MIT Researchers Explain How Russia's Burevestnik Nuclear Missile Flies
Updated
Updated · NPR · Jun 18
MIT Researchers Explain How Russia's Burevestnik Nuclear Missile Flies
3 articles · Updated · NPR · Jun 18
Summary
MIT researchers say they have worked out how Russia’s Burevestnik—also known as the Skyfall nuclear-powered cruise missile—likely stays aloft.
Their analysis suggests the long-discussed weapon is technically feasible, even if one analyst called it “almost certainly a terrible idea.”
The finding sharpens understanding of a missile designed around nuclear propulsion, a concept long viewed as extreme because of its engineering and safety risks.
The report adds fresh detail to scrutiny of Russia’s Burevestnik program, which has drawn attention for pairing cruise-missile flight with a nuclear power source.