What is the Topol rocket used for? Missile systems "topol" and "topol-m" Overall dimensions poplar m

The upgraded Topol-M missile system, the first missile system created exclusively by Russian enterprises, forms the core of the entire grouping of the Strategic Missile Forces.

It is on him that great hopes are pinned in preserving and maintaining the nuclear potential at the required level for guaranteed preservation of the country's security. The missile system is unique and is approximately 1.5 times superior to the system of the previous generation in terms of combat readiness, maneuverability and survivability (in the mobile version), the effectiveness of hitting various targets, including in the conditions of missile defense deployment. The energy capabilities of the new missile make it possible to increase the throwable weight, significantly reduce the height of the active part of the trajectory, and increase the efficiency of overcoming advanced missile defense systems.

Rocket Launcher Topol-M (Modernized)

The Topol-M complex has absorbed the existing domestic scientific and technical groundwork and the achievements of domestic rocket science. Experts say: everything that relates to the process of its development, testing, to its tactical and technical characteristics, is defined by the word "for the first time." For the first time, a fully unified missile is being created for a highly protected silo and for mobile soil-based. For the first time, a new system of experimental testing was introduced, in which high-standard operating modes of systems and units of the missile complex were applied during ground and flight tests. This made it possible to drastically reduce the traditional scope of testing, reduce costs without losing reliability.

Topol-M" is the result of a further modification of the Topol complex and is equipped with a more advanced RS-2PM2 (15Zh65) missile.
Due to the restrictions imposed on modernization by the main provisions of the START-2 treaty, the performance characteristics of the Topol-M missile could not undergo significant changes and the main differences from the RS-2PM lie in the flight characteristics and stability when penetrating through the enemy’s possible anti-missile defense systems The head part was originally created taking into account the possibility of rapid modernization in the event that a potential enemy has active missile defense systems. It is technically possible to install a head unit with multiple independently targetable warheads. Tests were also carried out on the third stage, equipped with direct-flow hypersonic atmospheric engines.

Thanks to three improved sustainer solid-propellant engines, the RS-12M2 missile has reduced the duration of the active flight segment by several times, and auxiliary engines, instruments and control mechanisms make its flight difficult to predict for the enemy. The RS-12M2, unlike its predecessor, does not have lattice aerodynamic stabilizers, an improved guidance system (insensitive to powerful electromagnetic pulses) is used, and a more efficient mixed charge is used.

Work on the creation of a new complex began in the mid-1980s. The resolution 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 called "Universal", the developed complex - the designation RT-2PM2. The development of the complex was carried out jointly by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering and the Dnepropetrovsk Design Bureau "Yuzhnoye".

The missile was supposed to be unified for both types of complexes, but the original project assumed a difference in the breeding system of the warhead. The combat stage for the silo-based missile was to be equipped with an LRE on the advanced PRONIT monopropellant. For the mobile MIT 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 15ZH55, and for the stationary one - 15ZH65.
In March 1992, it was decided to develop the Topol-M complex based on the developments under the Universal program (in April, Yuzhnoye ceased its participation in the work on the complex). By decree of Boris Yeltsin dated February 27, 1993, MIT became the lead enterprise for the development of Topol-M. It was decided to develop a unified missile with only one version of combat equipment - with a solid-fuel combat stage propulsion system. The control system was developed at the NPO Automation and Instrument Engineering, the combat unit - at the Sarov VNIIEF. The production of missiles was launched at the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant.

Rocket testing 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 of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile by the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation 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 into service was signed by Vladimir Putin in the summer of 2000, after which the mobile ground-based missile system entered 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.

Rocket 15ZH65

Rocket 15Zh65 complex Topol-M three-stage. All three stages of the rocket are solid-propellant, of the "cocoon" type (solid-wound from a composite material). Flight control, due to the lack of aerodynamic and gas rudders, is carried out by rotary nozzles of sustainer engines. Propulsion engine nozzles are made of carbon-carbon composite.

The head part is detachable monoblock thermonuclear. It is possible to equip a multiple reentry vehicle with 150 kt individual targeting warheads, unified with R-30 Bulava warheads, from 3 to 6. In addition, the 15Zh65 missile of the Topol-M complex can be equipped with a maneuvering warhead.

The complex of missile defense breakthrough means consists of passive and active decoys (LT) and means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. False targets are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, laser, infrared, radar), allow simulating the characteristics of warheads in almost all selective features on the extra-atmospheric, transitional and a significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the missile warhead flight trajectory, are resistant to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and the radiation of a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser, etc. For the first time, decoys capable of withstanding super-resolution radars have been designed. The means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead consist of a radio-absorbing (combined with a heat-shielding) coating of the warhead, active radio interference generators, aerosol sources of infrared radiation, etc. In addition, improved mid-flight engines made it possible to reduce the duration of the Topol rocket's active flight phase by 3-4 times, compared with liquid-propellant rockets of the previous generation.

The Topol-M rocket is operated as part of the stationary DBK 15P065 and the mobile DBK 15P165. For placement in the mine version, converted silos 15P735 (ICBM UR-100UTTH) and 15P718 (ICBM R-36M2) are used. The 15P065 complex includes 10 silos and one highly protected command post 15V222. In the silo, the Topol-M rocket is installed in a metal transport and launch container, unified for both types of silos.

The mobile-based Topol-M missile is placed in a fiberglass transport and launch container, on a self-propelled eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221. The weight of the launcher is about 120 tons, the width is 3.4 m, the length is 22 m. The chassis provides exceptional maneuverability and maneuverability for its dimensions. To launch a rocket, the launcher is not fully suspended, which makes it possible to achieve stability even on soft soils, and the launch itself can be made from anywhere in the base area.

The Topol-M missile is being created as an upgrade of the RS-12M ICBM. The conditions for modernization are defined by the START-1 Treaty, according to which a missile is considered new if it differs from the existing one (analogue) in one of the following ways:
the number of steps;
type of fuel of any stage;
starting weight by more than 10%;
the length of either the assembled rocket without the warhead, or the length of the first stage of the rocket by more than 10%;
diameter of the first stage by more than 5%;
cast weight of more than 21%, combined with a change in first stage length of 5% or more.

Thus, the mass-dimensional characteristics and some features of the design of the Topol-M ICBM are severely limited.

The stage of state flight tests of the Topol-M missile system took place at 1-GIK MO. In December 1994, the first launch from a silo launcher took place. April 28, 2000 The State Commission approved an act on the adoption by the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile.

The 15P065 combat stationary silo missile system includes 10 15Zh65 missiles in 15P765-35 silo launchers and one unified command post of the 15V222 type with high security (suspended in the silo with the help of special depreciation). The use of the "mortar launch" made it possible to significantly increase the resistance of the 15P765-35 ShPU to PFYAV by removing the elements of the 15P735 launcher necessary for the gas-dynamic launch of 15A35 missiles, using an improved shock-absorbing system and filling the released volume with heavy reinforced concrete of special grades. Work on the re-equipment of mine launchers 15P735 to accommodate Topol-M missiles was carried out by the Vympel Experimental Design Bureau under the leadership of Dmitry Dragun.

In accordance with the START-2 treaty, it is allowed to re-equip 90 ShPU 15P718 15A18 missiles for the 15Zh65 missile, while guaranteeing the impossibility of installing heavy ICBMs into such a converted launcher. The finalization of these silos includes pouring a 5m layer of concrete at the bottom of the mine, as well as installing a special restrictive ring at the top of the launcher. The internal dimensions of the heavy missile shaft are excessive to accommodate the Topol-M missile, even taking into account the pouring of the lower part of the launcher with concrete. The mass of the Topol-M rocket, its outer diameter and length are less than the mass-geometric dimensions of the 15A18M rocket, respectively, by about 5, 1.5 and 1.5 times. In order to preserve and apply heavy silo units and systems during re-equipment, it was necessary to conduct a number of comprehensive studies of the silo loading scheme during nuclear explosions and launch, the service system, the impact on the gas dynamics of the launch of a large internal free volume of the mine, the restrictive ring and the massive and large-sized roof, and the issues of loading the TPK with a rocket in PU, etc.

Resource-saving technology in the creation of serial PU 15P765-18 provides for the preservation of a protective roof, barbette, drum, mine shaft with a bottom directly at the facility and the reuse of most of the equipment PU 15P718 - protective roof drives, shock absorption systems, elevators and other equipment - after their dismantling , sending to manufacturing plants, carrying out RVR at factories with tests on stands. The problem of implementing resource-saving technology is closely related to the establishment of new warranty periods for reusable equipment, including mine shafts. Placing Topol-M missiles in existing silos modified in this way can significantly reduce the cost of developing and deploying the complex. Successful flight tests allowed the State Commission to recommend the adoption of the silo, converted from silos of heavy missiles, into service as part of the missile system, and in the summer of 2000 such a complex was put into service by decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

Combat missile system (BRK) 15P065 with a solid-propellant ICBM 15Zh65 of a light class, which has an increased resistance to PFYaV, ensures the launch of a missile without delay to normalize the external situation with multiple nuclear impact on neighboring DBK facilities and when the positional area is blocked by high-altitude nuclear explosions, as well as with a minimum delay in non-damaging nuclear impact directly on the launcher. The resistance of the launcher and the mine command post to PFYAV has been significantly increased, it is possible to launch from the constant combat readiness mode according to one of the planned target designations, as well as operational retargeting and launch according to any unscheduled target designation transferred from the top management. The probability of bringing the launch commands to the command post and silo has been increased. In the process of combat duty, the 15Zh65 rocket is located in a metal transport and launch container. TPK are unified for both types of silos

The transport and installation unit of the complex, created in the Motor Design Bureau, combines the functions of an installer and a transport and handling machine.

