Rocket launcher poplar m. The most powerful nuclear missiles. Description of the Topol ballistic missile

Ballistic missiles have been and remain a reliable shield for Russia's national security. A shield, ready, if necessary, to turn into a sword.

R-36M "Satan"

Developer: Design Bureau "Yuzhnoye"
Length: 33, 65 m
Diameter: 3 m
Starting weight: 208 300 kg
Flight range: 16000 km
Soviet strategic missile system of the third generation, with a heavy two-stage liquid, amputated intercontinental ballistic missile 15A14 for placement in a silo launcher 15P714 with increased security of the OS type.

The Americans called the Soviet strategic missile system "Satan". At the time of its first test in 1973, this missile was the most powerful ballistic system ever developed. Not a single missile defense system was able to withstand the SS-18, the radius of destruction of which was as much as 16 thousand meters. After the creation of the R-36M, the Soviet Union did not have to worry about the "arms race". However, in the 1980s, the "Satan" was modified, and in 1988 a new version of the SS-18 - R-36M2 "Voevoda" entered service with the Soviet army, against which modern American missile defense systems cannot do anything.

RT-2PM2. "Topol M"

Length: 22.7 m
Diameter: 1.86 m
Starting weight: 47.1 t
Flight range: 11000 km

The RT-2PM2 rocket is made in the form of a three-stage rocket with a powerful solid-fuel composite power plant and a fiberglass body. Rocket tests began in 1994. The first launch was carried out from a silo launcher at the Plesetsk cosmodrome on December 20, 1994. In 1997, after four successful launches, mass production of these missiles began. The act on the adoption by the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile was approved by the State Commission on April 28, 2000. As of the end of 2012, 60 silo-based Topol-M missiles and 18 mobile missiles were on alert. All silo-based missiles are on alert in the Taman missile division (Svetly, Saratov region).

PC-24 "Yars"

Developer: MIT
Length: 23 m
Diameter: 2 m
Flight range: 11000 km
The first rocket launch took place in 2007. Unlike Topol-M, it has multiple warheads. In addition to warheads, Yars also carries a complex of means of breaking through anti-missile defense, which makes it difficult for the enemy to detect and intercept it. This innovation makes the RS-24 the most successful combat missile in the context of the deployment of the US global missile defense system.

SRK UR-100N UTTH with 15A35 missile

Developer: Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering
Length: 24.3 m
Diameter: 2.5 m
Starting weight: 105.6 t
Flight range: 10000 km
The 15A30 (UR-100N) intercontinental ballistic liquid-propellant missile of the third generation with a multiple self-guided warhead (MIRV) was developed at the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering under the leadership of V.N. Chelomey. Flight design tests of the 15A30 ICBM were carried out at the Baikonur test site (the chairman of the state commission is Lieutenant General E.B. Volkov). The first launch of the 15A30 ICBM took place on April 9, 1973. According to official data, as of July 2009, the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation had 70 deployed 15A35 ICBMs: 1. 60th Missile Division (Tatishchevo), 41 UR-100N UTTH 2. 28th Guards Missile Division (Kozelsk), 29 UR-100N UTTH.

15Ж60 "Well done"

Developer: Design Bureau "Yuzhnoye"
Length: 22.6 m
Diameter: 2.4 m
Starting weight: 104.5 t
Flight range: 10000 km
RT-23 UTTH "Molodets" - strategic missile systems with solid-propellant three-stage intercontinental ballistic missiles 15Ж61 and 15Ж60, mobile railway and stationary silo-based, respectively. It was a further development of the RT-23 complex. They were put into service in 1987. Aerodynamic rudders are placed on the outer surface of the fairing, which make it possible to control the rocket along the roll in the areas of operation of the first and second stages. After passing through the dense layers of the atmosphere, the fairing is thrown off.

R-30 "Bulava"

Developer: MIT
Length: 11.5 m
Diameter: 2 m
Starting weight: 36.8 tons.
Flight range: 9300 km
Russian solid-propellant ballistic missile of the D-30 complex for deployment on submarines of project 955. The first launch of the Bulava took place in 2005. Domestic authors often criticize the Bulava missile system under development for a fairly large share of unsuccessful tests. According to critics, the Bulava appeared due to the banal desire of Russia to save money: the country's desire to reduce development costs by unifying the Bulava with land missiles made its production cheaper , than usual.

X-101 / X-102

Developer: MKB "Raduga"
Length: 7.45 m
Diameter: 742 mm
Wingspan: 3 m
Starting weight: 2200-2400
Flight range: 5000-5500 km
New generation strategic cruise missile. Its hull is a low-wing aircraft, but it has a flattened cross-section and side surfaces. The warhead of a rocket weighing 400 kg can hit 2 targets at once at a distance of 100 km from each other. The first target will be hit by ammunition descending on a parachute, and the second will be hit directly by a missile. With a flight range of 5000 km, the circular probable deviation (CEP) indicator is only 5-6 meters, and at a range of 10,000 km it does not exceed 10 m.

RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" (URV Index of Strategic Missile Forces - 15P165 (mine) and 15P155 (mobile), under the START treaty - RS-12M2, according to NATO classification - SS-27 Sickle B, translated as Serp) - Russian missile system strategic purpose with ICBM 15Zh65 (15Zh55 - PGRK), developed in the late 1980s - early 1990s on the basis of the RT-2PM Topol complex. The first ICBM developed in Russia after the collapse of the USSR.

RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" - rocket launch video

The rocket 15Zh65 (15Zh55) is three-stage, solid-propellant. The maximum range is 11,000 km. Carries one 550 kt thermonuclear warhead. In the mine-based version, it was put into service in 2000. In the next decade, "Topol-M" was to become the basis of the armament of the Strategic Missile Forces.
In 2011, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation refused further purchases of Topol-M missile systems in favor of further deployment of RS-24 Yars ICBMs with MIRVs, although the deployment of Topol-M silo launchers on combat duty of the last, sixth regiment of 60- the 1st missile division was scheduled to be completed in 2012.

Development of Topol-M

Work on the creation of the new complex began in the mid-1980s. The Decree of the Military-Industrial Commission of September 9, 1989 ordered the creation of two missile systems (stationary and mobile) and a universal solid-propellant three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile for them. This development work was named "Universal", the complex being developed - the designation RT-2PM2. The development of the complex was carried out jointly by the Moscow Institute of Heat Engineering and the Dnepropetrovsk Design Bureau "Yuzhnoye".

The missile was supposed to be unified for both types of complexes, but the initial project assumed a difference in the warhead disengagement system. The combat stage for a silo-based rocket was to be equipped with liquid-propellant rocket engines based on the promising PRONIT monopropellant. For the mobile MIT, he developed a solid fuel propulsion system. There were also differences in the transport and launch container. For the mobile complex, it had to be made of fiberglass. For stationary - made of metal, with a number of ground equipment systems mounted on it. Therefore, the rocket for the mobile complex received the index 15Ж55, and for the stationary complex - 15Ж65.

In March 1992, it was decided to develop the Topol-M complex on the basis of the "Universal" program (in April "Yuzhnoye" ceased its participation in the work on the complex). By the decree of Boris Yeltsin of February 27, 1993, MIT became the head enterprise for the development of Topol-M. It was decided to develop a unified rocket with only one variant of combat equipment - with a solid-propellant propulsion system for a combat stage. The control system was developed at the Scientific and Production Center for Automation and Instrumentation, the combat unit at the Sarov VNIIEF.

Rocket tests began in 1994. The first launch was carried out from a silo launcher at the Plesetsk cosmodrome on December 20, 1994. In 1997, after four successful launches, mass production of these missiles began. The act on the adoption by the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile was approved by the State Commission on April 28, 2000, and the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation on the adoption of the DBK for service was signed by Vladimir Putin in the summer of 2000, after which the mobile ground missile system was launched for flight tests (PGRK) based on the eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221. The first launch from a mobile launcher was carried out on September 27, 2000.
The complex is manufactured by OJSC Votkinskiy Zavod and Central Design Bureau "Titan".

Accommodation Topol-M

The placement of the first missiles in modified silos used for the UR-100N missiles (15A30, RS-18, SS-19 Stiletto) began in 1997.
On December 25, 1997, the first two 15Zh65 missiles (starting minimum) of the first regiment in the Strategic Missile Forces, armed with the 15P065-35 missile system - 104th missile regiment, were put on experimental combat duty in the 60th missile division (town of Tatishchevo). And on December 30, 1998, the 104th Missile Regiment (commander - Lt. Col. Yu. S. Petrovsky) took up combat duty with a full complement of 10 silos with silo-based Topol-M ICBMs. Four more regiments with mine-based Topol-M ICBMs took up combat duty on December 10, 1999, December 26, 2000 (rearmament from 15P060), December 21, 2003 and December 9, 2005.

The process of rearmament to a mobile-based complex began on November 21, 2005 in the 54th Guards Missile Division (Teykovo), when two divisions and a mobile command post (PKP) of the 321st missile regiment (321 RP) were decommissioned. A year later, in November 2006, 321 rp took up experimental combat duty as part of one division (3 launchers) and the PKP missile regiment at the Topol-M complex. The 1st missile division and PKP 321 rp took up combat duty on December 10, 2006 at 15:00. At the same time, it became known that President Vladimir Putin signed a new state armament program until 2015, which provides for the purchase of 69 Topol-M ICBMs.

In 2008, Nikolai Solovtsov announced the beginning of equipping Topol-M missiles with multiple warheads (MIRVs) in the near future. Equipping the Topol-M with MIRVs will become the most important way to maintain Russia's nuclear potential. "Topol-M" with MIRV began to enter service in 2010.

In April 2009, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, Nikolai Solovtsov, announced that the production of the Topol-M mobile ground-based missile systems was discontinued, and more advanced systems would be supplied to the Strategic Missile Forces.

The location of the 54th Missile Division as of 2010 continued to be modernized. As of the end of 2012, 60 silo-based Topol-M missiles and 18 mobile missiles were on alert. All silo-based missiles are on alert in the Taman missile division (Svetly, Saratov region).

The stationary complex RT-2PM2 includes 10 intercontinental ballistic missiles 15Zh65 mounted in silo launchers 15P765-35 (converted silos 15P735 and 15P718 missiles 15A35 and 15A18M) or 15P765-60 (converted silos for 15Zh60 missiles), as well as command post 15V22.
The 15U175 autonomous launcher of the mobile complex is one 15Zh55 rocket placed in a high-strength fiberglass TPK mounted on an MZKT-79221 eight-axle chassis.

