[Courtesy of Rodong Sinmun]
North Korea's recent solid-fuel rocket engine test appeared to be "real and successful", representing a step forward in its ballistic missile program, a US expert said.
The solid-fuel engine can be used for medium-range Nodong missiles, although North Korea has a lot more work to do before it becomes operational, John Schilling, an aerospace engineer, wrote in an article posted by 38 North, a US research website.
"A new solid-fuel Nodong, possibly ready for deployment after 2020 if the development program succeeds, will have greater off-road mobility and take less time to prepare for launch," he said.
On March 24, North Korean leader Kim Jon-Un hailed a "successful" solid-fuel engine test that could enhance the "power of ballistic rockets capable of dealing a merciless blow to enemies".
If confirmed, the test could be seen as a breakthrough in Pyongyang's missile program because liquid fuel has been used for previous medium or long-range rockets, including the latest one on February 7.
Solid fuel is more stable and convenient than liquid fuel. Scientists say it will help North Korea reduce the size and launch time of missiles. South Korea's defense ministry said Pyongyang appeared to be in the stage of developing a solid-fuel engine.
"A large solid-fuel rocket motor test that appears to have been both real and successful," Schilling said, adding deployment is likely to be five years or more in the future if the program proves to be successful.
Describing the engine test as a "stepping stone" to the development of a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), he said that even if Pyongyang pursues the development of such a system, it would not become operational until after 2030.
North Korea probably is now focusing on the development of a solid-fuel medium-range missile which requires little maintenance and can be launched on a few minutes’ notice, the expert said.
A shortened launch time is particularly important for Pyongyang because South Korean missiles can reach targets anywhere in the North in 15 minutes or so, he said.
Kim has vowed to launch more rockets capable of carrying nuclear warheads, saying North Korea has acquired re-entry technology. Many experts have expressed doubts about North Korea's ability to miniaturize a nuclear warhead to be mounted on an ICMB.
Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
