M1977 North Korean 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
M1977
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Other
Basic Information
Name
M1977 North Korean 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Designation
M1977
Alternate Designation
M1977
Equipment Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH)
Manufacturer
—
Date of Introduction
1977
Description
M1977 North Korean 122mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH). Its actual designation is unknown. The M1977 designation was allocated by a US Department of Defense. The number in the designation denotes the year when this system was observed by US intelligence. This North Korean artillery system was adopted in the mid-1970s and is widely used to this day. As far as it is known the M1974 was not exported outside North Korea.
Ground Specifications
Crew
8
Engine
Diesel (320 hp)
Active Protection
None
System
Alternative Designation
M1977
Type
Self-Propelled Howitzer
Caliber
122 mm
Manufacturer
INA
Chassis
The M1977 self-propelled howitzer is based on an M1973 armored personnel carrier chassis, which is sometimes referred as VT-323.
Crew
8-9 ea
Emplacement Time
Under 3 minutes
Dsiplacement Time
Under 3 minutes
Dimensions
Length
5.5 m
Width
2.9 m
Height
2.7 m
Weight, Combat
16 tons
Automotive
Engine Name
Deutz BF8L413F
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
320 hp
Cruising Range
400 km
Speed, Maximum Road
60 km/h
Speed, Average Cross
INA
Speed Maximum Swim
5 km/h
Gradient
60 %
Side Slope
30 %
Vertical Step
0.6 m
Trench
2 m
Fording Depth
Amphibious
Note
The M1977 self-propelled howitzer is fully amphibious. Even though rear-mounted waterjets of the M1973 armored personnel carrier were removed, this vehicle is propelled on water by its tracks. It can ford inland waterways such as lakes and rivers.
Main Weapon System
System
Name
The Soviet D-30 122 mm/L38 Howitzer
Type
Howitzer
Caliber
122 mm
Length, Barrel
38 calibers
Maximum Firing Range
21,9 km
Maximum Rate of Fire
6-8 rpm
Elevation
0-70 deg
Traverse
INA
Ammunition
Name
INA
Type
Projectile
Caliber
122 mm
Projectile Weight
14.08 - 21.76 kg
Basic Load
INA
Armor Penetration
A High-Explosive (HE) projectile penetrates a 180 mm steel armor plate.
Note #1
This North Korean artillery system uses an ordnance of the Soviet D-30 towed howitzer.
Note #2
The Soviet D-30 122 mm/L38 towed howitzer was created in the late 1950s and eventually proved to be a successful weapon. It was exported to numerous countries, including the North Korea. Maximum range of fire is 15.3 km with a standard High-Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG ) projectile and 21.9 km with rocket-assisted projectile.
Auxiliary Weapon System
Note
There is no information available about the type of auxiliary Weapon Systems are mounted on the M1977.
Fire Control
Name
INA
Computerized FCS
INA
Main Gun Stabilization
Yes, two large stabilizing spades are lowered to the ground at the rear.
Direct Fire
Yes
Indirect Fire
Yes
Protection
Hull Armor
The tracked chassis is lightly armored and has enclosed sides, but open top. It provides some degree of protection from small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. In traveling order the open top can be covered with bows and canvas cover.
Turret Armor
INA
Applique Armor
INA
Explosive Reactive Armor
No
Active Protection System
No, This artillery system has no defensive armament, except firearms of its crew members.
Mine Clearing
No
Self-Entrenching Blade
No
NBC Protection
INA
Smoke Equipment
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
5.5 m
Width
2.9 m
Height
2.7 m
Weight
16000 kg
Operators (1)
North Korea
Something went wrong. Please reload the page.
Reload