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

R-36M "Satan"

Developer: Yuzhnoye Design Bureau
Length: 33.65 m
Diameter: 3 m
Starting weight: 208,300 kg
Flight range: 16000 km
Soviet strategic missile system of the third generation, with a heavy two-stage liquid-propelled, ampulized intercontinental ballistic missile 15A14 for placement in a silo launcher 15P714 of increased security type OS.

The Americans called the Soviet strategic missile system “Satan”. When first tested in 1973, the missile was the most powerful ballistic system ever developed. Not a single missile defense system was capable of resisting the SS-18, whose destruction radius was as much as 16 thousand meters. After the creation of the R-36M, the Soviet Union did not have to worry about the “arms race.” However, in the 1980s, the Satan was modified, and in 1988, a new version of the SS-18, the R-36M2 Voevoda, entered service with the Soviet Army, against which even modern American missile defense systems cannot do anything.

RT-2PM2. "Topol M"

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

The RT-2PM2 rocket is designed as a three-stage rocket with a powerful mixed solid fuel power plant and a fiberglass body. Testing of the rocket 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, serial production of these missiles began. The act on the adoption of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile into service by the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation was approved by the State Commission on April 28, 2000. As of the end of 2012, there were 60 silo-based and 18 mobile-based Topol-M missiles on combat duty. All silo-based missiles are on combat duty in the Taman Missile Division (Svetly, Saratov Region).

PC-24 "Yars"

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

SRK UR-100N UTTH with 15A35 missile

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

15Zh60 "Well done"

Developer: Yuzhnoye Design Bureau
Length: 22.6 m
Diameter: 2.4 m
Starting weight: 104.5 t
Flight range: 10000 km
RT-23 UTTH "Molodets" - strategic missile systems with solid fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missiles 15Zh61 and 15Zh60, mobile railway and stationary silo-based, respectively. It was a further development of the RT-23 complex. They were put into service in 1987. Aerodynamic rudders are located on the outer surface of the fairing, allowing the rocket to be controlled in roll during the operation of the first and second stages. After passing through the dense layers of the atmosphere, the fairing is discarded.

R-30 "Bulava"

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

X-101/X-102

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

10/13/2016 at 18:10 · Pavlofox · 42 240

The fastest rockets in the world

Presented to the attention of readers fastest rockets in the world throughout the history of creation.

10. R-12U | Speed ​​3.8 km/s

The fastest medium-range ballistic missile with a maximum speed of 3.8 km per second opens the ranking of the fastest missiles in the world. The R-12U was a modified version of the R-12. The rocket differed from the prototype in the absence of an intermediate bottom in the oxidizer tank and some minor design changes - there are no wind loads in the shaft, which made it possible to lighten the tanks and dry compartments of the rocket and eliminate the need for stabilizers. Since 1976, the R-12 and R-12U missiles began to be removed from service and replaced with Pioneer mobile ground systems. They were withdrawn from service in June 1989, and between May 21, 1990, 149 missiles were destroyed at the Lesnaya base in Belarus.

9. SM-65 Atlas | Speed ​​5.8 km/s

One of the fastest American launch vehicles with a maximum speed of 5.8 km per second. It is the first developed intercontinental ballistic missile adopted by the United States. Developed as part of the MX-1593 program since 1951. It formed the basis of the US Air Force's nuclear arsenal from 1959-1964, but was then quickly withdrawn from service due to the advent of the more advanced Minuteman missile. It served as the basis for the creation of the Atlas family of space launch vehicles, which have been in operation since 1959 to this day.

8. UGM-133A Trident II | Speed ​​6 km/s

UGM-133 A Trident II- American three-stage ballistic missile, one of the fastest in the world. Its maximum speed is 6 km per second. “Trident-2” has been developed since 1977 in parallel with the lighter “Trident-1”. Adopted into service in 1990. Launch weight - 59 tons. Max. throw weight - 2.8 tons with a launch range of 7800 km. The maximum flight range with a reduced number of warheads is 11,300 km.

7. RSM 56 Mace | Speed ​​6 km/s

One of the fastest solid-propellant ballistic missiles in the world, in service with Russia. It has a minimum damage radius of 8000 km and an approximate speed of 6 km/s. The rocket has been developed since 1998 by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, which developed it in 1989-1997. ground-based missile "Topol-M". To date, 24 test launches of the Bulava have been carried out, fifteen of them were considered successful (during the first launch, a mass-dimensional prototype of the rocket was launched), two (the seventh and eighth) were partially successful. The last test launch of the rocket took place on September 27, 2016.

