Russia’s Burustnik Cruise Missile Likely Uses Nuclear Ramjet Engine

The Russian "Burustnik" (Skyfall) nuclear cruise missile is believed to be powered by a nuclear ramjet engine. In this system, air is heated directly by a nuclear reactor and expelled through the engine nozzle to generate thrust. Unlike conventional cruise missiles, the Burustnik does not rely on traditional fuel for long-range flight, leading Russia to claim the missile has an almost unlimited range. The concept of such an engine was first examined by the United States in the 1960s under the SLAM project, but it never entered service.