Image source: topwar.ru
An improved version of the Cheonma-2 tank, officially designated Cheonma-3, was presented on the sidelines of an exhibition recently held in the DPRK. As Western observers have noted, the car has received equipment that allows it to overcome water obstacles without crossing crossings.
This will give tank troops the opportunity to cross rivers on their own and significantly increase their maneuverability. A cylindrical metal casing located in the aft part of the turret indicates the presence of a set of OPVT (equipment for underwater driving of tanks). South Korean K2 Black Panther tanks have similar systems, which are also equipped according to the principle of "when the river is on the shoulder."
Image source: topwar.ru
K2 Black Panther with optional
Most of the changes in the Cheonma-3 affected the turret, armor composition, and onboard systems. The updated tower is equipped with reinforced composite armor blocks, additional anti-aircraft missiles on the side panels and a set of anti-aircraft launchers located at the corners of the tower and on the edges of the roof, providing 360° protection from approaching threats. The tower became more angular in shape, which made it possible to increase the internal volume and accommodate new optical systems.
The commander's panoramic sight was moved to the rear of the turret, the front grenade launcher was replaced with a remote-controlled combat module, and the body was redesigned to accommodate the gunner's optics. It is believed that the main armament is the 125-mm smoothbore cannon of the 2A46 series, although some sources still mention the 115-mm cannon with an elongated barrel. Auxiliary armament includes an AGS-17, a 7.62mm PKT and two Bulsae ATGM on the right side of the turret.
Image source: topwar.ru
Cheonma-3
The power plant is probably a B-55 or B-12 diesel engine with a capacity of 750 to 1300 hp. Taking into account the torsion bar suspension and seven support rollers on each side, the total weight is estimated at 50-55 tons.
The earlier Cheonma-2 model, on the basis of which the Cheonma-3 was created, was first presented to the public at the parade in October 2020. It differed from previous North Korean modifications based on the Soviet T-62, with a longer chassis, an upgraded turret with composite armor and an ATGM system. During the shows in the following years, the car was gradually improved. The result of this improvement was the appearance of an independent version of Cheonma-3.
The total number of tanks in service with the DPRK is estimated to range from 3,500 to 5,000 units. Most of them are various modifications of the T–55, T-62 and Type 59, as well as upgraded vehicles such as the Chonma-ho, Pokpung-ho, Songun-915 and Cheonma-2.