6. Minuteman LGM-30G | Speed ​​6.7 km/s

Minuteman LGM-30 G- one of the fastest land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles in the world. Its speed is 6.7 km per second. The LGM-30G Minuteman III has an estimated flight range of 6,000 kilometers to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the type of warhead. Minuteman 3 has been in US service from 1970 to the present day. It is the only silo-based missile in the United States. The first launch of the rocket took place in February 1961, modifications II and III were launched in 1964 and 1968, respectively. The rocket weighs about 34,473 kilograms and is equipped with three solid propellant engines. It is planned that the missile will be in service until 2020.

5. 53T6 “Cupid” | Speed ​​7 km/s

The fastest anti-missile missile in the world, designed to destroy highly maneuverable targets and high-altitude hypersonic missiles. Tests of the 53T6 series of the Amur complex began in 1989. Its speed is 5 km per second. The rocket is a 12-meter pointed cone with no protruding parts. Its body is made of high-strength steel using composite winding. The design of the rocket allows it to withstand large overloads. The interceptor launches with 100-fold acceleration and is capable of intercepting targets flying at speeds of up to 7 km per second.

4. “Satan” SS-18 (R-36M) | Speed ​​7.3 km/s

The most powerful and fastest nuclear missile in the world with a speed of 7.3 km per second. It is intended, first of all, to destroy the most fortified command posts, ballistic missile silos and air bases. The nuclear explosives of one missile can destroy a large city, a very large part of the United States. Hit accuracy is about 200-250 meters. The missile is housed in the world's strongest silos. The SS-18 carries 16 platforms, one of which is loaded with decoys. When entering a high orbit, all “Satan” heads go “in a cloud” of false targets and are practically not identified by radars.”

3. DongFeng 5A | Speed ​​7.9 km/s

The intercontinental ballistic missile (DF-5A) with a maximum speed of 7.9 km per second opens the top three fastest in the world. The Chinese DF-5 ICBM entered service in 1981. It can carry a huge 5 MT warhead and has a range of over 12,000 km. The DF-5 has a deflection of approximately 1 km, which means that the missile has one purpose - to destroy cities. The warhead's size, deflection and the fact that it only takes an hour to fully prepare for launch all mean that the DF-5 is a punitive weapon, designed to punish any would-be attackers. The 5A version has increased range, improved 300m deflection and the ability to carry multiple warheads.

2. R-7 | Speed ​​7.9 km/s

R-7- Soviet, the first intercontinental ballistic missile, one of the fastest in the world. Its top speed is 7.9 km per second. The development and production of the first copies of the rocket was carried out in 1956-1957 by the OKB-1 enterprise near Moscow. After successful launches, it was used in 1957 to launch the world's first artificial Earth satellites. Since then, launch vehicles of the R-7 family have been actively used to launch spacecraft for various purposes, and since 1961, these launch vehicles have been widely used in manned astronautics. Based on the R-7, a whole family of launch vehicles was created. From 1957 to 2000, more than 1,800 launch vehicles based on the R-7 were launched, of which more than 97% were successful.

1. RT-2PM2 “Topol-M” | Speed ​​7.9 km/s

RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" (15Zh65)- the fastest intercontinental ballistic missile in the world with a maximum speed of 7.9 km per second. Maximum range - 11,000 km. Carries one thermonuclear warhead with a power of 550 kt. The silo-based version was put into service in 2000. The launch method is mortar. 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.

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Having covered 11 thousand kilometers, the missile fired from Plesetsk accurately hit the target

On April 20, 2004, at 21.30 Moscow time, a historical event took place in the life of the Strategic Missile Forces, which were “defeated in their rights” in the 90s. For the first time in 15 years, an intercontinental ballistic missile was test launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome into the Hawaiian Islands to a maximum range of more than 11 thousand kilometers. Up to this point, all launches were “home” launches. The missile that flew to distant lands was a mobile-based 15Zh65 Topol-M.

Evolution of ICBMs

Since the late 60s, Soviet and American designers of national nuclear missile shields have taken different paths. The Americans calmed down by creating Minuteman solid-fuel ballistic missiles in 1970 and burying them in the ground. That is, the missiles were placed in the silos once and for all. And to this day it is they, put into service back in 1970, that represent the ground segment of the US nuclear forces.

