Taepodong-2
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The Taepodong-2 (TD-2, also spelled as Taep'o-dong 2)[1] (Template:Langx) is a designation used to indicate what was initially believed to be a North Korean two- or three-stage ballistic missile[2] design that is the successor to the Taepodong-1 technology demonstrator. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Defense assessed that the Taepodong-2 had not been deployed as a missile.[3] The Taepodong-2 is the technology base for the Unha space launch vehicle, and was likely not intended as ICBM technology.[4][5]
Details
As there is no publicly available imagery of the only Taepodong-2 launch in 2006, all estimates of technical parameters are approximate.[5]
Based on the size of the missile, the fuel composition, and the likely fuel capacity, it is estimated that a two-stage variant would have a range of around Script error: No such module "convert". and a three-stage variant would be capable of reaching as far away as Script error: No such module "convert"., giving it potentially the longest range in the North Korean missile arsenal.[1] The burn time of each stage is a little over 100 seconds, thus allowing the missile to burn for 5 or 6 minutes. Speculative variants of the missile could be capable of a range of approximately Script error: No such module "convert"..[6] At maximum range, the Taepodong-2 is estimated to have a payload capacity of less than Script error: No such module "convert"..[1]
According to a former worker in the publications department of one of North Korea's top research centres, who defected to South Korea, North Korea began development of the missile in 1987.[7]
Very few details concerning the technical specifications of the rocket are public information; even the name "Taepodong-2" is a designation applied by agencies outside North Korea to what is presumed to be a successor to the Taepodong-1. The TD-2 first stage likely uses a liquid propellant (TM-185 fuel and AK-27I oxidizer) driven engine and the second stage likely utilises the Rodong short-range missile.[8] Depending on the range, the estimated payload capacity could be as high as Script error: No such module "convert". at short range, making it potentially suitable for conventional weapons payloads, NBC payloads as well as Earth orbit satellite delivery. At maximum range, the Taepodong-2 is estimated to have a payload capacity of less than Script error: No such module "convert"..[1] North Korea has yet to demonstrate the ability to produce a re-entry vehicle, without which North Korea cannot deliver a weapon from an ICBM.[3]
In 2015, aerospace engineer and North Korea missile program analyst John Schilling stated that North Korea did not seem to be planning to create an operational ICBM from the Taepodong-2 technology, and that the Taepodong-2 had been mistakenly identified as an ICBM development, whereas in reality it was a space launch development vehicle.[4]
Structure
First stage
Taepodong-2's first stage consists of four Rodong motors.
Second and third stages
Little is known about the Taepodong-2 design beyond the first stage. Most likely the second stage is one of the Scud-derived North Korean ballistic missiles (either Hwasong-7/Rodong-1 or Hwasong-6), and the third stage most likely uses Chinese solid-fuel engines.[6]
Launches
2006 test
A Taepodong-2 was test fired on 5 July 2006 from the Tonghae test facility. According to reports, the missile failed in mid-flight about 40 seconds after launch.[9]
Subsequent Unha launches
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This successful flight was repeated on 7 February 2016 (UTC) with the successful launch of Kwangmyŏngsŏng-4 using a similar rocket as Unha-3 even though the rocket is officially named as Kwangmyŏngsŏng (not to be confused with the satellite with the same name).
See also
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References
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- ↑ a b c d North Korea’s Taepodong and Unha Missiles, Federation of American Scientists, May 30, 2008
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- ↑ a b Taepodong-2 specs, globalsecurity.org
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External links
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- CSIS Missile Threat - Taepodong-2 (Unha-3)
- The Best U.S. Response to North Korea's Failed Missile Test NOW on PBS, July 7, 2006
- Nuclear Threat Initiative profile
- Federation of American Scientists profile
- GlobalSecurity.org Background
- Taepodong-2 Design Heritage Imagery @ GlobalSecurity.org
- USA Today piece from 6-20-2006
- NKorea may be set for long-range missile launch: reports, February 2, 2009
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