Military of China, force comment.
Military of China, force comment.

North Korea made the latest “Storm Tiger” main battle tank training

According to the Russian world arms trade center site on August 18 reported that the DPRK new main battle tank M-2002 “Storm” may be borrowed Chinese Type 85 tanks, part of the design. “Storm” tank of the development work began in the late 1990s, and will be used to replace the existing fleet of old Korean People’s Army, “Pegasus” main battle tank.

“Storm” main battle tank of the assembly work in Beijing, Liu Shou-tank plant, which is currently equipped with only the most elite of North Korea in Beijing Liu Shou-105 tank division, however, towards the future of several military also expected to equip independent tank regiment of the tank. According to military experts estimate that since the domestic economy towards a more severe, so the “Storm” the number of tanks and equipment in the foreseeable future can not achieve the “Pegasus” tank level (which the equipment is about 1400).

are experts in analyzing North Korea’s official announcement of the “Storm” tank image, pointed out that the tank’s body shape and the former Soviet T-62 tanks and 85 in China is very similar to the basic set is that this tank is in the depth of the modern T-62 improved the product, but also learn from China’s 85 during the tank’s design.

Russian experts believe that the “Storm” the weight of slightly more than 40 tons, the main weapon of a 115 mm or 125 mm 2А26/2А46 2А20 type type smoothbore gun. Taking into account the size of the latter gun, it is installed to the “Storm” are not likely to tank. However, due to “storm” of the insulation is not installed on the gun casing, so the shooting accuracy will be affected. In addition to guns, but the tank is also equipped with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and a turret mounted on top of the base manual to 14.5 mm antiaircraft machine gun in the turret flanked by two double-pipe smoke, high explosive grenade launchers . Using 14.5 mm machine gun, rather than the more common 12.7 mm heavy machine guns, is likely to deal with the United States and South Korea’s attack helicopters, however, will undoubtedly limit its hand against the base effect of the helicopter.

“Storm” T-62 chassis and is equipped with no significant difference. As for the engine, it is likely copied from the former Soviet V-55, power less than 700 horsepower. Released from the current photo, the tank is equipped with a cross wind sensor, indicating that it has equipped with the improved fire control system. “Storm” body installed in front of the infrared headlights that the tanks and equipment are still targeting the first generation of night vision equipment at night, under ideal conditions the maximum observation distance of 1 km should be about. The first generation of infrared aiming devices very poor anti-interference ability, even if the enemy not to interfere with a single shot is produced by one’s own would be sufficient to significantly weaken the gunner fire the night observation capability.

As for the “storm” of armor protection, it is very reminiscent of the former Soviet Union in Afghanistan with the T-62. From its current photos, the “Storm” turret armor may only be able to gather ammunition against old-fashioned, but can not afford to fight modern anti-tank missiles. Needs to be emphasized is that this tank top almost did not take any effective protective measures.

on overall performance, the “Storm” tank only to the 1970s when the world level, with the South Korean Army’s main battle tanks and equipment there is still significant gaps.

According to military experts estimate that North Korean military is a total of 3500-3900 vehicles equipped with various types of tanks, most of which are former Soviet Union production. While South Korea is equipped with 2,300 tanks. (Compass)