The 15Ж65 (15Ж55) rocket consists of three stages with solid propellant propulsion engines. Marching steps are made of composites, by winding cocoon type. All three stages are equipped with a rotary nozzle to deflect the thrust vector (there are no lattice aerodynamic rudders). The first stage has a thrust of 100 tons, a mass of 26 tons, of which the mass of a stage is 3 tons, a length of 8.5 m, an operating time of 60 seconds. The second stage has a thrust of 50 tons, a mass of 13 tons, of which a stage of 1.5 tons, a length of 6 m, a stage operation time of 64 s. The third stage has a thrust of 25 tons, a mass of 6 tons, of which 1 tons of a stage, a length of 3.1 m, an operating time of 56 seconds.

The launch method is mortar for both options. The sustainer solid-propellant rocket engine allows it to pick up speed much faster than previous types of missiles of a similar class, created in Russia and the Soviet Union. This greatly complicates its interception by missile defense systems in the active phase of the flight.

The missile is equipped with a detachable warhead with one thermonuclear warhead with a capacity of 550 kt of TNT equivalent. The warhead is also equipped with a complex of means of overcoming missile defense. KSP ABM consists of passive and active false targets, as well as means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. Several dozen auxiliary correction engines, instruments and control mechanisms allow the warhead to maneuver along the trajectory, making it difficult to intercept it in the final section of the trajectory. Some sources claim that LCs are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, infrared, radar).

In connection with the termination of the existence of the START-2 Treaty, which prohibited the creation of multi-charge intercontinental ballistic missiles, MIT carried out work on equipping the Topol-M with MIRVs. Perhaps the result of these works is the RS-24 "Yars".
Engineering support and camouflage vehicles.

In 2013, the first 12 engineering support and camouflage vehicles (MIOM) entered service with the Topol-M mobile missile systems (9 of them in the Teikovo missile division). The machines provide camouflage (sweeping) of traces of combat mobile missile systems that are on duty, as well as the creation of high-contrast, well-visible from satellites traces to false combat positions.

Topol-M tests

Flight tests of the silo-based missile were carried out in the period from 1994 to 2000, with their end, in the period 2000-2004, the mobile version of the complex was tested.

Combat equipment tests

Despite the completion of the tests of the missile system and putting the serial equipment on alert, work on improving the complex continued in the direction of the development of combat equipment (warheads), while the modified Topol missile was used as a carrier, as follows:

On November 1, 2005, the RT-2PM Topol rocket was successfully launched from the Kapustin Yar test site in the Astrakhan region as part of testing elements of new combat equipment - a single combat unit, a number of newly developed elements of a complex of means of overcoming missile defense and the stage of disengagement, to which up to six warheads can be mounted, while the dilution stage is unified for installation on sea-based (Bulava) and ground-based (Topol-M) ICBMs.

The flight test of the new warhead on the standard rocket of the RT-2PM complex was combined with tests in the interests of extending the Topol's warranty life. For the first time in Russian practice, the launch was made not from the Plesetsk cosmodrome at the Kura test site in Kamchatka, but from the Kapustin Yar test site at the Sary-Shagan 10 test site located in Kazakhstan (Priozersk region). This was done due to the fact that the radar support of the Kura test site does not allow recording the maneuvers made by the warheads after their separation from the ICBM. In addition, these maneuvers are tracked by American measuring instruments stationed in Alaska. Flight parameters from "Kapustin Yar" to "Sary-Shagan" are carried out exclusively by Russian means of control.

The performance characteristics of the RT-2PM2 Topol-M complex

Number of steps ....................... 3
Length (with MS) ....................... 22.55 m
Length (without warhead) ....................... 17.5 m
Diameter ....................... 1.81 m
Launch weight ....................... 46.5 t
Throwing weight ....................... 1.2 t
Fuel type ....................... solid mixed
Maximum range ....................... 11000 km
Warhead type ....................... monoblock, thermonuclear, detachable
The number of warheads ....................... 1 (+ ~ 20 decoys)
Charge power ....................... 0.55 Mt
Control system ....................... autonomous, inertial based on BTsVK
Way of basing ....................... mine and mobile
Launch history
Status ....................... valid
Launch sites ....................... 1 GIK "Plesetsk",
The number of launches ....................... 16 (successful-15; unsuccessful-1)
Adopted ....................... 1997
First launch ....................... December 20, 1994

Topol-M Photos

​ When designing the Topol RC, fundamentally new technical solutions were used. Designers and engineers of many Russian industrial associations worked on this task. Their research and development has brought this type of weaponry into the ranks of ultra-modern technology, practically unparalleled and ahead of its time. It is such devices that are capable of protecting the state from external aggression and, if necessary, become a weapon of retaliation.

History of creation

It is known that the first development of a new special complex was started in the mid-80s. last century. However, the official decision to start work on this project is dated September 1989. An order was received from the state commission for the creation of two types of weapons at once: stationary and mobile. And also an intercontinental ballistic missile, consisting of three stages, working on solid and liquid propellants.

The project received the special name "Universal", and in the documents the complex weapon was listed under the code name RT-2PM2.

First developments

The solution of this problem was entrusted to two engineering and production organizations - KB "Yuzhnoye" in Dnepropetrovsk and the Institute of Heat Engineering in Moscow (MIT). It was assumed that, despite the required high degree of unification, the mechanisms of the rocket for weapons of the mobile and silo type, would still have some differences:

• Weapons marked 15Ж65, stationary, had to be provided with a liquid-propellant jet engine running on the innovative fuel "Pronit".
• The mobile special complex was equipped with a rocket (15Ж55) with a solid-propellant installation.