Mobile-based Topol-M ICBMs are deployed as part of the DBK 15P165. The 15Zh65 mobile-based missile is housed in a high-strength fiberglass TPK on an eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922) with high cross-country ability and structurally practically does not differ from the mine version. The weight of the launcher is 120 tons, length - 22 meters, width - 3.4 meters. Six of the eight pairs of wheels are swivel, which provides a turning radius of 18 meters. The pressure on the ground of the installation is two times less than that of a conventional truck. The PU engine is a V-shaped 12-cylinder YaMZ-847 turbocharged diesel engine with a power of 800 hp. The depth of the ford to be overcome is up to 1.1m. When creating the systems and units of the DBK 15P165 Topol-M, a number of fundamentally new technical solutions were used in comparison with the Topol complex. Thus, the partial hanging system makes it possible to deploy the Topol-M launcher even on soft soils. Improved patency and maneuverability of the installation, which increases its survivability. "Topol-M" is capable of launching from anywhere in the positional area, and also has improved means of camouflage against both 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 visibility).

The control system is inertial based on the BTsVK and a gyro-stabilized platform. The complex of high-speed command gyroscopic instruments has improved accuracy characteristics, the new BTsVK has increased performance and resistance to the effects of PNF, aiming is ensured by implementing an autonomous determination of the azimuth of the control element installed on a gyro-stabilized platform using a ground-based complex of command instruments located on the TPK. Increased combat readiness, accuracy and continuous operation life of onboard equipment are provided.

The high performance of the 15Zh65 missile to ensure a high level of resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion was achieved through the use of a set of measures that had proven itself even during the creation of the R-36M2 (15A18M), RT-23UTTKh (15Zh60) and RT-2PM (15Zh58) ICBMs:
the use of a new protective coating applied to the outer surface of the rocket body and providing comprehensive protection against PFYAV;
application of a control system developed on an element base with increased durability and reliability;
application of a special coating with a high content of rare-earth elements to the body of the sealed instrument compartment, which housed the control system equipment;
the use of shielding and special methods of laying the missile's onboard cable network;
the introduction of a special program maneuver of the rocket during the passage of a cloud of a ground-based nuclear explosion, and so on.

Successful measures have been taken to reduce the flight duration and to reduce the height of the end point of the active leg of the missile's flight path. Also, the ICBM received the possibility of limited maneuver on the active part of the trajectory, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of its defeat in the most vulnerable, initial, part of the flight. According to the developers, the active phase of the flight (launch, the phase of operation of the mid-flight stages, the phase of disengagement of combat equipment) of the Topol-M ICBM is reduced by “3-4 times” compared to liquid-propellant ICBMs, for which it is approximately 10 minutes.

Type of warhead: detachable monoblock thermonuclear warhead with a high-speed, high level of resistance to PFYAV. In the future, it is possible to equip the missile with a maneuvering warhead or a separable warhead with a number of warheads from 3 to 6 (promising warheads with a capacity of 150 kt for MIRVs are unified with warheads for the D-19M complex with the R-30 Bulava SLBM). The first test launch of the mobile version of the Topol-M ICBM, equipped with MIRVs with individually targetable warheads (the official name of the new missile is RS-24), took place on May 29, 2007 from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.

It should be noted that the ICBM warhead was created with the maximum use of developments and technologies obtained during the creation of warheads for the Topol ICBM, which made it possible to reduce development time and cost. Despite such unification, the new warhead is much more resistant to PNF and the action of weapons based on new physical principles than its predecessor, has a lower specific gravity, has improved mechanisms for ensuring safety during storage, transportation and being on combat duty. The new warhead has an increased efficiency of fissile materials compared to its predecessor and is historically the first domestic warhead for ICBMs, the creation of which took place without testing parts and assemblies during full-scale nuclear explosions.

The characteristics of the Topol-M missile system make it possible to significantly increase the readiness of the Strategic Missile Forces to perform assigned combat missions in any conditions, to ensure maneuverability, stealth actions and survivability of units, subunits and individual launchers, as well as reliable control and autonomous operation for a long time (without replenishment inventories). The accuracy of aiming has been almost doubled, the accuracy of determining geodetic data has been increased by one and a half times, and the preparation time for launch has been reduced by half.

The rearmament of the Strategic Missile Forces units is carried out using the existing infrastructure. Mobile and stationary versions are fully compatible with the existing combat control and communications system. The warranty period of operation of the ICBM 15Zh65 is 15 years (according to a number of data - 20 years).

The integral warhead of the Topol-M missile can be replaced with a multiple warhead carrying three independent warheads, which makes the missile invulnerable to any missile defense system - it is impossible to intercept three warheads at the same time. The current treaties do not allow Russia to do this, but the situation can change at any moment...

In the process of designing systems and assemblies of the autonomous launcher (APU) of the Topol-M complex, many fundamentally new technical solutions were applied. For example, the partial suspension system allows deploying the Topol-M APU even on soft soils. The patency and maneuverability of the launcher have also been improved. All this significantly increases the maneuverability, secrecy of actions and survivability of launchers and missile units as a whole.

This alone makes Topol-M an ultra-modern weapon of the 21st century, capable of reliably protecting our country from external aggression, and, if necessary, becoming a weapon of inevitable retribution.

CHARACTERISTICS - "Topol-M"
Maximum firing range, km 11000
Number of steps 3
Launch weight, t 47.1 (47.2)
Thrown mass, t 1.2
Missile length without warhead, m 17.5 (17.9)
Rocket length, m 22.7
Maximum hull diameter, m 1.86
Head part type monoblock, nuclear
Warhead equivalent, mt 0.55
Circular probable deviation, m 200
TPK diameter (without protruding parts), m 1.95 (for 15P165 - 2.05)
MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922)
Wheel formula 16×16
Turning radius, m 18
Ground clearance, mm 475
Weight in curb condition (without combat equipment), t 40
Carrying capacity, t 80
Maximum speed, km/h 45
Range, km 500

The development of the Topol 15Zh58 (RS-12M) strategic mobile complex with a three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile suitable for placement on a self-propelled automobile chassis (based on the RT-2P solid-propellant ICBM) was started at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering under the leadership of Alexander Nadiradze in 1975. A 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 a response to the increasing accuracy of American ICBMs. It was necessary to create a complex with increased survivability, achieved not by building reliable shelters, but by creating vague ideas for the enemy about the location of the missile.

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

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

In 1984, the construction of stationary-based facilities and the equipment of combat patrol routes for Topol mobile missile systems began. The construction objects were located in the positional areas of the intercontinental ballistic missiles RT-2P and UR-100, which were removed from duty, located in the OS silo. Later, the arrangement of the positional areas of the Pioneer medium-range complexes 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 Yoshkar-Ola, without waiting for the full completion of the joint test program. On July 23, 1985, the first regiment of mobile Topols took up combat duty near Yoshkar-Ola at the site of the RT-2P missiles. Later, the Topols entered service with the division stationed near Teikovo and previously armed with UR-100 (8K84) ICBMs.

On April 28, 1987, a missile regiment armed with Topol complexes with a Barrier mobile command post took up combat duty near Nizhny Tagil. PKP "Barrier" has a multiply protected redundant radio command system. A combat control missile is placed on the mobile launcher PKP "Barrier". After the rocket is launched, its transmitter gives the command to launch the ICBM.

On December 1, 1988, the new missile system was officially adopted by the USSR Strategic Missile Forces. In the same year, a 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 regiment of the Topol ICBM with an improved Granit PKP 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 Topol missile launchers. They were on duty in ten position areas. Four to five regiments are based in each district. Each regiment is armed with nine autonomous launchers and a mobile command post.

Topol missile divisions were deployed near the cities of Barnaul, Verkhnyaya Salda (Nizhny Tagil), Vypolzovo (Bologoe), Yoshkar-Ola, Teikovo, Yurya, Novosibirsk, Kansk, Irkutsk, as well as near the village of Drovyanaya in the 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 of Russia, on the territory of Belarus. On August 13, 1993, the withdrawal of the Topol Strategic Missile Forces from Belarus began, and on November 27, 1996, it was completed.

In the west, the complex received the designation SS-25 "Sickle".

Compound

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

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

An autonomous, inertial control system was developed at the NPO Automation and Instrumentation under the leadership of Vladimir Lapygin. The aiming system was developed under the guidance of the chief designer of the Kyiv plant "Arsenal" Serafim Parnyakov. The inertial control system has its own onboard 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 missile flight control, routine maintenance on the missile and launcher, pre-launch preparation and launch of the missile without turning the launcher. All operations of pre-launch preparation and launch are fully automated.

"Topol" is equipped with a complex of means to overcome missile defense. The flight control of the rocket is carried out by rotary gas-jet and lattice aerodynamic rudders. New nozzle devices for solid propellant engines have been created. To ensure stealth, camouflage, false complexes, and camouflage have been developed. Like the former mobile complexes of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, the Topol can be launched both from a combat patrol route and while parked in garage shelters with a retractable roof. To do this, the launcher is hung on jacks. Combat readiness from the moment the order was received to the launch of the missile was increased to two minutes. Mobile and stationary command posts were developed for the new complexes. For fire control, Barrier and Granit mobile command posts equipped with a missile were also used, with a transmitter instead of a payload, which, after launching the missile, duplicated the start command for launchers located in positional areas.

During operation, the missile is located 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 truck. The rocket is launched from a vertical position using a powder pressure accumulator placed in a transport and launch container.

