The safety of all life on earth is ensured by the balance of nuclear weapons of the eternal enemies of the United States and Russia. On the scales of these scales lie the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile on one side and the Trident II missile on the other.
Can someone tell me why such a weapon is needed? We must destroy it and fight with conventional means. But war is very bad. This is the loss of territory, resources, and most importantly, the death of people, most of them civilians. And the presence of such weapons has a deterrent character. The enemy will think a hundred times whether he should attack our country when “Polars” begin to grow on his territory in response. It gives a chance, a huge chance, to prevent war without starting hostilities.
History of creation
After the end of World War II, the Soviet Union and the United States of America carried out large-scale developments in the field of nuclear weapons and means of delivering warheads to their targets. Developments were carried out with varying degrees of success. The Americans were the first to create atomic weapons and were even able to test them against Japan. The USSR soon caught up with its opponents and conducted its own tests of this type of weapon.
In the middle of the 20th century, the Cuban missile crisis flared up, and again thermonuclear weapons were at the forefront. Although the Soviet Union was inferior to the United States in terms of the number of warheads, the Americans still did not dare to start a third world war, sparing their territories. The USSR had delivery systems that made it possible to strike American territory, and this cooled down the hotheads. The remoteness of the continent no longer plays into the hands of the United States.
In 1985, a new deterrent appears. The first missile regiment, equipped with Topol launchers, went on combat duty. At the end of the same decade, work began on a new ICBM for the silo and mobile complexes. The following were involved in the development:
- Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (the design team already had experience in creating a moving soil complex);
- Yuzhnoye design bureau in Dnepropetrovsk (the main developer of silo-based missiles).
This tandem was supposed to produce a unified complex
But this was not destined to come true, as the country collapsed. As a result, many enterprises involved in the creation of the new complex ended up on the territory of different states. For example, the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau began to belong to Ukraine.
By decree of the President of the Russian Federation in 1993, all developments on this installation were preserved and formed the basis for a deep modernization of the existing RT-2PM complex. The task was set to create the Topol-M complex. Having carried out profound improvements in characteristics and almost completely redesigned the rocket, the designers did not go beyond the framework of existing international treaties. They left a large foundation for future modernization, thereby maintaining the Strategic Missile Forces in an effective and combat-ready form.
During modernization, great attention was paid to breaking through the promising missile defense of a potential enemy.
"Topol-M" was supposed to be able to deliver a retaliatory or retaliatory missile strike on enemy territory.
This implied the possibility of launching missiles when a nuclear attack on our country had already taken place and the damaging factors from it were raging around. Or enemy missiles are in the air. Then another problem arises that the complex must solve successfully. This is overcoming a nuclear shield over targets. Also, such installations should have greater autonomy.
Democracy was raging in the country. Scientific institutes, technical laboratories collapsed, factories of the military-industrial complex went “for free” into private hands. Big-headed people fled to the west to have a decent salary and the opportunity to provide for their families. But, despite all the difficulties, the patriots of their Motherland worked on its defensive power.
A year later, a test launch of a silo-based missile was carried out. By the end of 1998, the first modernized mine complexes began testing duty near Tatishchvo. At the beginning of the 21st century, the mine-based complex was put into service. After this, work on the mobile complex accelerated. Six years after the mine complex was accepted, the first Topol-M mobile division entered combat duty.
This missile became the first mass-produced, universal, land-based intercontinental missile. Even unification was carried out with the sea-based Bulava missile system.
Description of the complex
The Topol-M rocket incorporates all the innovations in rocket science and all the best in the scientific and technical sector of our country’s development. According to many experts, everything related to this project can be summed up in one term: “For the first time.”
Almost all the differences from the first model are inherent in the process of delivering the warhead to the target.
They hide in a system of stable flight and penetration through the countermeasures of a potential enemy. The active phase of the rocket's flight has been reduced due to improvements in the propulsion engines. And the control devices make its trajectory difficult to determine for enemy detection means. The guidance system has also been improved; it has become insensitive to powerful electromagnetic pulses.
The rocket has three stages. All of them are solid fuel, created from composite materials according to the Cocoon project. Control is carried out by tilting the nozzles of the main engine. The body is coated with a special coating with a high content of rare elements. The control circuit cables are covered with a special protective casing and shielded from all types of radiation.
The control system of the Topol-M complex is created on the basis of a high-power digital on-board computer and a gyro-stabilized platform with command gyroscopic devices. An element base has been installed that increases survivability in conditions of a nuclear explosion.
The warhead is detachable, designed as a monoblock type, and contains a thermonuclear charge with a power of 550 kt in TNT equivalent.
Can be equipped with a block-type split warhead. The number of blocks varies from 3 to 7. Each block has a personal guidance system.
The missile defense system installed on this instance consists of:
- active and passive decoys. Moreover, they are practically indistinguishable from the original in all tracking ranges along the entire flight path. In the atmospheric portion of the trajectory, they can confidently overcome high-resolution radars. It consists of 15 to 20 targets of the “Waveship” class;
- means of distorting characteristics. They consist of a combination of various coatings and active noise generators, dipole reflectors and aerosols. Affect enemy detection means;
- trajectory correction engines. They create a chaotic movement of the warhead towards the target, making it difficult to target countermeasures systems.