The transport and launch container for both types also had to be different. For the first type - a metal structure with special devices for fixing various elements of ground systems. For a mobile device - made of fiberglass.

Topol M

In April 1992, Yuzhnoye design bureau interrupted its participation in joint development, which is why MIT became the main design bureau of the project. On the basis of the results already obtained, it was decided to continue the creation of a special rocket complex, which received the new name Topol-M. It was planned to equip a completely unified weapon with a device that runs on solid fuel.

Tests of the new model began in the winter of 1994. For this, a setup was used, located in a mine at the Plesetsk cosmodrome.

After that, the development of a mobile type of weapon (mobile ground missile system - PGRK) was continued, the first tests of which took place in the fall of 2000.

Interesting. It is believed that Topol-M will operate for 15 years. However, in the fall of 2005, it was decided to carry out a combat training launch of a weapon that had been in use for more than 20 years. It was necessary to check the reliability and safety of all systems and devices.

The launch took place at the space airfield in Plesetsk, in the direction of the test site in Kamchatka (Kura). An intercontinental ballistic missile was able to hit a simulated target located at the range with the required accuracy. The use of this type of weapon, which has been in service for such a long time, was committed for the first time.

Production

After successful tests (four launches of ballistic weapons were made) in 1997, the missile system for mine use was put into production. And in 2000, after approval by the State Commission, an order was signed on the adoption of Topol-M into service.

• The production of the head part, as well as combat mechanisms, was carried out by the Russian Federal Nuclear Center in the city of Sarov. Topol-M control systems were created by the St. Petersburg Optical and Mechanical Association "Lomo" and the Scientific and Production Center for Automation and Instrumentation named after Academician N. A. Pilyugin in Moscow.
• The development of the drives was entrusted to the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute "Signal" in Kovrov, as well as to the Lyubertsy Plant named after V.I. A.V. Ukhtomsky.
• The Soyuz Federal Center for Dual Technologies was involved in the design of the rocket launcher and basic structures.
• The development of launching mechanisms and support vehicles was carried out by the Federal Research and Production Center "Titan-Barricades", and their production was carried out by the production association "Barricades".
• The creation and re-equipment of ready-made launchers in mines was entrusted to the Vympel Design Bureau in Moscow together with the Obukhov Plant in St. Petersburg.

The Moscow Central Research Institute of Spetsmashinostroenia was engaged in the manufacture of composite containers.

Accommodation

In the winter of 1997, two 15Zh65 warheads for a stationary type complex (15P065-35) were delivered to the 140th Strategic Missile Forces regiment of the 60th missile division, located in the village of Tatishchevo. And twelve months later, this regiment, with ten launchers (silos) armed with ground-to-ground ballistic weapons (ICBMs), became outposts. From 1999 to 2005, four more regiments with silos entered the DB.

The deployment of mobile RCs began in the fall of 2005. Such devices were delivered to the 321st missile regiment. And in 2006, the President of the Russian Federation signed a new program, which includes the rearmament of some units, for the period until 2015. This plan provided for the purchase of 69 mobile Topol-M units.

Loading a Topol-M ICBM into the silo

Interesting. The RT-2PM2 intercontinental ballistic complex served as a prototype for the creation of the Start conversion-type space launch vehicle. It is launched at the Svobodny and Plesetsk space airfields.

Retrofitting

Mine modification of the Topol-M special missile complex includes ten missiles (15Ж65) with launchers, as well as a command post, which is equipped with increased protection means. It is located inside a special shaft and is located with shock absorbers, which significantly reduces vulnerability.

The mobile version of the weapon consists of nine ICBMs (15Ж55), which are installed on autonomous launchers.

For the installation of a stationary complex, ready-made mine mechanisms for heavy intercontinental ballistic weapons were used. For this, it was additionally necessary to pour a concrete mixture with a height of five meters. This conversion significantly accelerated work, reduced conversion costs and also saved time.

Since Topol-M is a modification of the previous Topol model, its re-equipment had to be carried out taking into account the START-1 Treaty. At the same time, the document determined which characteristics can be considered modernized, and what should be changed.

The new version of ballistic weapons had to differ in at least one of the following points:

• throw weight;
• weight at the start;
• the total length or size and diameter of the first stage;
• the number of parts to be separated;
• the kind of fuel.

Fact. As of the end of 2017, 78 missile systems are in service. Of these, 60 are stationary and 18 are mobile.

Description of the complex

The Topol-M installation is a unique special missile complex built exclusively by Russian enterprises. Its combat and technical characteristics are almost one and a half times superior to all weapons of the previous generation.

• The energy features of the warhead made it possible to reduce the height of the active space of the trajectory, increase the throw weight, and also significantly increase the efficiency of overcoming air defense defenses.
• Thanks to the research work of many Russian enterprises, it has become possible to create a unified ballistic weapon that can be launched from both highly protected silo launchers and mobile launchers. Full unification made it possible to significantly reduce the costs of developing, testing and manufacturing weapons, without reducing its combat qualities and reliability.

Topol-M is a strategic complex with a solid-propellant three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile, which is located in a special transport and launch container. For the conversion of launchers from the previous type of weapon ("Topol") significant costs will not be required. During the conversion process, it is only necessary to change the fastening elements of the container. This is due to the design features of the modernized weapon.

Interesting. Especially for a ballistic intercontinental missile, the designers have created a warhead that has the ability to maneuver. This makes it possible to avoid interception and destruction by all air defense systems existing today.

