The source
noted that Zircon missiles can be launched from universal launching platforms
3C14 which are also used for the Onyx and Caliber missiles.
MOSCOW,
April 15. /TASS/. Russia’s new hypersonic anti-ship Zircon missile has reached
eight times the speed of sound during the test, a source with Russia’s defense
sector told TASS.
"During
the tests of the missile it was confirmed that its speed on the march reaches
eight Mach (number that takes into account the dependence of the speed of sound
on the altitude of flight - TASS)," the source said.
He did not
specify when and from which platform the missile was launched.
The source noted that Zircon missiles can be launched from universal launching platforms 3C14 which are also used for the Onyx and Caliber missiles.
TASS does
not have an official confirmation of this information.
Earlier
other sources in Russian defense industry told TASS that Zircon missiles will
be tested this year. It is expected that the new missiles will be installed at
the heave nuclear-powered cruisers Peter the Great and Admiral Nakhimov.
Zircon’s
firing range, according to open data, is about 400 kilometers; the maximum
speed of the missile is indicated in about 4-6 Mach.
Hypersonic
weapons are missiles and aircraft capable of reaching speeds of Mach 5 and more
- or five times the speed of sound. They are extremely difficult to intercept
due to their overwhelming speed and maneuvering capabilities. Hypersonic
technologies in general, used in weapons systems and prospective aircraft, were
seen by experts as a game changer in future warfare.
Source: ITAR-TASS 17-04-2017
