http://joongangdaily.joins.com/200405/05/200405052351452109900090209021.html
North appears set to test new missile engines:
North Korea appears to be preparing for a series of tests on long-range ballistic missile engines, diplomatic sources and defense officials said yesterday. The resumption of testing comes almost a year and a half after an explosion at a missile testing complex in North Hamgyeong province severely damaged the facilities. U.S. and South Korean governments are increasing surveillance of the test site following intelligence reports that the North is resuming development of Taepodong 2 missiles, which have a range of up to 6,000 kilometers (4,200 miles), according to the sources. These are intermediate-range ballistic missiles developed by the North using Chinese liquid fuel engines as a first stage rocket and North Korea’s Rodong missile as a second stage. If launched, they can reach as far as Alaska, but these missiles have not been deployed. A diplomatic source said that in December, North Korea restored its missile facilities and a 30-meter (33-foot) launching pad. “We have confirmed that they have moved the crane that would hoist the oxidizer ¡ª the liquid fuel of the missile ¡ª and the rocket,” the source said, adding the North appeared to be nearing completion of an effort to test engines for the long-range missile development. The source said, “In the midst of the inter-Korean ministerial meeting and the upcoming working group meeting of the six-party talks beginning next Wednesday, we believe the North is trying to increase its negotiating leverage with the U.S.” A defense ministry official said, “There is a possibility North Korea will go ahead with full-scale engine testing, regardless of the six-party talks and the nuclear agenda.” In August 1998, North Korea launched a Taepodong 1 missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers. South Korean and U.S. intelligence say that when the North undertakes engine combustion testing, the capability and range of the new missiles can be determined by measuring the flame of the rocket.
—
Pretty much exactly about a year ago Japanese and South Korean newspapers wrote about the remains of a North Korean warhead having been found in Alaska. Don’t know if that’s true.
By: Flood - 6th May 2004 at 22:35
I’m not a mod. Heard nothing, know nothing.
Flood.
By: google - 6th May 2004 at 20:45
Flood, you’re a mod. Do something.
By: Flood - 6th May 2004 at 20:33
Sorry – who are we baiting here?:confused:
Flood.
By: Arabella-Cox - 6th May 2004 at 17:45
Wow, I’ve enraged the beast.
By: Distiller - 6th May 2004 at 17:40
… and quite frankly, anything that upsets the US Government is fine by me.
Idiot!
By: Victor - 6th May 2004 at 16:14
Far from upsetting the US, this news is very welcome in DC. If NK tests, then that would show Japan the clear need for not just moving forward with BMD but also would give further impetus to them for a even more defense spending. The US has been trying to prod the Japanese into spending more on defense for the last few years and a NK missile test would play right into Washington’s hands.
Btw, how are the “helicopter carrying destroyers” 😀 coming along for the Japanese?
By: Hyperwarp - 6th May 2004 at 15:34
[url]North appears set to test new missile engines:
North Korea appears to be preparing for a series of tests on long-range ballistic missile engines, diplomatic sources and defense officials said yesterday. The resumption of testing comes almost a year and a half after an explosion at a missile testing complex in North Hamgyeong province severely damaged the facilities. U.S. and South Korean governments are increasing surveillance of the test site following intelligence reports that the North is resuming development of Taepodong 2 missiles, which have a range of up to 6,000 kilometers (4,200 miles), according to the sources. These are intermediate-range ballistic missiles developed by the North using Chinese liquid fuel engines as a first stage rocket and North Korea’s Rodong missile as a second stage. If launched, they can reach as far as Alaska, but these missiles have not been deployed. A diplomatic source said that in December, North Korea restored its missile facilities and a 30-meter (33-foot) launching pad. “We have confirmed that they have moved the crane that would hoist the oxidizer ¡ª the liquid fuel of the missile ¡ª and the rocket,” the source said, adding the North appeared to be nearing completion of an effort to test engines for the long-range missile development. The source said, “In the midst of the inter-Korean ministerial meeting and the upcoming working group meeting of the six-party talks beginning next Wednesday, we believe the North is trying to increase its negotiating leverage with the U.S.” A defense ministry official said, “There is a possibility North Korea will go ahead with full-scale engine testing, regardless of the six-party talks and the nuclear agenda.” In August 1998, North Korea launched a Taepodong 1 missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers. South Korean and U.S. intelligence say that when the North undertakes engine combustion testing, the capability and range of the new missiles can be determined by measuring the flame of the rocket.
So, 1 meter = 1.1 feet? :confused: 😮 😀 😀 😀
By: google - 6th May 2004 at 15:25
I think this should go into the non-aviation related missile thread….which has mysteriously disappeared. OK, nevermind then.
By: Arabella-Cox - 6th May 2004 at 14:54
Good for the North Koreans. I would be quite interested to see them put up that satellite they’ve been trying for for a while, and quite frankly, anything that upsets the US Government is fine by me.
By: GDL - 6th May 2004 at 13:54
Unfortunately this is just the ammo G.W.Bush needs to be able to throw billions into the somewhat dubious NMD program.
Sign In
May 6, 2004 at 9:21 am