MIT Study: Russian Burevestnik Missile Uses Direct-Cycle Nuclear Propulsion, Emits Radioactive Exhaust (twz.com)

• Burevestnik almost certainly uses a direct-cycle turbojet, not indirect cycle.
• Radioactive exhaust contains argon, krypton, carbon isotopes, and corrosion particles.
• Dimensions: ~9.5 m length, 5.6 m wingspan, subsonic at Mach 0.75.
• October 2025: 15-hour flight, first sustained nuclear-powered aircraft.
• Accidents: 2017 missile lost at sea; 2019 explosion during recovery killed five.
• Limited military value: slow, trackable, only nuclear warhead planned.
• Possible technology demonstrator for nuclear-powered drones or space systems.

"MIT researchers Jake Hecla and R. Scott Kemp analyzed open-source data and concluded that Russia's Burevestnik (SSC-X-9 Skyfall) cruise missile almost certainly uses a direct-cycle nuclear turbojet. This design draws air directly through the reactor core, resulting in radioactive exhaust containing isotopes of argon, krypton, and carbon. The missile is subsonic (Mach 0.75), 9.5 m long, with a 5.6 m wingspan. The October 2025 15-hour test marked the first sustained nuclear-powered flight. The direct-cycle also causes reactor core corrosion, further raising environmental and military utility concerns."