Intermediate-range ballistic missile

History

The progenitor for the IRBM was the A4b rocket, winged for increased range and based on the famous V-2, Vergeltung, or "Reprisal", officially called A4, rocket designed by Wernher von Braun. The V-2 was widely used by Nazi Germany at the end of World War II to bomb English and Belgian cities. The A4b was the prototype for the upper stage of the A9/A10 rocket. The goal of the program was to build a missile capable of hitting New York, when launched from France or Spain (see Amerika Bomber).

A4b rockets were tested a few times in December 1944 and January and February 1945. All of these rockets used liquid propellant. The A4b used an inertial guidance system, while the A9 would have been controlled by a pilot. They started from a non-mobile launch pad.

Following World War II, von Braun and other lead Nazi scientists were secretly transferred to the United States, to work directly for the U.S. Army through Operation Paperclip, developing the V-2 into the weapon for the United States.

IRBMs are currently operated by the People's Republic of China, India, Israel, North Korea, and Russia. The United States, USSR, Pakistan, United Kingdom, and France were former operators.

Nomenclature

There is no clearly agreed-upon distinction between an intermediate-range and a medium range (MRBM) missile, and the categories overlap. Different sources classify missiles in different ways. They are both distinct from ICBMs, in that they have a range that is less than intercontinental, and hence must be based relatively close to the target. An IRBM, in general, is intended as a strategic weapon, while a MRBM, in general, is intended as a theatre ballistic missile.

Specific IRBMs

This list may be incomplete. You can help add other IRBMs that aren't listed. Please note that the list is in alphabetic order, and follow that sequence while listing any new ones. Also please try to insert IRBMs that have already been tested at least, instead of speculating those "under development". If there are any to be added which are "under development", try to back it up with citations providing details of laboratory

References

References

1. Wragg, David W.. (1974). "A Dictionary of Aviation". Frederick Fell, Inc..
2. "Die geflügelte Rakete (A7, A9, A4b) (in German)". V2werk-oberraderach.de.
3. "Indian Army Successfully Test Fires Nuke-Capable Agni-IV Missile".
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6. "Ukraine war latest: Putin says Russia hit Ukraine with new intermediate-range ballistic missile".
7. "Putin says Russia struck Ukraine’s Dnipro with new experimental ballistic missile".
8. "New Dark Eagle Hypersonic Weapon Details Emerge".
9. "Ballistic Missiles of the World". MissileThreat.
10. "India Inches Closer to Credible Nuclear Triad with K-4 SLBM Test".