CONSTRUCTION AND MODIFICATION OF NORTH KOREAN NAVAL COMBATANTS, JANUARY 1983 THROUGH JULY 1986

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP87T00758R000103060001-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 35
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 26, 2012
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: March 1, 1987
• Content Type: REPORT

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Construction and Modification
of North Korean Naval Combatants,
January 1983 through July 1986 (S)
Imagery Analysis Report
Top t
March 1987
Copy
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Top Secret
Construction and Modification
of North Korean Naval Combatants,
January 1983 through July 1986 (S)
Imagery Analysis Report
This re ort was written by 1 25X1
and omments an queries are we - 25X1
come and may be directed to North Korea Branch,
East Asia Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC,
Top Secret
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Construction and Modification of
North Korean Naval Combatants,
January 1983 through July 1986 (S)
In 1983, the amount of new construction at North Korean naval ship-
yards began to decline from that seen in the early 1980s. Priority was given
to the completion of combatants already under construction. From 1983 to
1985, only three new types of combatants were designed and built: the 34-
meter and 32-meter midget submarines and the Pipa-A inshore minesweep-
er. The North Koreans concentrated on completing units started prior to
1983, including Taechong-class submarine chasers; Sohung, Soju, and
Chongju missile attack boats; Chongju patrol craft and torpedo boats; Sin-
hungtorpedo and patrol boats; and Hantae utility landing craft. In addition,
the series production of the Romeo attack submarines,18- and 21-meter
midget submarines, and Soju missile attack boats continued into 1986. Be-
tween 1982 and 1986, the new construction of missile attack boats had in-
creased the number of STYX missile launchers available to the North Kore-
an navy by approximately one-third. In 1986, the North Koreans shifted the
emphasis from naval combatants to civilian merchant/fishing ships at three
of the four shipyards (Najin, Nampo, and Yongampo Ri). (S/WN)
Additionally, a combatant modification program was also started in
1983 and was probably undertaken to upgrade vessel performance and ca-
pabilities, to tailor certain vessels to specific missions, or to utilize indige-
nously produced weapons. Changes in the following vessel classes have re-
sulted from the 1983-86 design modification program: the Soho frigate,
Sariwon and T-class patrol ships, Taechong I and II submarine chasers, the
Sinhung hydrofoil torpedo boat, the Chongjin hydrofoil patrol boat, and
the Nampo patrol boat. (S/WN)
The renewed naval combatant construction program that began in the
early 1980s followed a pattern similar to, but shorter than, that of the 1970s
program. A high level of importance was placed on naval combatant con-
struction in the early 1970s, and then the amount of naval construction
gradually tapered off. Toward the end of the decade, the emphasis turned
to civilian ship construction. Finally, after approximately one year, naval
combatant construction began again. (S/WN)
Toa Secret
If this pattern is repeated, the emphasis is expected to shift once more
from civilian projects to naval combatant construction in early 1987. How-
ever, arenewal of combatant construction would depend upon pressing
economic or social factors, such as those that created the need for a shift
from construction of naval combatants to large fishing vessels in 1979 and
1986. It could also be influenced by the need that the North Koreans per-
ceive for continued buildup and improvement of their naval forces. (S/WN)
Reverse side blank
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Construction and Modification
of North Korean Naval Combatants,
January 1983 through July 1986,(5)
Because the east and west coasts of North Korea
are isolated by the South Korean portion of the penin-
sula and naval craft do not transit from one coast to
the other, North Korean ships remain on the coast
where they are built. The four naval shipvards in North
Korea are Najin Shipyard Number 28
and Sinpo Shipyard South
coast; and Yongampo Ri Shi and
and Nampo Shipyard
coast (Figure 1). (S/WN
Najin is the major surface combatant shipyard for
the east coast. Over the years, its has produced the
largest number and variety of ship types of any North
Korean shipyard. Other than the surface combatants,
these vessel types include a large catamaran-hulled
frigate, SSMs of different types, a variety of landing
craft, and even an air-cushioned vehicle. Sinpo is the
only North Korean shipyard where attack submarines
are built. Most midget submarines and a limited num-
ber ofsurface combatants (Taechong-class submarine
chasers) are also constructed at Sinpo. (S/WN)
Only surface combatants are built at the shipyards
on the west coast. Nampo has historically been the
major shipyard on the west coast; however, in 1982
when construction of the Nampo Lockgate Taedong-
gang began, the amount of ship con-
struction at Nampo decreased and large caissons for
the lockgate were built. After construction of caissons
had been completed in late 1983, Nampo returned to
limited construction of combatants. Since the early
1980s, the focus of naval ship construction on the west
coast shifted from Nampo to Yongampo Ri. As of mid-
1986, Yongampo Ri still produced a larger number and
greater variety of surface combatants than Nampo.
