Overall dimensions of the poplar m. "Topol-M": history of creation and prospects. Mobile complex and its chariot
RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" (US and NATO classification - SS-27 Sickle) - Russian missile system strategic purpose with the 15Zh65 intercontinental ballistic missile, developed in the late 1980s - early 1990s on the basis of the RT-2PM Topol complex. The first ICBM developed in the Russian Federation after the collapse of the USSR.
The 15Zh65 rocket of the RT-2PM2 complex is solid-fuel, three-stage. Maximum range - 11,000 km. Carries one thermonuclear warhead with a power of 550 kt. Based both in silos and on mobile launchers.
The silo-based version was put into service in 2000. Over the next decade, Topol-M may become the basis of the armament of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces.
History of creation
Work on creating the rocket began in the late 1980s. The resolution of the Military-Industrial Commission of September 9, 1989 ordered the creation of two missile systems (stationary and mobile) and a universal solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile for them on the basis of the RT-2PM complex. The development program was named “Universal”, the complex being developed was designated RT-2PM2, the rocket was assigned the index 15Zh65. 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). By decree of Boris Yeltsin of February 27, 1993, MIT became the lead enterprise for the development of Topol-M. The control system was developed at NPO Automation and Instrument Making, the combat unit was developed at the Sarov VNIIEF. The production of missiles was launched at the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant.
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, it began mass production these missiles. 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, and the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation on the adoption of the DBK into service was signed by Vladimir Putin in the summer of 2000, after which the mobile ground-based missile system entered flight tests (PGRK) based on the eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221. The first launch from a mobile launcher was carried out on September 27, 2000.
Technologies developed at Topol-M are used in the new ICBM sea-based"Mace".
Accommodation
The placement of the first missiles in modified silos used for UR-100N missiles (15A30, RS-18, SS-19 Stiletto) began in 1997.
December 25, 1997 on experimental combat duty in the 60th missile division(town of Tatishchevo) the first two 15Zh65 missiles (launch minimum) were delivered to the first regiment in the Strategic Missile Forces armed with the 15P065-35 missile system. And on December 30, 1998, in the same place in the Taman missile division, the first missile regiment (commander - Lieutenant Colonel Yu. S. Petrovsky) of 10 silo launchers with silo-based Topol-M ICBMs took up combat duty. Four more regiments with silo-based Topol-M ICBMs entered combat duty on December 10, 1999, December 26, 2000 (re-equipment from 15P060), December 21, 2003 and December 9, 2005.
The deployment of a mobile-based complex on combat duty began in December 2006 in the 54th Guards Missile Division (Teykovo), the location of which continues to be modernized. At the same time, it became known that President Vladimir Putin had signed a new state weapons program until 2015, which provided for the purchase of 69 Topol-M ICBMs.
In 2008, Nikolai Solovtsov announced the beginning in the near future of equipping Topol-M missiles with multiple warheads (MRV). Equipping Topol-M with MIRVs will be the most important way to maintain nuclear potential Russia. Topol-M with MIRV will begin entering service in 2010.
In April 2009, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, Nikolai Solovtsov, announced that the production of Topol-M mobile ground-based missile systems would be stopped, and more advanced systems would be supplied to the Strategic Missile Forces.
As of January 2010, there were 49 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).
Characteristics
The RT-2PM2 stationary complex includes 10 15Zh65 intercontinental ballistic missiles mounted in silo launchers 15P765-35 (converted silo launchers 15P735 and 15P718 of 15A35 and 15A18M missiles) or 15P765-60 (converted silo launchers of 15Zh60 missiles), as well as a command post 15B222.
The mobile complex consists of one 15Zh65 missile, placed in a high-strength fiberglass TPK, mounted on an eight-axle MZKT-79221 chassis.
The 15Zh65 rocket consists 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).
The launch method is 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 missile defense system 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. Some sources claim that LCs are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges electromagnetic radiation(optical, infrared, radar).
MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922)
Testing and putting into service
February 9, 2000 At 15:59 Moscow time, the combat crew of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation (RVSN) from the 1st State Test Cosmodrome "Plesetsk" carried out a successful test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile "Topol-M". The Topol-M (RS-12M2) ICBM was launched according to battlefield Kura, located in Kamchatka. The missile hit a training target in a given area.
April 20, 2004 at 21:30 Moscow time, joint combat crews of the Strategic Missile Forces and the Russian Space Forces from the Plesetsk cosmodrome carried out the next test launch of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a self-propelled launcher according to the flight test plan in the interests of the Strategic Missile Forces. This was the first launch in the last 15 years into the waters of the Hawaiian Islands with a range of more than 11 thousand kilometers.