Soviet rocket scientists constantly not only modernized existing liquid-fuel rockets, but also created new types. This applied not only to the design, but also to their basing. At first, ICBMs were openly located at the launch pads of the Kapustin Yar test site. Then ICBMs began to be placed in mines. And this was also not the best option in terms of missile survivability. Quite soon, the coordinates of the mines were marked on US strategic maps and entered into the computers of missiles aimed at the USSR.

And in the early 70s, the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering made a revolution in rocketry. And if the name of S.P. Korolev, who made a huge contribution to the creation of rocket technology for space purposes, is well known to everyone, then few people know about Alexander Davidovich Nadiradze (1914 - 1987), who for a long time was the general designer of MIT (formerly it was called NII-1 Ministry of Defense Industry). It was thanks to him that a unique class of missiles appeared in the country.

Rockets are flying across the country

In the mid-70s, the Strategic Missile Forces began to receive Temp-2S (SS-16) mobile ground-based missile systems developed by MIT. These ICBMs, mounted on a MAZ chassis, had an impressive range of 10,500 km and a powerful warhead of 1.6 Mt. Temp-2S had two fundamental advantages that Soviet launch systems did not have before.

Firstly, they constantly moved, changing their location. Therefore, they were inaccessible to preemptive enemy missile attacks. American land-based ICBMs still do not have this advantage.

Secondly, the missiles used were solid fuel. They are simpler and safer to operate than liquid fuel ICBMs. They have increased reliability and reduced preparation time for launch.

The last “Soviet” product of MIT, created in conditions of economic and organizational stability, was the Topol mobile strategic missile system with a three-stage solid-fuel rocket 15Zh58. It was put into service in 1988.

Based on the Topol, a more advanced RT-2PM2 Topol-M complex was created. It is unique both in its tactical and technical capabilities and in the conditions in which the development took place. The RT-2PM2 entered service in 2000, becoming the first ICBM in history to be created under “inhuman conditions.” The complex began to be developed in the late 80s, when funding in the industry sharply decreased, and was put to testing when the industry was practically in ruins. The situation was aggravated by the collapse of the USSR. For example, the most important participant in the project - the Dnepropetrovsk Yuzhnoye Design Bureau - dropped out of the game in the early 90s.

"Topol-M" has two modifications - mine-based and mobile. It turned out to be easier to install the rocket into the silo - this stage of design and subsequent testing was completed in 1997. Three years later, the mobile launcher was ready. And its official operation in parts of the Strategic Missile Forces began in 2005, a year after the rocket flew to the Hawaiian Islands.

Tests of the missile demonstrated its highest reliability, exceeding the results of tests of other types of missiles. From December 1994 to November 2014, 16 test launches were carried out, both from silo installations and from mobile ones. Only one of them was unsuccessful. In this case, the rocket did not explode, but deviated from the target in flight and was eliminated.

Tricky modernization

The designers had to show maximum ingenuity to get around the slingshots placed by the START-2 Treaty. MIT did not have the right to create a new rocket; Topol-M was declared as a modernization of Topol. The upgraded ICBM should not differ from the original one in any of the following ways:

Number of steps;

Type of fuel for each stage;

Starting weight (no more than 10 percent deviation);

Rocket length (no more than 10 percent deviation);

Diameter of the first stage (no more than 5 percent deviation);

Throwing weight (no more than 5 percent deviation).

In this connection, the tactical and technical characteristics of the Topol-M complex could not undergo significant changes relative to the Topol complex. And the designers concentrated their main efforts on creating a missile with unique capabilities to overcome enemy missile defenses.

At the same time, by using the latest technologies in the rocket, the designers managed to significantly increase its energy capabilities. Thus, the bodies of all three stages are made by winding a “cocoon” from a composite material. This made the rocket lighter and made it possible to throw a larger payload of warheads.

This also had a beneficial effect on flight dynamics. The operating time of the main engines of three stages is 3 minutes. Due to the rapid increase in speed, the vulnerability of the missile in the active part of the trajectory is reduced. An effective control system for several auxiliary engines and rudders ensures maneuver in flight, making the trajectory unpredictable for the enemy.