(S/WN)
Figure 1. Locations of Naval Shipyards, North Korea
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
The body of this report describes the current sta- 25X1
tus of North Korean naval combatant construction and
modification. It also updates and supplements a previ-
ous NPIC report.' The descriptions are arranged by
ship type and class in order of strategic importance.
(S/WN)
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Attack Submarine (SS)
Construction of the Romeo-class SS began in
1974, and as of July 1985, 15 had been constructed
and launched. Components observed in the open stor-
age area at Sinpo Shipyard South through 1986 indi-
catethat this program is continuing. (S/WN)
The Chinese probably provided technical assis-
tance for the first 11 Romeo attack submarines con-
structed at Sinpo from 1974 to 1979.2 The program
was suspended in 1979; the lack of submarine
launches, the absence of components in open storage,
and the lack of component movement indicated an in-
terruption in the Romeo program. In May 1980, sub-
marine components were observed in the open stor-
age area where they remained until February 1982,
when they were moved to the large, inclined building
ways adjacent to the submarine construction hall.
(S/WN)
The three-year hiatus in submarine launches end-
ed in April 1982 when Romeo SS unit 12 was observed
in the fitting-out basin (Figure 2). This submarine was
probably not constructed using the Romeo compo-
nents moved from the shipyard to the building hall in
February 1982 because it would take longer than two
months to assemble those components, finish, and
Figure 2. Romeo SS Construction, 1982 through June 1986
UNIT
JAN-
MAR
APR-
JUN
JUL-
SEP
OCT-
DEC
JAN-
MAR
APR-
JUN
JUL-
SEP
OCT-
DEC
JAN-
MAR
APR-
JUN
JUL-
SEP
OCT-
DEC
JAN-
MAR
APR-
JUN
JUL-
SEP
OCT-
DEC
JAN-
MAR
APR-
JUN
82 83 84 85 86
12
13
14
~ ~
15
ESTIMATED TWO-YEAR PERIOD FOR
CONSTRUCTION
~ FITTING OUT/SEATRIALS
OPERATIONAL
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launch a submarine. Thus, unit 12 was probably an un-
finished unit from the 1974-1979 construction pro-
gram and was probably completed by the North Kore-
answithout Chinese assistance. (S/WN)
Unit 12 was the first Romeo SS to be returned to
the building hall for a brief period during fitting out.
The same fitting-out procedure was followed by each
subsequent Romeo unit. The fitting-out/sea-trial peri-
od for unit 12 lasted eight to nine months. (S/WN)
B Romeo unit 13 had been
launched. The North Koreans probably experienced
problems with this unit, because the fitting-out period
was unusually long-22 months. Additionally, the sub-
marine only had a primer coat of paint for up to eight
months; usually, the final coat of paint for a Romeo SS
has been applied within two months after launch.
(S/WN)
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Midget Submarine (SSM)
The North Koreans have the largest fleet of midget
submarines in the world. Pyongyang's high interest in
special operations forces and sea infiltration into South
Korea accounts for the large buildup of midget subma-
rines.3 This fleet contains one 34-meter SSM, one 32-
meter SSM, and thirty-seven 18-and 21-meter SSMs.
(S/WN/NF)
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~he 32-meter SSM was first observed on
while it was under construction at Najin Ship-
yard Number. 28. In late April 1984, this SSM was
moved back into the building hall and was not seen
again until it was launched late that year. Other than
one transit to Najin Naval Base, 8 kilometers (km)
south of Najin Shipyard Number 28, the SSM has re-
mained at the shi ard.