December 24, 2004 A successful test launch of the Topol-M missile was carried out from a mobile launcher. The launch took place at 12:39 Moscow time from the Plesetsk test site. The warhead of the missile reached its designated target at the Kura training ground in Kamchatka at 13:03 Moscow time. The launch was the fourth and final launch of the mobile version of the rocket. Topol-M complex, carried out as part of the testing of the complex.
November 1, 2005 from the Kapustin Yar training ground in Astrakhan region A successful test launch of the RS-12M1 Topol-M missile with a maneuvering warhead was carried out. This launch was the sixth as part of testing a system created to overcome the American missile defense. The launch took place at the tenth test site, Balkhash (Priozersk), located in Kazakhstan.
The modernized Topol-M missile system, the first missile system created only by Russian enterprises, forms the core of the entire group of the Strategic Missile Forces.
It is he who is entrusted with big hopes in preserving and maintaining nuclear potential at the required level to guarantee the preservation of the country's security. The missile system is unique and is approximately 1.5 times superior to the previous generation complex in terms of combat readiness, maneuverability and survivability (in a mobile version), and effectiveness in hitting various targets, including in the context of missile defense deployment. Energy opportunities new rocket make it possible to increase the throwable weight, significantly reduce the height of the active part of the trajectory, and increase the efficiency of overcoming promising missile defense systems.
rocket launcher Topol-M (Modernized)
The Topol-M complex has absorbed the existing domestic scientific and technical background and the achievements of domestic rocket science. Experts say: everything that relates to the process of its development, testing, and its tactical and technical characteristics is defined by the word “for the first time.” For the first time, a completely unified missile is being created for highly protected silo and mobile ground-based missiles. For the first time, a new experimental testing system has been introduced, in which high-standard operating modes of missile complex systems and assemblies are used during ground and flight tests. This made it possible to sharply reduce the traditional volume of testing, reduce costs, without losing reliability.
Topol-M is the result of further modification of the Topol complex and is equipped with a more advanced RS-2PM2 (15Zh65) missile.
As a result of the restrictions imposed on modernization by the main provisions of the START-2 treaty, the tactical and technical characteristics of the Topol-M complex missile could not undergo significant changes and the main differences from the RS-2PM lie in the flight characteristics and stability when penetrating possible enemy missile defense systems The warhead was initially created taking into account the possibility of rapid modernization in case a potential enemy developed existing missile defense systems. It is technically possible to install a warhead with multiple independently targetable warheads. Tests were also carried out on the third stage, equipped with ramjet hypersonic atmospheric engines.
Thanks to three improved solid fuel propulsion engines, the RS-12M2 missile's active flight phase was reduced several times, and auxiliary engines, instruments and control mechanisms make its flight difficult to predict for the enemy. The RS-12M2, unlike its predecessor, does not have lattice aerodynamic stabilizers, and uses an improved guidance system (insensitive to powerful electromagnetic pulses), a more efficient mixture charge is used.
Work on the creation of a new complex began in the mid-1980s. The resolution of the Military-Industrial Commission of September 9, 1989 ordered the creation of two missile systems (stationary and mobile) and a universal solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile for them. 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.
The missile was supposed to be unified for both types of complexes, but the original project assumed a difference in the warhead breeding system. The combat stage for the silo-based missile was to be equipped with a liquid rocket engine using the promising PRONIT monopropellant. For mobile vehicles, MIT developed a solid fuel propulsion system. There were also differences in the transport and launch container. For the mobile complex it had to be made of fiberglass. For a stationary one - made of metal, with a number of ground equipment systems mounted on it. Therefore, the rocket for the mobile complex received the index 15Zh55, and for the stationary complex - 15Zh65.
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). By decree of Boris Yeltsin of February 27, 1993, MIT became the lead enterprise for the development of Topol-M. It was decided to develop a unified missile with only one variant of combat equipment - with a solid fuel combat stage propulsion system. The control system was developed at NPO Automation and Instrument Making, the combat unit was developed at the Sarov VNIIEF. The production of missiles was launched at the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant.
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, mass 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, and the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation on the adoption of the DBK into service was signed by Vladimir Putin in the summer of 2000, after which the mobile ground-based missile system entered flight tests (PGRK) based on the eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221. The first launch from a mobile launcher was carried out on September 27, 2000.
