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Old 07-04-2009, 07:41 AM   #4 (permalink)
computer fogie
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Germany via US
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Quote:
Originally Posted by keepUrEyesOpen View Post
they have a missile in development that has a range of 5000 miles.
The Associated Press: A look at North Korea's missile arsenal

TAEPODONG: This group of rockets is the pinnacle of North Korea's missile technology. Pyongyang claims they are space launch vehicles (SLVs) to launch satellites as part of a peaceful space program. Satellite and missile technologies are interchangeable.

_ ADVANCED TAEPODONG-2: Under development. Potential range: about 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers), putting the U.S. west coast, Hawaii, Australia and eastern Europe within striking distance.

_ TAEPODONG-2: Three-stage rocket with potential range of more than 4,100 miles (6,700 kilometers), putting Alaska within striking distance. First two stages are liquid-fueled, while the third is believed to be solid-fueled. Iranian engineers are thought to have observed a 2006 launch that fizzled soon after liftoff. Cooperation with Iran has been extensive; Iran's Safir-Omid space launch vehicle owes much to the Taepodong.

_ TAEPODONG-1: Estimated range of 1,550 miles (2,500 kilometers), twice as far as earlier Rodong missile, according to South Korea. North is believed to have test-launched the missile in August 1998. Launch shocked the world because it was well beyond North Korea's known capability at the time. Both lower stages are liquid-fueled, with a potential solid-fuel third stage. Payload is thought to be about 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms). Accuracy is believed poor, with no meaningful strike capability.

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NEW MISSILE: North Korea has fielded a new intermediate range ballistic missile, according to South Korea's Defense Ministry. With a range of 1,800 miles (3,000 kilometers), it would almost reach Guam. Much of China and parts of Russia and the Philippines are also within striking range. North Korea reportedly used Russian SS-N-6 submarine-launched ballistic missile technology for the mobile, land-based missile. It reportedly is liquid-fueled with one or two stages. Some reports say North Korea put the new missile on display during a 2007 military parade. Accuracy is unknown.

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RODONG: Japan is the likely target of this short-range missile. Rodong is almost identical to Iran's Shahab-3 and Pakistan's Ghauri II (Hatf V), the strongest evidence of the countries' collaboration and of North Korean sale of technology and missile equipment to others. All three countries continue to refine the design. Estimated range of 620 to 930 miles (1,000 to 1,500 kilometers) and maximum payload of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms). They are single-stage, liquid-fuel missiles on mobile launchers. Most have fairly poor accuracy, though some may have been fitted with warhead separation and more modern guidance systems.

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SCUD: Single stage, liquid-fueled missile with a range of up to 500 miles (800 kilometers). Known in North Korea by the name Hwasong, the SCUD B and SCUD C can reach only South Korea, but the SCUD D could target Japan. Accuracy is extremely poor. Ballistic missile programs in Pakistan and Iran were built on SCUD technology.

If you compare these kinds of stories that say what "X" has in the way of weapons and weapon development, how accurate have they been? It seems, after we find out the truth, that they're always wildly optimistic, doesn't it? Especially if you look at who is doing the accusing (US government and friendly foreign governments & media) and who is being accused (another member of the "Axis of Evil", stated enemies of the US government).

Haven't we already heard the same things said about Iraq? We're told that NK has nuclear weapons and long-range missiles and wants to destroy the US with them. We believe it because we think the sources are totally trustworthy. Or maybe we don't think we need solid facts because we can figure it out the truth without them. We think we have common sense, and that we know enough. We know we have the firepower to destroy anyone, and we're eager to use it (again). Just give us a reason, right?
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