Russia claims more successful hypersonic missile tests

Russia has claimed it has carried out more successful tests of a hypersonic Zircon missile, a year ahead of schedule.

In April, 2017, Russia's new hypersonic anti-ship Zircon missile has reached eight times the speed of sound (about 6100 mph) during the test, a source with Russia's defense sector told TASS.

The source noted that Zircon missiles can be launched from universal launching platforms 3C14 which are also used for the Onyx and Caliber missiles.

It is expected that the new missiles will be installed at the heave nuclear-powered cruisers Peter the Great and Admiral Nakhimov.

The expected range with a new type of fuel is about 1000 km (600 miles) at Mach 5-6. The export version will be limited to 400 kilometers range. Launching platform is the 3S14 Agat, also used to launch the SS-N-26 Strobile and SS-N-27 Sizzler missiles.