Rocket 15Zh65
The 15Zh65 rocket of the Topol-M complex is three-stage. All three stages of the rocket are solid fuel, of the “cocoon” type (solidly wound from a composite material). Flight control, due to the absence of aerodynamic and gas rudders, is carried out by rotating nozzles of the main engines. The nozzles of the propulsion engines are made of carbon-carbon composite.
The head part is detachable monoblock thermonuclear. It is possible to equip it with a multiple warhead with an individually targeted warhead with a power of 150 kt, unified with the R-30 “Bulava” warheads, numbering from 3 to 6. In addition, the 15Zh65 missile of the Topol-M complex can be equipped with a maneuvering warhead.
The complex of missile defense breakthrough means consists of passive and active decoys (LC) and means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. False targets are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, laser, infrared, radar), 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 persistent To damaging factors nuclear explosion and radiation from a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser, etc. For the first time, decoys 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-shielding) coating of the warhead, active radio interference generators, and source aerosols infrared radiation etc. In addition, improved engines of the sustainer stages made it possible to reduce the duration of the active flight phase of the Topol rocket by 3-4 times compared to liquid rockets of the previous generation.
The Topol-M missile is operated in the stationary DBK 15P065 and mobile DBK 15P165. For placement in the silo version, converted silos 15P735 (ICBR UR-100UTTH) and 15P718 (ICBR R-36M2) are used. The 15P065 complex includes 10 silos and one highly protected command post 15B222. In a silo launcher, the Topol-M missile is installed in a metal transport and launch container, unified for both types of silo launchers.
The mobile-based Topol-M missile is placed in a transport and launch container made of fiberglass, on a self-propelled eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221. The weight of the launcher is about 120 tons, width 3.4 m, length 22 m. The chassis provides exceptional maneuverability and maneuverability for its size. To launch a rocket, the launcher is not fully suspended, which makes it possible to achieve stability even on soft soils, and the launch itself can be carried out from anywhere in the basing area.
The Topol-M missile is being created as a modernization of the RS-12M ICBM. The conditions for modernization are determined by the START-1 Treaty, according to which a missile is considered new if it differs from the existing one (analogue) in one of the following ways:
number of steps;
type of fuel of any stage;
starting weight by more than 10%;
the length of either the assembled rocket without the warhead, or the length of the first stage of the rocket by more than 10%;
the diameter of the first stage by more than 5%;
throw weight of more than 21% combined with a change in first stage length of 5% or more.
Thus, the mass-dimensional characteristics and some design features of the Topol-M ICBM are strictly limited.
The stage of state flight testing of the Topol-M missile system took place at 1-GIK MO. In December 1994, the first launch took place from a silo launcher. April 28, 2000 The State Commission approved the act on the adoption of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile into service by the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation.
The 15P065 combat stationary silo missile system includes 10 15Zh65 missiles in silo launchers 15P765-35 and one unified command post of the 15V222 type with high security (located on a suspension in the silo using special shock absorption). The use of a “mortar launch” made it possible to significantly increase the resistance of the 15P765-35 silo to PFYAV due to the removal of elements of the 15P735 launcher necessary for the gas-dynamic launch of 15A35 missiles, the use of an improved shock-absorbing system and filling the released volume with heavy reinforced concrete of special grades. Work on the conversion of silo launchers 15P735 to accommodate Topol-M missiles was carried out by the Vympel Experimental Design Bureau under the leadership of Dmitry Dragun.
In accordance with the START-2 treaty, the conversion of 90 15P718 silo launchers of 15A18 missiles to the 15Zh65 missile is allowed, provided that guarantees are provided that it is impossible to install heavy ICBMs in such a converted launcher. Refinement of these silos includes pouring a 5m layer of concrete at the bottom of the shaft, as well as installing a special restrictive ring at the top of the launcher. The internal dimensions of the heavy missile silo are excessive to accommodate the Topol-M missile, even taking into account the filling of the lower part of the launcher with concrete. The mass of the Topol-M rocket, its outer diameter and length are approximately 5, 1.5 and 1.5 times less than the mass-geometric dimensions of the 15A18M rocket, respectively. In order to preserve and use the heavy silo units and systems during conversion, it was necessary to carry out a number of comprehensive studies of the silo loading scheme during nuclear attack and launch, the maintenance system, the influence on the gas dynamics of the launch of the large internal free volume of the shaft, the restrictive ring and the massive and large-sized roof, issues of loading the TPK with a rocket in the launcher, etc.