Peculiarities

• High-precision guidance and control system.
• Immunity to the effects of an electromagnetic pulse, as well as the presence of a programmed maneuver during the passage of a cloud from a nuclear explosion.
• The system for creating and launching decoys.
• The ability to maneuver during the flight.
• Deployment on soft ground.
• Increased cross-country ability and maneuverability of the special complex.
• Special composition of the body coating.
• Sealed compartment for control systems.
• Increased sighting range with minimal deviation.
• The presence of a system for overcoming missile defense.
• Thanks to the use of solid fuel, the firing range of all stages is significantly increased.
• The inertial control device is equipped with an onboard digital computer (BCVM), which significantly increases the accuracy of the shot.

Interesting. In 2013, the first twelve MIOM vehicles were included in the missile systems. These vehicles provide engineering support and camouflage for PGRKs on alert. They also create, perfectly visible from satellites, false trails to a combat position.

Complex device

The intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is the basis for the Topol-M mobile and silo complex.

It consists of three stages, as well as a stage that spreads the warheads. Each of these units is located inside a one-piece body ("cocoon" type). The body, as well as the nozzles of the rocket power plants, are made using carbon composite materials.

The launch of the mobile and mine complex is carried out using a mortar launch.

The warheads are coated with a special composition, which can significantly reduce their visibility on air defense radar screens.

ICBM consists of:

• warhead (increased power class, thermonuclear);
• transition compartment;
• sustainer power plant (stage 3);
• connecting compartment (2);
• sustainer engine (2);
• connecting compartment (1);
• sustainer engine (1);
• tail compartment (1 stage).

Scheme and composition of the steps:

• The design of the first stage includes a propulsion-type power plant operating on solid fuel fuel and a tail compartment. On its body are stabilizing devices and an aerodynamic control system. Solid rocket motor is equipped with one fixed nozzle.
• The second stage consists of a similar engine and connection compartment.
• The third stage scheme includes the head part, the engine and the connecting compartment. In the front part of the bottom of the third stage, there is a thrust cut-off unit equipped with 8 reversible extensions and windows, which are cut through by detonating elongated charges (DUZ).

Pre-launch preparation, launch and further flight are fully automated, they are controlled by a special tracking system.

The complex is brought into full combat readiness within two minutes. The ICBM can be launched both while driving and in standby mode. In this case, the PU must be hung out with jacks.

Topol-M is equipped with special equipment that allows it to overcome the enemy's air defense system. For this, false warheads are generated that are completely identical to the rocket. The created targets practically do not differ from it, neither in radar, nor in optical, infrared and laser ranges. These pseudo-missiles can withstand the damaging effects of a nuclear charge and laser radiation, as well as move similar to the warhead itself, which makes them very difficult to identify.

On a note! The ICBM received the ability to maneuver, which significantly reduces the possibility of anti-missile weapons entering its hull.

The warheads are coated with a special compound that makes them invisible to radars. In addition to this, it is possible to spray special aerosols that are visible in the infrared range and make it difficult to find the warhead itself.

Tactical and technical characteristics (TTX)

Overall dimensions, m:

• the total length of the rocket is 21.5;
• diameter of the transport and launch container - 2;
• the size of the head part - 2.1;
• first stage - 8.1, body diameter - 1.8;
• second stage - 4.6, body diameter -1.55;
• third stage - 3.9, body diameter - 1.34.

During combat patrols, the special missile complex covers an area of ​​125,000 square kilometers. The maximum firing range of the Topol-M is about twelve thousand kilometers. At the start, the rocket has a total mass of 45 tons, while the weight of the warhead is equal to one ton, and the equipped first stage of the ballistic missile weighs 27, 8 tons.

The power of one charge is 0.55 megatons, the spread of the gun is from 150 to 200 meters. In the form of a launcher for a mobile type, the eight-axis base MZKT-79221 is used.

Classification

Topol-M is an intercontinental ballistic missile. It has an index of 15Ж65 (code name START RS-12M2). Based on the NATO classification, it belongs to the SS-27 Sickle B1 weapon class.

Despite its massive "appearance", ICBMs are classified as light weapons.

Testing

There were 16 successful launches between December 1994 and January 2017. At the same time, the ICBMs took off from both mine launchers and mobile launchers located on the territory of the Plesetsk cosmodrome. In most cases, the training target was located at the Kura training ground (Kamchatka Peninsula). A test launch in April 2004 was carried out to determine the maximum flight range and was successful.

Of all the test shots, only one failed. This happened in October 2009 with the Topol-M prototype. The ICBM deviated from the main course and was destroyed.

Topol-M rocket launch

Conclusion

The terms of the START-1 treaty significantly limited the possibility of re-equipping the Topol ballistic missile. That is why the tactical and technical characteristics of the new version of the weapon do not differ significantly from the previous model. The main differences between ballistic devices are in the ability to overcome the enemy's missile defense.

Improvement of solid-propellant rocket devices made it possible to significantly reduce the duration of the segment of the trajectory of the flying weapon, on which the main rocket engine operates. That made it possible to reduce the likelihood of interception and destruction of ICBMs by enemy anti-missile installations. The ability to maneuver the head compartment also reduces the possibility of being hit by the missile defense system.

The guidance system has become less dependent on possible electromagnetic pulses and other factors caused by a nuclear explosion.

Summing up, we can safely say that the first intercontinental ballistic missile produced by Russian designers is in many ways superior to world analogues. Topol-M incorporates most of the innovative technologies being developed and is the main and unique component of the Strategic Missile Forces.

