WS51200
The WS51200 is an extremely large and heavy transporter erector launcher built by Wanshan Special Vehicle in China. The WS51200 is one of the largest in the WS family of transport trucks and TELs. The size of the WS51200 allows it to carry intercontinental ballistic missiles.
| WS51200 | |
|---|---|
WS51200 during the North Korean 2013 Victory Day. | |
| Type | 16x12 heavy strategic truck/transporter erector launcher |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| Used by | KPA Strategic Force |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Wanshan Special Vehicle |
| Manufacturer | Wanshan Special Vehicle |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 42 t (empty) |
| Length | 20.11m[1] |
| Width | 3.35m[1] |
| Height | 3.35m[1] |
| Crew | 1+4[1] |
| Engine | Cummins KTTA19-C700 turbocharged diesel engine[1] 700 hp (520 kW)[1] |
| Payload capacity | 80 tons |
| Suspension | 16x12 wheeled |
Operational range | 1,000 km (621 mi) loaded[1] |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h (37 mph)[1] |
Despite being made in China, North Korea remains the only users of these vehicles.[2]
Description
The WS51200 is a large 16x12 special wheeled transporter erector launcher which used some technology from the Belarusian Minsk Automobile Plant's MZKT-79221 vehicle.[1] Its large size allows the WS51200 to carry extremely heavy loads of up to 80 tons. As such, the WS51200 could easily mount a nuclear-tipped ICBM.
Unlike smaller Chinese TELs from Wanshan Special Vehicle, the WS51200 uses and is powered by the Cummins KTTA19-C700 turbocharged diesel engine rather than the German-made Deutz turbocharged diesel engine.[1] This more powerful engine gives the WS51200 700 hp and a maximum range of a 1,000 km.[1] The TEL is steerable on its first 3 and last 3 axles, which significantly reduces turning radius and makes it surprisingly maneuverable despite its size.[1]
North Korean controversy
The WS51200 may have been deployed to North Korea by China to assist development and modernization of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile program. The United States Treasury accused Wanshan Special Vehicle of covertly aiding North Korea in terms of its mobile ballistic missile capability.[3][when?] China denied responsibility.
In 2011, it was reported that eight WS51200 vehicles were exported to North Korea under the guise of it being a lumber transport in order to avoid UN sanctions.[4] North Korea currently uses the WS51200 to mount the Hwasong-13 and the Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missiles.[1]
See also
Operators
Current operators
North Korea
North Korea is the sole and current operator of the WS51200.
Former operators
China
While not an operator, The PRC is the chief manufacturer of the WS51200 TEL.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Wanshan WS51200".
- ^ "Belarus Involved in Production of North Korea Mobile Ballistic Missile Launcher". 29 July 2019.
- ^ Panda, Ankit (16 October 2017). "US Treasury Designates Chinese Firm That Transferred ICBM-Toting Heavy Trucks to North Korea". The Diplomat. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
- ^ Lewis, Jeffrey; Hanham, Melissa; Lee, Amber (3 February 2014). "That Ain't My Truck: Where North Korea Assembled Its Chinese Transporter-Erector-Launchers". 38 North. Retrieved 15 March 2022.