North Korean camouflaged MLRS
New MLRS in parade formation
The DPRK is developing new types of weapons and equipment based on its needs and capabilities, which often leads to very interesting results. Thus, a few days ago they showed for the first time a pair of new multiple launch rocket systems intended for militia units. These combat vehicles are built on the basis of available trucks and are disguised as civilian vehicles.
Technique at the parade
On the evening of September 8, a military parade of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Militia (Guard) and the DPRK Red Young Guard took place in Pyongyang, dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the DPRK. By area Kim Il Sung's parade squads of various structures and formations involved in the defense of the country marched solemnly. Also participating in the parade was a mechanized column, which included both already known and new models.
For the first time, a pair of unusual MLRS were shown at an open event. These combat vehicles are made on the basis of civilian equipment, while maintaining its appearance for camouflage. The parade squad included several “vans” and “dump trucks” with unusual “cargo” for military purposes.
Vans with launcher
It is curious that not only missile launchers were camouflaged. The crews of combat vehicles also hide their specialty. Thus, the crews of the “vans” were dressed in white coats of logistics and trade workers, and the “dump trucks” were driven by “workers” and “builders” in overalls and helmets. However, the presence of machine guns in the hands of these militias violates the conspiracy.
Unfortunately, no additional information about the two new MLRS for the militia has yet been revealed. However, these products are built on the basis of ready-made components that can be easily recognized - and from them the main capabilities and potential of the equipment can be determined. In addition, one should evaluate the very concept of camouflaged rocket artillery combat vehicles, implemented, obviously, in industrial conditions.
Rocket Van
The first to enter the square were MLRS disguised as trucks with insulated vans. These vehicles are built on a two-axle chassis, probably of North Korean or Chinese origin. A container is mounted on the chassis, outwardly similar to units for transporting food, etc. cargo.
A sliding hatch is provided in the roof of such a container to lift the launcher into the firing position. The rear hinged door opens to release reactive gases; the doors are fixed on the sides of the van. There is another sliding door on board for access inside and work with the launcher. In addition, there are spaces inside to accommodate crew numbers that do not fit in the main cabin.
The launcher of such an MLRS is quite simple and unified with units of other combat vehicles. A swinging frame is used, which is responsible for vertical guidance. The elevation angle determines the firing range. It is likely that horizontal guidance is possible within a small sector.
On the swinging part there are two packages with six launch tubes in each. Judging by the dimensions and proportions, this MLRS uses 122 mm caliber shells. Accordingly, the main combat characteristics of the vehicle are at the level of the Soviet "Grad" and its copies - taking into account the smaller ammunition load. When using a standard family of projectiles, the “food van” can attack targets at ranges of up to 40 km.
Part of the crew moves inside the van
Larger caliber dump truck
The second new model is an MLRS disguised as a dump truck. This technique was made on the basis of Sitruk / HOWO vehicles or their local version from the Tokjun Seungri plant. At the same time, the chassis remains the same and the units of the standard body are used, but the latter has actually become a container for combat equipment.
In the case of a combat “dump truck,” the front and side walls of the body are made motionless. The tailgate is made folding, it performs the tasks of a gas emission shield. A swinging artillery unit was placed inside such a container body. Probably, the standard hydraulics of the dump truck are used to lift it. For the purpose of camouflage, there is a movable cover on top of the launcher, on which bags with imitation building materials are attached.
The dump truck launcher has two packages with six pipes in each. The guides have different proportions and it can be assumed that their caliber is 220 mm. In this case, the MLRS for the militia is an analogue of the Soviet “Uragan”. The maximum firing range can reach 35-36 km, and the difference in the size of the ammunition load is not critical.
MLRS based on a dump truck
Undisguised benefits
Thus, the DPRK began to equip its militia with rocket artillery of an unusual appearance. So far, two types of combat vehicles of this kind have been presented, but there may be other developments with certain differences and features. Moreover, all such samples, regardless of the exact appearance and parameters, have common advantages and disadvantages.
First of all, production, economic and operational advantages are achieved. Thus, both new MLRS use ready-made serial chassis with fairly high characteristics that do not require a special approach. Moreover, their conversion into military equipment is not associated with significant difficulties, and the technical characteristics correspond to the assigned tasks. In theory, North Korean industry can quickly establish a full-scale production of such MLRS and cover all the needs of the militia, sharply increasing its combat effectiveness.
The artillery part of both combat vehicles is made on full-fledged MLRS units and uses the same ammunition. This determines the combat qualities of the new equipment and its overall potential. In addition, unification of ammunition avoids unnecessary burden on industry and logistics.
Of great interest is the tactical potential of the “van” and “dump truck”, determined by their camouflage. In this design, MLRS can move on public roads among ordinary cars and not attract unnecessary attention. It will be extremely difficult for a potential enemy to identify and track camouflaged combat vehicles, even using all modern reconnaissance means.
As a result, the enemy will not be able to determine in advance the movement of the MLRS into position and take the necessary measures. A preventive “hunt” for such vehicles will be complicated by the presence of a mass of false targets in the form of ordinary trucks, and the effectiveness of such measures is in question. In fact, it is guaranteed to identify and hit a camouflaged MLRS only at the reloading point or at the firing position. For obvious reasons, the solution to such a problem is not simple.
For all their advantages, the two new North Korean MLRS have obvious disadvantages. First of all, this is a certain complexity of the design. The camouflage had to be paid for by the need to install additional units that are not required by a “regular” combat vehicle.
Launchers for 122 and 220 mm caliber rockets had to fit into the available volume of the van and body. Because of this, both vehicles have limited ammunition ready for launch. In this respect, they are inferior to full-fledged MLRS of the main types that use the same ammunition.
For your niche
The DPRK pays great attention to the development of missile weapons of all classes, starting from multiple launch rocket systems. MLRS of different calibers and designs are being developed, incl. simplified “mobilization” samples. In addition, they have now shown a pair of specialized camouflaged MLRS for use in militia artillery.
The resulting MLRS have obvious tactical advantages and obvious technical limitations. At the same time, competent use of such technology will allow you to fully realize its strengths and mitigate its shortcomings. In addition, with sufficient quantities, such equipment, together with other equipment of the militia and equipment of the armed forces, can become a means of deterrence and prevent negative developments.
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