Avangard (hypersonic glide vehicle)

Avangard
Авангард
The UR-100UTTKh ICBM launched from the Dombarovsky Air Base carrying the Avangard
TypeHypersonic glide vehicle
Place of originRussia
Service history
In service2019–present
Used byStrategic Rocket Forces
Production history
DesignerMoscow Institute of Thermal Technology
ManufacturerVotkinsk Machine Building Plant
Produced2018–present
Specifications
Mass~2 tonnes (4,400 lb)
Length5.4 m

Blast yieldunknown

Launch
platform
ICBM R-36M2, RS-28, UR-100

The Avangard (Russian: Авангард, "Vanguard"; previously known as Objekt 4202, Yu-71 and Yu-74) is a Russian hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). It can be carried as a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) payload of heavy intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), such as the UR-100UTTKh, R-36M2 and RS-28 Sarmat. It can deliver both nuclear and conventional payloads. The Avangard is reportedly capable of travelling at re-entry speeds (over Mach 27 and close to Mach 30).

The Avangard is one of the six new Russian strategic weapons unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 1 March 2018.