This unusual midget submarine was the first North
Korean midget submarine to be fitted with external
torpedo tubes, which were mounted onto the hull,
one on either side of the small sail. This configuration
resembles a World War II German UCIII U-boat de-
sign. (S/WN)
In addition to the torpedo tubes, the midget sub-
marine has other unique features, such as the raised
Top Secret
TCS-21216/87
structures on the bow and stern (Figure 5). Two nar-
row, raised structures on the bow extend the full beam
and may divert water from the torpedo/sail area. A
raised, rectangular structure on the stern has two rect-
angularopenings in the front and could be used to
propel or control the vessel. (S/WN)
The 32-meter SSM also is similar in some aspects
to the Italian COS MO S SX-404 submersible; both
have three large, circular limber holes on either side
(those on the COS MO S SX-404 are forward of the
sail; those on the 32-meter SSM are aft of the sail); a
flat, pointed bow; and a squared stern (Figure 6). How-
ever, the COS MO S SX-404 is only 17 meters long.4
(S/WN)
18- and 21-Meter Midget Submarines
The North Koreans have a large midget submarine 25X1
force including thirty-seven 18-and 21-meter SSMs. 25X1
Only six of the 21-meter SSMs have been confirmed;
the remainder of the inventory appear to be the 18-
meter version. The 18- and 21-meter SSMs have been
under construction since the 1970s. They are probably
an indigenous design that may have been derived from
the six 16-meter SSMs imported from Yugoslavia dur- 25X1
ing the 1973-74 period.3" (S/WN/NF) 25X1
These midget submarines are constructed at Sinpo
Shipyard South and re aired at Mayangdo Ri Naval
Repair Yard By mid-1983, 19 SSMs 25X1
were in the inventory. This number indicates a produc-
tion rate of four vessels per year. In 1984, this produc-
tion rate tripled and resulted in a total of 33 midget
*These six SSMs are included in the count of 18-and 21-meter SSMs
because the size difference is very difficult to detect on imagery, es-
pecially when the submarines are in the water. (S/WN)
25X1
25X1
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Frigate (FF)
The Soho FF is the only catamaran-hulled vessel in
the North Korean naval inventory and is equipped with
cruise missiles and a helicopter pad. It was laid down
in 1980 at Najin Shipyard 28 and operational by De-
cember 1982. In March 1983, the Soho FF was first ob-
served with an Mi-4 HOUND helicopter on deck. Dur-
ing 1983, the Soho FF conducted a few brief patrols
from its home port of Toejo Dong Naval Base (BE
he Soho was returned to the shipyard in
late 1983 where it remained for two and a half years.
Armament for the Soho FF includes four SS-N-2
(STYX) launchers; four Soviet-type RBU-1200s, one
100-mm forward gun, two twin 57-mmdual-purpose
guns, two 30-mm antiaircraft (AA) guns, one DRUM
TILT radar, one unidentified radar, and two twin 25-
mm AA guns (Figure 8). (S/WN)
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Patrol Ship (PGF)
In the early 19506, the North Koreans acquired
two T-class fleet minesweepers from the Soviet Union
and converted them into patrol ships.s In the late
19606, the construction of the four Sariwon PGFs in
the North Korean inventory began at Najin Shipyard
Number 28.6 (S/WN)`
Because the Sariwon design was based on the T-
class, both classes are similar in size and structure;
however, the original armament configuration was dif-
ferent. This difference may have been because of the
type of guns that were available to the North Koreans
at that times Both classes have a superstructure for-
ward of amidships and a stack with two quad 14.5-mm
AA guns on either side located amidships. However,
the classes differed in weapons suites. The Sariwon
had one 85-mm gun forward, four quad 14.5-mm AA
guns around the stack, and one twin 57-mm dual-pur-
pose gun aft. The T-class had one 85-mm gun forward,
two quad 14.5-mm AA guns on either side of the stack,
and three 37-mm AA guns aft. (S/WN)
During the 1970s, the forward gun of Sariwon unit
513 was changed to a twin 57-mm dual-purpose gun,
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and in 1983, the addition of two RBU-600s and depth
charges gave this vessel an antisubmarine warfare ca-
pability (Figure 9 and Table 1).5 Between late 1979 and
late 1984, units 511 and 512 had been modified differ-
ently at Munchon Up Naval Base and Shipyard (BE
Modifications to the two T-class PGFs were first
observed in 1984 at their home ports; it is unknown
when or where the modifications took place. Unit 571
appears to be similar to the modified Sariwon PGF; this
T-class has one 85-mm turret gun on the bow, two ad-
ditional quad 14.5-mm AA guns (for a total of four
around the stack), and two 37-mm AA guns aft (Figure
10). The only modification to T-class unit 1003 was the
replacement of the 100-mm forward gun with a much
smaller unidentified gun; the other armament on unit
1003 remained the same (Figure 11). (S/WN)
These modifications to the weapons suite do not
substantially alter or improve a vessel's firepower and
may have been made to tailor a vessel to a specific
mission or to utilize indigenously produced weapons.
