The Bulsae-4, also called M-2018, is an advanced North Korean Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) combat vehicle designed to conduct combat operations against armored threats. This system is part of North Korea's ongoing efforts to modernize its military technology and improve the effectiveness of its infantry units in combat scenarios.
Country users: North Korea
Technical Data
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Armament
The Bulsae-4 or M-2018 combat vehicle features a rotary missile launcher mounted on the roof of a North Korean M-2010 wheeled armored vehicle with a 6x6 wheel configuration. This launcher can accommodate up to eight missile containers. The missiles are equipped with large stabilizers designed for top-attack profiles, allowing them to strike armored vehicles at their most vulnerable points. The missiles have an effective range estimated between 10 to 25 kilometers and utilize an electro-optical seeker for guidance, combined with command guidance via optical fiber cable. This system supports manual guidance through a video link, enabling the operator to adjust targeting and ensure high accuracy, even beyond the line of sight. For its self-protection, a bank of three smoke grenade dischargers is mounted on each side at the front of the turret.
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Design and protection
The Bulsae-4's design is focused on mobility and rapid deployment. The M-2010 vehicle offers protection to the crew while providing the flexibility to operate in various terrains. The vehicle's 6x6 configuration enhances its off-road capabilities, ensuring the system can be quickly repositioned. The crew typically consists of two to three operators who handle the targeting, firing, and reloading processes. While specific armor details are not disclosed, the vehicle is likely designed to provide basic protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.
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Mobility
The Bulsae-4 is based on a North Korean M-2010 wheeled armored vehicle, which provides substantial mobility. The M-2010 is powered by a diesel engine, delivering sufficient horsepower to navigate rough terrains and maintain high operational speeds. The 6x6 wheel configuration of the vehicle ensures stability and enhances its ability to maneuver in diverse environments, including mud, snow, and rocky landscapes. The vehicle's suspension system is designed to absorb shocks from uneven surfaces, improving crew comfort and operational efficiency. The M-2010 has a maximum road speed of approximately 90 km/h and an operational range of up to 500 kilometers on a full tank, enabling sustained operations without frequent refueling. This vehicle is a derivative of North Korea’s 6x6 APC, believed to be highly inspired by the Soviet BTR-80s, with some design elements taken from older BTR-60PBs. The M-2010, revealed in 2010, is essentially a shorter BTR-80 with the second set of wheels removed. In 2018, it was adapted as the basis for an NLOS ATGM carrier, designated here as the M2018 6x6 ATGM Carrier.
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Combat Equipment
The Bulsae-4 is equipped with advanced firing control systems that include an electro-optical seeker and command guidance via an optical fiber cable. This setup allows the operator to view the terrain and targets in real-time and make necessary adjustments to ensure precision targeting. The system likely includes basic optics for targeting and potentially more sophisticated range-finding equipment to enhance accuracy. Additionally, the vehicle and missile system are expected to incorporate NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection measures to safeguard the crew in diverse combat environments. The vehicle features Laser Warning Receivers (LWRs) and smoke grenade launchers on either side of the turret.
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