Kim Jong Un Oversees New Solid-Fuel Engine for Hwasong Missiles
North Korea has developed a high-thrust solid-fuel engine for Hwasong-19 and Hwasong-20 ICBMs. Kim Jong Un reviewed the project and discussed plans for mass production.
North Korea’s state-run Korean Central Telegraph Agency (KCNA) has announced the development of a new high-thrust solid-fuel engine, created at the research institute of the Comprehensive Chemical Materials Study Center under the country’s main missile development authority. The technology is intended for use in the «Hwasong-19» intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as well as the next-generation «Hwasong-20.»
On Monday, September 1, Kim Jong Un visited the institute, where he met with engineers and reviewed the outcome of their work.
According to KCNA, the new engine is built with composite carbon fiber and has undergone eight static fire tests over the past two years. These trials, the agency reported, demonstrated both the structural reliability of the design and the precision of its performance.
During his visit, Kim Jong Un also discussed with the institute’s leadership the possibility of establishing a dedicated facility for mass production of the engines.