A rocket launch is similar to a mortar shot - vertically upward. This provides additional security for a complex technical control system.
After the rocket exits the TPU, the first stage engine starts. The warhead itself is moving along the descending branch of the trajectory.
Classification
- The installation received the designation RT-2MP2.
- The missile was given the designation 15Zh65.
- The mobile complex was given the name 15P165. The complex includes 9 ICBMs on the launcher.
- The stationary complex was given the name 15P065. The complex includes 10 ICBMs in silos.
- According to international agreements, the complex is designated as RS-12M2.
- The NATO designation for the SS-27 is “Sikle-B”, which means “Sickle”.
Possibility of accommodation
The complex can be either stationary or mobile based. Partial unification with the Bulava was carried out.
Mine launchers are used for placement. A silo is a vertical well with supporting structures with fastenings placed in it, as well as devices for servicing and launching a rocket.
On top it is covered with an armor plate, which can slide to the side or rise on a hinge, depending on the design features. Ensures compliance with specified climatic and temperature conditions. Maintains the rocket in constant readiness for launch. Currently, converted silo launchers from Stiletto and Voevoda are used for stationary complexes. In the silos, the missiles are placed in a metal transport and launch container.
One complex includes 10 missiles and a command module with a high degree of protection. The process of loading a rocket into the silo takes more than 8 hours. The combat duty period of one missile is up to 15 years.
To accommodate the Topol-M complex, the MZKT-79221 self-propelled chassis was used. This is a special multi-axle heavy-duty chassis, developed by Minsk designers in 1997.
Serial production started in 2000.
The wheelbase provides good maneuverability, overcoming various obstacles and driving on various types of soil. The rocket is housed in a fiberglass TPU, which performs all functions to ensure launch readiness. The dimensions of the mobile installation allow launching from almost any place:
- length – 22 meters;
- width – 3.4 meters;
- weight 120 tons.
The complex includes 9 mobile units, escort and security vehicles, and a control vehicle. Since 2013, the complex began to receive engineering camouflage vehicles. They hide traces of the complexes that entered the database. They also create clearly visible traces leading to false positions.
The area of responsibility along the patrol route of one complex is 25 thousand square kilometers.
Performance characteristics
The mobility of the complex is ensured by installing a powerful turbodiesel engine on the chassis. The tractor uses pneumatic tires measuring 1600*600-685, allowing it to move off-road. Additionally, a pressure regulation system is installed.
| Rocket | 15Zh65 |
|---|---|
| Damage radius, km | 12000 |
| Launch weight, t | 46,5 |
| Flight speed, km/s | Up to 7 |
| Length of the missile with warhead, m | 22,6 |
| Length of the rocket without warhead, m | 17,5 |
| Case diameter max, m | 1,81 |
| Rocket weight in TPU, t | 76 |
| Warhead weight, t | 1,2 |
| Diameter of probable deviation, m | 150-200 |
| Fuel | Solid mixture |
| Warhead | Fusion charge |
| Warhead power, t (TNT equivalent) | 550 |
| Tractor | MZKT-79221 |
| engine | YaMZ-847.10 |
| Engine power, hp | Engine power, hp |
| Load capacity, t | 80 |
| Weight, t | 44 |
| Length, m | 22,7 |
| Width, m | 22,7 |
| Width, m | 3,4 |
| Height, m | 3,3 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 475 |
| Turning radius, m | 18 |
| Fordability, m | 1,1 |
| Cruising range, km | 500 |
| Speed max, km/h | 45 |
| Tank volume, l | 875 |
The missile guidance system ensures that targets are hit with a small error. And given the power of the warhead, this deviation can be ignored.
Bottom line
The characteristics of the Topol-M missile allow us to say with confidence that the enemy will be defeated in any conditions of warfare.
Our country's Strategic Missile Forces will always maintain parity, armed with such a strategic complex. And overseas “friends” will look back a hundred times before taking a rash aggressive step towards starting an armed conflict.
In addition to the Topol, the latest ICBM complex with a multiple warhead will soon enter service, finishing its testing.
The characteristics of this weapon are secret; the appearance of some data is possible only after the complex is on combat duty.
Video
The relative security of humanity in recent decades has been ensured by nuclear parity between the countries that own the majority of nuclear weapons on the planet and the means of delivering them to their target. Currently these are two states - the United States of America and the Russian Federation. The fragile balance is based on two main “pillars”. The American heavy carrier Trident-2 is opposed by the latest Russian Topol-M missile. Behind this simplified diagram lies a much more complex picture.
The average person is rarely interested in military equipment. It is difficult to judge by its appearance how reliably the state’s borders are protected. Many people remember the magnificent Stalinist military parades, during which citizens were shown the inviolability of Soviet defense. Huge five-turret tanks, giant TB bombers and other impressive models turned out to be not very useful on the fronts of the war that soon began. Maybe the Topol-M complex, the photo of which makes such a strong impression, is also outdated?
