The Hwasong-6 is a tactical ballistic missile manufactured by the defense industry of North Korea. 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 500 had been exported, and 300 to 600 were in service with the North Korean Army. The Hwasong-6 was exported to Iran, where it is designated as the Shahab-2, and to Syria, where it is manufactured under license with Chinese assistance.
The missile is carried on an 8x8 truck similar to the Russian-made MAZ-543. The missile is raised to the vertical position at the back of the TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) before launch.
Missile
A program to modify the Scud-B is reported to have begun in 1988. The modified missile referred to as the Scud-C, which achieved a longer range than its predecessors by reducing the payload and extending the length of the rocket body to increase the propellant by 25%. The Hwasong-6 features an improved guidance system (Accuracy CEP 700 m), and has a range fro 500 to 600 km, with an 800 kg payload. The North Korean Hwasong-5 liquid propellant ballistic missile has a length of 11.25 m, a diameter of 0.88 m, and a launch weight of 6,400 kg.
Guidance system
The Hwasong-6 missile uses an inertial guidance system.
Combat use
The Hwasong-6 is able to strike any area in South Korea.