Location: 60th Taman Order of the October Revolution Red Banner Missile Division

Complex RT-2PM2 "Topol-M"(RS-12M2 code, according to NATO classification - SS-27 Sickle "Serp") - Russian strategic missile system with an intercontinental ballistic missile, developed in the late 1980s - early 1990s on the basis of the RT-2PM Topol complex ...

The first intercontinental ballistic missile developed in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. Introduced into service in 1997. The head developer of the rocket complex is the Moscow Institute of Heat Engineering (MIT).

Rocket complex "Topol-M" is a solid fuel, three-stage. The maximum range is 11,000 km. Carries one 550 kt thermonuclear warhead. The rocket is based both in silo launchers (silos) and on mobile launchers. In the mine-based version, it was put into service in 2000.

Designed to perform tasks of delivering a nuclear strike against enemy territory in the face of opposition from existing and future missile defense systems, with repeated nuclear impact on the positional area, while blocking the positional area with high-altitude nuclear explosions. It is used as part of a mine-based 15PO65 complex and a mobile-based 15P165 complex.

Stationary complex "Topol-M" includes 10 intercontinental ballistic missiles mounted in silo launchers, as well as a command post.

Main characteristics:

Number of steps - 3

Length (with MS) - 22.55 m

Length (without warhead) - 17.5 m

Diameter - 1.81 m

Launch weight - 46.5 t

Throw weight 1.2 t

Fuel type - solid mixed

Maximum range - 11000 km

Warhead type - monoblock, nuclear, detachable

The number of warheads - 1 + about 20 dummies

Charge power - 550 Kt

Control system - autonomous, inertial based on BTsVK

Basing method - mine and mobile

Mobile complex "Topol-M" is a single rocket placed in a high-strength fiberglass transport and launch container (TPK), mounted on an eight-axle MZKT-79221 chassis of high cross-country ability and structurally practically does not differ from the silo version. Launcher weight - 120 tons. Six out of eight pairs of wheels are swivel, which provides a turning radius of 18 meters.

The ground pressure of the installation is half that of a conventional truck. Engine V-shaped 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine YaMZ-847, 800 hp. The depth of the ford to be overcome is up to 1.1 meters.

When creating systems and units of the mobile Topol-M, a number of fundamentally new technical solutions were used in comparison with the Topol complex. So, the system of incomplete hanging makes it possible to deploy the Topol-M launcher even on soft soils. The mount's cross-country ability and maneuverability have been improved, which increases its survivability.

"Topol-M" is capable of launching from any point in the positional area, and also has improved camouflage means, both against optical and other reconnaissance means (including by reducing the infrared component of the unmasking field of the complex, as well as the use of special coatings that reduce radar signature).

Intercontinental missileconsists of three stages with solid propellant propulsion engines. Aluminum is used as a fuel, ammonium perchlorate acts as an oxidizing agent. The step bodies are made of composites. All three stages are equipped with a rotary nozzle to deflect the thrust vector (there are no lattice aerodynamic rudders).

Control system- inertial, based on BTsVK and gyro-stabilized platform. The complex of high-speed command gyroscopic instruments has improved accuracy characteristics. The new BTsVK has increased productivity and resistance to the effects of the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion. Aiming is ensured due to the implementation of an autonomous determination of the azimuth of the control element installed on a gyro-stabilized platform using a ground-based command device complex located on the TPK. The increased combat readiness, accuracy and continuous operation of the onboard equipment are provided.

Start method - mortar for both options... The sustainer solid-propellant rocket engine allows it to pick up speed much faster than previous types of missiles of a similar class, created in Russia and the Soviet Union. This greatly complicates its interception by missile defense systems in the active phase of the flight.

The missile is equipped with a detachable warhead with one thermonuclear warhead with a capacity of 550 Kt of TNT equivalent. The warhead is also equipped with a complex of means of overcoming missile defense. The complex of means of overcoming missile defense consists of passive and active false targets, as well as means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. Several dozen auxiliary correction engines, instruments and control mechanisms allow the warhead to maneuver along the trajectory, making it difficult to intercept it in the final section of the trajectory.

False targets indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, laser, infrared, radar). False targets make it possible to simulate the characteristics of warheads for almost all selection characteristics on the extra-atmospheric, transitional and significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the flight path of the missile warheads, are resistant to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and the radiation of a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser. For the first time, decoys have been designed that can withstand super-resolution radar.

In connection with the termination of the existence of the START-2 treaty, which prohibited the creation of multi-charged intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering is working on equipping the Topol-M with MIRVs. Perhaps the result of these works is the RS-24 "Yars". A mobile version of this complex, located on the chassis of the eight-axle MZKT-79221 tractor, is undergoing tests.

The high resistance of the 15Zh65 missile to the impact of potential enemy missile defense systems is achieved due to:

• Reduction in time and length of the active section by extremely fast acceleration of the rocket. Acceleration time to final speed (over 7 km / s) is less than 3 minutes.


• The missile's ability to maneuver in the active phase, which complicates the enemy's solution to the interception problem, as well as to make a programmed maneuver when passing through a cloud of a nuclear explosion


• The protective coating of the hull of a new development, providing comprehensive protection against the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and weapons based on new physical principles.


