M-1978 Koksan North Korea 170mm Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
M1978 Koksan, M1978 SPG Koksan
170mm Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
Other
Basic Information
Name
M-1978 Koksan North Korea 170mm Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
Designation
M1978 Koksan, M1978 SPG Koksan
Alternate Designation
M1978 Koksan, M1978 SPG Koksan
Equipment Type
170mm Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
Manufacturer
Second Machine Industry Bureau, North Korea
Date of Introduction
1978
Description
The M-1978 Koksan is a 170mm self-propelled gun of North Korean design and manufacture. Very little information is available due to the secretive nature of the North Korean government. The designations M-1978 and Koksan were given to the type by American military analysts, as they first became aware of it in that year in Koksan, North Korea. What is known is that it is a 170mm (~6.69") self-propelled gun of the open turret type. It was first seen publicly during a military parade in 1985. At least one example has been acquired by the United States.
Ground Specifications
Crew
4
Mobility Type
Tracked
Main Weapon
170mm gun
Engine
V-12 Multi-Fuel (520 hp)
NBC Protection
Yes
Max Speed
40.0 km/h
Range
60.0 km
Variants
M-1989
he M1989 self-propelled gun was developed as a successor to the previous M1978 Koksan. Designation of this vehicle has been allocated by the US Department of Defense. Number in the designation indicates the year it was first observed by the US intelligence.
A key requirement for this artillery system was the capability of reaching Seoul from the north of the demilitarized zone. North Korea placed a great emphasis on artillery firepower, because of its air force limited ground attack capability.
System
Alternative Designation
M1978 Koksan, M1978 SPG Koksan
In Service
1978-Present
Manufacturer
Second Machine Industry Bureau, North Korea
Type
170mm Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
Family
Koksan, “Juche-Po” self-propelled guns family
Crew
4 (Driver, commander, gunner, loader) ea
Chassis
modified Chinese Type 59 medium tank chassis (copy of the Soviet T-54A)
Displacement Time
less than 10 min
Emplacement Time
less than 20 min
Note #1
Ammunition resupply vehicles are required to be assigned in the location of the M1978
Dimensions
Length
14.9 m
Width
3.27 m
Height
3.1 m
Weight, Combat
40 tons
Ground Pressure
INA
Automotive
Engine Name
V-59
Engine Type
V-12 multi fuel
Engine Power
520 hp
Cruising Range
300 km
Speed, Maximum Road
40 km/h
Speed, Average Cross
10 km/h
Speed Maximum Swim
Not Amphibious
Gradient
40 deg
Side Slope
20 deg
Vertical Step
1 m
Trench
2.5 m
Fording Depth
1.2 m
Communications
Radio
R-123M
Main Gun
System
Name
Unidentified 170mm gun
Type
170 mm
Breech Type
Screw-type breech mechanism
Length, Barrel
INA mm
Loader Type
Manual
Max Rate of Fire
1-2 per 5 min
Rate of Fire, Burst
1 rds/min
Muzzle Brake Type
Multi slotted muzzle brake
Fume Extractor
No
Max Elevation
INA
Min Elevation
INA
Traverse Range
20 deg
Traverse Left
10 deg
Traverse Right
10 deg
Maximum Firing Range
40-60 km
Power Rammer
More than Likely
Ammunition (Option 1)
Type
HE FRAG
Caliber
170 mm
Muzzle Velocity
INA
Basic Load
INA
Maximum Effective Range
40 km
Ammunition (Option 2)
Type
Rocket Assisted HE FRAG
Caliber
170 mm
Muzzle Velocity
INA
Basic Load
INA
Maximum Effective Range
60 km
Fire Control
Name
INA
Computerized FCS
INA
Thermal Sight Vehicle Commander
Yes, infra-red night vision equipment
Thermal Sight Gunner
Yes, infra-red night vision equipment
Main Gun Stabilization
Yes, Two large spades that are lowered to the ground manually before firing
Indirect Fire
Range drum
Direct Fire
INA
Collimator
K-1
Fire Control Computer
No
Fun Display Unit
No
Protection
Hull Armor
Open-mounted, providing no armored protection
Turret Armor
Open-mounted, providing no armored protection
Applique Armor
INA
Explosive Reactive Armor
No
Active Protection System
INA
Mine Clearing
No
Self-Entrenching Blade
No
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
Yes, smoke screen by injecting diesel fuel into the exhaust outlet
IR Signature
INA
Details
Country of Origin
North Korea
Category
Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Land > Artillery > Self-Propelled Gun/Howitzer Artillery Systems
Filter Label
M
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
14.9 m
Width
3.27 m
Height
3.1 m
Weight
40000 kg
Operators (2)
United States
North Korea
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