The launcher (see diagram) 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 seven-axle tractor MAZ-7912 (later - MAZ-7917 with a 14x12 wheel formula. This car of the 80s is equipped with a 710 hp diesel engine) of the Minsk Automobile Plant with the engine of the Yaroslavl Motor Plant. Chief designer of the rocket carrier Vladimir Tsvyalev. Solid propellant charges for engines were developed at the Lyubertsy NPO "Soyuz" under the leadership of Boris Zhukov (later Zinovy Pak headed the association). Composite materials and the container were designed and manufactured at the Central Research Institute of Special Machine Building under the direction of Viktor Protasov. Rocket hydraulic steering drives and 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 warranty period for the operation of the rocket was 10 years. Later the warranty period was extended to 15 years. The mobile command post for the combat control of the Topol ICBM was located on the chassis of a four-axle MAZ-543M vehicle. For fire control, Barrier and Granit mobile command posts equipped with a missile were also used, with a transmitter instead of a payload, which, after launching the missile, duplicated the start command for launchers located in positional areas.

Tactical and technical characteristics

Maximum firing range, km	10 000
Rocket length, m	21,5
Starting weight, t	45
Mass of the head part, t	1
The mass of the equipped first stage of the rocket, t	27,8
Length of the first stage, m	8,1
Length of the second stage, m	4,6
Length of the third stage, m	3,9
Head length, m	2,1
First stage body diameter, m	1,8
Case diameter of the second stage, m	1,55
Case diameter of the third stage, m	1,34
Diameter of the transport and launch container, m	2
The area of the combat patrol area of the complex, km 2	125 000

Testing and operation

The Topol PGRK was put to the test in February 1983. The first launch took place on February 8 at the Plesetsk training ground. This and two subsequent launches were made from converted mines of stationary RT-2P missiles. One launch failed.

November 29, 2005 A combat training launch of the mobile-based RS-12M Topol ICBM was carried out from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in the direction of the Kura test site in Kamchatka. The training warhead of the rocket hit a conditional target at the training ground of the Kamchatka Peninsula with a given accuracy. The main purpose of the launch is to check the reliability of the equipment. The missile stood on combat duty for 20 years. This is the first case in the practice of not only domestic, but also world rocket science - a solid-fuel rocket, which has been in operation for so many years, has been successfully launched.

On the basis of the Topol ICBM, a conversion space launch vehicle "Start" was developed. Start rockets are launched from the Plesetsk and Svobodny cosmodromes.

RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" is a strategic missile system, work on the creation of which began in the Soviet period, but fine-tuning and serial production were already carried out by Russian enterprises. "Topol-M" is the first model of ICBM, created after the collapse of the USSR. Today, the Russian army is armed with silo (15P165) and mobile (15P155) based missile systems.

"Topol-M" was the result of the modernization of the Soviet strategic missile system "Topol", surpassing its predecessor in almost all major characteristics. Currently, Topol-M forms the basis of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces. It was developed by the designers of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT).

Since 2011, the Russian Ministry of Defense has stopped purchasing new Topol-M complexes, resources have been directed to the creation and deployment of Yars RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missiles.

From the very beginning, the creators of the Topol-M missile system were given quite serious restrictions regarding, first of all, the overall characteristics of the rocket. Therefore, the main emphasis in its development was placed on increasing the survivability of the complex in the face of enemy nuclear strikes and on the ability of warheads to overcome the enemy missile defense system. The maximum firing range of the complex is 11 thousand km.

According to a number of experts, the Topol-M missile system is not an ideal option for the Russian Strategic Missile Forces. It had to be created due to the lack of other alternatives. The disadvantages of ICBMs are largely related to the characteristics of the Topol complex, on the basis of which it was created. And although the designers managed to improve many parameters, they, of course, could not perform a miracle.

History of creation

Work on a new intercontinental ballistic missile with solid propellant engines began in the mid-80s. The project was carried out by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering and the Dnepropetrovsk design bureau Yuzhnoye. The designers were tasked with creating a universal rocket for stationary and mobile missile systems. The only difference between them was the engine of the breeding stage of the warhead: on silo-based missiles, the designers planned to install a liquid engine, and on mobile complexes - a solid fuel one.

In 1992, Yuzhnoye Design Bureau ceased participation in the project, and the completion of development fell entirely on the shoulders of the Russian side. At the beginning of 1993, a presidential decree appeared, which regulated further work on the missile system, and guarantees were also given for further funding. MIT was appointed as the lead enterprise for this project.

The designers had to develop a universal missile suitable for various types of basing, with high accuracy, flight range, capable of overcoming the enemy's anti-missile defense system.

Topol-M was created as a modernization of the Soviet Topol missile system. At the same time, the SVN-1 Treaty clearly defined what exactly should be considered modernization and what characteristics of the complex should be changed. The new ballistic missile had to differ in one of the following characteristics:

the number of steps;
fuel type of at least one of the stages;
rocket length or first stage length;
diameter of the first stage;
the mass that the rocket could throw;
starting weight.

Based on the foregoing, it becomes clear that the designers of the missile system were initially severely limited. Therefore, the performance characteristics (TTX) of the Topol-M missile could not seriously differ from its predecessor. The main differences were the features of the missile's flight and its ability to overcome enemy missile defense.

Improved solid-propellant engines of the three stages of the rocket made it possible to significantly reduce the duration of the active phase of the rocket's flight, which seriously reduced the likelihood of it being hit by anti-missile systems. The missile guidance system has become much more resistant to electromagnetic radiation and other factors of a nuclear explosion.

State tests of the new missile began in 1994. The Topol-M was successfully launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. Then several more launches were carried out, and in 1997 the mass production of the Topol-M complex began. In 2000, the silo-based Topol-M missile system was put into service, and tests and launches of the mobile complex began in the same year.

Placement of "Topol-M" silo-based began in 1997 in the mines that were previously used for missiles UR-100N. At the end of 1998, the first missile regiment took up combat duty. Mobile complexes "Topol-M" began to massively enter the troops in 2005, at the same time a new state rearmament program was adopted, according to which by 2019 the Ministry of Defense planned to purchase 69 new ICBMs.

In 2005, the Topol-M rocket with a maneuverable warhead was launched. It became part of the program of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces to create means to overcome the American missile defense system. The warhead with a ramjet hypersonic engine was also tested.

From 1994 to 2014, there were sixteen launches of Topol-M ICBMs, of which only one launch was considered unsuccessful: the missile deviated from its course and was eliminated. Launches were carried out both from silo-based installations and from mobile missile systems.

In 2008, a decision was made to install multiple warheads on the Topol-M ICBM. The first such missiles began to enter the troops in 2010. A year earlier, it was announced that the production of Topol-M mobile complexes had been stopped and that work had begun on a complex with higher performance.

The device of the complex

The basis of the mobile and stationary missile system "Topol-M" is the ICBM 15Zh65.

The missile has three stages and a warhead breeding stage, all of which are equipped with solid propellant engines. Each stage has a one-piece body made of composite materials (“cocoon” type). Rocket engine nozzles are also made of carbon-based composite materials and are used to control the flight of the rocket. Unlike its predecessors, the Topol-M2 ICBM does not have lattice rudders and stabilizers.

A rocket from both complexes is launched by a mortar launch. The launch weight of the projectile is 47 tons.

The missile warheads have a special coating that reduces their visibility on radar screens, and can also release special aerosols - sources of infrared radiation. New missile propulsion engines can significantly reduce the active phase of the flight, where it is most vulnerable. In addition, in this section of the flight, the missile can maneuver, which makes its destruction even more problematic.

A high level of resistance of the missile and warheads against the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion was achieved through a whole range of measures:

covering the body of the rocket with a special composition;
application in the creation of a control system of an elementary base that is more resistant to an electromagnetic pulse;
the control system equipment is placed in a separate sealed compartment, covered with a special composition of rare earth elements;
the cable network of the rocket is reliably shielded;
when a cloud of a nuclear explosion passes, the rocket makes a so-called program maneuver.

The power of solid propellant charges of all rocket engines is much higher than that of its predecessors, which allows it to pick up speed much faster.

The probability of overcoming the American missile defense system for warheads of Topol-M ICBMs is 60-65%, work is underway to increase this value to 80%.

The missile control system is inertial, based on a digital computer and a gyro-stabilized platform. "Topol-M" can successfully launch and fulfill its mission even in the case of blocking high-altitude nuclear strikes on the area of the complex's deployment.

It should be noted that the Topol-M ICBM was created using the developments and technologies obtained in the manufacture of the Topol ICBM, which significantly reduced the time to create a rocket, and also reduced the cost of the project.

The rearmament of the Strategic Missile Forces units proceeded using the existing infrastructure, which also made it possible to significantly reduce economic costs. This was especially important for the late 1990s, when the Russian economy was going through hard times.

To install silo-based Topol-M missiles, the mines of missiles removed from combat duty were used. Mine installations of Soviet heavy ICBMs were converted under Topol. At the same time, an additional five meters of concrete was poured into the base of the mine, and some additional transformations were carried out. Most of the mining equipment was reused, which significantly reduced the cost of deploying the complex, and also accelerated the work.

Each Topol-M stationary missile system consists of ten missiles in launchers and one high-security command post. It is located in a special shaft on shock absorbers, which makes it less vulnerable to enemy attacks. The missile is enclosed in a special metal transport and launch container.

Mobile-based Topol-M is mounted on an MZKT-79221 off-road chassis with 8 axles. The missile is placed in a high-strength transport and launch container made of fiberglass. Structurally, the missiles of the mobile and mine complexes do not differ. The weight of one launcher is 120 tons, and its length is 22 meters. Six pairs of wheels can turn, which provides the mobile complex with a minimum turning radius.

