KN-09 MLRS

History

The modern North Korean army has a large stockpile of artillery systems - both towed and self-propelled. Part of this inventory includes self-propelled rocket launchers - or multiple rocket systems (MLRS) - with increasing range and ballistic capabilities. Groups available for military service include "KN-09".

The KN-09 is believed to have been designed and developed around 2014 or earlier, and was only introduced to the service page in 2016? ?).

At the heart of the KN-09 system is an eight-barrel launcher assembly capable of deploying 300 mm (12 in) surface-to-surface battlefield missiles. These missiles are estimated to have a maximum range of between 100 and 200 kilometers, and can carry a variety of warheads (including chemical, incendiary, and mines) rather than the typical HE-FRAG (high explosive, fragmentation) type.

The eight missiles act as two four-shot units and can be reloaded as a full four-shot pod, enabling the system to fire rockets for short periods of time. Set-up time is minimal, as is reloading ammo. Reloading depends on the supplied supply vehicle.

The launch vehicle is mounted on the rear of the KN-09 series military truck, which is powered by a diesel engine that powers a three-axle six-wheel arrangement. The front cab is fully enclosed to protect the operator.

The firing assembly is trainable to allow the weapon to engage at different angles without rotating the entire vehicle to face the line of fire.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

8 x 300mm rockets; reload depends on the included supply vehicle.

Changes