VTT-323 (M1973 Sinhung) North Korean Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
VTT-323
Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
Other
Basic Information
Name
VTT-323 (M1973 Sinhung) North Korean Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
Designation
VTT-323
Alternate Designation
—
Equipment Type
Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
Manufacturer
State Factories North Korea
Date of Introduction
1973
Description
The VTT-323 (M1973 Sinhung) North Korean Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) is the base variant of the family. It is an APC designed to transport an infantry section into combat with protection from small arms fire and shrapnel. It is armed to provide local protection against soft targets.
Ground Specifications
Crew
4
Mobility Type
Tracked
Main Weapon
14.5 mm KPVT MG
Engine
Diesel (320 hp)
Max Speed
65.0 km/h
Range
500.0 km
Variants
VTT-323, Anti-Aircraft
This variant of the VTT-323 is fitted with anti-aircraft MGs for the local defence of mechanised formations from slow or low flying airborne threats.
VTT-323, Multiple Launch Rocket System
The VTT-323 is also used as the base platform for a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). It is supposedly used in this role to engage emplaced positions at relatively close range and provide mobile formations with firepower that can be brought to bear at short notice and ensure that momentum is maintained.
VTT-323, Mine-Clearance Vehicle
There is thought to be, based on limited imagery that has been taken from a video, a variant of the VTT-323 that is used in a mine-clearance role. It deploys a form of mine-clearing line charge to achieve this goal.
VTT-323, Tank Destroyer
One final variant of the VTT-323 family is the tank destroyer variant, which uses the standard VTT-323 hull to transport a guided anti-tank missile.
System
Alternative Designations
VTT-323; M1973 Sinhung
Type
Armoured Personnel Carrier
Manufactuer
State Factories North Korea
Crew
4 ea
Troop Compartment Capacity
10 ea
Communications
It is possible that the communications systems are produced domestically. A 2017 South Korean report discussed the company Glucom or Glocom, which produces a series of radios. The report claimed that Glucom was capable of producing a GR-200 series of radios and GR-150s. The report stated that the GR-150 included digital encryption and a built-in GPS. It is, therefore, possible that North Korean forces deploy a relatively robust range of communications systems.
Note
The total number of VTT-323s produced is unknown but the vehicles are understood to be the Korean People's Army's (KPA's) primary armored personnel carrier (APC) and as a result the backbone of any North Korean mechanized operations.
Dimesions
Length
5.48 m
Width
2.8 m
Height
2.6 m
Weight, Combat
15 tons
Automotive
Engine Name
Deutz BF8L413F
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
320 hp
Maximum Cruising Range
500 km
Speed, Maximum Road
65 km/h
Speed, Average Cross
INA
Speed, Maximum Swim
6 km/h
Fording Depth
Amphibious m
Transmission
Manual
Gears
5 Forward, 1 Reverse ea
Slope
60 %
Side Slope
40 %
Vertical Step
0.6 m
Trench
2 m
Note
The VTT-323 is fully amphibious, propelled by its tracks when swimming.
Main Weapon System
Note
Mounted on the roof of the vehicle towards the rear is the one-man turret armed with a 14.5 mm KPVT MG and mounted externally on the roof is a Russian-designed Igla (NATO SA-16 Gimlet) fire-and-forget SAM. It is believed that the turret is manually operated. The weapons vary, and can include 7.62 mm general-purpose MGs or a pair of KPVTs.
Protection
Armor
The hull of the VTT-323 APC is of all-welded steel armour construction, which provides protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. The maximum thickness of the hull is understood to be the equivalent of a 24 mm armour plate, and this is most likely arranged around the front of the vehicle.
Applique Armor
No
Explosive Reactive Armor
No
NBC Protection System
INA
Smoke Equipment
INA
Details
Country of Origin
North Korea
Category
Land
Land
Filter Label
V
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
5.48 m
Width
2.8 m
Height
2.6 m
Weight
15000 kg
Operators (2)
North Korea
Zimbabwe
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