Judging by the reaction of military experts from countries that consider Russia a potential adversary, this is not so. But in practice it would be better not to be convinced of this. There is little objective data about the newest rocket. All that remains is to consider what is available. Seems like a lot of information. It is known what the Topol-M mobile launcher looks like, a photo of which was published at one time by all the world’s leading media. The main technical characteristics also do not constitute state secrets; on the contrary, they can serve as a warning to those who may be plotting an attack on our country.
A little history. The beginning of the atomic race
The Americans built the atomic bomb before anyone else in the world and did not hesitate to use it immediately, in August 1945, twice. At that time, the US Air Force not only had an aircraft capable of carrying it. It was a flying “superfortress” - the B-29 strategic bomber, the mass of which reached nine tons of combat load. At an altitude of 12 thousand meters, inaccessible to air defense systems of any country, at a speed of 600 km/h, this air giant could deliver its terrible cargo to a target almost three and a half thousand kilometers away. On the way, the B-29 crew did not have to worry about their safety. The plane was perfectly protected and equipped with all the latest achievements of science and technology: radar, powerful rapid-fire barrage cannons with telemetric control (in case someone did get close) and even some kind of on-board computer that made the necessary calculations. This way, in peace and comfort, it was possible to punish any disobedient country. But it ended quickly.
Quantity and quality
In the fifties, the leadership of the USSR placed its main bet not on long-range bombers, but on strategic intercontinental missiles, and, as time has shown, this decision was correct. The remoteness of the American continent has ceased to be a guarantee of security. At the time, the United States surpassed the Soviet Union in the number of nuclear warheads, but President Kennedy could not guarantee the lives of its citizens in the event of a war with the USSR. According to experts, it turned out that in the event of a global conflict, America would formally win, but the number of victims could exceed half the population. Based on these data, President J.F. Kennedy curbed his warlike ardor, left Cuba alone and made other concessions. Everything that happened in the subsequent decades in the field of strategic confrontation came down to a competition not just for the ability to deliver an all-crushing blow, but also to avoid retaliation or minimize it. The question was raised not only about the number of bombs and missiles, but also about the ability to intercept them.
After the Cold War
The RT-2PM Topol missile was developed in the USSR back in the eighties. Its general concept was the ability to overcome the impact of potential enemy missile defense systems mainly due to the surprise factor. It could be launched from various points along which this mobile system carried out combat patrols. Unlike stationary launchers, the location of which was often no secret to the Americans, Topol was constantly in motion, and it was not possible to quickly calculate its possible trajectory, even taking into account the high performance of Pentagon computers. Stationary mine installations, by the way, also posed a threat to a potential aggressor, because not all of them were known, and besides, they were well protected and a lot of them were built.
The collapse of the Union, however, led to the destruction of the long-built security system based on the inevitability of a retaliatory strike. The response to new challenges was the Topol-M missile adopted by the Russian Army in 1997, the characteristics of which were significantly improved.
How to complicate the missile defense task
The main change, which became revolutionary in the entire world ballistic missile industry, concerned the uncertainty and ambiguity of the missile trajectory on its combat course. The operation of all missile defense systems, already created and only promising ones (at the stage of design development and fine-tuning), is based on the principle of anticipation calculation. This means that when an ICBM launch is detected by several indirect parameters, in particular by an electromagnetic pulse, thermal trace or other objective data, a complex interception mechanism is launched. With a classical trajectory, it is not difficult to calculate the position of the projectile, determining its speed and launch location, and measures can be taken in advance to destroy it at any part of the flight. It is possible to detect the launch of a Topol-M; there is not much difference between it and any other missile. But then things get more complicated.
Variable trajectory
The idea was to make it impossible, even if detected, to miscalculate the coordinates of the warhead taking into account the lead. To do this, it was necessary to change and complicate the trajectory along which the flight takes place. “Topol-M” is equipped with gas-jet rudders and additional shunting engines (their number is still unknown to the general public, but we are talking about dozens), allowing you to change direction in the active part of the trajectory, that is, during direct guidance. In this case, information about the final goal is constantly retained in the memory of the control system, and ultimately the charge will get exactly where it is required. In other words, anti-missiles fired to shoot down a ballistic projectile will miss. It is not possible to defeat the Topol-M by existing and created missile defense systems of a potential enemy.
New engines and body materials
It is not only the unpredictability of the trajectory in the active area that makes the strike of the new weapon irresistible, but also the very high speed. "Topol-M" at different stages of the flight is driven by three main engines and very quickly gains altitude. Solid fuel is a mixture based on ordinary aluminum. Of course, the composition of the oxidizer and other details are not disclosed for obvious reasons. The step bodies are made as light as possible; they are made of composite materials (organoplastic) using the technology of continuous winding of hardening fibers of a heavy-duty polymer (“cocoon”). This decision has a double practical meaning. Firstly, the weight of the Topol-M rocket is reduced, and its acceleration characteristics are significantly improved. Secondly, the plastic shell is more difficult to detect by radar; high-frequency radiation is reflected from it worse than from a metal surface.
To reduce the likelihood of destruction of charges at the final stage of the combat course, numerous false targets are used, which are very difficult to distinguish from real ones.