Resource-saving technology when creating serial PU 15P765-18 provides for the preservation of the protective roof, barbette, drum, mine shaft with bottom directly at the facility and the reuse of most of the equipment of the 15P718 PU - protective roof drives, shock absorption systems, elevators and other equipment - after their dismantling , sending to manufacturing plants, carrying out RVR at factories with testing on stands. The problem of implementing resource-saving technology is closely related to the establishment of new warranty periods for reused equipment, including mine shafts. Placing Topol-M missiles in existing silos modified in this way can significantly reduce the costs of developing and deploying the complex. Successful flight tests allowed the State Commission to recommend the adoption of a silo launcher, converted from a silo launcher for heavy missiles, into service as part of the missile complex, and already in the summer of 2000, such a complex was adopted for service by decree of the President of the Russian Federation.
The 15P065 combat missile system (CBM) with a light-class solid-fuel ICBM 15ZH65, which has increased resistance to PFYV, ensures the launch of a missile without delay for the normalization of the external situation during repeated nuclear impacts on neighboring DBK facilities and when a position area is blocked by high-altitude nuclear explosions, as well as with minimal delay in case of non-destructive nuclear impact directly on the launcher. The stability of the launcher and the mine command post to PFYV has been significantly increased; it is possible to launch from the constant combat readiness mode according to one of the planned target designations, as well as prompt retargeting and launch according to any unscheduled target designation transmitted from the highest level of management. The likelihood of launch commands being transmitted to the control panel and silos has been increased. During combat duty, the 15Zh65 missile is located in a metal transport and launch container. TPKs are unified for both types of silos
The transport and installation unit of the complex, created at KB "Motor", combines the functions of an installer and a transport and reloading machine.
Mobile-based Topol-M ICBMs are deployed as part of the DBK 15P165. The mobile-based 15Zh65 missile is housed in a high-strength fiberglass TPK on an eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922) high cross-country ability and structurally it is practically no different from the mine version. The weight of the launcher is 120 tons, length - 22 meters, width - 3.4 meters. 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. The PU engine is a 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 m. When creating systems and units of the DBK 15P165 “Topol-M”, a number of fundamentally new technical solutions compared to 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 against both 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 visibility).
The control system is inertial based on the on-board central control system and a gyro-stabilized platform. The complex of high-speed command gyroscopic devices has improved accuracy characteristics, the new on-board computer has increased performance and resistance to the effects of PFYaV, aiming is ensured through the implementation of autonomous determination of the azimuth of the control element installed on the gyro-stabilized platform, using a ground-based complex of command devices located on the TPK. Increased combat readiness, accuracy and continuous operation life of on-board equipment are ensured.
High support characteristics of the 15Zh65 missile high level resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion was achieved through the use of a set of measures that had proven themselves well during the creation of the R-36M2 (15A18M), RT-23UTTH (15Zh60) and RT-2PM (15Zh58) ICBMs:
use of protective coating new development, applied to the outer surface of the rocket body and providing comprehensive protection against PFYV;
application of a control system developed on an element base with increased durability and reliability;
applying a special coating with a high content of rare earth elements to the body of the sealed instrument compartment, which housed the control system equipment;
the use of shielding and special methods for laying the onboard cable network of the rocket;
introducing a special program maneuver for a missile when passing through the cloud of a ground-based nuclear explosion, etc.
Successful measures were taken to reduce the flight duration and reduce the altitude of the end point of the active part of the rocket's flight path. The ICBM also received the possibility of limited maneuver in the active part of the trajectory, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of its destruction in the most vulnerable, initial phase of the flight. According to the developers, the active flight phase (launch, operation of the sustainer stages, disengagement of combat equipment) of the Topol-M ICBM is reduced by “3-4 times” compared to liquid-fueled ICBMs, for which it is approximately 10 minutes.
Type of warhead: detachable monoblock thermonuclear with a high-speed, high-level resistance to PFYV, warhead. In the future, it is possible to equip the missile with a maneuvering warhead or a multiple warhead with a number of warheads from 3 to 6 (prospective warheads with a capacity of 150 kt for the MIRV IN are unified with the warhead for the D-19M complex with the R-30 Bulava SLBM). The first test launch of a mobile version of the Topol-M ICBM, equipped with MIRVs and individually targeted warheads ( official name new rocket - RS-24), took place on May 29, 2007 from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.
