The VTT-323 is operated by a standard crew of four personnel made up of the driver, commander, gunner and loader. In addition to the operating crew, the VTT-323 can carry up to 10 combat-ready troops to hotspots in relative safety and comfort. The base armament arrangement is centralized in a powered turret featuring 360-degree traverse and some capable elevation to engage higher-placed targets such as low-flying aircraft. The primary weapon system is a 14.5mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun coupled with a 7.62mm general purpose anti-infantry machine gun mount - both are situated in the turret controlled by the gunner. Additionally, the armament can consist of a pairing of two 14.5mm heavy machine gun systems for optimal effect. Some VTT-323 systems are known to mount the Soviet AT-3 "Sagger" anti-tank missile launcher (known to the North Koreans as the "Susong-Po") to help defend itself from enemy armor.
Like the original Chinese APC, the VTT-323 is fully amphibious though requiring some initial preparation by the crew before undergoing the process. A trim vane is raised and bilge pumps are switch on. Propulsion is then handled simply by the rotational movement of the vehicle's own tracks in the water.
The VTT-323 chassis is adaptable enough to mount a variety of fire support weapons that include a 82mm mortar and 107mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) - the latter mounted to the rear of the turret assembly itself. Additionally, some base VTT-323 are known to mount Soviet-style short-ranged, low-altitude surface-to-air missile systems for immediate airspace self-defense. If the Chinese YW 531C is any indication of adaptability, the VTT-323 chassis can be further evolved into dedicated battlefield support systems such as battlefield ambulance, command post vehicle and self-propelled guns. Being it that the VTT-323 now resides as the primary APC of the NKPA, this is not out of the realm of possibility. North Korea's PT-85 amphibious light tank features a lengthened chassis based on the VTT-323 armored personnel carrier.
TheVTT-323 series may also be known under the nickname of "VET".
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