North Korea's latest and most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-18, was launched again on 18 December! The third launch of this year continues to "send a clear message to hostile forces"! This is a three-stage propelled missile that uses solid fuel and can easily hit Japan and South Korea, and can even fly over the US mainland. Let's take a look at how powerful the Hwasong-18 really is, shall we?
U.S.-South Korea emergency military exercises
First of all, a word about the solid fuel of the missile Hwasong-18. The advantage is that it is simple and fast, and it can effectively avoid detection and destruction before launch, unlike the verbosity of liquid fuel. Moreover, the storage and transportation of solid fuels is also more convenient and safe than liquid fuels.
According to reports by the DPRK's media, the Hwasong-18 uses a method called the "cold launch system," which throws the missile out of the launch tube during the first stage of ignition and maintains a high-speed flight. This avoids the high temperature exhaust gases generated by the missile during the ignition of the first stage, which can cause damage to the launch tube. Moreover, in the second and third stages of ignition, the missile continues to raise its own trajectory and altitude through ignition.
This method makes the Hwasong-18 have a high degree of concealment and penetration. Because they are already out of the ground range at the time of ignition at the first stage and there is no noticeable change in trajectory. Moreover, there is no noticeable sound and light during the second and third stage ignition. This makes it impossible for enemy radars and reconnaissance aircraft to detect and intercept in time.
According to reports by the DPRK's media, the Hwasong-18 has a maximum speed of more than Mach 20 and has three nuclear warheads, each of which has a TNT yield of 300,000 tons. The American "Minuteman-3" silo-launched ICBMs are all younger brothers in front of him.
According to the Japanese military's estimates, if a more advanced booster system is installed, the Hwasong-18 can reach a range of 15,000 kilometers, which is enough to hit the entire area of the continental United States. Even if the booster system is not installed, the range can reach an astonishing 12,000 kilometers, which is like playing Japan and South Korea. The test firing was carried out at every turn, which made Japan and South Korea tremble, and an emergency meeting was held.
U.S.-South Korea emergency military exercises
So, can the United States and its younger brothers intercept the Hwasong-18? Welcome to leave a message in the comment area and have a happy discussion with everyone.