The Hwasong-6 is a tactical ballistic missile manufactured by the defence industry of North Korea.It is derived from the Hwasong-5, itself a derivative of the Soviet R-17 Elbrus. It carries the NATO reporting name Scud. The first of three successful test firings of the Hwasong-6 was reported to have been completed in June 1990. By 1999, North Korea was estimated to have produced 600 to 1,000 Hwasong-6 missiles, of which 25 had been launched in tests,300 to 600 were in service with the North Korean Army.
The Hwasong-6 features an improved guidance system (CEP 50 m), and has a range of 700 kilometres (430 mi), with an 800 kg (1,800 lb) payload.Such range is sufficient to strike targets as far away as western Japan. Its dimensions are identical to the original Hwasong-5. Due to difficulties in procuring MAZ-543 TELs, mobile launchers were produced in North Korea.
Similar to the ‘Scud B’ variant (Hwasong 5) missile, the Hwasong 6 has been proliferated to many nations. Up to 400 Hwasong 6 missiles may have been exported to Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Vietnam and Yemen. Unfortunately, it cannot be confirmed that Cuba, Egypt or Iraq received Hwasong 6 missiles. Furthermore, Iran, Libya and Syria set up their own production lines making it very difficult to distinguish between domestically produced systems and imported versions.
Iran is reported to have purchased 60 missiles in 1991, and proceeded with a flight test in May of that year. Iran eventually reached the ability to indigenously produce ‘Scud C’ variants — known in Iran as the Shahab 2.
Libya bought Hwasong 6 missiles in 1993. In 2004, Libya sent five Hwasong 6 missiles with two MAZ 543 TELs to the U.S.
Syria began receiving Hwasong 6 missiles from Libya starting in 1993. The Syrians later reached production capability of the ‘Scud C’ variant. Reports suggest that flight tests have occurred in 1997, 2000 and 2001.
‘Scud C’ technology may have been sold to Egypt in the late 1990s, and they may have assembled missiles in 2001/2002.
Vietnam reportedly ordered Hwasong 6 missiles from North Korea in 1998. It is unclear if this deal was fulfilled.
Iraq was allegedly interested in purchasing 300 Hwasong 6 missiles in 2001. This deal likely did not occur.
Yemen may have up to 25 Hwasong missiles sent by ship in 2002.
Specifications
Type of missile
short range ballistic missile
Country users
North Korea, Iran,Libya,Syria,Yemen,Cuba
Launcher
mobile truck transporter - erector - launcher
Warhead
Chemical and conventional HE
Propulsion:Single-stage liquid propellant
Length:10.94 m
Diameter:0.88 m
Launch Weight:6,095 kg
Crew
5 maximum
Payload:Single warhead, 700-770 kg
Effective range
500 to 600 km. maximum
Accuracy
700 CEP
Guidance
Inertial system