The fight against missile defense

The Topol-M is equipped with a new type of maneuvering warhead with a yield of 550 kt. At the stage of factory testing, it was capable of overcoming US missile defense with a probability of up to 60% - 65%. Now this figure has been increased to 80%.

The new warhead is more resistant to the damaging effects of a nuclear explosion and to the effects of weapons based on new physical principles. It should be noted that it was completely simulated on a supercomputer and, for the first time in domestic practice, was created without testing components and parts during full-scale explosions.

The missile is equipped with a set of missile defense breakthrough means, which include passive and active decoys, as well as means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. False targets are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation: optical, radar, infrared. They simulate the characteristics of the warhead on the downward portion of the flight path so reliably that they are able to withstand super-resolution radar stations. Means for distorting the characteristics of a warhead include radio-absorbing coatings, infrared radiation simulators, and radio jammers.

The launcher weighing 120 tons is placed on an eight-axle chassis with high cross-country ability of wheeled tractors from the Minsk plant. The missile is housed in a fiberglass transport and launch container. The launch is of the mortar type: with the engine turned off, the rocket is pushed out of the container by powder gases to a height of several meters. In the air it is deflected using a powder accelerator. And after this, the main engine is turned on to avoid damage to the launcher by the gas jet of the first stage main engine.

The number of Topol-M complexes on combat duty in the RSVN annually increases by 5-6 units. Now there are 60 mine-based complexes and 18 mobile ones. At the same time, the army has already received a new, more advanced Yars complex, the missile of which is equipped with three warheads with individual guidance. It managed to further reduce the time of the active part of the trajectory, increase shooting accuracy and the likelihood of overcoming missile defense.

Performance characteristics of the Topol-M, Yars and Minuteman-3 complexes

Number of steps: 3 - 3 - 3
Engine type: Solid propellant rocket motor - Solid propellant rocket motor - Solid propellant rocket motor
Location: mobile, mine - mobile, mine - mine

Length: 22.5 m - 22.5 m - 18.2 m
Diameter: 1.86 m - 1.86 m - 1.67 m
Weight: 46500 kg - 47200 kg - 35400 kg

Throwing weight: 1200 kg - 1250 kg - 1150 kg
Charge power: 550 kt - 4x150-300 kt or 10x150 kt - 3x0.3 Mt

Range: 11,000 km - 12,000 km - 13,000 km
Maximum deviation from target: 200 m - 150 m - 280 m
Time of the active part of the trajectory: 3 min - 2.5 - n/a
Trajectory: flat - flat - high

Year of adoption: 2000 - 2009 - 1970.

Intercontinental ballistic missiles, which include the Topol models, are designed to destroy enemy ground and sea launchers of ICBMs, government and armed forces control centers, strategic military and economic facilities, large land and sea formations of the enemy's armed forces.

In total, there are three Topol models with modifications - together, in terms of the number of missiles and warheads placed on them, they form the basis of the ground component of the Russian nuclear forces. “Topol” is not missiles themselves, but strategic missile systems in mobile (mobile ground) and silo-based versions, using three-stage solid-fuel ICBMs (based on RT-2PM), which were developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering - in fact, the only one currently in Russian ICBM developer:

1) the original “Topol” is a mobile ground-based strategic missile system using the RS-12M monoblock ICBM (SS-25 Sickle, or “Sickle”, in NATO classification). First flight test in February 1983, adopted for service in 1985. Warhead power 550 kt, firing range 10,500 km, missile launch weight 45 tons. The launcher is mounted on the basis of a seven-axle chassis of a MAZ heavy-duty vehicle. In 1998, 369 Topol complexes were in service. At the beginning of 2017, 36 mobile systems remained on combat duty in the Barnaul area. The number of Topols is decreasing due to the expiration of their service life. By 2021, “Topol” must be completely withdrawn from service and destroyed, which is being carried out step by step.

2) “Topol-M” (RS-12M2, SS-27) - an analogue of “Topol”, however, with significantly higher characteristics in a number of indicators and new capabilities, including:

The ICBM itself is given the ability to maneuver during the active phase of the flight;

the total flight time to the target has been significantly reduced by increasing the rocket's acceleration speed and the warhead's flight speed;

the missile is equipped with a complex of missile defense breakthrough means with active and passive decoys and means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead;

a high level of resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion has been ensured, which has increased the survivability of the missile;

the infrared “footprint” of the mobile complex has been reduced;

increased cross-country ability and maneuverability of the complex, including on soft ground;

The radar signature of the complex has been reduced due to special coatings on its surfaces.