It should be noted that the ICBM warhead was created with maximum use of developments and technologies obtained during the creation of the warhead for the Topol ICBM, which made it possible to reduce development time and reduce cost. Despite such unification, the new warhead is much more resistant to PFYVs and the effects of weapons based on new physical principles, than its predecessor, has a lower specific gravity, has improved safety mechanisms during storage, transportation and being on combat duty. The new warhead has an increased efficiency of fissile materials compared to its predecessor and is historically the first domestic warhead for ICBMs, the creation of which took place without testing parts and assemblies during full-scale nuclear explosions.
The characteristics of the Topol-M missile system can significantly increase the readiness of the Strategic Missile Forces to carry out assigned combat missions in any conditions, ensure maneuverability, secrecy of actions and survivability of units, subunits and individual launchers, as well as reliability of control and autonomous operation for a long time (without replenishment inventories of materials). The aiming accuracy has been almost doubled, the accuracy of determining geodetic data has been increased by one and a half times, and the preparation time for launch has been halved.
The re-equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces units is carried out using existing infrastructure. Mobile and desktop options are fully compatible with existing system combat control and connections. The warranty period for the operation of the 15Zh65 ICBM is 15 years (according to some data, 20 years).
The solid warhead of the Topol-M missile can be replaced with a multiple warhead carrying three independent warheads, which makes the missile invulnerable to any missile defense system—it is impossible to intercept three warheads at the same time. The current treaties do not allow Russia to do this, but the situation can change at any moment...
In the process of designing systems and assemblies of the autonomous launcher (APU) of the Topol-M complex, many fundamentally new technical solutions were used. For example, the partial suspension system makes it possible to deploy the Topol-M APU even on soft soils. The cross-country ability and maneuverability of the launcher have also been improved. All this significantly increases the maneuverability, secrecy of actions and survivability of launchers and missile units in general.
This alone makes Topol-M an ultra-modern weapon of the 21st century, capable of reliably protecting our country from external aggression, and, if necessary, becoming a weapon of inevitable retaliation.
CHARACTERISTICS - “Topol-M”
Maximum firing range, km 11000
Number of stages 3
Launch weight, t 47.1 (47.2)
Throwing mass, t 1.2
Rocket length without head part, m 17.5 (17.9)
Rocket length, m 22.7
Maximum case 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 loaded condition (without combat equipment), t 40
Load capacity, t 80
Maximum speed, km/h 45
Range, km 500
Intercontinental ballistic missile RS-12M ("Topol")
The RS-12M intercontinental three-stage ballistic missile (NATO code name - “Sickle”, SS-25 “Sickle”) with a monoblock warhead is part of the first mobile ground-based missile system put on combat duty in the USSR/RF.
Developed by a cooperation of enterprises, the head of which was the design bureau headed by A.D. Nadiradze (later - B.N. Lagutin). The complex is based on the experience of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering in the creation in the 70s of mobile ground complexes with RS-14 (“Temp-2S”) and RSD-10 (“Pioneer”) missiles, the testing and deployment of which were prohibited by international treaties.
The RS-12M missile began development in 1980 as a modernization of the RS-12 (RT-2P) intercontinental ballistic missile and taking into account the severe restrictions imposed by the SALT II Treaty. This led to a slight deterioration by 10...20% in the energy and mass perfection of the rocket compared to similar indicators American missiles“Minuteman 2, -3.”
Flight design tests of the rocket took place at the 53rd NIIP MO (now the 1st GIK MO) from September 29, 1981 to December 23, 1987. More than 70 launches of this rocket were carried out.
The first stage of the rocket consists of a sustainer solid propellant rocket engine and a tail section. The mass of the fully loaded stage is 27.8 tons. Its length is 8.1 m and diameter is 1.8 m. The stage's main 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 structurally 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 and a compartment with a propulsion system and control system. Inertial type control system. It provides rocket flight control, routine maintenance on the rocket and launcher, pre-launch preparation and launch of the rocket, as well as solving other problems.
During operation, the RS-12M missile is located in a transport and launch container located on a mobile launcher. The length of the container is 22.3 m and the diameter is 2.0 m.
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, 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”).
