- Yes
- No
- North Korean sub-tree in China
- United Korea tech tree
- Other
- I said no
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. However, 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 (conventional and ATGMs).
The Chuch’e-Po (Chuch’e meaning ‘self-reliance’; also romanized as Juche) chassis was developed sometime in the 90s to replace the older Tŏkch’ŏn SPG series. This has formed the basis for a number of SPGs, of which this is the first variant. M1991 is the designation given by the US DoD, although M1992 also appears to be used interchangeably.
Characteristics
The Chuch’e-Po chassis is derived from the later Ch’ŏnma MBT variants, specifically the Ch’ŏnma-215 onwards, as evidenced by the 6 roadwheels, instead of the 5 of the T-62/early Ch’ŏnma’s. Everything else about the hull is new however, although it does bear some visual similarities to the Soviet 2S3 Akatsiya.
There are supposedly around 4 variants of the Chuch’e-Po, all with different armaments – one with the D-74 122mm, one with the D-30 122mm, and two with 152mm cannons. I’m unsure of the accuracy of this claim however, some other sources claim they are indigenous 122mm guns, especially as images don’t line up perfectly (and I haven’t seen any good sources talking about the 152mm versions). The version I’m suggesting here mounts one of the 122mm cannons, which some sources state is a D-74. I believe this is the case, and I don’t think it has been modified, unlike some of the later variants. The first Chuch’e-Po variant mounted the D-74 as well, and this particular version seen in 2018 is an upgrade to that original one. I’m unsure as to whether it has been spotted outside of this parade, as I can only find 2 images.
The standard D-74 has a variety of shells, with HE, smoke and even APHE. The gun fires at roughly 885m/s, over 200m/s faster than the D-30 mounted on other Chuch’e-Po variants.
The vehicle has a closed turret, a first for North Korean SPGs. Compared to it’s older D-74 brother, this version, much like pretty much every vehicle revealed in 2018, has:
- 2x Igla
- 2x 30mm grenade launchers (copy of Soviet AGS-17)
- Smoke launchers on turret
Conclusion
This vehicle would be a great indigenous mid-tier SPG for a North Korean sub-tree. It is essentially the same as the original D-74 Chuch’e-Po, but has the nice additions of smoke, 30mm grenades, and even the Igla. I therefore propose a BR of roughly 6.3-6.7, at around the same level as the D-30 Chuch’e-Po (2018).
Specifications
Armament
- 122mm D-74
- HE
- APHE
- Smoke
Armour
- Hull
- Front
- Unknown, likely roughly 7-20mm
- Sides
- Unknown, likely roughly 7-20mm
- Rear
- Unknown, likely roughly 7-20mm
- Front
- Turret
- Front
- Unknown, likely roughly 7-20mm
- Sides
- Unknown, likely roughly 7-20mm
- Rear
- Unknown, likely roughly 7-20mm
- Front
Mobility
- Speed
- ~50km/h
- Weight
- Unknown
- Engine power
- Unknown
Other
- 2x 30mm grenade launcher (AGS-17)
- 2x Igla
- Smoke launchers
Images
Sources