Topol-M is the first ICBM that the Russian Federation began to develop. First flight test in December 1994. The modernized complex was put into service in April 2000. Warhead power 550 kt, firing range 11,000 km, launch weight 47.1 tons. There are 60 missiles in the silos, and 18 mobile complexes. The deployment of additional systems has been discontinued in favor of the Yars.

3) a modification of the Topol-M complex is the Yars complex (RS-24, SS-29). A distinctive feature of the missile is its multiple independently targetable warhead (MIRV), capable of carrying 4 maneuvering warheads, which further increased the ability to break through the missile defense of the intended enemy. First flight test in May 2007, on combat duty since the summer of 2010. Warhead power 150-250 depending on their number, firing range 12,000 km, launch weight 49.6 tons. At the beginning of 2017, there were 84 Yars mobile complexes on combat duty. and 12 missiles in silo launchers, and a total of 384 warheads, or 40% of the warheads of ground-based nuclear forces.

To be honest, I haven’t heard that Yuzhmash (you mean it?) has anything to do with Topol. RT-2PM was developed by MIT on the basis of RT-2, which was previously created by Korolev OKB-1. There was fierce competition between the missile design bureaus, the general designers hated each other, there were set-ups and there was a desperate behind-the-scenes struggle for the right to make a new rocket. Therefore, I doubt that they would attract a competitor for a contract.

Ukrainian enterprises could participate at the production stage in separate units. After all, not only one missile was created, but a whole complex, which included both a tractor and the construction/reconstruction of a silo launcher. There, hundreds of enterprises took part in this matter.

Answer

Regarding "Topol", it seems that you are right. Yuzhmash did not participate. From Ukraine - only the Kiev Arsenal (and, naturally, not in the development of a rocket as such).

The following structures were involved in the development and production of combat and training equipment of the Topol complexes:

Missile targeting system - Central Design Bureau "Arsenal" (development) and PA "Plant "Arsenal", Kyiv, Ukrainian SSR (production);

As for Topol-M - together with Yuzhnoye Design Bureau. But this is the same Dnepropetrovsk (now Dnieper).

This development work was called “Universal”, the complex being developed was designated RT-2PM2. The development of the complex was carried out jointly by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering and the Dnepropetrovsk Yuzhnoye Design Bureau.

In March 1992, it was decided to develop the Topol-M complex based on developments under the Universal program (in April, Yuzhnoye ceased its participation in work on the complex).

Answer

Comment

, the motto of the Topol-M missile systems division, “every launch of the Topol-M missile is excellent!” Designed to deliver a retaliatory and retaliatory strike. At the end of the article, as always, there is a video.
In 1985, the first regiment of mobile ground missile systems RT-2PM "Topol" entered combat duty, not to be confused with "M-koy", on the Internet photos of both complexes are usually found exactly as "Topol M", there is a photo below in the text, approximately from one perspective from which they can be compared. First, let's talk about the older ones. Well, a hint on how to immediately distinguish between versions.

View of the protective cover of the TPK and the complex of command instruments of the Topol PGRK, pay attention, there is something similar to the hatch on the cover, and on the M-ke it is on the other side.

Mobility has become a fundamental solution to the problem of secrecy of actions and survivability of intercontinental missile systems (a very controversial issue, secrecy and mobility with such mass and dimensions, first of all, attachment to the base, how many kilometers it will travel from it, it needs a road, and a good one, so the concept “mobile” is quite arbitrary; with modern space reconnaissance equipment, a metal object more than 24 m long, about 3.5 m in diameter and almost 5 m high, which also emits a large amount of heat and electromagnetic radiation, is unlikely to be hidden.
The complex, which was REALLY difficult to track, was called the combat railway missile complex (BZHRK). The Strategic Missile Forces were liquidated in 2005, look who was at the helm of the country at that time. By the way, our American friends, the problem of launching from a railway platform has not been solved).

combat railway missile system photo

However, the random distribution of complexes with a high degree of combat readiness removed them from the enemy’s “disarming” strike. It is not for nothing that the Topol, which received the designation SS-25 Sickle in the USA and NATO, caused great concern there. Cool, we know which of our assets cause NATO “concern”. What do you know about their “toys”? By the way, Donald Cook brought them into the Black Sea without any concealment under 60 pieces (!), by the way, they have a radius of 2500 km, look at the incident in detail, but what are the newest ones, perhaps Trident is also heard of, more about it a little later AND THIS IS FAR NOT ALL. So soon work began on creating a new complex, or rather, a system of complexes of various types based, yes, even during the times of the USSR, so whatever one may say, the nuclear shield is still Soviet, the roots are certainly from there.