The specific pressure of the wheels of a mobile unit on the ground is less than that of a conventional truck, which provides it with high cross-country ability. The unit is equipped with a 12-cylinder engine with a capacity of 800 liters. With. It can cross a ford with a depth of 1.1 meters.

When creating a mobile complex, previous experience in creating such machines was taken into account. High cross-country ability and maneuverability significantly increase the survivability of the complex, allowing it to leave the zone of a probable enemy strike as soon as possible.

The launch can be made from any soil, from any point of deployment of the complex, equipped with means of camouflage against various means of detection (optical, infrared, radar).

Serial production of launchers has been established at the Volgograd plant "Barrikada".

In 2013, missile units armed with Topol-M mobile launchers received thirteen special camouflage and engineering support vehicles. Their main task is to destroy traces of missile systems, as well as to create false positions that would be visible to reconnaissance means of a potential enemy.

Tactical and technical characteristics

If you have any questions - leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them.

Maximum firing range, km	11000
Number of steps	3
Starting weight, t	47,1 (47,2)
Thrown mass, t	1,2
Missile length without warhead, m	17,5 (17,9)
Rocket length, m	22,7
Maximum hull diameter, m	1,86
head type	monoblock, nuclear
Warhead equivalent, mt	0,55
Circular probable deviation, m	200
TPK diameter (without protruding parts), m	1.95 (for 15P165 - 2.05)
MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922)
Wheel formula	16×16
Turning radius, m	18
Ground clearance, mm	475
Curb weight (without combat equipment), t	40
Carrying capacity, t	80
Maximum speed, km/h

DATA FOR 2019 (standard replenishment, v.2)

Research work "Universal" / R&D "Topol-M", rocket 15Zh55 / 15Zh65 - SS-X-27 SICKLE-B
Complex RS-12M1 "Topol-M" / 15P155 (PGRK), missile RT-2PM1 / 15ZH55 - SS-27 SICKLE-B / STALIN
Complex RS-12M2 "Topol-M" / 15P165 (ShPU), missile RT-2PM2 / 15ZH65 - SS-27 SICKLE-B / STALIN

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) / mobile ground missile system (PGRK). The complex and the rocket were developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT), the chief designers are Boris Nikolaevich Lagutin and Yuri Semenovich Solomonov (in different years,).

In 1987, at the same time, at the Mechanical Engineering NPO (Reutov, project ""), at the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (Dnepropetrovsk) and at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, work began on the development of promising ICBMs with the ability to overcome the multi-layer missile defense system of the alleged enemy with a universal based - with launch options from silos and in the form of PGRK ( ).

Work in the Yuzhnoye design bureau was carried out according to the Universal research project - a solid-propellant ICBM was developed in the variants of PGRK and silo. At MIT, work was underway on research and development "Topol-M" - the development of ICBMs to replace the ICBM "Topol" with two types of basing - PGRK and silo. In August 1988, Yu.S. Solomonov (MIT) held negotiations with the Yuzhnoye design bureau, as a result of which, by the end of 1988, the two design bureaus jointly developed a technical proposal for a single rocket as part of the Universal research project ( ist. - Strategic missile).

The full-scale development of the RT-2PM2 / 15Zh65 rocket was started jointly by MIT and Yuzhnoye Design Bureau by decision of the USSR Military Industrial Complex No. 323 of 09.09.1989 on the subject of research work "Universal". The design was planned to be completed by the end of 1991 in two versions - a missile with a platform for breeding unguided warheads with a solid propellant rocket engine and without a set of means of overcoming (CSP) liquid engine and with KSP PRO - developer - Design Bureau "Yuzhnoye" (Dnepropetrovsk, mine missile system 15P065). Due to a number of reasons for the production nature of the missiles, they differed in the design of the TPK and therefore had some differences and received different indices - 15Zh55 for PGRK and 15Zh65 for silos ( ist. - Strategic missile).

The development of the 1st stage, a variant of the AP breeding platform and the rocket head fairing was carried out by the Yuzhnoye design bureau, the development of the 2nd and 3rd stages, the instrument compartment, its own version of the AP breeding platform and the unguided warhead was carried out by MIT. The engine of the 1st stage, the head fairing and the second version of the breeding platform with a monopropellant engine were developed by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau ( ist. - Rockets and spacecraft, Strategic Missile). At the end of 1989, a joint draft design of the rocket and the silo version of the missile system was released. In the first half of 1990, a preliminary design of the PGRK was released ( ist. - Strategic missile).

The first flight model of the 1L variant of the Yuzhnoye missile was assembled and prepared for testing at the Plesetsk test site in December 1991. The dispatch of the rocket from the factory to the test site was canceled by the decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the USSR Strategic Missile Forces. In 1991, MIT began to form an adjusted developer cooperation with an emphasis on Russian enterprises ( ist. - Strategic missile). In 1992, after the appeal of the General Designer of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau, S.N. Konyukhov, to the President of Russia, B.N. Yeltsin, a meeting was convened to discuss the continuation of the joint development of ICBMs. The decision was not made and in April 1992, the participation of Yuzhnoye Design Bureau in the development of the rocket was terminated ( ). In 1992, an addition to the draft design of the Topol-M ICBM was issued, taking into account changes in the cooperation of developers - the engine of the 1st stage of the rocket was now being developed by NPO Iskra (Perm). For the main variant of basing the silo variant, the variant was adopted using the launch position and silos of the UR-100NUTKhX complexes with 15A35 missiles after the modernization of the launch equipment (developer of the Vympel Design Bureau, Moscow). Also, in addition to the preliminary design, it was envisaged to use the silo launchers of the R-36MUTTKh and R-36M2 missiles in the event of a complete reduction of these missiles under the START-2 treaty, which could occur ( ist. - Strategic missile).

By decree of Boris Yeltsin dated February 27, 1993, MIT became the lead enterprise for the development of Topol-M. It was decided to develop a unified missile with only one version of combat equipment - with a solid-fuel combat stage propulsion system. After that, the developments on the RT-2PM2 variant with the missile defense missile defense system and the mono-propellant engine of the breeding platform were transferred from the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau to the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. 1L rocket sample handed over to Russia on January 15, 1995 ( ist. - Rockets and spacecraft...).

Tests. To test the stationary version of the RT-2PM2 missile of the Topol-M complex, in 1992 the re-equipment of mine launchers began at sites 163/1, 172 and Yuzhnaya of the Plesetsk test site. Tests of the RT-2PM2 took place from December 20, 1994 (first launch) to February 2000 (ten launches).

APU 15U175 of the RS-12M2 "Topol-M" complex with an ICBM TPK during a parade rehearsal in Moscow, 04/26/2011 (photo - Vitaly Kuzmin, http://vitalykuzmin.net/).

ICBM launches RS-12M1 / RS-12M2 "Topol-M":

No. pp	the date	Polygon	PU type	Rocket	Description
01	12/20/1994 (12:50)	Plesetsk	silos	2L? 15Ж65	Successful first launch from a silo at the Kura test site (Kamchatka). Used silo converted from silo ICBM UT-100NUTTH ( ist. - Strategic missile).
02	09/05/1995 (11:50)	Plesetsk	silos	1L? 15Ж65
03	07/25/1996	Plesetsk	silos	15Ж65	Successful launch from a silo at the Kura test site (Kamchatka)
04	07/08/1997 (16:25)	Plesetsk	silos	15Ж65	Successful launch from a silo at the Kura test site (Kamchatka)
05	22.10.1998 (15:53)	Plesetsk	silos	15Ж65	Unsuccessful launch at the Kura test site (Kamchatka). The missile deviated from the course and was eliminated.
06	08.12.1998 (14:25)	Plesetsk	silos	15Ж65	Successful launch from a silo at the Kura test site (Kamchatka)
07	01/03/1999 (18:20)	Plesetsk	silos	15Ж65	Successful launch from a silo at the Kura test site (Kamchatka)
08	09/03/1999 (15:44)	Plesetsk	silos	15Ж65	Successful launch from a silo at the Kura test site (Kamchatka)
09	12/14/1999 (12:05)	Plesetsk	silos	15Ж65	Successful launch from a silo at the Kura test site (Kamchatka)
10	02/09/2000 (13:59)	Plesetsk	silos	15Ж65	Successful launch from a silo at the Kura test site (Kamchatka). The first launch on command from the Strategic Missile Forces control center. Launch from silo 15P765-18 with elements of silo missile 15A18M ( ist. - Strategic missile). The last launch of the test program for the mine version of the Topol-M ICBM.
11	26.09.2000 (15:00)	Plesetsk	silos		Successful launch from a silo at the Kura test site (Kamchatka).
12	09/27/2000 (13:50)	Plesetsk	PGRK	15Ж55	Successful first launch from the PGRK (according to other data, the first launch of the PGRK was on September 20). 1st launch of the PGRK test program.
13	06/06/2002 (15:20)	Plesetsk	PGRK	15Ж55	Successful launch at the Kura test site (Kamchatka). 2nd launch of the PGRK test program.
14	04/20/2004 (21:30)	Plesetsk	PGRK	15Ж55	Successful launch to the maximum range in the Pacific Ocean. 3rd launch of the PGRK test program.
15	December 24, 2004 (12:39 pm)	Plesetsk	PGRK	15Ж55	Successful launch at the Kura test site (Kamchatka). The last - the fourth - launch as part of the PGRK test program.
16	11/01/2014 (09:20)	Plesetsk	silos
17	01/16/2017	Plesetsk	silos		Successful test launch at the Kura test site (Kamchatka).
18	17.10.2018	Plesetsk	silos		According to Western data, an emergency launch at the Kura test site (Kamchatka). () - no launch confirmation from other sources
19	30.09.2019	Plesetsk	silos		Successful test launch at the Kura test site (Kamchatka).