Control system
Any missile defense system fights enemy missiles using a whole range of influences. The most common method of disorientation is to install powerful electromagnetic barriers, also called interference. Electronic circuits cannot withstand strong fields and fail completely or cease to function properly for some time. The Topol-M missile has a noise-resistant guidance system, but this is not the main thing. In the expected conditions of a global conflict, a potential enemy is ready to use the most effective means to destroy threatening strategic forces, including even barrage nuclear explosions in the stratosphere. Having discovered an insurmountable barrier in its path, the Topol, thanks to its ability to maneuver, will with a high degree of probability be able to bypass it and continue its deadly trajectory.
Stationary
The Topol-M missile system, regardless of whether it is mobile or stationary, is launched using a mortar method. This means that the launch is carried out vertically from a special container, which serves to protect this complex technical system from accidental or combat damage. There are two deployment options: stationary and mobile. The task of placing new complexes in mines is simplified as much as possible due to the possibility of modifying existing underground structures intended for heavy ICBMs that were withdrawn from service under the terms of the SALT-2 treaty. All that remains is to fill the too-deep bottom of the shaft with an additional layer of concrete and install a restrictive ring that reduces the working diameter. It is also important that the Topol-M missile system is maximally unified with the already proven infrastructure of the strategic deterrence forces, including communications and control.
Mobile complex and its chariot
The novelty of the mobile installation, designed for firing from any point on the combat patrol route (position area), lies in the so-called incomplete hanging of the container. This technical feature allows for deployment on any ground, including soft ground. Camouflage has also been significantly improved, which makes it difficult to detect the complex by all existing reconnaissance means, including space-optical and radio-electronic.
We should dwell in detail on the vehicle designed to transport and launch the Topol-M rocket. The characteristics of this powerful machine are admired by experts. It is huge - it weighs 120 tons, but at the same time it is very maneuverable, has high maneuverability, reliability and speed. There are eight axles, respectively, sixteen wheels 1 cm high, all of them are driving. The eighteen-meter turning radius is ensured by the fact that all six (three front and three rear) axles can turn. The width of the pneumatic tires is 60 cm. The high clearance between the bottom and the road (it is almost half a meter) ensures unhindered passage not only over rough terrain, but also ford (with a bottom depth of more than a meter). The specific ground pressure is half that of any truck.
The Topol-M mobile unit is driven by an 800-horsepower diesel turbo unit YaMZ-847. The speed on the march is up to 45 km/h, the range is at least half a thousand kilometers.
Other tricks and promising opportunities
According to the terms of the SALT-2 treaty, the number of separable individually targeted warheads is subject to a limitation. This means that it is impossible to create new missiles equipped with multiple nuclear warheads. The situation with this international treaty is generally strange - back in 1979, in connection with the entry of Soviet troops into Afghanistan, it was withdrawn from the US Senate and has not yet been ratified. However, there was no refusal from the American government to comply with its conditions. In general, it is observed by both sides, although it has not received official status even today.
Some violations, however, took place, and mutual ones. The United States insisted on reducing the total number of carriers to 2,400, which corresponded to their geopolitical interests, since they had more multi-charge missiles. In addition, it is also important that American nuclear forces are closer to Russian borders, and their flight time is much shorter. All this prompted the country's leadership to look for ways to improve its safety indicators without violating the conditions of SALT 2. The Topol-M missile, the characteristics of which formally and without taking into account its features correspond to the parameters of the RT-2P, was called a modification of the latter. The Americans, taking advantage of the gaps in the treaty, placed cruise missiles on strategic bombers and practically do not comply with quantitative restrictions on carriers with multiple independently targetable warheads.
These circumstances were taken into account when creating the Topol-M rocket. The radius of destruction is ten thousand kilometers, that is, a quarter of the equator. This is quite enough to consider it intercontinental. Currently, it is equipped with a monoblock charge, but the weight of the fighting compartment of one ton makes it possible to change the warhead to a multiple warhead in a fairly short time.
Are there any disadvantages?
The Topol-M strategic missile system, like any other military equipment, is not an ideal weapon. The reason for the recognition of some shortcomings was, paradoxically, the discussion that unfolded during the discussion of the future prospects of the SALT-2 treaty. In some conditions, you can vaguely hint at your own omnipotence, but in other circumstances, it is more advantageous, on the contrary, to point out that we are not as terrible as we seem. This happened with the Topol-M complex. The speed of the rocket (up to 7 km/sec), it turns out, is not high enough to be completely confident in its invulnerability. Security in the conditions of a barrage stratospheric nuclear explosion also leaves much to be desired, especially from such a terrible damaging factor as However, very little can withstand it.
The Topol-M, whose destruction radius allows it to destroy targets on other continents, is currently the only Russian strategic missile in mass production. That is why it is the mainstay of the forces of containment.
Apparently, this lack of alternative is a temporary phenomenon; other models will appear that will absorb the advantages of “Topol” and leave its shortcomings in the past. Although it’s unlikely to work out completely without any shortcomings. In the meantime, this type of ballistic missile carries the main burden in defense. Be that as it may, recent history shows that those who cannot defend themselves pay dearly for their own weakness.