Transportable rocket space complexes “Start-1” and “Start” were created on the basis of the RS-12M rocket.
| Maximum firing range, km | 10500 |
| Number of steps | 3 |
| Launch weight, tons | 45.1 |
| Throwing weight, tons | 1 |
| Rocket length, m | 21.5 |
| Maximum diameter, m | 1.8 |
| Head type | monoblock, nuclear |
| Nuclear warhead power, Mt | 0.55 |
| Firing accuracy (maximum deviation), km | 0.9 |
| Fuel | solid, mixed |
| Control system type | autonomous, inertial based on BTsVK |
| Controls | rotary gas-jet and aerodynamic rudders |
Even before it was born, the future missile complex found itself in a zone of insoluble organizational, political and financial problems. By that time, perestroika was in full swing in the USSR, and rampant demilitarization and conversion had broken out. Then the Soviet Union collapsed. And behind him, the entire powerful and well-functioning secret military-industrial system very quickly collapsed, marking the end of both the intolerable arms race and the Iron Curtain, and its own military-industrial complex, which formed one of the foundations of the Soviet economy.
At that difficult time, the Byelorussian SSR became independent state, and the special production of the Minsk Automobile Plant turned into an independent Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (MZKT). However, once in a neighboring country, he expressed his readiness to continue military-technical cooperation, refine his missile chassis and supply them to Russia.
So, in 1990, on the eve of the collapse of the USSR, the first eight-axle chassis vehicles were assembled at the Minsk Automobile Plant MAZ-7922 And MAZ-7923 for installation of the future missile system. Its design was carried out by the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau from Dnepropetrovsk, created at the Southern Machine-Building Plant (UMZ), which officially produced wheeled tractors. After this, another 16 years of dramatic political changes and rethinking of new world realities passed to bring this project to industrial production and combat deployment.
Eight-axle missile carriers MAZ-7922 and MAZ-7923
The final step in the secret activities of the Minsk Automobile Plant in Soviet times was the creation of experimental 80-ton all-wheel drive chassis MAZ-7922 and MAZ-7923. Their design was carried out by Vladimir Efimovich Chvyalev, who in April 1985, after the retirement of 83-year-old Boris Shaposhnik, became the chief designer and head of UGK-2, and then received many top awards and titles, but his loved ones more often called him simply Automotive Korolev.
Work on eight-axle vehicles began in 1987 with the use and exploratory development of machines from the unique multi-axle complex “Tselina” (more on that later). Three years later, almost simultaneously, two chassis appeared to carry heavy weapons With gross weight launch systems up to 125 tons. From a design point of view, they differed from the base model MAZ-7917 and from each other by replacing one middle non-driving axle with a two-axle drive bogie and using different power units.
First chassis car MAZ-7922 with the code designation “Bison”, assembled in February 1990, was equipped with a new YaMZ-8401 V12 diesel engine with a power of 780 hp. with turbocharging. The second novelty was the steered wheels of the three front and three rear axles, which deviated in different directions and made it possible to significantly increase the maneuverability of the 20-meter vehicle. All other units and components, except for the extended frame and two middle drive axles, have not undergone any changes.
Second more original version MAZ-7923 with the code “Bison” appeared at the end of 1990 and was a combination of the MAZ-7922 chassis with solutions that were fundamentally new for such equipment. It used an electromechanical transmission, consisting of a compact gas turbine engine with a power of 1000 hp. and a modernized generating station from the giant MAZ-7907 multi-axle vehicle. From her electricity supplied to traction motors built into the hubs of all 16 wheels with planetary gearboxes. And in this version, it was again not possible to avoid the important disadvantages inherent in machines with electric drives: design complexity, high cost, increased weight, low reliability of electrical equipment.
Initially, as usual, it was planned to conduct state tests of both vehicles and select the most suitable chassis for carrying the future missile system. However, in an era of global political changes, these machines, created by order of the USSR Ministry of Defense and built shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, only managed to master test factory runs. By that time, there was no further funding for this project. Thus, the most unique, ultra-expensive chassis turned out to be unclaimed in democratic Russia, whose leadership raved about eternal peaceful coexistence with former enemies. They remembered them only two years later.
In March 1992, due to the refusal of the Ukrainian Yuzhnoye Design Bureau to participate in this project, the Ministry of Defense decided to create a new entirely Russian intercontinental missile. By that time, work on the second, less promising MAZ-7923 chassis had already been stopped, and the only hope for creating a new complex remained the MAZ-7922. She was urgently taken to Bronnitsy near Moscow and demonstrated to the top military leadership at training ground 21 of the Research Institute.
Then the car entered state tests, but only many years later it turned into a reliable mobile basis for the domestic mobile ground-based missile system (PGRK) Topol-M.
