Burevestnik (9M730)

Burevestnik (9M730)

Type: Cruise Missile

Domain: air

Country of Origin: Russia

Manufacturer: Classified

Overview

Experimental cruise missile powered by a nuclear thermal propulsion engine providing theoretically unlimited range. Designed to fly at low altitude via unpredictable flight paths to bypass all missile defense systems. Testing has experienced significant difficulties including crashes and nuclear contamination incidents at Nyonoksa test site. One of the most controversial weapons programs in modern history.

Technical Specifications

TypeNuclear-Powered Cruise Missile
RangeEffectively unlimited (nuclear powered)
Speed~Mach 0.9 (subsonic cruise)
StatusDevelopment / testing (multiple test failures reported)
WarheadNuclear
GuidanceINS + terrain comparison + GNSS
PropulsionNuclear reactor (open-cycle liquid metal cooled, drives turbojet)
NATO DesignationSSC-X-9 Skyfall

Operators

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