Here's The Rocket That Shot Down A Malaysian Airlines Flight

Details are far from complete, but early reports of a Malaysian Airliners crash in eastern Ukraine, apparently killing all 295 on board, claim that the plane was shot down by Russian forces with a Buk Missile.

Interfax Ukraine reports plane was shot down using 'Buk' missile system. Medium range surface-to-air missile system pic.twitter.com/CSQCYKWMem

- Olaf Koens (@obk) July 17, 2014

Development of the Buk Missile system was first initiated in 1972, and it was adopted into service during the early 1980's.

The Buk is a surface-to-air missile specifically designed for shooting down airplanes and helicopters, as well as other missiles. The Buk can engage targets flying within 13 miles off the ground, and they are launched from the backs of large trucks, such as the one pictured below. The Malaysian Airline flight was reportedly more than six miles off the ground, well within the system's range.

Some other militaries that currently use Soviet-style Buk system include Syria, North Korea, and China.