Context: North Korea recently tested its latest Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
What is a Ballistic Missile?
- It is a rocket-propelled self-guided strategic-weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target.
- Ballistic missiles are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target.
- Ballistic missiles can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads.
- What is an ICBM? An ICBM, is a long-range (greater than 5,500 km or 3,500 miles) ballistic missile typically designed for nuclear weapons delivery, that is, delivering one or more nuclear warheads.
Solid Fuel vs Liquid Fuel Missiles
When a rocket launches from Earth it uses solid rocket boosters with solid fuel to gain enough thrust to leave the atmosphere. Liquid fuel often involves a mixture of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. It is different than solid fuel in that it can be controlled, or throttled.
About Hwasong-18:
- It is a type of solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by North Korea.
- It is North Korea’s first ICBM to use solid-fuel, which allows for faster launches.
How far can it fly?
- The missile launched, flew nearly 1,000 km (621 miles) for about 69 minutes and reached a maximum altitude of 6,041 km, state news agency KCNA reported on Saturday.
- Japanese Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada said the weapon could travel as far as 15,000 km (9,320 miles), enough to reach the continental United States.
FAQs Related with Hwasong-18
Ques 1: What is the Hwasong-18?
Ans: The Hwasong-18 is a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by North Korea. It is part of North Korea’s missile program and is believed to have a range capable of reaching targets beyond the Korean Peninsula.
Ques 2: What are the key features of the Hwasong-18 missile?
Ans: The specific details and capabilities of the Hwasong-18 missile are not publicly disclosed, but it is reported to be a two-stage missile with the ability to carry a heavy payload and potentially capable of delivering a nuclear warhead.
Ques 3: What is the significance of the Hwasong-18 missile?
Ans: The development and potential deployment of the Hwasong-18 missile by North Korea raises concerns among the international community due to its long-range capability and the potential threat it poses to regional and global security.
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