Russia's nuclear-powered 'Skyfall' missile is dirty and dangerous
4 hours ago
- #military-technology
- #arms-race
- #nuclear-weapons
- Russia's nuclear-powered 'Skyfall' missile (Burevestnik) flew a test flight above the Arctic Circle on October 21 last year, marking potentially the first nuclear-powered aircraft flight.
- MIT researchers analyzed the missile and concluded it uses a direct-cycle air-breathing nuclear propulsion system, which spews radiation as it flies, posing significant environmental and safety risks.
- The missile's development revives Cold War-era concepts of nuclear-powered flight, aimed at achieving unlimited range for strategic advantages, despite high costs and dangers.
- The direct-cycle design likely irradiates air and releases radioactive isotopes, creating a hazardous trail and endangering anyone near the test site or flight path.
- Experts question the missile's utility, noting its slow speed makes it vulnerable to interception, and its deployment would likely be limited to nuclear warheads due to radiation hazards.
- Past incidents, including a 2019 accident involving Russian nuclear personnel, are believed linked to Burevestnik, highlighting the risks of handling and recovering such technology.