- Yes
- No
- North Korea sub-tree in China
- United Korea tree
- Other
- I said no
Brief History
North Korea, despite what some may think, has a surprisingly large variety of tanks and other AFVs. Aside from their indigenous variants and developments of the Soviet T-62 (Ch’ŏnma), the DPRK imported a number of T-34s and T-54s/T-55s from the Soviet Union following the end of the Korean War (T-34s immediately after, T-54/55s in the late 60s). Around the same time, they also imported Chinese Type 59s, which are effectively the same as the T-54/55. Around 3500 of these are still in service today.
At an unknown time, the DPRK began equipping their T-54/55s and Type 59s (as well as their T-62s/Ch’ŏnma) with slat armour.
Characteristics
This particular vehicle I’m suggesting is a T-55, as it is the only one with photo evidence, but North Korea did equip a number of other tanks with this same armour as evidenced by the supports for them. I’m unsure specifically as to what variants of T-55 North Korea used, but given the timeframe, I think we can assume they used the base version and likely T-55As as well. At the very least, their normal T-55s were equipped with a 14.5mm KPVT and likely imported the same ammunition the Soviets used (which could mean the same ammo as the in-game T-55A). And all T-55s had a stabiliser, so this vehicle would be the same as the T-55A in game, even if not identical visually.
This slat armour is rudimentary but it should protect somewhat against early HE/HEAT rounds. Otherwise, the vehicle remains identical to the standard T-55. It extends around the side of the hull and most of the turret, although I’m unsure if it goes around the turret rear; I haven’t yet found any photos of the rear of DPRK T-55s with the slat armour attachements.
Conclusion
This vehicle would be a nice semi-unique vehicle for a future North Korean sub-tree. I think it would work best as a premium at the same BR as the T-55A, at 8.3.
Specifications
Armament
- 100mm D-10T2S
- Stabilised
- 3BM-8 APDS
- BR-412D APCBC
- 3BM25 APFSDS
- 3BK17M HEATFS
- OF-412 HE
Armour
- Hull
- Front
- 100mm
- Sides
- 80mm + slat armour
- Rear
- 20-45mm
- Front
- Turret
- Front
- 130-200mm
- Sides
- 100-160mm + slat armour
- Rear
- 66-110mm
- Front
Mobility
- Speed
- 51m/h
- Weight
- 36t
- Engine power
- 580hp, 16.1hp/t
Images
Sources