KN-18
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| KN-18 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Short-range ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | North Korea |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Korean People's Army Strategic Force |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2017 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 11.5–11.9 m (38–39 ft) |
| Warhead | Maneuverable reentry vehicle Possibly nuclear-capable |
Operational range | 450 km (280 mi) or more |
| Accuracy | 7 m (23 ft) CEP |
Launch platform | Tracked TEL |
KN-18 is the designation given by the United States government to a North Korean short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), whose official designation is unknown. A Scud missile variant with terminal maneuverability, the missile was first tested on 29 May 2017.
| Images of the KN-18 | |
|---|---|
 At the 15 April 2017 military parade | |
| May 2017 test |
The KN-18 is a variant of Hwasong-6 (Scud-C) with terminal maneuverability. Initially, the KN-18 was assessed as an anti-ship ballistic missile, but it is incorrect.[1][2][3] Other sources claim the KN-18 to be a variant of Hwasong-5 (Scud-B).[4][5] Based from images, the missile's estimated length is judged to be about 11.5–11.9 m (38–39 ft).[6]
The missile utilizes a liquid-fueled Scud booster and is equipped with a separable warhead.[7] After engine burnout, the KN-18's warhead adjusts its trajectory to precisely strike the target.[8] The missile's circular error probable is 7 m (23 ft), according to North Korean state media. The KN-18 has a range of 450 km (280 mi), based on information released after the first and only test-fire.[7] The KN-18's launcher is a tracked chassis. Along with the maneuverable reentry vehicle, the KN-18 appears to be possibly nuclear-capable.[8]
History
The KN-18 was first displayed during a military parade on 15 April 2017 commemorating the 105th birthday of the late North Korean leader Kim Il Sung.[9][10] Initially, the missile was designated by the United States as KN-17, but this designation was later used for Hwasong-12, an intermediate-range ballistic missile that had a successful test flight on 14 May 2017.[7]
The KN-18's maiden test-flight occurred on 29 May 2017.[11] After the test-fire, United States designated the missile as KN-18.[7]
North Korea has never disclosed KN-18's official designation. It is not known whether the KN-18 is in production, and it is also possible that the KN-18 is superseded by newer solid-fueled SRBMs.[5][8]