VN112

VN112, also known as VN-112, is a variant of the VN series of Soviet-designed supersonic cruise missiles. Developed in the 1970s, it is a ground-launched, solid-fuel missile designed for long-range, high-speed, and high-altitude flight. The missile is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, making it a significant component of the Soviet strategic arsenal during the Cold War era.

The VN112 has a maximum range of approximately 11,000 kilometers and a top speed of over Mach 3.5. It is launched from a silo and can be equipped with a variety of warheads, including nuclear and conventional types. The missile's design includes a three-stage solid-fuel rocket motor, which provides the necessary thrust for its supersonic flight.

The VN112 was deployed in the Soviet Union and several other countries, including China and North Korea. It was a key element of the Soviet strategic deterrent force, providing a significant deterrent capability against potential adversaries. The missile's development and deployment were part of the broader Soviet effort to maintain a nuclear balance with the United States during the Cold War.

Despite its strategic importance, the VN112 was eventually phased out as part of the Soviet Union's nuclear modernization program in the 1980s and 1990s. The missile's role was taken over by more advanced and reliable systems, such as the RS-24 Yars and the SS-25 Sickle. However, the VN112 remains an important historical artifact, representing a significant chapter in the development of Soviet and Russian strategic missile technology.