It's actually not all that bad. Readiness to repel aggression can only be judged based on relative values. Nothing is absolute in matters of defense; each type of weapon can be improved endlessly. The main thing is that his fighting qualities allow him to effectively resist enemy forces.
Location: 60th Taman Order of the October Revolution Red Banner Missile Division
Complex RT-2PM2 "Topol-M"(code RS-12M2, according to NATO classification - SS-27 Sickle "Sickle") - a Russian strategic missile system with an intercontinental ballistic missile, developed in the late 1980s - early 1990s on the basis of the RT-2PM "Topol" complex .
The first intercontinental ballistic missile developed in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. Adopted into service in 1997. The lead developer of the missile system is the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT).
Rocket of the Topol-M complex is solid fuel, three-stage. The maximum range is 11,000 km. Carries one thermonuclear warhead with a power of 550 kt. The missile is based both in silo launchers (silos) and on mobile launchers. The silo-based version was put into service in 2000.
Designed to carry out tasks of delivering a nuclear strike on enemy territory in the face of counteraction from existing and future missile defense systems, with multiple nuclear impacts on a positional area, when blocking a positional area with high-altitude nuclear explosions. It is used as part of the 15PO65 silo-based and 15P165 mobile-based complexes.
Stationary complex "Topol-M" includes 10 intercontinental ballistic missiles mounted in silo launchers, as well as a command post.
Main characteristics:
Number of steps - 3
Length (with warhead) - 22.55 m
Length (without warhead) - 17.5 m
Diameter - 1.81 m
Launch weight - 46.5 t
Throwing weight 1.2 t
Type of fuel - solid mixed
Maximum range - 11000 km
Head type - monoblock, nuclear, detachable
Number of combat units - 1 + about 20 dummies
Charge power - 550 Kt
Control system - autonomous, inertial based on BTsVK
Method of basing - mine and mobile
Mobile complex "Topol-M" is a single missile placed in a high-strength fiberglass transport and launch container (TPK), mounted on an eight-axle MZKT-79221 cross-country chassis and is structurally practically no different from the silo version. The weight of the launcher is 120 tons. Six pairs of eight wheels are swivel, providing a turning radius of 18 meters.
The ground pressure of the installation is half that of a conventional truck. Engine V-shaped 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine YaMZ-847 with a power of 800 hp. The depth of the ford is up to 1.1 meters.
When creating systems and units of the mobile Topol-M, a number of fundamentally new technical solutions were used in comparison with the Topol complex. Thus, the partial suspension system makes it possible to deploy the Topol-M launcher even on soft soils. The maneuverability and maneuverability of the installation have been improved, which increases its survivability.
"Topol-M" is capable of launching from any point in the positional area, and also has improved means of camouflage, both against optical and other reconnaissance means (including by reducing the infrared component of the complex's unmasking field, as well as the use of special coatings that reduce radar signature).
Intercontinental missileconsists of three stages with solid propellant propulsion engines. Aluminum is used as fuel, ammonium perchlorate acts as an oxidizing agent. The step bodies are made of composites. All three stages are equipped with a rotating nozzle to deflect the thrust vector (there are no lattice aerodynamic rudders).
Control system- inertial, based on the on-board central heating system and a gyro-stabilized platform. The complex of high-speed command gyroscopic devices has improved accuracy characteristics. The new BTsVK has increased productivity and resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion. Aiming is ensured through the implementation of 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 on-board equipment are ensured.
Launch method - mortar for both options. The rocket's sustaining solid-propellant engine allows it to gain speed much faster than previous types of rockets of a similar class created in Russia and the Soviet Union. This makes it much more difficult for missile defense systems to intercept it during the active phase of the flight.
The missile is equipped with a detachable warhead with one thermonuclear warhead with a capacity of 550 kt of TNT equivalent. The warhead is also equipped with a set of means to overcome missile defense. The complex of means for overcoming missile defense consists of passive and active decoys, as well as means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. Several dozen auxiliary correction engines, instruments and control mechanisms allow the warhead to maneuver along the trajectory, making it difficult to intercept it at the final part of the trajectory.
False targets indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, laser, infrared, radar). False targets make it possible to simulate the characteristics of warheads according to almost all selection criteria in the extra-atmospheric, transitional and significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the flight trajectory of missile warheads, and are resistant to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and the radiation of a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser. For the first time, decoys have been designed that can withstand super-resolution radars.
In connection with the termination of the START-2 treaty, which prohibited the creation of multi-charge intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering is working on equipping Topol-M with multiple independently targetable warheads. Perhaps the result of this work is the RS-24 Yars. A mobile version of this complex, placed on the chassis of an eight-axle tractor MZKT-79221, is being tested.
The high resistance of the 15Zh65 missile to the effects of potential enemy missile defense systems is achieved due to:
- Reducing the time and length of the active section through extremely rapid acceleration of the rocket. Acceleration time to final speed (over 7 km/s) is less than 3 minutes.
- The missile’s ability to maneuver in the active section, complicating the enemy’s solution to the interception task, as well as to perform a program maneuver when passing through the cloud of a nuclear explosion
- Newly developed protective coating for the hull, providing comprehensive protection against the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and weapons based on new physical principles.
