North Korean Missile Exploded, Damaged Launcher in Failed Test

Washington Free Beacon ^ | April 20, 2016 | Bill Gertz

[TigerLikesRooster]

North Korean Missile Exploded, Damaged Launcher in Failed Test

U.S. commander says threats from Pyongyang increasing

BY: Bill Gertz

April 20, 2016 5:00 am

North Korea’s first attempt to test-launch a new intermediate-range missile last week failed after the Musudan blew up shortly after launch, causing a huge fireball that damaged the mobile launcher, according to American defense officials.

“We’re still assessing the specifics of it but I can tell you that it was a fiery, catastrophic attempt at a launch,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters Friday. “It was not successful.”

The test failure on Friday represents a setback for North Korea’s largely untested long-range nuclear missile forces that include launch pad-based Taepodong-2 missiles, and two road-mobile systems, the KN-08 and Musudan. The Pentagon last month also confirmed that a newer long-range mobile missile, the KN-14, was unveiled during a recent military parade. North Korea also is developing submarine-launched nuclear missiles.

U.S. strategic defense surveillance systems, both airborne and space-based, closely monitored the Musudan test and videotaped the explosion during the attempted launch from a beach on North Korea’s east coast.

In addition to damaging the launcher, the explosion may have injured or killed North Korean missile technicians near the site.

Two road-mobile Musudan launchers were set up for the test, but the second was not fired after the explosion, officials familiar with reports of the launch said.

[from occupied ga]

In addition to damaging the launcher, the explosion may have injured or killed North Korean missile technicians near the site.

If it didn't they won't be long for this world anyway.

[Yo-Yo]

What’s the life expectancy of a North Korean rocket scientist?

[TigerLikesRooster]

[CodeToad]

Nothing like the bratty fatty 12 year old getting to be president.

[Cecily]

I hope the next missile that goes haywire lands on Fat Boy Kim’s house (with him in it).

[WKUHilltopper]

Guess they’ll be airing the executions during prime time TV.

[Wilderness Conservative]

Flight director to be executed by mortar.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Or by rocket flame during their next rocket engine test. Strap him right next to rocket exhaust.

[DIRTYSECRET]

I’ll bet Israel had something to do with it.

[MichaelCorleone]

Ah - the NORKs choked again!

[TexasCruzin]

I think this calls fort a celebration. Another Dr Pepper please.

[C210N]

causing a huge fireball that damaged the mobile launcher...

Live pictures from the scene coming in just now...

[SevenofNine]

Ah after failed nuke test?

That cover it LOL!

[IronJack]

The launcher, eh? That shouldn’t be a problem. They can always get another stick to tie the next missile to.

[elcid1970]

“Oooo, my genruhs dey so numba ten, dey nokandoo nuttin’ right!”

[showme_the_Glory]

Sum Ting Wong?

[sparklite2]

The general in charge was mortar-fied.

[Pollster1]

Obama must be upset. Who is going to give missiles to Obama’s favored terrorists if North Korea is not up to the task?

[Robe]

......and videotaped the explosion during the attempted launch from a beach on North Korea’s east coast.

Now that took some cantolopies