Russia testing nuclear-powered missile

Russia may be preparing to test an experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile – or may have already tested it – with a theoretical range of thousands of kilometres


Pankovo: Satellite images and movements of aircraft and vehicles around launch site suggest possible test of Burevestnik missile, known in West as SSC-X-9 Skyfall. Previous 13 missile tests, conducted from 2017-2019, ended in failure

Nyonoksa: Site of 2019 test – missile crashed and exploded during recovery attempt, killing seven people

Barents Sea 
Novaya Zemlya
Kara Sea
Rogachevo
RUSSIA
St. Petersburg
Moscow
800km 500 miles


9M730 BUREVESTNIK
Estimated specifications

Missile length (in flight)	9-11m 

Speed				Subsonic 

Flight altitude			50-100m

Designed range			22,500km

Possible deployment date	2025

 
Angular design minimises radar signature

Warhead
Conventional or nuclear

Nuclear reactor: Powers electric motor that drives turbine. Launch assisted by rocket booster

Exhaust

Air inlet

Swept wings

Guidance system

Threat: Missile could be based anywhere in Russia and still be able to reach targets in continental U.S.

Stealth: Ability to fly low and use circuitous route minimises detection by radar and air defences


Sources: Army Recognition, IISS, New York Times, Stratfor 
© GRAPHIC NEWS