North Korea’s quest for an ICBM

South Korean military report that North Korea has placed what appear to be two inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) on mobile launchers. The country has never successfully launched an ICBM

Hwasong-14, KN-14: Previously seen only in mock-up form
First stage  Second stage  Warhead

ICBM could be fired from 16-wheel transporter erector launcher (TEL)
Hwasong-14: Height 17-18m

Hwasong-10, Musudan: Height 12m.
2016: Eight test launches of single-stage intermediate- range ballistic missile (IRBM).

Apr 15: First known test launch fails
Apr 28: Twin launches fail
May 31: Launch fails
Jun 21: Two launches – one fails, one successful, flies to 1,000km altitude
Oct 15: Test launch fails
Oct 20:  Missile explodes shortly after liftoff

4D10 engine: Originally designed and built for Soviet R-27 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)

Apr 9, 2016: North Korea tests “high-power engine,” believed to be cluster of two 4D10 engines suitable for ICBM

Plume colour: Indicates fuel is unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH) and either fuming nitric acid, or dinitrogen tetroxide as oxidizer


Sources: IISS, 38 North, Arms Control Association 
Picture: Getty Images