(S/WN)
Table 1.
Changes to Weapons Configuration of Sariwon and
T-Class PGFs
Class Unit Remarks 25X1
Sariwon
__51_1_-- -
___ _
- -
Forward_gun changed to 85-mm turret gun
Twin 57-mm dual-purpose gun-aft replaced
with two probable 37-mm AA guns
-- -----
- 512
Same configuration as 5 41
14.5-mm-AA-guns -
- -.Forward gun-changed from 85-mm-to a twin
__ ___--Retained three aft 37=mm guns-and two quad
5Zmm_diial-purpose-gun
Retainedthe twin 57-mm dual-.purpose gun_
- - -more quad 14:5-mm AA guns
- -
One37-mm-AA gun removed-aft; two remain-
makirig the appearance similar to the -
- - -~
__: anvvon
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Submarine Chaser (PCS)
Taechong-Class PCS
Construction of the. Taechong-class PCS began in
the mid-1970s. All the Taechong PCSs-including the
Taechon I and its follow-on, the Taechong II-have a
length of Both
classes have a superstructure amidships and a deck-
house aft; however, the armament and electronics vary
between the classes. Features of the weapons suite
common to both include one POT HEAD surface-
search radar on the main mast, one 85- or 100-mm
forward gun; two RBU-1200s, and one twin 57-mm
dual-purpose gun aft. (S/WN)
Taechong)
Nine Taechong I units were constructed; the last
five are slightly different in design and armament from
the first four units of the class. Units 1 through 4, con-
structed at Najin and Nampo shipyards, are configured
with an 85-mm turret gun forward, two RBU-1200
antisubmarine rocket launchers aft of the forward gun,
two twin 14.5-mm AA guns on the forward edge of the
0-1 level, one twin 25-mm AA gun on the small deck-
house, one twin 57-mm gun aft, and one POT HEAD
surface search radar (Figure 12). One east coast Lnit
constructed at Najin has been slightly modified; the
RBUs are forward of the main gun. (S/WN)
25X1
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Units 5 and 6 were constructed at Najin and Nam-
po shipyards concurrently, and both were operational
by the fall of 1982. Unit 7 was begun in late 1979 at
Yongampo Ri Shipyard and was not operational until
These three vessels differ from the original four; a 100-
mm gun is forward, and the two RBU-1200s are in
front of the forward gun. However, on units 1 to 4, the
85-mm turret gun is forward and two RBU-1200s are
aft of this gun (Figure 13). (S/WN)
Two units were identified under construction in
May 1981 and early 1982 at Sinpo Shipyard South.
They were originally given the NPIC interim designator
Sin-A, but further analysis indicates that they have the
same weapons suite as units 5 through 7 and are the
same length. Therefore, these combatants can now be
confirmed as Taechong I PCSs. The only design change
is the extension of the 0-1 level of the superstructure
aft. (S/WN)
25X1
In 1983, a cover was constructed over the building
ways at Sinpo, so the Taechong I units with the aft su-
perstructure extension were not observed again until
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Taechong II PCS
In 1983, aTaechong-class PCS at Najin Shipyard
had been identified as Taechong I unit 8; however, af-
ter areview of imagery, this unit was confirmed as a
Taechong II. The combatant was last observed in mid-
August 1984, when it had one 30-mm AA gun position
on the 0-1 level and one 30-mm AA gun position aft of
the 57-mm gun on the stern. It also had a DRUM TILT
mount on the deckhouse and an extended 0-2 level on
the superstructure (Figure 15). (S/WN)
Missile Attack Boat (PTG)
Sohung PTG
North Korea's version of the Soviet Komar PTG is
the steel-hulled Sohung missile attack boat, which car-
ries two STYX missile launchers. The east coast So-
hungs have a 25-mm AA gun like the east coast Komar.
