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Already in 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin (71) announced the construction of a new, ultra-modern nuclear missile. New images have now emerged showing the “Avangard” outside of test environments.
The footage shows the hypersonic hover vehicle being loaded into a launch silo in southern Russia. According to Russian information, this is a complex process that requires the “supreme concentration” of every employee.
No defense possible
The “Avangard” is not a classic rocket. It is more likely that the projectile is considered a hypersonic glide vehicle. The “Avangard” is launched into a deeper orbit with a classic rocket. Once the projectile reaches its pre-calculated trajectory, the “Avangard” separates from its rocket.
The nuclear missile then maneuvers at speeds of up to 34,000 km/h! This corresponds to 27 times the speed of sound. The “Avangard” is so fast that no missile defense system in the world can locate or intercept the projectile. Because the projectile has been in a relatively high orbit for a long time, according to Russian information, it will only appear on enemy radar systems shortly before impact.
The gliding rocket only reenters the Earth’s atmosphere 500 kilometers before the actual impact target. This creates extreme heat. According to official information, the “Avangard” must be able to withstand surface temperatures of 2,000 to 2,500 degrees. That is why a separate heat shield had to be designed. Upon return, the speed decreases significantly, after which “only” speeds of about 14 to 15 times the speed of sound are reached.
Nuclear charge possible
In the final flight phase, the “Avangard” should be able to navigate accurately to its impact target with the help of fold-out control surfaces. As the Russian Ministry of Defense television channel “Zvezda” reports, the predefined target was hit within a few meters during the tests. This information cannot be independently verified.
There are no publicly available images of the “Avangard” glider. However, Russian media describes it as a “short wedge-shaped structure or a shuttle with small stabilizing wings installed in the head of the launch vehicle.” One thing is clear: the “Avangard” can be loaded with nuclear explosives. However, the Kremlin is keeping the exact destructive power a secret – at least until now.
The US and China are also currently developing hypersonic missiles.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