The Topol-M missile system at the Victory Parade. Moscow, 2011, please note there is no hatch on the protective cover

The decree of the Military-Industrial Commission of September 9, 1989 set out the development work of the “Universal” - a three-stage solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for mobile and stationary (mine) complexes. The work involved cooperation between the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (the main developer of the Topol mobile complex) and the Dnepropetrovsk Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (the traditional developer of silo ICBMs). But the collapse of the USSR made cooperation impossible. In 1992, it was decided to use the developments on the “Universal” to create the “Topol-M” complex with increased combat readiness and shooting accuracy. In February 1993, a decree of the President of the Russian Federation appeared on the development of the modernized Topol-M complex. Being a deep modernization of the existing complex, it would not violate existing international agreements, but would allow in the long term to maintain the combat readiness and effectiveness of the Strategic Missile Forces.

In this regard, much attention was paid to the possibility of overcoming the promising missile defense of a potential enemy (which remained the same, the point is clear, we mean not the potential, but the enemy). The complex was designed to deliver a retaliatory and retaliatory strike, that is, it was supposed to retain the possibility of a successful launch even when exposed to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion, passing through the atmospheric “nuclear umbrella.” Long combat duty in various degrees of readiness was required.

The echeloned security system of the Topol-M missile system, the number of security forces involved, is kept secret and is constantly changing

If anyone is interested, you can look at “”, a cooler machine “poplar”, the most famous difference is its multi-headedness. There is also a video of the launch, showing in detail the vehicles of the control, escort and security systems. They are similar for both PGRKs.

Let's return to the "poplar". The lead developer remained the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, where the work was headed by the general designer B. N. Lagutin, and since 1997 by Yu. S. Solomonov. The nuclear charge was created under the leadership of G.N. Dmitriev at the Russian Federal Nuclear Center-Research Institute of Experimental Physics (Arzamas-1b), the control system was created at the NPO Automation and Instrument Making (Moscow) under the leadership of V.L. Lapygin and Yu.V. Trunov , charges of solid mixed fuel engines - at the Federal Center for Dual Technologies "Soyuz" (Dzerzhinsky Moscow Region) under the leadership of Z. P. Pak and Yu. M. Milekhin, graphite and composite structural elements - at the Central Research Institute Spetsmash, headed by V. A. Barynin, an automated combat control system - at NPO "Impulse" under the leadership of B. G. Mikhailov. The launcher for the mobile version was developed by the Volgograd Central Design Bureau "Titan" under the leadership of V. A. Shurygin, the hydraulic drives of self-propelled launchers were developed by the Central Research Institute of AG under the leadership of V. L. Solunin, the modification of the mine installations was carried out by the Moscow Design Bureau "Vympel" under the leadership of D. K. Dragun .

Comparison of Topol and Topol M missile systems, view from the same angle photo

New modeling and experimental testing techniques were used with a reduction in the number of pilot launches.

• The mobile version of the complex received the index 15P165,
• mine - 15P065,
• the rocket itself is 15Zh65.
• “Topol-M” received the designation RT-2PM2, according to international agreements it is designated RS-12M2, in the USA and NATO it was given the designation SS-27 Sickle B.

The work was greatly hampered by a sharp reduction in funding, the collapse of scientific and industrial ties, and the departure of qualified personnel from the defense industry. Those who lived in those years remember what a mess it was (and that’s an understatement). Nevertheless, on December 20, 1994, the first successful launch from a silo launcher was carried out at the Plesetsk training ground. In 1995-1997, launches continued. The sixth test launch of the rocket was successfully carried out on December 8, 1998. On December 27 of the same year, the first Topol-M in the silo version took up experimental combat duty near Tatishchevo - converted silos of the UN UR-1 removed from duty were used. On December 30, 1998, the first Topol-M regiment entered combat duty; do not confuse this, we are talking specifically about the mine version. In the summer of 2000, the silo version of the Topol-M was put into service. After testing of the mine option was completed, work on the mobile complex intensified.

