Russia’s Burevestnik base likely found

U.S. researchers say they have identified the probable deployment site in Russia of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, touted by President Vladimir Putin as “invincible”


Potential Burevestnik launch area
Chebsara (Vologda-20) nuclear warhead storage facility
1km 0.6 miles

800km 500 miles
RUSSIA
Chebsara 
Moscow


9M730 BUREVESTNIK (NATO reporting name SSC-X-9 Skyfall)

First test date			2016
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: IISS, Reuters, Stratfor 
Picture: Google Maps 
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