WS51200

The Wanshan WS51200 is an extremely large and heavy transporter erector launcher built by the People's Republic of 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.
Type16x12 heavy strategic truck/transporter erector launcher
Place of originChina
Service history
Used byKorean People's Army Strategic Force
Production history
DesignerWanshan Special Vehicle
ManufacturerWanshan Special Vehicle
Specifications
Mass42 t (empty)
Length20.11m[1]
Width3.35m[1]
Height3.35m[1]
Crew1+4[1]
EngineCummins KTTA19-C700 turbocharged diesel engine[1]
700 hp (520 kW)[1]
Payload capacity80 tons
Suspension16x12 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.[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 has a steerable on both its first 3 axles and its last 3 axles, which significantly reduces turning radius and makes it surprisingly maneuverable despite its size.[1]

North Korean Controversy

The WS51200 is noted due to controversy surrounding its involvement in the development and modernization of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile program. According to the United States Treasury, it accused Wanshan Special Vehicle for covertly aiding the DPRK in terms of its mobile ballistic missile capability.[3] China denies responsibility.

In 2011, it is reported that eight WS51200 was 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, China is the chief manufacturer of the WS51200 TEL.

References
  1. "Wanshan WS51200".
  2. "Belarus Involved in Production of North Korea Mobile Ballistic Missile Launcher".
  3. "US Treasury Designates Chinese Firm That Transferred ICBM-Toting Heavy Trucks to North Korea".
  4. "That Ain't My Truck: Where North Korea Assembled Its Chinese Transporter-Erector-Launchers".
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