- A complex for overcoming missile defense, including passive and active decoys and means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. LCs are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, laser, infrared, radar), they allow simulating the characteristics of warheads according to almost all selection criteria in the extra-atmospheric, transitional and significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the flight trajectory of missile warheads, up to altitudes 2 - 5 km; are resistant to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and radiation from a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser, etc. For the first time, LCs have been designed that can withstand super-resolution radars. Means for distorting the characteristics of the warhead consist of a radio-absorbing (combined with heat-protective) coating of the warhead, active jammers, etc. The radar signature of the warhead is reduced by several orders of magnitude, the ESR is 0.0001 sq.m. Its detection range has been reduced to 100 - 200 km. The optical and IR visibility of the BB is extremely reduced due to the effective cooling of the BB surface in the transatmospheric section and the reduction in the luminosity of the BB's wake in the atmospheric section, achieved incl. due to the injection of special liquid products into the trace area that reduce the intensity of radiation. As a result of the measures taken, it is possible to overcome the monoblock warhead of a promising multi-echelon missile defense system with space-based elements with a probability of 0.93 - 0.94. The high- and sub-atmospheric missile defense section is overcome with a probability of 0.99, the atmospheric - with a probability of 0.93 - 0.95.
The 15Zh65 rocket is equipped with a thermonuclear monoblock warhead with a power of 0.55 MGt. Tests of ICBMs with MIRVs (from 3 to 6 multiple warheads with a capacity of 150 kt.) have been carried out. In the future, it is planned to equip the missile with a maneuvering warhead (tests of which were also successfully carried out in 2005 and continue), and therefore the possibility of intercepting warheads, according to Russian specialists will be practically reduced to zero.
The probable circular deviation is no more than 200 m, which allows the half-megaton power warhead to confidently hit highly protected point targets (in particular, command posts and silos). Due to the limited throw weight, which limits the power of the nuclear warhead, the Topol-M missile, unlike the 15A18 Voevoda missile (the power of the monoblock warhead of which was 20-25 MGt), has limitations in carrying out destructive effects on a large area target.
The mobile-based 15P165 complex has unique initial survivability characteristics and is capable of operating covertly and autonomously for a long period of time. The patrol area of the complex is 250,000 sq. km.
The Topol-M missile is unified with the " Mace" sea-based, created to arm the Project 955 SSBN. The Bulava's competitor is the R-29RMU2 liquid-fueled ICBM " Sineva" It is significantly superior to the Bulava (like all other ICBMs) in terms of energy and mass sophistication, but is inferior in terms of an important criterion for Russian sea-based missiles - survival in the active phase due to the lower acceleration speed and greater vulnerability from laser weapons, characteristic of liquid-propellant missiles compared to solid fuel. However, the Bulava rocket, with a launch weight of about 37 tons, is significantly inferior in striking power to existing heavier solid-fuel rockets, including the Trident-2 rocket with a launch weight of 59 tons. (Bulava warhead - 6x150 kt, Trident-2 (theoretically) - 8x475 kt). The project to equip the naval component of Russia's nuclear forces with SSBNs with light ballistic missiles "Bulava" is criticized by experts who point to the need to arm domestic SSBNs with high-tech solid-fuel SLBM R-39UTTH, the testing of which was curtailed in the 90s. and which, if put into service, would have no analogues in the world among SLBMs in terms of striking power and flight performance.
RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" is a strategic missile system, work on the creation of which began in the Soviet period, but fine-tuning and mass production were already carried out by Russian enterprises. Topol-M is the first example of an ICBM created after the collapse of the USSR. Today, the Russian army is armed with silo-based (15P165) and mobile (15P155) missile systems.
"Topol-M" was the result of the modernization of the Soviet strategic missile system "Topol", surpassing its predecessor in almost all main characteristics. Currently, Topol-M forms the basis of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces. It was developed by designers from the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT).
Since 2011, the Russian Ministry of Defense has stopped purchasing new Topol-M systems; 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 concerning, first of all, the overall characteristics of the missile. Therefore, the main emphasis in its development was on increasing the survivability of the complex in the face of enemy nuclear strikes and on the ability of the 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 Yuzhnoye Design Bureau. 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 warhead propagation stage: the designers planned to install a liquid engine on silo-based missiles, and a solid fuel engine on mobile systems.
In 1992, the 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 that regulated further work on the missile system, and guarantees of further funding were also given. MIT was appointed as the lead enterprise for this project.
The designers needed to develop a universal missile, suitable for various types of deployment, with high accuracy, flight range, and capable of overcoming the enemy’s 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 was considered modernization and what characteristics of the complex should be changed. The new ballistic missile had to differ in one of the following characteristics:
- number of steps;
- type of fuel of at least one of the stages;
- the length of the rocket or the length of the first stage;
- diameter of the first stage;
- the mass that the rocket could throw;
- starting mass.
Based on the foregoing, it becomes clear that the designers of the missile system were initially very limited. Therefore, the tactical and technical characteristics (TTX) of the Topol-M missile could not differ significantly from its predecessor. The main differences were the missile's flight characteristics and its ability to overcome enemy missile defense.