Testing of the MAZ-7922 vehicle at Test Site 21 of the Scientific Research Institute with a weight simulator of a rocket launcher
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MZKT-79221 chassis vehicle and Topol-M complex
Formally, full-scale work on the new complex began with the signing of a presidential decree in February 1993, but there is still a long way to go missile system and its carrier disagreed, although the question of choosing a chassis had long been decided. Considering the maximum unification of the MAZ-7922 vehicle with the already mastered MAZ-7917 chassis, based on the test results, the military unanimously gave it preference with recommendations for increasing the power of the power unit and maneuverability. So in 1995, a modified version of the MAZ-7922 turned into the MZKT-79221 missile carrier.
The updated vehicle received an upgraded multi-fuel YaMZ-847.10 V12 engine with a power of 800 hp. with turbocharging and liquid cooling system with two radiators. In the steering, which acted on the six outer axles, a mechanism appeared to lock the rotation of three pairs of rear wheels. All other units - hydromechanical transmission, axles, hydropneumatic suspension, dual-circuit braking system, tires and two fiberglass cabins - were entirely consistent, right down to the gear ratios, with the base MAZ-7917 vehicle.
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| MZKT-79221 missile chassis at a demonstration in Minsk (from the author’s archive) |
The history of the most powerful and advanced PGRK 15P155 "Topol M" started in September 1989. Then the Soviet government decided to create a universal ballistic missile for mobile and silo systems, which initially gave the entire project the name “Universal”. It was planned to be equipped with ten multiple warheads, including nuclear ones, but the events of the early 1990s completely confused these plans.
In the winter of 1993, in accordance with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation, the new lead developer - the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT) - began work on creating a monoblock ballistic missile placed in a fiberglass transport and launch container. At the same time, the Volgograd Central Design Bureau "Titan" began designing the 15U175 launcher for the future Topol-M mobile complex.
And then the putting of the MZKT-79221 vehicle into production and the new PGRK on combat duty was preceded by painfully long and difficult years of restoration of the Russian military industry and science, testing of experimental systems and a radical revision of the entire strategic military doctrine of the Russian Federation. The first launch of the new missile from a wheeled launcher took place only in September 2000 - immediately after President V.V. Putin signed a decree on the adoption of the silo version, which was then given preference over the mobile system.
The new Topol-M PGRK, like its predecessor of the same name, Topol, was also designed to carry out combat duty while constantly moving along special dirt roads. Literally on the move, from any point on the route, he could inflict a powerful nuclear missile strike, remaining practically invisible and inaccessible to the enemy. The modernized intercontinental ballistic missile installed on it with an accuracy of up to 350 meters ensured the destruction of enemy targets at distances of up to 10 thousand kilometers.
In 2003, after another adjustment of Russia’s military priorities, a important decision on giving the Topol-M complexes the status of the country’s main nuclear potential and the most advanced Russian weapon of the 21st century. Their placement on combat duty began in November 2006. By then, according to State program re-equipment of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, it was planned to supply up to 80 Topol-M mobile systems to the Strategic Missile Forces by 2015.
New, more stringent requirements for conducting military operations and worsening relations with the West again confused long-term plans: in 2009, when only 18 Topol-M PGRKs were in service, their production was stopped in favor of an updated, more efficient system. Thanks to this event, since 2010, previously secret complexes began to regularly take part in military parades in Moscow to commemorate Victory Day.
The only one vehicle on the MZKT-79221 chassis, devoid of weapons, there was a multi-purpose vehicle 15T418 with a cylindrical tank, best known as fighting machine support, technical closure column unit or overall weight model.
Structurally, it became a development of two previous similar designs and 15T382, about which. New car also served to escort convoys of missile systems, reconnaissance of routes, evacuation of heavy vehicles, training of mechanics-drivers of launchers and training of combat crews of missile systems.
With the signing in 2006 of an agreement between MZKT and the Wanshan plant on the creation in China joint venture The eight-axle range was replenished with another vehicle, created on the basis of the MZKT-79221. It was an 80-ton WS-51200 chassis (16x12) with a 700-horsepower Chinese-built Cummins engine, a German ZF automatic transmission and six pairs of steered wheels. While working on the Chinese intercontinental missile were delayed, the DPRK began to mount their own Hwasong ballistic missile launchers on this chassis.
Meanwhile, in 2010, during the next deep reorganization of the Russian Armed Forces, it was decided to replace the Topol-M PGRK with the modernized, most powerful and advanced complex 15P155M Yars. Its main difference from its predecessor is a missile with multiple independently targetable warheads. The deployment of this system on combat duty began in 2014.
The first public appearance of the Yars complex took place a year later on Red Square during a military parade in honor of the 70th anniversary of Victory Day.
The title photo shows the eight-axle MZKT-79221 chassis for the Topol-M strategic missile system (from the MZKT archive).
