[News analysis] The evolution of N. Korea’s Pukguksong missile

Posted on : 2019-10-04 17:33 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
Military analysts point to longer range, greater flight stability, and enhanced payload
The types of Pukguksong missiles that North Korea has launched thus far. On the left is the Pukguksong-1
The types of Pukguksong missiles that North Korea has launched thus far. On the left is the Pukguksong-1

The Pukguksong-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile that North Korea disclosed through photographs on Oct. 3 exhibits considerable differences from the first and second versions of the missile, both launched previously. For one thing, the missile’s tip has been made rounder; for another, the lattice-shaped fins seen on the tail of the first version have disappeared. The flames released on ignition are also larger than before. Military analysts believe that these changes mean the missile has a longer range, greater flight stability, and an enhanced payload.

A blunter tip on the missile creates more space onboard, making it easier to load a miniaturized warhead. That shape also serves to protect the warhead by dispersing the heat created by friction during atmospheric reentry and descent. That has led some observers to think that North Korea envisions the Pukguksong-3 carrying multiple warheads. This viewpoint is grounded in fact that the missile’s tip looks similar to that of the JL-2, a Chinese submarine-launched ballistic missile that can carry multiple warheads.

The disappearance of the lattice-shaped fins from the tail of the missiles means that North Korea has achieved a considerable level of flight stability. The fins are attached to reduce the engine vibration that occurs when the missile is rising and the fuselage vibration that occurs during flight. Though the fins increase flight stability, they also create air resistance that reduces propulsion. Thus, the fins’ absence on the Pukguksong-3 means that North Korea has found a technical solution to such problems.

The Pukguksong-3’s engine remained off until after it shot out of the water in the “cold launch” method, in which ignition takes place after the missile is ejected from a high-pressure tube. The diameter of the flames emitted also appears longer than in previous versions of the missile, suggesting a boost in output and therefore a proportional increase in altitude and range. North Korea also released a photo of the earth that was apparently taken by a camera attached to the missile, likely in a bid to show off its launch altitude and striking range.

The overall size of the Pukguksong-3 is difficult to ascertain solely through the released photos. While some think the missile is larger than its first two versions, which had a length of 9m and a diameter of 1.4-1.5m, others find it unlikely that those measurements were increased because of the limited space available on a submarine and the necessity of reusing the previous launch tubes.

By Yoo Kang-moon, senior staff writer

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