The missile of the Topol-M complex became the first serial universal land-based intercontinental missile, while being largely unified with the sea-based RS-30 Bulava. Here are some photos of loading into the mine; by the way, the action is very impressive. The key word is unified, for the most part the rocket is associated with a moving soil complex, as you can see there is also a silo-based system, the proportions of the relationship are unknown to me, but there will probably be less movement.

The Topol-M stationary complex consists of 10 intercontinental ballistic missiles located in stationary silos, under the control of a command unit

On September 20, 2000, the mobile version of the Topol-M made its first launch. On December 24, 2004, the mobile Topol-M successfully carried out the last test launch from the Plesetsk cosmodrome - the head of the rocket reached its intended target at the Kura test site in Kamchatka. Two years later, in 2006, the first division of mobile Topol-M (three complexes) began combat duty. By the beginning of 2011, according to open sources, there were 52 mine and 18 mobile Topol-M complexes on combat duty. Serial production of missiles was established by the Botkin Plant, and launchers of the mobile version were launched by the Volgograd Production Association "Barricades".
"According to the START-1 Treaty, the weight, dimensions and some design features of the Topol-M ICBM are strictly limited. "

The 15Zh65 light-class intercontinental ballistic missile has three solid-propellant sustainer stages. The flight control of the first stage is by rotating the central nozzle; the second and third stages are controlled by rotating the nozzle partially recessed into the combustion chamber with a folding nozzle tip. To reduce the mass of the rocket, the cocoon-type stage casings are made of composite material, and the nozzles of the propulsion engines are made of carbon-carbon material.
The control system is an autonomous inertial one, based on an on-board digital computer of increased performance and a gyro-stabilized platform, with improved accuracy characteristics of the command gyroscopic devices. An element base with increased reliability and resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion was used. A protective coating is applied to the outer surface of the rocket body, a special coating with a high content of rare earth elements is applied to the body of the sealed instrument compartment, the cable network is completely shielded and protected.

Photo complex of the 5th generation RT-2PM2 “Topol-M loading a ballistic missile into a silo, charge delivery range 11,000 km

The missile is equipped with a monoblock detachable warhead with a high-speed thermonuclear warhead with a capacity of 550 kt in TNT equivalent. The complex of means for overcoming missile defense includes passive and active decoys, as well as means of distorting characteristics. At the same time, false targets that are difficult to distinguish from the warhead in various ranges of electromagnetic radiation in the extra-atmospheric, transitional and significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the trajectory are not selected by super-resolution radars. The means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead are a radio-absorbing coating (combined with a heat-shielding coating), aerosols that create infrared radiation, and active radio interference generators. Among the possible missile defense systems, weapons based on new principles were also taken into account - for example, nuclear-pumped lasers. It is supplied and stored in a transport and launch container (TPC), in launchers 15P765-35 or 15P765-60 and a unified high-security command post of type 15V222, also installed in the mine on a shock-absorbed suspension.

Photo of the Topol M stationary complex, Topol-M is unified with the sea-based Bulava missile, their competitor Sineva

The missile of the mobile ground missile system is housed in a high-strength fiberglass TPK, structurally similar to the metal one. The basis for the autonomous launcher 15U175 of the ground complex was a special all-wheel drive eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922) with an 800-horsepower diesel engine and six rotating pairs of wheels. The chassis is characterized by increased cross-country ability and good agility (turning radius 18 m with a vehicle length of 22 m). The partial suspension system allows the launcher to be deployed on soft soils. The installation is equipped with high-precision navigation equipment and camouflage equipment in various ranges. Also, a mobile command post and a combat duty support vehicle are built on all-terrain wheeled chassis.
In the silo version, metal TPKs are installed in existing missile silos that are being removed from combat duty.