Launch of the 15ZH65 "Topol-M" rocket from the silo, the Plesetsk test site, 2000 or earlier (Ground-based strategic missile systems. M., "Military Parade", 2007).

Launch of the Topol-M rocket, Plesetsk (http://militaryphotos.net).

The fourth launch within the framework of the test program of the Topol-M PGRK, Plesetsk, December 24, 2004 (photo - Alexander Babenko, http://itar-tass.com).

Serial production of RT-2PM2 missiles began at the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant in 1997 after the first four successful launches - simultaneously with the launch of the complex on experimental combat duty ( ist. - Strategic missile).

The deployment of the 15Zh65 ICBM with the 15P165 complex in the mine version in the experimental combat duty mode began with the placement of the first two missiles in the 104th missile regiment of the 60th division of the Strategic Missile Forces in Tatishchevo on December 24, 1997. However, at the beginning of 1998 in the analytical the note "The state of the defense industry and the way out of the defense complex from the crisis" () reported that the Topol-M priority program was being carried out several years behind. the first regiment with Topol-M missiles in the silo (10 missiles) took up combat duty on December 30, 1998 ( ist. - Strategic missile).

The fixed-based ICBM 15ZH65 was put into service with the Russian Strategic Missile Forces after the signing of the Act of Adoption on April 28, 2000 by the Decree of the President of Russia, which was signed on July 13, 2000.

In 2011, a decision was made to stop purchasing 15Zh65 ICBMs for the Strategic Missile Forces. The deployment of Topol-M missiles in silos was completed in 2012. A total of 60 silos were deployed - 10 regiments as part of the 60th division of the Strategic Missile Forces in Tatishchevo.

Testing and acceptance into service of the variant with PGRK. For testing the mobile version of the RT-2PM1 rocket of the Topol-M complex, sites 167 and 169 of the Plesetsk test site were used. In total, during flight tests from September 2000 to December 2004 four launches were carried out. Tests of ICBM 15Zh55 with PGRK 15P155 started in Plesetsk on September 27, 2000.

On November 21, 2005, two missile divisions and a mobile command post of the 321st missile regiment of the 54th missile division (Teikovo) were decommissioned. In November 2006, one missile battalion of the 321st missile regiment was equipped with 3 APUs and a mobile command post of the Topol-M complex, and on December 10, 2006, this battalion of the 321st regiment of the Teykovskaya missile division took up combat duty.

The PGKR with the Topol-M ICBM was put into service in December 2006.(). The deployment of Topol-M missiles as part of the PGRK was completed in 2009 - at the same time it was announced that the production of the Topol-M PGRK was being terminated in favor of the PGRK with ICBMs. A total of 18 PGRK deployed.

Launch equipment:
The missile launch under the 1989 project was originally supposed to be from the TPK. For PGRK, it was supposed to use fiberglass TPK (MIT project). For a variant of the complex with a launch from a silo (a variant of the Yuzhnoye design bureau), it was supposed to manufacture a TPK from metal, with a number of ground equipment systems attached to it. For this reason, the missiles differed slightly and received different indices during development ( ist. - Strategic missile).

ShPU 15P765 type OS- complex 15P065 / 15P165 - the first two installations on experimental combat duty - complex 15P065-35 (converted silos of ICBMs UR-100NUTTH / 15A35). The silos of the complex are combined into regimental sets of 10 silos with a command post 15V222. In the mine version, the rocket can use modified mine launchers from UR-100NUTTH and R-36M missiles ().

There are several types of SPU:
- silo 15P765-35 - silo using the MBR 15A35 mine
- silo 15P765-18 - silo using the MBR 15A18M mine;
- silo 15P765-60 - silo using the MBR 15Zh60 mine;

Work on the re-equipment of silos of old missiles into silos 15P765 was carried out by the Vympel Experimental Design Bureau under the leadership of Dmitry Dragun. The re-equipment was carried out by removing the elements of the 15P735 launcher necessary for the gas-dynamic launch of 15A35 missiles, using an improved shock-absorbing system and filling the released volume with heavy reinforced concrete of special grades ().

One of the two mines for 15A35 ICBMs at the Plesetsk test site, which were previously used for testing RT-23 ICBMs, was decided to be converted using a silo head and a protective device for 15A18M ICBM silos. components for re-equipment were delivered from the Orenburg missile army. So the silo 15P765-18 was equipped with a launch from which the 15Zh65 rocket was made in 2000.

Launch of ICBM 15Zh65 from the prototype launcher OS 15P765-18, Plesetsk test site, 02/09/2000 (photo retouched in the source, Ground-based strategic missile systems. M., "Military Parade", 2007).

Launch of ICBM 15Zh65 from the prototype PU OS 15P765-18, Plesetsk test site, probably 02/09/2000 (without retouching,).

Silo type 15P765-35 for the Topol-M ICBM, Plesetsk test site, 1990-2000s. (http://www.arms-expo.ru).

The head of the silo type 15P765 / 15P765M at the Plesetsk training ground, shots of the launch of the Topol-M ICBM on 11/01/2014 (RVSN of the Russian Armed Forces).

PGKR 15P155- an autonomous launcher 15U175 on an eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221 with a 15Zh55 rocket in a fiberglass TPK.

APU 15U175 ICBM "Topol-M" with TPK ICBM "Yars" at one of the rehearsals of the parade on Red Square, April 2011 (http://russianarms.mybb.ru).

TTX APU 15U175 "Topol-M" on the chassis MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922):
Start type - mortar using PAD
The wheel formula is 16 x 16, the first three and the last three axles are steerable.
Engine - YaMZ-847.10 diesel engine with a power of 800 hp, 4-stroke, 12-cylinder, turbocharged
Length - approx. 22.7 m
Width - approx. 3.4 m
Height - approx. 3.3 m
Ground clearance - 475 mm
Turning radius - 18 m
Ford - 1.1 m
Tires with adjustable pressure 1600x600-685 model VI-178A / AU
Curb weight - 40000 kg
Load capacity - 80000 kg
Tank volume - 825 l
Maximum speed - 45 km / h
Power reserve - 500 km

Photo report from the MZKT assembly line. Chassis MZKT-79221 for the Strategic Missile Forces of Russia. Minsk, Belarus, 2010 ().

Chassis MZKT-79221 before the parade in honor of the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus in Minsk, publication 07/01/2013 (http://www.vpk.gov.by via http://autocatalogue.livejournal.com).

APU 15U175 of the RT-2PM2 / RS-12M2 "Topol-M" complex with an ICBM TPK during a parade rehearsal in Moscow, 04/26/2011 (photo - Vitaly Kuzmin, http://vitalykuzmin.net/).

APU of the RT-2PM2 / RS-12M2 "Topol-M" complex with the ICBM TPK during the rehearsal of the parade in Moscow, 05/03/2011 (photo - Andrey Kryuchenko, http://a-andreich.livejournal.com).

PGRK "Topol-M" uses and can be used from the combat duty unit 15U182 "Krona" - a protected box with a torn roof to locate the APU 15U175 there. Serially produced by OJSC "85 Repair Plant" ().

Combat duty unit 15U182 "Krona" (http://russianarms.mybb.ru).

APU PGRK "Topol-M" with a raised TPK after the launch of the ICBM 15ZH55 from the shelter of the "Krona" type, launch 09/27/2000, Plesetsk (Ground-based strategic missile systems. M., "Military Parade", 2007).

Rocket RT-2PM1/15Zh55 and RT-2PM2/15Zh65:

Design three-stage with series connection of stages. Storage and use of ICBMs is carried out using TPK. The design of the rocket was developed taking into account the possibility of overcoming dust and ground formations after a nuclear explosion - clouds of gravel and suspensions at a height of 10-20 km. The rocket body is made without protruding parts with a strong head fairing. The design scheme also facilitates the high-energy third stage of the rocket as much as possible ( ist. - Strategic missile).

Rocket launch of the Topol-M complex (http://ok.ya1.ru).

Launch of a 15ZH65 rocket from a silo, Plesetsk test site, 2000 or earlier (Ground-based strategic missile systems. M., "Military Parade", 2007).

The composition of the rocket:
- PAD
- 1 step
- 2 step
- 3 step
- the launch stage of the warhead - in the initial design of the Yuzhnoye design bureau - a mono-propellant liquid engine using Pronit fuel.
- a warhead with means of overcoming missile defense (up to 20 decoys - - not confirmed).

The rocket stages are made by winding glass fiber of the "cocoon" type. The rocket is not equipped with aerodynamic controls and stabilization.

The missile has maximum resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion (PFYAV) due to ():
- use of a protective coating of a new development, applied to the outer surface of the rocket body and providing comprehensive protection against PFYAV;
- application of a control system developed on an element base with increased durability and reliability;
- application of a special coating with a high content of rare earth elements to the body of the sealed instrument compartment, which housed the control system equipment;
- the use of shielding and special methods of laying the missile's onboard cable network;
- introduction of a special program maneuver of the rocket when passing through a cloud of a ground-based nuclear explosion, etc.

Control system and guidance- autonomous inertial control system using an on-board computer. The developer of the control system is N.A. Pilyugin Research and Production Center for Automation and Instrumentation (Moscow), chief designers are V. Lapygin and Yu. Trunov. The active part of the trajectory is shortened. To reduce the velocity spread at the end of the 3rd stage, a missile turn maneuver is probably used in the direction of zero range increment until the 3rd stage fuel is completely exhausted. The instrument compartment of the rocket is airtight. The missile can perform a programmatic maneuver at the start to pass the nuclear explosion cloud of the attacking ballistic missiles.

