08-21-2025, 05:40 PM
(08-21-2025, 02:23 PM)dabigv13 Wrote: Some more information on Ukraine's new cruise missile. They are using a lot of "off the shelf" tech- turbofan engines from L-39 jet trainers, and warheads from Soviet FAB gravity bombs.
Commentary online suggests this could allow a large number to be built from existing stock quickly, but that further production of the engines could then be a limiting factor once the readily available supply dries up. There are many thousands of those L-39 jets in service (~10k), but production of new turbofan engines will be tough to hit their 3,000 per year goal.
Also suggestions that the range (3000km) and speed (850-900 km/h) estimates originally shared are perhaps ambitious with this engine though of course it is possible the engine has been modified from it's typical commercial version.
https://x.com/John_A_Ridge/status/1958636077792592213
https://x.com/John_A_Ridge/status/1958562813699309817
I warhead that large can do some serious damage to a manufacturing facility, refinery or tank farm. Big question can they get enough through.