Improved solid-fuel 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 serial production of the Topol-M complex began. In 2000, the silo-based Topol-M missile system was put into service, and in the same year testing and launches of the mobile complex began.
The deployment of silo-based Topol-M began in 1997 in silos that were previously used for UR-100N missiles. At the end of 1998, the first missile regiment entered combat duty. The Topol-M mobile systems began to enter service en masse in 2005, at which time a new state rearmament program was adopted, according to which the Ministry of Defense planned to purchase 69 new ICBMs by 2019.
In 2005, the Topol-M missile with a maneuvering warhead was launched. It became part of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces program to create means to overcome the American missile defense system. A warhead with a ramjet hypersonic engine was also tested.
From 1994 to 2014, sixteen launches of the Topol-M ICBM were carried out, 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 announced to install multiple warheads on the Topol-M ICBM. The first such missiles began to enter service with the troops in 2010. A year earlier, it was announced that the production of the Topol-M mobile complexes would be stopped and work would begin on a complex with higher characteristics.
Complex structure
The basis of the Topol-M mobile and stationary missile system is the 15Zh65 ICBM.
The missile has three stages and a warhead expansion 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.
The missile is launched from both complexes by 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. The rocket's new propulsion engines make it possible to significantly reduce the active portion of the flight, where it is most vulnerable. In addition, in this part 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:
- coating the rocket body with a special composition;
- application in creating a control system of an elementary base that is more resistant to electromagnetic pulses;
- the control system equipment is placed in a separate sealed compartment, coated with a special composition of rare earth elements;
- the rocket's cable network is reliably shielded;
- When the cloud of a nuclear explosion passes, the rocket makes a so-called program maneuver.
The power of the solid propellant charges of all rocket engines is significantly higher than that of its predecessors, which allows it to gain speed much faster.
The probability of overcoming the American missile defense system for Topol-M ICBM warheads 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 complete its mission even in the event of high-altitude blocking nuclear strikes on the area where the complex is deployed.
It should be noted that the Topol-M ICBM was created using developments and technologies obtained in the manufacture of the Topol ICBM; this significantly reduced the time it took to create the missile, and also reduced the cost of the project.
The re-equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces units was carried out using existing infrastructure, which also made it possible to significantly reduce economic costs. This was especially important for the late 90s, when the Russian economy was going through hard times.
To install silo-based Topol-M missiles, silos of missiles removed from combat duty were used. The silo installations of Soviet heavy ICBMs were converted to use Topol. At the same time, an additional five meters of concrete were poured into the base of the shaft, and some additional transformations were carried out. Most of the mine equipment was reused, which significantly reduced the cost of deploying the complex and also speeded up the work.
Each stationary Topol-M 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 strikes. The missile is enclosed in a special metal transport and launch container.
The mobile-based Topol-M is mounted on an MZKT-79221 all-terrain chassis with 8 axles. The missile is housed in a high-strength fiberglass transport and launch container. Structurally, the missiles of the mobile and silo complexes are no different. 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 mobile unit's wheels on the ground is less than that of a conventional truck, which provides it with high maneuverability. The unit is equipped with a 12-cylinder engine with an output of 800 hp. With. It can ford a depth of 1.1 meters.
When creating the mobile complex, previous experience in creating similar machines was taken into account. High cross-country ability and maneuverability significantly increases the survivability of the complex, allowing it to leave the zone of a probable enemy strike in the shortest possible time.
The launch can be made from any ground, from any point of deployment of the complex, equipped with camouflage means against various detection means (optical, infrared, radar).
Serial production of launchers has been established at the Volgograd plant "Barricades".
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 create false positions that would be visible to the reconnaissance means of a potential enemy.
Performance characteristics
| Maximum firing range, km | 11000 |
| Number of steps | 3 |
| Launch weight, t | 47,1 (47,2) |
| Throwing mass, t | 1,2 |
| Rocket length without head, m | 17,5 (17,9) |
| Rocket length, m | 22,7 |
| Maximum body 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 |
| Weight in running order (without combat equipment), t | 40 |
| Load capacity, t | 80 |
| Maximum speed, km/h |
July 23, 2010 marks 25 years since the Topol ground-based mobile intercontinental missiles were put on combat duty.
RT-2PM "Topol" (index of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation (GRAU) - 15Zh58, START code RS-12M, according to NATO classification - "Sickle", SS-25 "Sickle") - a strategic mobile complex with a three-stage solid fuel intercontinental ballistic missile RT-2PM, the first Soviet mobile system with an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The development of a project for a strategic mobile complex with a three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile suitable for placement on a self-propelled vehicle chassis (based on the RT-2P solid-fuel ICBM) was started at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering under the leadership of Alexander Nadiradze in 1975. The government decree on the development of the complex was issued on July 19, 1977. After Nadiradze's death, work was continued under the leadership of Boris Lagutin.
The mobile complex was supposed to be a response to increasing the accuracy of American ICBMs. It was necessary to create a missile that was achieved not by building reliable shelters, but by creating vague ideas among the enemy about the location of the missile.