Poplar M photo at the Victory Parade. Moscow, 2011

1. Starting weight, kg: 47100
2. Maximum step diameter, mm: 1st - 1860, 2nd - 1610, 3rd - 1580
3. Total length, mm: 22 700
4. Rocket length without warhead, mm: 17,500
5. Stage engine thrust, t: 1st - 90.8, 2nd - about 50.3rd - about 25
6. Diameter of launch container, mm: 1950-2050
7. Maximum firing range, km: 11,000
8. Warhead - monoblock, thermonuclear, power kt: 550
9. Weight of warhead, kg: 1200 Self-propelled launcher: 15U175
10. Weight of self-propelled launcher with missile, kg: 120,000
11. Maximum speed, km/h: 45. Cruising range, km: 500

Topol M photo video of strategic missile forces tests
The silo complex includes 10 missiles, in launchers 15P765-35 or 15P765-60, and a unified high-security command post of type 15V222, also installed in the silo on a shock-absorbing suspension.
The missile of the mobile ground missile system is housed in a high-strength fiberglass TPK, structurally similar to the metal one. The basis for the autonomous launcher 15U175 of the ground complex was a special all-wheel drive eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922) with an 800-horsepower diesel engine and six rotating pairs of wheels. The chassis is characterized by increased cross-country ability and good agility (turning radius 18 m with a vehicle length of 22 m).

Design and layout of the Topol M missile system

The partial suspension system allows the launcher to be deployed on soft soils. The installation is equipped with high-precision navigation equipment and camouflage equipment in various ranges. Also, a mobile command post and a combat duty support vehicle are built on all-terrain wheeled chassis.
In the silo version, missiles in metal TPKs are installed in existing silos of missiles being removed from combat duty.

RT-2PM2 complex Created "Topol-M" on the basis of the RT-2PM "Topol" complex

Start Topol M photo video of strategic missile forces

Poplar rocket launch

The use of “Topol-M” can be considered using the example of a mobile soil complex. Like its predecessor, it can launch a missile from any point in the positional area, both from a combat patrol route and while parked from garage shelters with a retractable roof. The ground-based complex of command instruments located on the TPK of the Topol-M missile provides targeting by implementing an autonomous determination of the azimuth of the control element installed on a gyro-stabilized platform. Before launching, the TPK is raised to a vertical position. Just as I promised, I cut a short video, let’s watch it, if you’re not too lazy, you can “like” it.

At the same time, you can look at the presentation of the channel on YouTube, where there’s just a sea of ​​different missile launches.

The rocket launch is “mortar”. The first stage engine is turned on after the rocket exits the container. Increasing the power of solid fuel charges made it possible to increase the thrown mass and reduce the duration and height of the active part of the trajectory, thereby making interception more difficult for the enemy. A program maneuver is provided at the start when passing through the cloud of a nuclear explosion. Together with the described means of protection, this makes it possible to launch even after a nuclear impact on neighboring objects of the complex and when the position area is blocked by a high-altitude nuclear explosion. After the end of the active section, the warhead flies along a ballistic trajectory. The circular probable deviation is 200 m. In combination with the power of the warhead, this makes it possible to hit any small, high-strength strategic targets.

Mobile ground-based missile system "Topol-M" of the Strategic Missile Forces photo

The missile can be equipped with a warhead with multiple warheads for individual guidance (then a warhead disengagement stage is added) or maneuvering (with correction engines) - such warheads, which greatly increase the likelihood of a breakthrough of the missile defense system, were tested in 2005-2007. So, what's so wonderful about it?

1. The operating time of the first stage engine is 60 s, the second is 64 s, and the third is 56 s. Thus, the rocket reaches maximum speed in three minutes. What is considered extremely fast acceleration?
2. When passing through the cloud of a nuclear explosion, it performs a program maneuver, actively maneuvering in the interception segment.
3. The protective coating of the rocket body provides protection from the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and... the attention of weapons based on new physical principles (who knows, please clarify what we are talking about?).
4. When overcoming missile defense systems, it can launch passive and active false targets according to their characteristics when irradiated by various types of detection, indistinguishable from combat ones. Visibility is reduced by an order of magnitude, the estimated detection range of the missile on approach to the target is about 100-200 km.
5. The missile is unified with the famous sea-based missile "Bulava", many news releases are dedicated specifically to the "Bulava" launch weight of 37 tons. But it is inferior in striking power to heavier solid-fuel missiles, for example, such as Trident-2 with a launch weight of 59 tons. (Let’s compare the warhead of the Bulava - 150kt x 6, theoretically the Trident-2 - 8x475 kt). Some specialists criticize the equipping of the naval component with light ballistic missiles of the Bulava type, pointing to the need to create a solid-fuel SLBM R-39UTTH, testing on it was stopped in the 90s. If it had come to putting it into service, it would have no world analogues in terms of striking power and performance characteristics among submarine-launched ballistic missiles.