M1981 North Korean 122mm Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
M-1981
Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
Other
Basic Information
Name
M1981 North Korean 122mm Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
Designation
M-1981
Alternate Designation
M-1981
Equipment Type
Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
Manufacturer
—
Date of Introduction
1981
Description
The M1981 is a North Korean 122 mm self-propelled gun. Its actual designation is unknown. The M1981 is provisional designation, allocated by a US Department of Defense. Number in the designation denotes the year when this system was first observed by US intelligence. This North Korean artillery system was adopted in the late 1970s or early 1980s and is used to this day. As far as it is known the M1981 was not exported outside the North Korea.
Ground Specifications
Crew
8
Engine
Diesel (300 hp)
Active Protection
None
System
Alternative Designation
M-1981
Type
Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
Caliber
122 mm
Manufacturer
INA
Chassis
This self-propelled artillery gun is based on a lightly armored tracked chassis. The same chassis was used for the North Korean M1974 self-propelled gun-howitzer. Most likely that it is a heavily modified Soviet ATS-59G artillery tractor.
Crew
8-9 ea
Emplacement Time
under 3 minutes
Displacement Time
under 3 minutes
Note
The M1981 can be seen as a North Korean attempt to create a self-propelled artillery system, somewhat equivalent to the Soviet 2S1 Gvosdika and to improve mobility and protection of their D-74 towed guns.
Dimensions
Length, Hull
6.3 m
Length, Gun Forward
8 m
Width
2.6 m
Height
2.6 m
Weight, Combat
25 tons
Automotive
Engine Name
A-650
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
300 hp
Cruising Range
500 km
Speed, Maximum Road
45 km/h
Speed, Average Cross
INA
Speed Maximum Swim
Not Amphibious
Gradient
60 %
Side Slope
30 %
Vertical Step
0.8 m
Trench
2.85 m
Fording Depth, without Preparation
1.1 m
Fording Depth, with Preparation
1.5 m
Main Weapon System
System
Name
This self-propelled artillery system is armed with an ordnance of the D-74 122 mm/L52 gun.
Type
Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)
Caliber
122 mm
Barrel Length
52 calibers
Maximum FIring Range
24 km
Maximum Rate of Fire
7 rpm
Elevation
0-45 deg
Traverse
INA
Ammunition
Name
INA
Type
Projectile
Caliber
122 mm
Types of Ammunition
The North Korean artillery system fires High-Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG), Armor-Piercing Tracer (AP-T) and concrete-busting rounds.
Projectile Weight
27.3 kg
Armor Penetration
An AP-T round penetrates 185 mm of rolled homogenous steel armor at a range of 1 000 m
Basic Load
INA
Auzillary Weapon System
Note
No information available as to the type of Auxiliary Equipment
Fire Control
Name
INA
Computerized FCS
INA
Main Gun Stabilization
Yes, Two large stabilizing spades are lowered to the ground at the rear before firing.
Direct Fire
Yes
Indirect Fire
Yes
Protection
Hull Armor
Armor of the M1981 provides some degree of protection for its crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. The gun retains its original splinter shield. Though top of the superstructure is opened and completely unprotected. In traveling order it can be covered with bows and canvas cover. This artillery system has no defensive armament, except firearms of its crew members.
Turret Armor
INA
Applique Armor
INA
Explosive Reactive Armor
No
Active Protection System
No
Mine Clearing
No
Self-Entrenching Blade
INA
NBC Protection
INA
Smoke Equipment
INA
Image Sources
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
—
Width
2.6 m
Height
2.6 m
Weight
25000 kg
Operators (1)
North Korea
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