a BR of 7.0 is good.

Specifications
Armament

BM-11 122mm rocket launcher
- M-21OF rocket
- 12 rounds, unknown number stored in hull (likely 12)
- 65kg total weight, 18.4kg warhead with 6.4kg explosives
- 660-690m/s

Armour