Russian MoD Releases Video Of Tsirkon Hypersonic Missile Launch
Russian MoD Releases Video Of Tsirkon Hypersonic Missile Launch
The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) released a video showing the first-in-class ship "Admiral Gorshkov" (Project 22350) launching a Tsirkon hypersonic missile from one of its VLS cells.
According to the press release, the frigate was located in the White Sea and the missile hit a surface target located in the Barents Sea.
The statement adds that flight tests of the hypersonic cruise missile will continue. The system is set to equip submarines and surface ships of the Russian Navy.
The first Tsirkon test launch from a warship was scheduled in late 2019, but took place in January 2020. The Admiral Gorshkov frigate of project 22350 fired the missile from the Barents Sea.
Open sources said the hypersonic 3M-22 missile was designed by NPO-machinostroeniya in Reutov in Moscow region. It is a part of 3K-22 (Tsirkon code) complex which NATO reports as SS-N-33. The missile can develop a speed of Mach 9 and fly at an altitude of 30-40 km where the range and speed increase as air resistance is smaller. Experts estimate the payload at 300-400 kg and the missile length at 8-10 meters. Tsirkon is to be fired from universal vertical launchers 3S-14 on warships and submarines and from Bastion mobile coastal missile launchers.