However, the west coast Sohungs have a twin 14.5-
mm AA gun. (S/WN)
Two Sohung PTGs were built at Nampo Shipyard 25X1
in the mid-to-late 1970s and home-ported at Chodo
Naval Base South. Construction of four more units be-
gan in 1980 at Najin. Although two of these were
launched that year, one was returned to the building
ways and relaunched in 1981. Construction of the two
remaining units resumed in mid-1983; two were com-
plete in May 1984. All four units were at their home
port of Puam Dong Naval Base by )uly. (S/WN)
Soju PTG
Construction of the Soju-class PTG began in mid-
has four STYX launchers, two 30-mm AA guns (one
forward and one aft), one DRUM TILT radar, and an
elongated superstructure. The only difference is that
the Soju is 4 meters longer with a more sharply point-
ed bow. (S/WN)
Construction of units 1 through 3 began in mid-
1980 at Najin Shipyard 28. In 1982, unit 1 was de-
ployed to its home port of Toejo Dong. Unit 2, which
was completed in mid-1983, transitted to Munchon Up
Naval Base and Shipyard in mid-1984. 25X1
25X1
So'u unit 3 was launched in August 1984 25X1
After fitting 25X1
out and seatrials, unit 3 should join the other two Soju
PTGs at Toejo Dong. Both units 2 and 3 underwent
long fitting-out and sea-trial periods, which could indi-
catethat problems were encountered with these units.
(S/WN)
The construction of units 4 and 5 began in mid-
1982 at Yongampo Ri Shipyard, and they were moved
to Nampo Shipyard in mid-1983, when they-were in
the midstage of construction. After a Ion final con-
struction period,
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Chongju-Class Hull
Nine Chongju-class hulls were originally con-
structed, five at Nampo on the west coast and four at
Najin on the east coast. The Chongju-class hull was
originally designed to be used for fire support with an
85-mm turret gun forward, a multiple rocket launcher
amidships, and a reload magazine aft. However, only
one of the nine units that had been laid down in 1974
and 1975 ever had this fire-support configuration, and
it was disassembled at Nampo in 1976. Of the nine
hulls, three were converted to missile attack boats,
four were converted to patrol craft, one was convert-
ed to a torpedo boat, and one remains in the building
hall at Najin. (S/WN)
Sinhung-Class Hull
Three types of vessels use the Sinhung-class hull:
hydrofoil torpedo boats (PTHs), torpedo boats (PTs),
and patrol boats (PBs). In the early construction
phase, they appear to be the same externally with the
deck plating, gun mounts, and deckhouse on the hull.
After this stage, whether the torpedo tube mounts
and sponsons are added or left off indicates which
type of Sinhung is being constructed. (S/WN)
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Chongju PTG
In May 1982, at Nampo Shipyard, three Chongju
hulls were being converted to missile attack boats. Like
the Soju PTG, these were indigenous copies of the So-
viet Osa-I-class PTG. The Chon 'u class is similar to
the Soju in that both are However,
unlike the Soju and Osa, the Chongju PTG has a slight-
ly narrower beam, an ogive bow, cruise missile launch-
ersmounted aft of amidships, and a slightly elongated
superstructure (Figure 19). (S/WN)
Conversion of all three hulls was complete by late
1983, and deployment of the Chongju-class PTG was
completed in November 1984, when the third boat
joined the others at Tasa Ri Naval Base
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2~ox~l
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Patrol Craft (PC)
Chongju PC
mid-1981 has a weapons suite and configuration like
the west coast patrol craft, except it has two twin 14.5-
Of the five Chongju-class hulls at Nampo, two
were converted to patrol craft and retained the origi-
nal 85-mm forward turret gun. Additional weapons in-
cludetwo waist-mounted twin 25-mm guns behind
the superstructure, two bridge-wing-mounted proba-
ble RBUs, two 37-mm guns on centerline aft, and
depth-charge rails on the stern. By late 1981, these
two units had been deployed at their home port of
Chodo Naval Base South. (S/WN)
Of the four Chongju hulls at Najin, two were con-
verted to patrol craft; however, each has a different
weapons suite. The first unit launched from Najin in
mm AA guns instead of probable RBUs on the brid e
wings (Figure 20). This unit was operational by ~ 25X1
~~and is home-ported at Toejo Dong. (S/WN) 25X1
The second unit from Najin was launched in mid-
1982. This patrol craft has a different weapons suite
that includes an unidentified small-caliber gun on the
bow replacing the 85-mm turret gun and two unidenti-
fied small-caliber guns aft of the deckhouse (Figure
20). This vessel is home-ported at Chongjin Naval Base
and may be associated with the marl- 25X1
time coastal defense force. (S/WN)
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Torpedo Boat (PT)
Chongju PT
Armament for the Chongju PT includes one un-
identified small-caliber gun on the bow and two torpe-
dotubes approximately 10 meters long. These new 10-
meter torpedo tubes are longer than the standard
tube found on all other North Korean PTs.