• Complex for overcoming missile defense, including passive and active false targets and means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. LCs are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, laser, infrared, radar), they allow simulating the characteristics of warheads for almost all selective characteristics on the extra-atmospheric, transitional and significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the flight path of the missile warheads, up to heights 2 - 5 km; are resistant to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and radiation from a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser, etc. For the first time, LCs capable of withstanding superresolution radars have been designed. The means for distorting the characteristics of the warhead consist of a radio-absorbing (combined with a heat-shielding) covering of the warhead, generators of active jammers, etc. The radar signature of the warhead is reduced by several orders of magnitude, the RCS is 0.0001 sq. M. Its detection range has been reduced to 100-200 km. The optical - and IR-signature of the BB is extremely reduced due to the effective cooling of the BB surface in the transatmospheric section and a decrease in the luminosity of the BB wake in the atmospheric section, which is achieved, incl. by injecting special liquid products into the trace area that reduce the radiation intensity. As a result of the measures taken, a monoblock warhead of a promising multi-echeloned missile defense system with space-based elements is ensured with a probability of 0.93 - 0.94. The high- and transatmospheric missile defense section is overcome with a probability of 0.99, atmospheric - with a probability of 0.93 - 0.95.

The 15Zh65 rocket is equipped with a thermonuclear monoblock warhead with a capacity of 0.55 MGt. Tests of ICBMs with MIRVs (from 3 to 6 MIRVs with a capacity of 150 kt) have been carried out. specialists will be practically reduced to zero.

The circular probable deviation is no more than 200 m, which allows the warhead of half-megaton power to confidently hit highly protected point targets (in particular, command and control and silo). Due to the limited throw weight, limiting the power of the nuclear submarine, the Topol-M missile, in contrast to the 15A18 Voevoda missile (the power of the monoblock warhead of which was 20-25 MGt), has restrictions on the implementation of a destructive effect on a large area target.

The mobile-based 15P165 complex has unique characteristics of initial survival, is able to function covertly and autonomously for a long period of time. The patrol area of ​​the complex is 250,000 sq. Km.

The Topol-M missile is unified with the Mace"Sea-based, designed to arm the Project 955 SSBNs. Bulava's competitor is the R-29RMU2 liquid-propellant ICBM" Blue". It significantly surpasses the Bulava (like all other ICBMs) in terms of energy and mass perfection, but is inferior in terms of an important criterion for Russian sea-based missiles - survival in the active area due to the lower acceleration speed and greater vulnerability to laser weapons inherent in liquid-propellant missiles compared to solid fuel. However, the Bulava missile, with a launch weight of about 37 tons, is significantly inferior in striking power to the existing heavier solid-fuel missiles, including the Trident-2 missile with a launch weight of 59 tons. (Warhead Bulava - 6x150 kt, Trident-2 (theoretically) - 8x475 kt). The project of equipping the naval component of the Russian nuclear forces for SSBNs with Bulava light ballistic missiles has been criticized by experts who point to the need to equip domestic SSBNs with the high-tech solid-fuel SLBM R-39UTTH, tests of which were curtailed in the 90s. and which, if put into service, would have no world analogues among SLBMs in terms of striking power and flight performance.

RT-2PM Topol (GRAU index - 15Zh58, START code - RS-12M, NATO classification - SS-25 "Sickle") is a strategic mobile complex with a three-stage solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile RT-2PM. The first complex with an intercontinental missile on an automobile chassis, put into service.

The development of the Topol 15Zh58 (RS-12M) strategic mobile complex with a three-stage ICBM suitable for deployment on a self-propelled vehicle chassis (based on the RT-2P solid-fuel ICBM) was started at the Moscow Institute of Heat Engineering under the leadership of Alexander Nadiradze in 1975. The government decree on the development of the complex was issued on July 19, 1977. After the death of A. Nadiradze, the work was continued under the leadership of Boris Lagutin. The mobile Topol was supposed to be the answer to the increasing accuracy of American ICBMs. It was required to create a complex with increased survivability, achieved not by the construction of reliable shelters, but by the creation of an indefinite idea of ​​the location of the cancer in the enemy you

By the end of autumn 1983, an experimental series of new missiles, designated RT-2PM, had been built. On December 23, 1983, flight design tests began at the Plesetsk test site. For all the time they were carried out, only one launch was unsuccessful. In general, the rocket showed high reliability. There were also conducted tests and combat units of the entire DBK. In December 1984, the main series of tests was completed. However, there was a delay in the development of some elements of the complex that are not directly related to the missile. The entire test program was successfully completed in December 1988.

The decision to start serial production of the complexes was made in December 1984. Serial production was launched in 1985.

In 1984, the construction of stationary-based structures and equipment of combat patrol routes for Topol mobile missile systems began. The construction objects were located in the positioning areas of the RT-2P and UR-100 intercontinental ballistic missiles, which were located in the OS silo. Later, the development of the positional areas of the Pioneer medium-range complexes that were being decommissioned under the INF Treaty began.

In order to gain experience in operating the new complex in military units, in 1985 it was decided to deploy the first missile regiment in the city of Yoshkar-Ola, without waiting for the full completion of the joint test program. On July 23, 1985, the first regiment of mobile "Topol" took up combat duty near Yoshkar-Ola at the site of the deployment of RT-2P missiles. Later, the Topol entered service with the division stationed near Teikovo and which had previously been armed with the UR-100 (8K84) ICBM.