The conditions for modernization were strictly limited by the provisions of the SALT-2 Treaty, which determined a modest improvement in the basic combat characteristics of the missile. The first test launch of the missile, designated RT-2PM, took place at the Plesetsk test site on February 8, 1983. The launch was carried out from a converted RT-2P stationary missile silo.
By the end of autumn 1983, an experimental series of new missiles was built. On December 23, 1983, flight development tests began at the Plesetsk training ground. During the entire period of their implementation, only one launch was unsuccessful. In general, the rocket showed high reliability. The combat units of the entire combat missile system (BMK) were also tested there. In December 1984, the main series of tests was completed and a decision was made to begin mass production of the complexes. However, the full testing of the mobile complex, called “Topol”, ended only in December 1988.
Without waiting for the full completion of the joint testing program, in order to gain experience in operating the new complex in military units, on July 23, 1985, near the city of Yoshkar-Ola, the first regiment of mobile Topols was deployed at the site of the deployment of RT-2P missiles.
The RT-2PM missile is designed according to a design with three sustainer and combat stages. To ensure high energy-mass perfection and increase the firing range, a new high-density fuel with a specific impulse increased by several units was used in all sustainer stages compared to the fillers of previously created engines, and the housings of the upper stages were for the first time made of continuous winding from organoplastic according to the “cocoon” pattern ".
The first stage of the rocket consists of a solid propellant rocket motor (solid propellant rocket motor) and a tail section. The mass of the fully equipped stage is 27.8 tons. Its length is 8.1 m and its diameter is 1.8 m. The first stage propulsion solid propellant rocket engine has one fixed, centrally located nozzle. The tail section is cylindrical in shape, on the outer surface of which aerodynamic control surfaces and stabilizers are located.
The rocket flight control in the first stage operation area is carried out using rotary gas-jet and aerodynamic rudders.
The second stage consists of a conical-shaped connecting compartment and a sustainer solid propellant rocket engine. The case diameter is 1.55 m.
The third stage includes connecting and transition sections of a conical shape and a sustainer solid propellant rocket engine. Case diameter - 1.34 m.
The head of the rocket consists of one warhead (nuclear) and a compartment with a propulsion system and control system.
The Topol control system is of an inertial type, built using an on-board computer, microcircuits with a high degree of integration, a new set of command instruments with float sensitive elements. The computer complex of the control system allows for the implementation of autonomous combat use of a self-propelled launcher.
The control system provides missile flight control, routine maintenance on the missile and launcher, pre-launch preparation and launch of the missile, as well as solving other problems.
During operation, the RT-2PM missile is located in a transport and launch container located on a mobile launcher. The container is 22.3 m long and 2.0 m in diameter.
The launcher is mounted on the basis of a seven-axle chassis of a MAZ vehicle and is equipped with units and systems that ensure transportation, maintenance of combat readiness at the established level, preparation and launch of the rocket.
A missile can be launched both when the launcher is located in a stationary shelter with a retractable roof, and from unequipped positions, if the terrain allows it. To launch a rocket, the launcher is hung on jacks and leveled. The rocket is launched after the container is lifted into a vertical position using a powder pressure accumulator placed in the transport and launch container ("mortar launch").
After shooting off the protective cap of the container, the rocket is ejected from it by powder starting engines several meters upward, where the first-stage propulsion engine is turned on.
The maximum firing range is 10,500 km. Rocket length - 21.5 m. Launch weight 45.1 tons. Weight of the warhead - 1 ton. Nuclear warhead power - 0.55 Mt. Firing accuracy (maximum deviation) - 0.9 km. The combat patrol area of the complex is 125 thousand square meters. km.
The mass of the launcher with the missile is about 100 tons. Despite this, the complex has good mobility and maneuverability.
Combat readiness (time to prepare for launch) from the moment the order was received until the missile was launched was brought to two minutes.
The missile system also includes a mobile combat control command post on a four-axle MAZ-543M chassis. To control the fire, mobile command posts "Granit" and "Barrier" were used, armed with a missile that had a radio transmitter instead of a combat load. After the rocket was launched, he duplicated the launch commands for launchers located at remote positions.
Serial production of the RT-2PM missile began in 1985 at a plant in Votkinsk (Udmurtia), and its mobile launcher was manufactured at the Volgograd Barrikady plant.
On December 1, 1988, the new missile system was officially adopted by the Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces). In the same year, the full-scale deployment of missile regiments with the Topol complex began and the simultaneous removal of obsolete ICBMs from combat duty. By mid-1991, 288 missiles of this type had been deployed.
The Topol missile divisions were deployed near the cities of Barnaul, Verkhnyaya Salda (Nizhny Tagil), Vypolzovo (Bologoe), Yoshkar-Ola, Teykovo, 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. Some of the Topols that remained on the territory of Belarus after the collapse of the USSR were withdrawn from it by November 27, 1996.
Each year, one control launch of the Topol rocket is carried out from the Plesetsk test site. 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 carried out. All of them went without a hitch.
On the basis of the Topol ICBM, a conversion space launch vehicle "Start" was developed. Launches of Start rockets are carried out from the Plesetsk and Svobodny cosmodromes.
The material was prepared based on information from open sources
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