Automatic gyrocompass (AGK) of the aiming system APU 15U175 of the RT-2PM2 / RS-12M2 Topol-M complex with the Yars ICBM TPK during a parade in Moscow, 05/09/2012 (photo from the Boaz Guttman archive, http:// www.flickr.com).

Engines:

Stage 1 - solid propellant solid propellant rocket engine. Engine development - NPO "Iskra" (Perm), chief designer of the nozzle block - Sokolovsky M.I. Possibly, fuel of the T-9BK-8E type or similar developed by NPO Soyuz (Dzerzhinsk). The 15S51 fiberglass body is an integral part of the propulsion system of the first stage of the rocket and, as of 2011, is mass-produced by Avangard OJSC (Safronovo, ). Engine nozzle - controlled ( ist. - Strategic missile).
Nozzle - swivel controlled (NPO "Iskra", Perm)
Engine thrust - approx. 100 t / 90780 kg (according to other data,)
Engine running time - 60 sec

Stage 2 - solid propellant solid propellant, probably with a sliding nozzle nozzle. Developments, probably MIT. Perhaps fuel type "Start" or similar NPO "Soyuz" (Dzerzhinsk).
Engine thrust - approx. 50 t
Engine running time - 64 sec

Stage 3 - solid propellant solid propellant, probably with a sliding nozzle nozzle. Developments, probably MIT. Possibly, fuel type AP-65 or similar NPO "Soyuz" (Dzerzhinsk).
Nozzle - swivel controlled partially recessed with folding nozzle
Engine thrust - approx. 25 t
Engine running time - 56 sec

The nozzle blocks of all stages are made of carbon-carbon material, the nozzle inserts are based on a three-dimensionally reinforced oriented carbon-carbon matrix ().

There is a possibility that in order to reduce the time of the active section of the trajectory (AUT), the extension of the nozzle nozzles of the 2nd and 3rd stages occurs in the "hot" mode by the products of the stage engines. A similar technology was developed in the 1980s by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (Dnepropetrovsk) for the Krechet air missile system and other systems.

Warhead breeding platform:
MIT variant - with solid propellant rocket engine. There was information in the media about the use of a "unique variable thrust engine". Development of a fuel charge - NPO "Soyuz" (Dzerzhinsk).

A variant of Yuzhnoye Design Bureau is the 15Zh65 rocket - a mono-propellant engine or a solid propellant rocket engine or several low-thrust rocket engines.

Such a remote control provides two modes of operation of the main stage engine with deep throttling (30 times) of the high-thrust engine chamber, which reduces the gas-dynamic effect on detachable warheads. The construction of the orders of warheads is carried out by a low-thrust engine according to a "pulling" scheme.
Fuel type - PRONIT
Thrust of the high thrust engine - 300 kg (in the void)
Thrust thruster - 3 / 6 kg (in the void)

TTX missiles:
Length - 22.55 m ( ist. - Strategic missile) / 22.7 m (according to other data)
Length of the 1st stage - 8.04 m
Length of the 2nd stage - 6 m
Length of the 3rd step - 3.1 m
Length without warhead - 17.5 m
Diameter of the 1st stage - 1.81 m ( ist. - Strategic missile) / 1.86 m ()
Diameter of the 2nd stage - 1.61 m ()
Diameter of the 3rd stage - 1.58 m ()
TPK diameter without protruding parts:
- 15P065 - 1.95 m
- 15P165 - 2.05 m

Starting weight - 46.5 t ( ist. - Strategic missile) / 47.1 t / 47.2 t ()
Mass of the 1st stage - 26 t / 28.6 t (according to other data)
The mass of the structure of the 1st stage - 3 tons
Weight of the 2nd stage - 13 tons
The weight of the structure of the 1st stage - 1.5 t
Weight of the 3rd stage - 6 t
The mass of the structure of the 1st stage - 1 t
Head part weight - 1200 kg ()

Range:
- maximum:
- more than 11,000 km
- 11500 km ()
KVO - 350 m / 200 m ()

Warranty period of operation - 15-20 years (according to various sources,)

Warhead types- monoblock thermonuclear warhead with a power of up to 1 Mt - developer - VNIIEF (Sarov), chief designer - G. Dmitriev.

The warhead is high-speed with a high level of resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion ().

The missile is equipped with a complex of means of overcoming missile defense (KSP PRO). According to unconfirmed reports, the composition of the PCB PRO includes active and passive decoys, means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead ().

Installation of the warhead on the rocket 15ZH65 "Topol-M", Plesetsk test site, 2000 or earlier (Strategic ground-based missile systems. M., "Military Parade", 2007).

Modifications:
- The "Universal" R & D complex - a rocket project developed by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (Dnepropetrovsk).

The Topol-M complex is a project of a rocket developed by MIT.

The "Universal" complex, missiles 15Zh55 (PGRK) and 15Zh65 (ShPU 15P065) - a draft design jointly developed by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau and MIT.

Complex RS-12M1 "Topol-M" 15P165 (ShPU), missile RT-2PM1 / 15ZH65 - SS-27 SICKLE-B - a variant of the ICBM complex with silos developed by MIT.
- option 15P765-35 - with silos using ICBM mines 15A35
- option 15P765-18 - with silos using mines of ICBM 15A18M
- option 15P765-60 - with silos using mines MBR 15ZH60

Complex RS-12M2 "Topol-M" 15P155 (PGRK), missile RT-2PM2 / 15ZH55 - SS-27 SICKLE-B - a variant of the ICBM complex with PGRK developed by MIT.

The complex is a variant of the ICBM complex with MIRV mine and mobile ground-based.

Status: Russia

December 24, 1997 - in the 60th Tamansky Missile Division (Tatishchevo), in the 104th Missile Regiment, the first Topol-M missile was installed in the mine, modified after the liberation from the expired UR-100N missile, to continue testing. The missile was installed without a nuclear warhead. The first missile regiment armed with 15Zh65 missiles took up experimental combat duty only a year later (10 silos).

December 30, 1998 - The 104th missile regiment of the 60th missile division, consisting of 10 silos of 15Zh65 missiles, took up experimental combat duty as part of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces.

December 10, 1999 - The second missile regiment of the 60th missile division took up combat duty with Topol-M missiles.

December 26, 2000 - the third missile regiment of the 60th missile division took up combat duty with Topol-M missiles - the regiment was re-equipped from the 15P060 complex.

December 21, 2003 - The fourth missile regiment of the 60th missile division took up combat duty with Topol-M missiles.

December 09, 2005 - The fifth missile regiment of the 60th missile division took up combat duty with Topol-M missiles.

The number of ICBMs RS-12M2 "Topol-M" in the RSVN:

Sources:
Wikipedia is the free encyclopedia. Site http://ru.wikipedia.org, 2013
Milekhin Yu.M. The contribution of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise FTsDT "Soyuz" to the creation of solid-propellant missile systems. // National Defense. №6 / 2011
OAO NPO Iskra. Site http://www.npoiskra.ru/, 2010
Pashnev M.A. "Topol-M": history of creation and prospects. http://rbase.new-factoria.ru , May 11, 2010
Rocket and space technology developed by NPO "Iskra". Presentation. 2008
Rockets and spacecraft of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau. Dnepropetrovsk, City Clinical Hospital "Yuzhnoye", 2000
Ground-based strategic missile systems. M., "Military Parade", 2007

5:06 / 24.04.16
Strategic Missile Forces: mobile ground-based missile system "Topol" with ICBM 15Zh58

RT-2PM "Topol" (GRAU index of the complex / missile - 15P158 / 15ZH58, under the START treaty - RS-12M, according to NATO classification - SS-25 Sickle, in translation - Sickle) - Soviet / Russian mobile ground-based strategic missile system with three-stage solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile RT-2PM.

APU 15U168 complex 15P158 "Poplar" / Photo: tvzvezda.ru, Konstantin Semenov

Development history

The development of the Topol strategic mobile complex (RS-12M) with a three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile suitable for placement on a self-propelled automobile chassis (based on a 15Zh58 ICBM on solid mixed fuel weighing 45 tons with a monoblock nuclear warhead weighing 1 ton) was launched on July 19, 1977 year at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering under the leadership of chief designer Alexander Nadiradze in 1975. After the death of A. Nadiradze (he was director and chief designer of MIT 1961 - 1987, died in 1977), work was continued under the leadership of Boris Lagutin (general designer of MIT 1987 - 1993). A mobile launcher on a wheeled chassis was developed by the Central Design Bureau "Titan" at the Volgograd plant "Barikady".

Alexander Nadiradze / Photo: liveinternet.ru

Boris Lagutin / Photo: liveinternet.ru

Decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 668-212 on the development of the Topol missile system was issued on July 19, 1977. The first flight test of the rocket took place on October 27, 1982 at the Kapustin Yar training ground and ended unsuccessfully. The second (according to other sources, the first) launch was carried out on February 8, 1983 at the Plesetsk training ground by the combat crew of the 6th NRU and was successful. The first three test launches were carried out from a mine launcher of the RT-2P rocket converted specifically for these works.

Launch of ICBM 15ZH58 / RS-12M "Topol" from the Plesetsk training ground / Photo: pressa-rvsn.livejournal.com

On August 10, 1983, the fourth launch of the RS-12M rocket was carried out, it was the first to be carried out from the 15U128 self-propelled launcher. In total, at the stage of joint flight tests of the complex from February 1983 to December 23, 1987, 16 missile launches were carried out. The missile system was put into service on December 1, 1988.