On April 28, 1987, a missile regiment armed with Topol complexes with a mobile command post "Barrier" took over on combat duty near Nizhniy Tagil. The control panel "Barrier" has a multi-protected, duplicated radio command system. On the mobile launcher PKP "Barrier" there is a combat control rocket. After launching the missile, its transmitter gives the command to launch the ICBM

On December 1, 1988, the new missile system was officially adopted by the Strategic Missile Forces of the USSR. In the same year, the full-scale deployment of missile regiments with the Topol complex began, and the simultaneous removal of obsolete ICBMs from combat duty. On May 27, 1988, the first ICBM regiment "Topol" with an improved PKP "Granit" and an automated control system took up combat duty near Irkutsk.
By mid-1991, 288 missiles of this type were deployed. In 1999, the Strategic Missile Forces were armed with 360 launchers of Topol missile systems. They were on duty in ten positional areas. Four to five regiments are based in each district. Each regiment is armed with nine autonomous launchers and a mobile command post.

The Topol missile divisions were deployed near the cities of Barnaul, Verkhnyaya Salda (Nizhny Tagil), Vypolzovo (Bologoye), Yoshkar-Ola, Teikovo, Yurya, Novosibirsk, Kansk, Irkutsk, as well as near the village of Drovyanaya, Chita region. Nine regiments (81 launchers) were deployed in missile divisions on the territory of Belarus - near the cities of Lida, Mozyr and Postavy. After the collapse of the USSR, part of the Topols remained outside Russia, on the territory of Belarus. On August 13, 1993, the withdrawal of the Topol Strategic Missile Forces grouping from Belarus began, and on November 27, 1996, it was completed.

Composition

The RT-2PM rocket is made according to the scheme with three sustainer and combat stages. To ensure high energy and mass perfection and increase the firing range in all cruising stages, new fuel of increased density with a specific impulse increased by several units compared to the fillers of previously created engines was used, and the upper stages were for the first time made by continuous winding from organoplastic according to the "cocoon ". The most difficult technical task turned out to be the placement of a thrust cut-off unit with eight reversible bells and "windows" on the front bottom of the hull of the upper stage, which are cut through by the DUZ (DUZ - detonating elongated charge) in the organoplastic load-bearing structure.

The first stage of the rocket consists of a sustainer solid propellant engine and a tail compartment, on the outer surface of which aerodynamic rudders and stabilizers are located. The main engine has one fixed nozzle. The second stage structurally consists of a connecting compartment and a main solid propellant rocket. The third stage has almost the same design, but it additionally includes a transition compartment, to which the head is attached.

An autonomous, inertial control system was developed at NPO Automation and Instrumentation under the leadership of Vladimir Lapygin. The aiming system was developed under the leadership of the chief designer of the Kiev Arsenal plant Serafim Parnyakov. The inertial control system has its own on-board computer, which made it possible to achieve high firing accuracy. According to domestic sources, the circular probable deviation (CEP) when firing at the maximum range is 400m, according to Western sources - 150-200m. The control system provides control of the rocket flight, routine maintenance on the rocket and the launcher, pre-launch preparation and launch of the rocket without turning the launcher. All operations of prelaunch preparation and launch are fully automated.

"Topol" is equipped with a complex of means of overcoming missile defense. The rocket flight is controlled by rotating gas-jet and lattice aerodynamic rudders. New nozzles for solid propellant engines have been created. To ensure stealth, camouflage, false complexes, and camouflage means have been developed. Like the previous mobile complexes of the Moscow Institute of Heat Engineering, Topol can be launched both from the combat patrol route and while parked in garage shelters with a retractable roof. For this, the launcher is hung on jacks. The combat readiness from the moment the order was received until the launch of the rocket was brought to two minutes. For the new complexes, a mobile and stationary command posts were developed. The mobile command post of the Topol ICBM combat control is located on the basis of a four-axle MAZ-543M vehicle. For fire control, mobile command posts "Barrier" and "Granit" were also used, equipped with a missile, with a transmitter instead of a combat load, which, after launching the missile, duplicated the launch command for launchers located in positional areas.

During operation, the rocket is in a transport and launch container installed on a mobile launcher. It is mounted on the basis of a seven-axle chassis of a MAZ heavy-duty vehicle. The rocket is launched from a vertical position using a powder pressure accumulator placed in a transport and launch container.

The launcher was developed at the Volgograd Central Design Bureau "Titan" under the leadership of Valerian Sobolev and Viktor Shurygin. The launcher is mounted on the chassis of a MAZ-7912 semi-axle tractor (later - MAZ-7917 with a 14x12 wheel arrangement. This machine of the 80s is equipped with a 710 hp diesel engine) of the Minsk Automobile Plant with an engine from the Yaroslavl Motor Plant. Chief designer of the rocket carrier Vladimir Tsvyalev. Solid propellant charges of engines were developed at the Lyubertsy NPO "Soyuz" under the leadership of Boris Zhukov (later the association was headed by Zinovy ​​Pak). Composite materials and a container were developed and manufactured at the Central Research Institute of Special Engineering under the leadership of Viktor Protasov. The rocket steering hydraulic drives and the self-propelled launcher hydraulic drives were developed at the Moscow Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics. The nuclear warhead was created at the All-Union Research Institute of Experimental Physics under the leadership of Chief Designer Samvel Kocharyants.

Initially, the rocket had a guaranteed service life of 10 years. Later the warranty period was extended to 15 years. The mobile command post of the Topol ICBM combat control was located on the chassis of a four-axle MAZ-543M vehicle. To control the fire, mobile command posts "Barrier" and "Granit" were also used, equipped with a missile, with a transmitter instead of a combat load, which, after launching the missile, duplicated the launch command for launchers located in positional areas.