iTh's o er torpedo tube suggests that a new type of
torpedo, possibly with a longer range, has been devel-
oped. Inaddition, sponsons have been added on ei-
therside ofthe hull to support the outboard-canted
torpedo tubes. (S/WN)
Orgy the third of four Chongju hulls at
Najin was being reconfigured into a PT. This hull was
outside the building hall, and torpedo tube mounts
and side sponsons were being added (Figure 21). In
addition, a smaller forward dun mount had been in-
Sinhung PT
The Sinhung is the most numerous PT in the North
Korean inventory. In the fall of 1982, the number of
Sinhung PTs, both operational and under construction,
was at least 92. Construction continued at a rapid pace
in 1983, and at least six new Sinhungs (which is a con-
servativefigure due to limited coverage) were con-
structed at Najin. Also in 1983, at least 14 were built at 25X1
Yongampo Ri Shipyard on the west coast. In addition
to the units constructed at these two shipyards, eight
Sinhung PTs were the first new naval units laid down at
Nampo Shipyard since 1978. In 1983, the last year Sin-
hung PTs were constructed, the total was 120. (S/WN) 25X1
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Hydrofoil Torpedo Boat (PTH)
Sinhung PTH on the east coast in 1984. During the same year, three
hydrofoil torpedo boats were also observed at Pipa
In 1984 at Najin Shipyard, a new version of the Got Naval Base and Ship Repair Yard 25X1
Sinhung PT was identified, the PTH or hydrofoil torpe- and seven at Tasa Ri Naval Base, both on the west
do boat (Figure 22). Larger sponsons had been added coast. (S/WN)
beneath the torpedo tubes to accommodate the hy- ?~~?
(Figure 23). This hydrofoil design modification in-
creasesthe speed, maneuverability, and fuel economy
of the indigenously produced Sinhung PT. Eight new
hydrofoil torpedo boats were home-ported at Sanjin
Dong Naval Dispersal Area Southeast
'Since the sponsons are added in the midstage of construction, it
could be possible to convert a Sinhung PT to a PTH. However, no
evidence has confirmed that the North Koreans are convertirig op-
erational Sinhung PTs to PTHs; all PTHs appear to have been newly
constructed. (S/WN)
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Patrol Boat (PB)
Sinhung PB
converted to patrol boats.
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A patrol boat version of the Sinhung hull was
started at Nampo Shipyard in early 1984, when six
hulls were constructed without sponsons or torpedo
tubes. Two were launched in early April 1984 and re-
mained at the wharf until late May, when they were
exported to Nicaragua on the mership Monimbo. The
Nampo PB
At least 22 of the 99 Nampo personnel landing
craft (LCP) in the North Korean inventory have been
The Nampo LCP is 26 meters long with a bow
ramp and two twin 14.5-mm AA guns forward and aft.
It is operated by opening the clamshell bow doors and
extending the ramp so that the 30 to 35 people it car- 25X1
ries can disembark. The modifications to these boats
included removing the bow ramp, installing plating
over the bow opening, and probably welding the
clamshell doors shut. No other modifications have
been observed, and the weapons suite has remained
the same (Figure 25). (S/WN)
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Hydrofoil Patrol Boat (PBH)
Chongjin PBH
A Chongjin patrol boat had been converted to a
hydrofoil in late 1983 at Mayangdo Ri Naval Repair
Yard. When the PBH was modified, afour-foil system
was added instead of the two-foil system seen on the
Sinhung PTH. By July 1984, the sponsons of the PBH
had probably been modified; the forward sponsons
had apparently been shortened and widened.
