- Yes
- No
- Tech tree (DPRK/United Korea)
- Premium/Event (DPRK subtree)
- Premium/Event (United Korean tree)
- Other (e.g. Iranian tree)
- I said no
Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces
History
North Korea adopted the Soviet T-62 as their MBT in the 70s, replacing their antiquated T-34s and T-55s (although over 2000 T-55s are still in service today). They were produced domestically, with the first leaving the production line in 1976. These were designated Ch’ŏnma (roughly meaning ‘Pegasus’) – ‘Chonma-ho’ is often used online, but this designation is fake and not used by North Korea.
The Ch’ŏnma copied the turret of the T-62 obr. 1972, and the hull of the T-62 obr. 1962. However, North Korea also made a few minor changes, mostly to the turret. Namely, they replaced the two handles on each side of the turret with just one on each side – this is by far the easiest way to differentiate them from the T-62. They also modified the loader’s hatch, as well as changed the anti-aircraft mount to a 14.5mm KPVT, which could traverse 360°. The only change to the hull was not including supports for mine rollers on the lower plate, which was a common feature on Soviet-built T-62s.
In the early 1980s, the Islamic Republic of Iran ordered a number of Ch’ŏnma’s from the DPRK. The Iranian Revolution of 1978-1979 had overthrown the pro-US monarchy, facilitating much closer relations between Iran and North Korea. An unknown number of vehicles were delivered, although a commonly-cited figure is 150. These were used extensively during the Iran-Iraq War, which began following Iraq’s invasion in 1980, and lasted until 1988. At least one Ch’ŏnma was quite famously captured by Iraq, which then likely just put it in storage until 2003, when the US discovered it after the beginning of their invasion. The vehicle has since been scrapped. 75 Ch’ŏnma’s are said to still be in service with Iran as of 2023.
- Captured Ch’ŏnma photographed after it’s discovery by US troops
Characteristics
Iran does not appear to have modified the Ch’ŏnma in any way
The Ch’ŏnma is armed with a stabilised 115mm U-5TS, and likely fires APFSDS rounds imported by North Korea from the Soviet Union, such as 3BM3 and 3BM4, alongside 3BK4 HEAT-FS and 3OF11 HE rounds. Iraqi T-62s used 3BM6 APFSDS rounds, and so Iran may have captured some. The Ch’ŏnma’s turret has 214-240mm of frontal armour, 140-165mm of side armour, and 65mm at the rear. The hull is 100mm, sloped at 60°, 80mm at the sides, and 45mm at the rear. The tank weighs 37t, and is equipped with an engine providing 580hp, letting it reach a top speed of 51km/h (and 8km/h in reverse).
- Iranian Ch’ŏnma being loaded onto a trailer
Conclusion
Iran is one of the very few nations that operated the Ch’ŏnma, the others being Ethiopia and Eritrea. It therefore represents quite a unique vehicle that I believe would fit best as a premium vehicle for a future North Korean sub-tree or United Korean tech tree, or alternatively as part of an Iranian tech tree.
Specifications
Armament
- 115mm U-5TS
- Stabilised
- 3BM3 APFSDS
- 3BM4 APFSDS
- 3BM6 APFSDS
- 3BK4 HEAT-FS
- 3OF11 HE
- 14.5mm KPVT
- 7.62mm coaxial
Armour
- Hull
- Front - 100mm at 60º
- Sides - 80mm at 0º
- Rear - 45mm at 2º
- Turret
- Front - 214-240mm
- Sides - 140-165mm
- Rear - 65mm
Mobility
- Speed
- 51/-8 km/h
- Weight
- 37t
- Engine power
- 580hp, 15.7hp/t
Other
- Crew
- 4 – Commander, gunner, loader, driver
Images
Sources
Spoiler
Ch'ŏnma - Tank Encyclopedia
T-62 (Object 166) - Tank Encyclopedia
Tankograd: T-62
The Armed Forces of North Korea: On the Path of Songun – Stijn Mitzer and Joost Oliemans