On October 10, 2015, North Korea unveiled a potentially new ICBM, dubbed the KN-14. Although many analysts regard it to be a variation of the previously displayed KN-08 ICBM, there are differences between the two.
KN-14 at a Glance
Originated from: North Korea
Possessed by: North Korea
Alternate names: KN-08 Mod 2, KN-08 Block 2
Class: Intercontinental-range ballistic missile (ICBM)
Basing: Road-mobile
Length: ~17 m
Diameter: 1.5-2 m
Propulsion: Liquid-fueled
Range: 8,000-10,000 km
Status: In development
Compared to KN-08, the KN-14, is a slightly shorter, with a blunt and rounded nose cone. Due to the lack of evidence to analyze, it is unclear if the KN-14 is a three- or two-staged missile, but some analysts suggest the latter to be more likely.1
According to analysis by 38 North, the KN-14’s robust design has the potential of a 50-60% reliability, whereas it is estimated that the KN-08 would operate only 30-40% of the time.2
Similar to the KN-08, the design of KN-14 appears comes from the Soviet-era R-27/SS-N-6 missiles. This seemed to be confirmed during the liquid-fueled engine test on April 9, 2016. While there is no video footage, images released of the test appear to show a pair of clustered 4D10 engines, which are used on the R-27.3 The images display the engines, embedded within a fuel tank fitted for an ICBM, spitting out bright orange exhaust, which is indicative of a highly efficient fuel called unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH). The use of such fuel could increase KN-14’s range.4