PGRK "Topol" on the march / Photo: Press service of the Russian Defense Ministry
Formations of the Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces), stationed in the Central and Western Military Districts, are practicing combat duty tasks (CDTs) at field positions (FP). This was reported to TASS by the official representative of the Strategic Missile Forces, Colonel Igor Egorov.
“Strategic missile specialists will work on the issues of bringing missile systems to field positions, dispersing units with changing field positions, engineering equipment for positions, organizing camouflage and combat security.”
“About 10 missile regiments equipped with Topol-M complexes are located on combat patrol routes,” he specified.
According to official representative The Strategic Missile Forces and strategic missilemen will work on the issues of bringing missile systems to field positions, dispersing units with changing field positions, engineering equipment for positions, organizing camouflage and combat security. In addition, anti-sabotage formations will work on detecting, blocking and destroying conditional saboteurs. The rocketeers will also perform simulated missile launches.
The units will carry out combat duty at field positions for up to 32 days, in conditions as close as possible to combat ones.
As Egorov noted, by the end of the year, the Strategic Missile Forces will conduct more than 40 headquarters and about 20 command-staff trainings, about 10 command-staff exercises, about 50 tactical and tactical-special exercises.
Technical information
On May 29, 2007, at the Plesetsk training ground, the first test launch of the RS-24 was carried out at the Kura training ground.
On December 25, 2007, at the Plesetsk training ground, the second test launch of the RS-24 was carried out at the Kura training ground.
On November 26, 2008, the third test launch of the RS-24 was carried out at the Plesetsk test site at the Kura test site.
Various information was provided about the timing of the completion of state tests of the RS-24 Yars ICBM: some said the completion of the testing in 2010, while other sources ( chief designer complex) reported that the GIs were completed at the end of 2009, which is apparently due to the difference in the timing of the actual completion of the state testing program and the timing of completing the relevant documents and eliminating the comments identified at the GI stage.
Deployment
At the end of 2009, the Russian military-industrial complex supplied Rocket Forces strategic purpose(Strategic Missile Forces) the first combat unit of the RS-24 Yars mobile missile systems equipped with multiple warheads. In July 2010, the fact of deployment of the first RS-24 unit was officially confirmed by Deputy Minister of Defense V.A. Popovkin.
The second division with the RS-24 Yars missile system was put on experimental combat duty in Teykov missile division (Ivanovo region) in December 2010. The first regiment, armed with the Yars mobile missile system, was transferred to combat duty On March 4, 2011, as part of two RS-24 divisions, which had been on experimental combat duty since 2010.
In the summer of 2011, the first missile regiment, armed with the Yars PGRK in the Teikovsky missile formation, was brought to full strength (3 divisions, 9 APU). On December 7, 2011, in the same division, the second RS-24 Yars regiment was put on experimental combat duty as part of a mobile command post (MCP) of the regiment and one missile division. The second division of this regiment was put on duty at the end of December 2011, thus by the beginning of 2012 total The deployed RS-24s amounted to 15 APUs with missiles. In September 2012, the re-equipment of this regiment with mobile Yars was completed, and the total number of RS-24 Yars automatic launchers was brought to 18 (2 regiments, 6 divisions).
At the end of 2012, work began on upgrading the Novosibirsk and Kozelsky complex to this complex (a mine version of the complex, Kaluga region) missile formations. In 2013, the Strategic Missile Forces plans to continue the rearmament of the Novosibirsk and Kozelsky missile formations, and the rearmament of the missile regiments is almost completed Tagil missile division. In addition, it is planned to begin preparatory work for rearmament Irkutsk missile division.
On the night of December 24-25, 2013, a test launch of a silo-based RS-24 Yars ICBM with a multiple warhead was carried out from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. The launch was successful. The missile's warheads hit targets at the Kura training ground in Kamchatka.
As of the beginning of 2014, the Strategic Missile Forces were armed with 33 mobile-based RS-24 missiles with four warheads each.
On April 14, 2014 at 10:40 Moscow time at the Plesetsk cosmodrome, an RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a multiple warhead was launched from a mobile launcher. The launch was carried out in the interests of protecting a batch of missiles manufactured in Votkinsk (control and serial tests). According to the message official sources, the launch tasks were completed in full.
On December 26 at 11:02 Moscow time a launch was carried out from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. test run Mobile ground-based missiles and training warheads hit targets at the Kura training ground on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
MOSCOW, WEAPONS OF RUSSIA, Stanislav Zakaryan
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