Taepodong-2
| Taepodong-2 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | Space launcher technology development, possibly ballistic missile |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | North Korea |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | ~80 tonnes |
| Length | ~30 m |
| Diameter | 2.0–2.2 m |
|
|
|
| Engine | Liquid |
|
Operational
range |
4,000 km–6,700 km (est.) |
| Speed | 6,900–8000 m/s 9,500–10,500 dv total with losses |
|
Guidance
system |
Inertial |
|
Launch
platform |
Launch Pad |
| Korean name | |
| Chosŏn'gŭl | 대포동 2호 |
|---|---|
| Hancha | 大浦洞 2號 |
| Revised Romanization | Daepodong 2ho |
| McCune–Reischauer | Taep'odong 2ho |
The Taepodong-2 (TD-2, also spelled as Taep'o-dong 2) (Korean: 대포동 2호) is a designation used to indicate a North Korean two or three-stage ballistic missile 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. The Taepodong-2 is the technology base for the Unha space launch vehicle, and was likely not intended as ICBM technology.
As there is no publicly available imagery of the only Taepodong-2 launch, all estimates of technical parameters are approximate.
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 4,000 km (2,500 statute miles) and a three-stage variant would be capable of reaching as far as 4,500 km (2,800 statute miles), giving it potentially the longest range in the North Korean missile arsenal. 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 9,000 km (5,600 statute miles). At maximum range, the Taepodong-2 is estimated to have a payload capacity of less than 500 kg (~1,100 lbs).
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.
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. Depending on the range, the estimated payload capacity could be as high as 700–1,000 kg (~1,550 - 2,200 lbs) 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 500 kg (~1,100 lbs). 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.
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Wikipedia