From November 1984 to September 1994, during the period of serial production of the elements of the complex and the putting of missile regiments on combat duty, 32 control serial launches were carried out (in defense of the party). During the period of operation of the PGRK in the Strategic Missile Forces from April 1988 to November 2005, 33 combat training launches of the RT-2PM missile were performed.

The RS-12M is a ground-based intercontinental strategic missile, which significantly increases its survivability in combat operations.

One of the most successful Russian modern complexes was considered the Topol mobile ground-based missile system (SS-25 "Sickle" according to NATO classification) with the RS-12M missile. It became the first mobile complex equipped with an intercontinental range missile, put into service after almost two decades of unsuccessful attempts made by various design organizations.

Rocket 15Zh58 (RT-2PM)

Rocket 15ZH58 is made according to the scheme with three marching stages. To ensure high energy-mass perfection and increase the firing range in all marching stages, a new, developed at the Lyubertsy LNPO Soyuz, a more advanced mixed fuel of increased density with a specific impulse increased by several units was used compared to the fillers of previously created engines.

The layout of the rocket 15Zh58: 1 - head part; 2- transitional compartment; 3 - marching solid propellant rocket engine of the III stage; 4 - connecting compartment II stage; 5 - marching solid propellant rocket engine of the II stage; 6 - connecting compartment of the 1st stage; 7 - marching solid propellant rocket engine of the 1st stage; 8 - tail section of the 1st stage / Image: rvsn.ruzhany.info

Rocket 15Zh58 complex 15P158 "Poplar" / Photo: rvsn.ruzhany.info

Solid propellant rocket engines with one fixed nozzle are installed on all three stages. On the outer surface of the tail section of the first stage there were folding rotary lattice aerodynamic rudders (4 pcs.), Used for flight control in conjunction with gas-jet rudders and 4 lattice aerodynamic stabilizers.

The spent first stage of the Topol ICBM after launch from the Plesetsk training ground - lattice aerodynamic rudders are clearly visible / Photo: www.edu.severodvinsk.ru

The nozzle block of the first stage of the 15Zh58 rocket of the 15P158 Topol complex / Photo: www.edu.severodvinsk.ru

The second stage structurally consists of a connecting compartment and a sustainer solid propellant rocket engine. The third stage has almost the same design, but it additionally includes a transition compartment, to which the head part is attached.

The first stage of the 15Zh58 rocket of the 15P158 Topol complex / Photo: rvsn.ruzhany.info

The second stage of the 15Zh58 rocket of the 15P158 Topol complex / Photo: rvsn.ruzhany.info

The third stage of the 15Zh58 rocket of the 15P158 Topol complex / Photo: rvsn.ruzhany.info

The bodies of the upper stages were for the first time made by the method of continuous winding from organoplastic according to the "cocoon" scheme. The third stage was equipped with a transition compartment for attaching the warhead.

Launch stage of the warhead of the 15Zh58 rocket of the 15P158 Topol complex / Photo: rvsn.ruzhany.info

Controlling the firing range was the most difficult technical task and was carried out by cutting off the third-stage propulsion engine, using a thrust cut-off unit, with eight reversible bells and "windows" cut through by DUZs (DUZ - a detonating elongated charge) in the organoplastic power structure of the hull. The thrust cut-off unit was located on the front bottom of the upper stage housing.

Vladimir Lapygin / Photo: faceruss.ru

Serafim Parnyakov / Photo: space.com.ua

The inertial control system has its own onboard computer, which made it possible to achieve high firing accuracy. The control system provides missile flight control, routine maintenance on the missile and launcher, pre-launch preparation and missile launch. All operations of pre-launch preparation and launch, as well as preparatory and maintenance work are fully automated.

In the foreground is the layout of the ICBM warhead / Photo: militaryrussia.ru

The head part is monoblock, nuclear weighing about 1 ton. The head part includes a propulsion system and a control system that provides a circular probable deviation (CEP) of 400 m (so our sources say, in the West the accuracy is estimated at 150-200 m). "Topol" is equipped with a set of means to overcome the missile defense of a potential enemy. The nuclear warhead was created at the All-Union Research Institute of Experimental Physics under the leadership of chief designer Samvel Kocharyants.

Samvel Kocharyants / Photo: atomic-energy.ru

According to Western sources, the missile was tested at least once with four individually targetable warheads, but this option was not further developed.

The flight control of the rocket is carried out by rotary gas-jet and lattice aerodynamic rudders. New nozzle devices for solid propellant engines have been created. To ensure stealth, camouflage, false complexes, and camouflage have been developed. Like the previous mobile complexes of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. Rocket 15ZH58 is produced in Votkinsk. The 15Zh58 (RT-2PM) missile spends its entire service life in a pressurized transport and launch container 22 m long and 2 m in diameter.

TPK with 15Zh58 rocket / Photo: rvsn.ruzhany.info

Initially, the warranty period for the operation of the rocket was 10 years. Later the warranty period was extended to 15 years.

Launcher and equipment

During operation, the rocket is located 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 truck. The rocket is launched from a vertical position using a powder pressure accumulator (PAD) placed in a transport and launch container (TLC).

The launcher was developed at the Volgograd Central Design Bureau "Titan" under the leadership of Viktor Shurygin.

Viktor Shurygin / Photo: topwar.ru

The seven-axle MAZ-7912 (15U128.1) was used as the chassis of the launcher of the mobile complex, later - MAZ-7917 (15U168) with a 14x12 wheel formula (Barrikada plant in Volgograd).

SPU 15U128.1 on the MAZ-7912 chassis with TPK - the Topol complex (official photo from the documents under the SALT agreements) / Photo: www.fas.org

Serial APU 15U128.1 on the MAZ-7912 chassis, complex 15P158.1 / Photo: military.tomsk.ru/forum

APU 15U168 on the MAZ-7917 chassis with TPK - the Topol complex (official photo from the documents under the SALT agreements / Photo: www.fas.org

SPU 15U168 complex 15P158 "Poplar". On the starboard side of the SPU, some essential structural elements are missing. Exhibition "Patriot", Kubinka, 2015 / Photo: Vitaly Kuzmin

This car of the Minsk Automobile Plant is equipped with a 710 hp diesel engine. Yaroslavl Motor Plant. The vehicle was equipped with a sealed transport and launch container with a diameter of 2 m and a length of 22 m. The mass of the launcher with the rocket was about 100 tons. Despite this, the Topol complex had good mobility and maneuverability.

Solid propellant charges for engines were developed at the Lyubertsy NPO Soyuz under the leadership of Boris Zhukov (later Zinovy Pak headed the association).

Boris Zhukov / Photo: liveinternet.ru

Zinoviy Pak / Photo: minpromtorg.gov.ru

Composite materials and the container were designed and manufactured at the Central Research Institute of Special Machine Building under the direction of Viktor Protasov. Rocket hydraulic steering drives and self-propelled launcher hydraulic drives were developed at the Moscow Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics.

Victor Protasov / Photo: liveinternet.ru

Some sources reported that the launch could have been made from any point on the patrol route, but according to more accurate information: “Upon receiving an order to launch according to the ASBU, the APU calculation is obliged to take the nearest route point suitable for launch and deploy the APU.” In the field (that is, in the field BSP and MBP, the Topol regiments are on combat duty, as a rule, for 1.5 months in winter and the same amount in summer).

The launch of the RS-12M could also be carried out directly from the special unit 15U135 "Krona" in which the "Topol" are on combat duty on stationary BSPs. For this, the roof of the hangar is made sliding.

Unit 15U135 "Krona" (official photo from documents under SALT agreements) / Photo: www.fas.org

Combat readiness (time to prepare for the launch) from the moment the order was received to the launch of the rocket was increased to two minutes.

SPU exit from building 15U135 (Krona) / Photo: rvsn.ruzhany.info

To ensure the possibility of launching, the launcher is hung on jacks and leveled. These operations enter deployment mode. The missile container is then lifted to a vertical position. To do this, in the "Start" mode, a powder pressure accumulator (PAD) is triggered, located on the APU itself. It is needed in order for the hydraulic system to work to lift the boom from the TPK to the vertical. In other words, this is an ordinary gas generator. On the Pioneer, the boom was raised (i.e., the hydraulic pump engine was working) from the drive from the chassis propulsion engine (CD), which led to the need to have a system for keeping the CD in a “hot state”, duplicating the system for launching the CD with air cylinders, etc. But such a scheme somewhat reduced reliability.

Missile division, on alert / Photo: rvsn.ruzhany.info

Start type - artillery: after installing the TPK in a vertical position and shooting off its upper protective cap, the first TPK PAD fires first - to extend the TPK movable bottom in order to "rest" against the ground for greater stability, and then the second PAD already pushes the rocket to a height of several meters , after which the main engine of the first stage is launched.

The APU is controlled by PKP Zenit (divisional link) and Granit (regimental link).

For the Topol complex, a mobile command post of the regiment (PKP RP) was developed. PKP RP units were placed on the MAZ-543 chassis.

Combat duty support vehicle (MOBD) of the Topol complex on the MAZ-543M chassis / Photo: www.fas.org

Composition of the PKP RP:

Unit 15V168 - combat control vehicle
Unit 15V179 - communication machine 1
Unit 15V75 - communication machine 2

Each of these units was accompanied by an MOBD unit (combat operations support vehicle), also on the MAZ-543 chassis. At first it was the 15V148 unit, then (since 1989) the 15V231 unit.

One MOBD included the functions of 4 units of the Pioneer complex: MDES, canteen, hostel, MDSO). Those. had diesel units, a household compartment, a control room. () The Topol RK APUs were equipped with an upgraded RBU system, which made it possible to receive launch commands via the Perimeter system on 3 ranges.