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Inshore Minesweeper (MSI)
Pipa-A (21-Meter) MSI
The Pipa-A inshore minesweepers are the first
minesweepers indigenously produced by the North
Koreans. They are approximately 21 by 4 meters and
have a cable drum on the stern. Armament includes
one probable twin 14.5-mm AA gun on the bow (Fig-
ure 27). The Pipa-A is similar to the Soviet-built MO-V-
class minesweeper; however, this new-class MSI is
shorter and lacks a 37-mm AA gun aft.
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Utility Landing Craft (LCU)
The rate of production for Hantae utility landing
craft has slowed considerably since 1983 (Table 2). The
Hantae LCU is 46 meters long with a beam of 7 meters
and has an enclosed well deck and a bow visor (a por-
tion of the bow raises). The first two units had been
built by 1979 at Nampo and Najin shipyards. During
1981, four Hantae LCUs were in various stages of con-
struction at Najin. During the same year, Yongampo Ri
Shipyard took over Hantae production from Nampo
Shipyard-two units had been started at Yongampo
Ri. Units 1 through 5 were all operational by early
1983. Unit 7 was the next Hantae to be deployed, in
mid-1984,
Table 2.
Hantae LCU Production
1tJnit
Shipyard
Year
Qperational
`1
: ajira
T9Z8
2
Nampo
97;~
'
3
Najin
951
1
4
N
i
1-9&1
n
aj
5
N
i
- ;
-983
aj
n
6
Najin
1985
"
:7
l~angampal3i
1:9~
sl
Top Secret
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 I I I I I I ~ I __
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Glossary
Amidships. In or toward the middle of a ship.
Beam. Extreme width of a ship.
Building ways. Place where a ship is constructed and
launched from.
Deckhouse. A superstructure on a ship's upper deck.
Fabrication hall. Building where ship components are
manufactured.
Fitting out. The period following the launch of a unit
when the major constructing process is completed.
The vessel is made habitable and is prepared for oper-
ational testing of all functional components.
Graving dock. A drydock consisting of an elongated
basin of masonry or concrete, fitted with caisson gates
at the entrance, and designed so that a ship may be
floated in and the water pumped out, leaving the
ship's hull exposed for repair, overhaul, etc.
Launch. The process of moving a ship into the water,
either from a floating drydock or directly from a con-
struction hall. This activity should not be confused
with rollout, which is only the transfer of a vessel from
the inside to the outside of the construction hall.
Laid down. Beginning construction of a ship's hull.
Limber hole. A hole in the outer hull of a submarine
that allows water into the free-flooding area.
Mership. Merchant ship.
Ogive. A pointed arch.
Platten area. Storage area for plating.
Rollout. Only the transfer of a vessel from the inside to
the outside of the construction hall. This process
should not be confused with launching, which is the
process of moving the vessel into the water.
Sea trial. The checkout period conducted at sea when
all systems and subsystems of a vessel are exercised to
their design limits.
Sponson. A projection from the side of a ship.
Superstructure. The structural part of a ship above the
main deck.
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RUFF
References
Documents
1. NPIC. Z-14607/82, RCA-09/0021/82, North Korean Naval Ship-
buildin ,July 1980-August 1982 (S), Oct 82 (SECRET/
25X1
2.
FICPAC. BPP-23 3029/80, SS Submarine (S), 24 Jun 80 (TOP S
E-
CRET
25X1
-Extracted information is SECRET/WNINTEL.
3. North Korean Intelligence Operations Against
25X1
the South: The Im ortance of Sea Infiltration (CINF), Mar 86
25X1
4. DIA. ST-HB-08-42A-69 (SECRET)
-Extracted information is UNCLASSIFIED.
5. DIA. DST-1200H-041-82-CHG3, Naval Ships Characteristics-
Far East Communist (U), Jun 85 (SECRET/V1/NINTEL/NOFORN)
6. CIA.
SR IM 72-15, North Korean Naval Construc-
25X1
tion: Growt an apabilities, Jul 72 (TOP SECRET
25X1
~~
25X1
-Extracted information is SECRET/WNINTEL.
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 I I IL I I ILII III i_ I _II I:II I I IL IIC'~I I I ,. ~ ~.~
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~'?~n ?~~P~4
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