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North Korea’s new ICBM engine

Some Western analysts suggest that North Korea’s Hwasong-14 (KN-14) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is powered by a 1960s Soviet-era RD-250 engine, originally designed and built in the Ukraine

Apr 9, 2016: Successful test of new rocket engine reveals twin exhaust nozzles and four vernier thrusters to steer rocket 

Mar 18, 2017: Second successful test of engine. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un names it
March 18 revolution engine

Jul 4: KN-14 first test flight reaches altitude of 2,802km before landing in sea 933km downrange after 39 minute flight

Jul 28: Second test reaches height of 3,700km before landing in sea about 1,000km away. Analysts say missile has range of more than 8,000km and could reach Los Angeles


Hypergolic propellant: UDMH (unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine) fuel and nitrogen tetroxide. Fuel and oxidiser spontaneously ignite on contact 

Combustion chamber

Turbine

Vernier thrusters

Nozzle

Fuel pump

Oxidiser boost pump


Sources: IISS, 38 North, Global Security 
Pictures: Rodong Sinmun, AFP 
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