Trials and deployment

In February 1983, the Topol PGRK was put to the test. The first flight test of the rocket was carried out at the 53rd NIIP MO (now the 1st GIK MO) Plesetsk on February 8, 1983. This and two subsequent launches were made from converted RT-2P stationary missile silos. One of the launches was unsuccessful. A series of tests continued until December 23, 1987. In total, more than 70 launches of this rocket were carried out.

The tip of the silo type 15P765 / 15P765M at the Plesetsk training ground, shots of the launch of the Topol ICBM / Photo: militaryrussia.ru

In 1984, the construction of stationary-based facilities and the equipment of combat patrol routes for the Topol mobile missile systems began in the position areas of the RT-2P and UR-100 ICBMs decommissioned, located in the OS silo. Later, the positioning areas of medium-range complexes removed from service under the INF Treaty were arranged.

The development of the elements of the complex proceeded in stages, and apparently the greatest difficulties were associated with the combat control system. After the successful completion of the first series of tests, completed by mid-1985 (during April 1985, 15 test launches took place), on July 23, 1985, the RT-2PM entered service and was put on combat duty in the area of Yoshkar-Ola the first regiment of the PGRK. At the same time, the development of the combat control system, obviously, continued.

Test launches of the Topol rocket / Photo: rvsn.ruzhany.info

Serial production of missiles has been located at the plant in Votkinsk (Udmurtia) since 1985, and the mobile launcher has been manufactured at the Volgograd plant "Barrikada".

In parallel, in 1986, on the basis of the second and third stages of the 15Zh58 rocket, a medium-range mobile ground complex "Speed" was developed with a maximum firing range greater than that of the Temp-S front-line complex and less than that of the Pioneer complex. Such a range, with powerful combat equipment, made it possible to squeeze into the launch weight of the rocket, which provided an acceptable total weight and dimensions of the self-propelled launcher. Acceptable in order to “ride” on the territory of the countries of Eastern Europe. Thus, the question of flying time for London, Rome, Bonn was removed.

The first regiment, equipped with a mobile regimental command post, was put on combat duty only on April 28, 1987 (near the city of Nizhny Tagil).

Part of the Topol PGRK was deployed in the newly created positional areas. After the signing of the INF Treaty in 1987, some position areas of the Pioneer medium-range PGRK being dismantled began to be converted to base the Topol complexes.

Test launches of missiles, as previously mentioned, ended on December 23, 1987, however, the tests of the mobile complex, and not just missiles, were fully completed only in December 1988, so the final decision to accept the Topol complex for service dates back to December 1, 1988 g., i.e. more than three years after the start of trial operation.

On May 27, 1988, the first missile regiment with a modernized mobile regimental command post was put on combat duty (near Irkutsk).

An example of the location of structures at the starting position / Image: rvsn.ruzhany.info

At the time of the signing of the START-1 Treaty in 1991, the USSR had 288 Topol missile systems. After the signing of START-1, the deployment of these complexes was continued. () The first missile regiment with the Topol missile system was put on combat duty on July 23, 1985 (according to other sources on July 20), even before the completion of joint flight tests in the 14th missile division (Yoshkar-Ola) (commander - Colonel Dremov V . V.), and until the end of 1985 - another missile regiment.

On May 27, 1988, the first regiment entered the database, the divisions of which included an improved mobile command post (PKP) equipped with a new automated control system.

Development of the RT-2PM grouping. Number of launchers on combat duty
	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
RT-2PM	18	72	81	99	162	234	306	333	351	369	360	360	360	360	360	360	360	360	345	333	315	291	254	243	213	180	171
Total ICBMs	1398	1398	1398	1390	1398	1398	1398	1333	1305	1129	975	870	832	748	756
% of RKSN (including RSD)	0,94	3,76	4,23	5,37	9,34	14,63	21,21	24,98	26,89	32,68	36,92	41,38	43,27	48,13	47,62

As of the end of 1996, the Strategic Missile Forces had 360 Topol PGRKs.

Every year, one control launch of the Topol rocket is carried out from the Plesetsk training ground. The high reliability of the complex is evidenced by the fact that during its testing and operation, about fifty control and test launches of missiles were made. They all went through flawlessly. On November 29, 2005, a combat training launch of the mobile-based RS-12M Topol ICBM was carried out from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in the direction of the Kura test site in Kamchatka. The training warhead of the rocket hit a conditional target at the training ground of the Kamchatka Peninsula with a given accuracy. The main purpose of the launch is to check the reliability of the equipment. The missile stood on combat duty for 20 years. This is the first case in the practice of not only domestic, but also world rocket science - a solid-fuel rocket, which has been in operation for so many years, has been successfully launched. On the basis of the Topol PGRK with the 15Zh58 missile, the following were created:

1. Complex "Perimeter-RC", rocket "Siren"- a complex with a command missile - a missile system for providing information about the need to deliver a retaliatory strike in the conditions of the cessation of the operation of conventional means of communication. The regiment of ICBMs "Perimeter-RTs" created on the basis of the ICBM 15ZH58 "Topol" took up combat duty in December 1990 in the 8th missile division of the Strategic Missile Forces (Yurya, regiment commander - Colonel S. I. Arzamastsev). In December 2011, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, Lieutenant General Sergei Karakaev, stated that the Perimeter system exists and is on alert. Tests of the command missile of the Perimeter-RC complex were carried out by five launches of ICBMs from the Plesetsk test site from August 8 to December 25, 1990.

2. rocket 15ZH58E "Topol-E"- an experimental launch vehicle for testing new types of combat equipment for ICBMs, the name 15Zh58E is tentative.

Launch of the Topol-E ICBM, Kapustin Yar test site, site 107, 2009 / Photo: militaryphotos.net.

Projections of Topol and Topol-E missiles (15Zh58 and 15Zh58E) - SS-25 SICKLE / Image: militaryrussia.ru

3. "Start-1" - AES launch vehicle. The development of the launch vehicle started in 1989. The first launch was made on March 25, 1993. The design is a 5-stage launch vehicle. Payload mass to low orbit - 500 kg

Launch vehicle "Start-1" in the workshop of the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant / Photo: www.iz-article.ru

Reduction

According to the agreement on START-2, 360 units of the Topol missile system were reduced until 2007.

After the collapse of the USSR, part of the Topols remained on the territory of Belarus. On August 13, 1993, the withdrawal of the Topol Strategic Missile Forces from Belarus began, and on November 27, 1996, it was completed.

As of July 2006, 243 Topol missile systems (Teikovo, Yoshkar-Ola, Yurya, Nizhny Tagil, Novosibirsk, Kansk, Irkutsk, Barnaul, Vypolzovo) were still on combat duty.

An interesting fact is that the Topol complex is the first Soviet strategic missile system, the name of which was declassified in the Soviet press, in an article refuting the accusations of the American side that Russia was allegedly testing a new missile system in violation of the current arms reduction treaty .

Tactical and technical indicators

Tactical and technical characteristics complex "Topol"
Launch preparation time, min	2
Thermonuclear charge power, Mt	0,55
Shooting accuracy (KVO), m	900/200*
Area of combat patrol area, km 2	125000
Launcher	7-axle chassis MAZ-7310
Warranty period of storage of the rocket in the TPK, years	10 (extended to 15)
launcher type	mobile, group launcher with mortar launch
Intercontinental ballistic missile 15Zh58 (RT-2PM)
Firing range, km	10500
Number of steps	3 + breeding stage combat blocks.
Engine	RDTT
Start type	ground from TPK due to PAD
Length:
- full, m	21,5
- without warhead, m	18,5
- first stage, m	8,1
- second stage, m	4,6
- third stage, m	3,9
- head part, m	2,1
Diameter:
- hulls of the first stage, m	1,8
- hulls of the second stage, m	1,55
- hulls of the third stage, m	1,34
- TPK (transport and launch container), m	2,0
Starting weight, t	45,1
The mass of the equipped first stage of the rocket, t	27,8
head part	monobloc detachable
Head part weight, kg	1000
Control system	autonomous, inertial with onboard computer
Autonomous launcher (APU)
Number of missiles on the launcher	1
Base - wheeled	MAZ-7912, MAZ-7917
Wheel formula	14x12
Weight:
- launcher without TPK, t	52,94
Overall dimensions (without TPK/with TPK):
- length, m	19,520/22,303
- width, m	3,850/4,5
- height, m	3,0/4,5
Engine	diesel V-58-7 (12V)
Power, hp	710
Fuel reserve, l	825
Speed, km/h	40
Power reserve, km	400
Transfer time to combat position, minutes.	2
Combat duty support vehicle (MOBD)
Weight, kg	43500
dimensions:
- length, m	15,935
- width, m	3,23
- height, m	4,415
Power, hp	525
Power reserve, km
Type of	sliding roof garage
Purpose	for storage of one SPU
Built, units	408
Dimensions:
- length, m	30,4
- width, m	8,1
- height, m	7,2
Composition of connections and parts
Missile division	3-5 missile regiments (KP and 9 SPU in each).
Regimental command post	stationary and mobile "Barrier" or "Granite" (based on MAZ-543M).
Division composition:
- preparation and launch group, pcs.	3
- combat control and communications group

What's next...

At the end of the 1980s, on a competitive basis, the development of a universal double-based ICBM - mine and on a mobile installation began. In MIT, which traditionally dealt with soil complexes, they began to develop a mobile complex, and in Yuzhnoye Design Bureau in Ukraine (Dnepropetrovsk) - a mine complex. But in 1991, all the work was completely transferred to the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. The design was headed by Boris Lagutin, and after his retirement in 1997, by Academician Yuri Solomonov, who was appointed General Designer of MIT.

But that's another story...

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