A Never-Before-Seen Ballistic Missile Was Used by Russia
In this edition of The Engineer's Perspective. We look at the Oreshnik, the NON-nuclear Ballistic Missile to utilize Maneuverable Independent Re-entry Vehicles to hit multiple targets.
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Table of Contents:
Overview:
Historical Development
Specifications
Concept of Operations
Systems Engineering Requirements
Calculations and Analysis
Implications and Future Considerations
Conclusion
References
Overview
On November 21, 2024, a Russian missile strike targeted the city of Dnipro at the PA Pivdenmash factory, known for producing rocket motors and space technology.
While under normal circumstances a missile strike in Ukraine from Russia isn't unusual anymore, what stood out about this particular strike was that it marked the first time that a ballistic missile with multiple independent rentry vehicles (MIRVs) was used in combat.
Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly disclosed the existence of the Oreshnik missile shortly after the strike, presenting it as a demonstration of Russia's technological capabilities and a response to Ukraine's use of Western-provided long-range missile systems like ATACMS and Storm Shadow.
The Oreshnik missile system represents a significant advancement in Russian ballistic missile technology. This intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) is designed for long-range precision strikes and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. The Oreshnik, which translates to "hazel tree" in Russian, has garnered attention for its hypersonic capabilities and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) technology.
Key challenges of the Oreshnik is the speed of the missile as it is an IRBM, and it's ability to utilize Multiple Indepedent Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs). This ability to release multiple vehicles complicates missile interception technology like Patriot Missile batteries currently present in Ukraine.
Historical Development
The Oreshnik missile is derived from the RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which has been under testing since 2011. The development of the Oreshnik was initiated based on an order from Russian President Vladimir Putin issued in July 2023. The missile was first publicly disclosed and used in combat in November 2024 during an attack on Ukraine, specifically targeting the city of Dnipro.
Specifications:
Type: Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM)
Speed: Exceeds Mach 10 (12,300 km/h; 7,610 mph; 3.40 km/s; 3,400 m/s)
Range: Approximately 3,410 miles (5,488 km)
Warhead: MIRV configuration with 6 independently targeted reentry vehicles, each containing 6 submunitions (total of 36 submunitions)
Payload capacity: Estimated at 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg)
Dimensions: Approximately 3.5 feet (1.07 m) in circumference
Propulsion: Multi-stage rocket, likely two or three stages
Guidance: Precision-guided system capable of maneuvering during flight
Temperature generation: Submunitions can reach temperatures of up to 4,000 °C upon impact
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