Rocket complexes "topol" and "topol-m". Topol m photo video of strategic missile forces Topol m characteristics radius of destruction

MRK SN (strategic intercontinental missile system) "Topol-M" (SS-X-27, "Sickle" according to NATO classification) with the RS-12M2 (RT-2PM2, 15Zh65) missile is the result of further modernization of the Topol missile system ( SS-25). This complex was completely created by Russian enterprises.

Work on the creation of a new missile system began in the mid-1980s. The Decree of the Military-Industrial Commission dated 09/09/1989 ordered the creation of two missile systems (mobile and stationary), as well as a universal three-stage solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile. This development work was given the name "Universal", and the developed complex - the designation RT-2PM2. The complex was jointly developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering and Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (Ukraine, Dnepropetrovsk).

The missile was supposed to be unified for both complexes, however, in the original project, a difference was assumed in the breeding system of the warhead. For a silo-based missile, the combat stage was to be equipped with a liquid-propellant jet engine using the promising PRONIT monopropellant. For the mobile complex, MIT developed a solid-fuel propulsion system. There were also differences in the transport and launch container (TPK). In the mobile version, the TPK was to be made of fiberglass, in the stationary version - of metal, with a number of ground equipment systems mounted on it. Therefore, the rocket for the mobile complex was assigned the index 15ZH55, for the stationary one - 15ZH65.

In March 1992, it was decided to develop the Topol-M complex on the basis of Universal (Design Bureau Yuzhnoye ceased participation in work on this complex in April). On February 27, 1993, the President of the Russian Federation signed a corresponding decree (this date is considered the start of work on Topol-M). By this decree, MIT was appointed as the head enterprise for the development of Topol-M, and financing of the work was guaranteed.

In fact, it was necessary to develop a universal missile for the types of basing. At the same time, both in the mine and in the mobile versions, the rocket had to have high combat capabilities, high accuracy of fire and be able to carry out long-term combat duty in various degrees of readiness. In addition, she had to have high resistance to the effects of damaging factors during the flight and overcome the missile defense of a potential enemy.

APU of the RT-2PM2 / RS-12M2 "Topol-M" complex with a TPK ICBM "Yars" during a parade rehearsal in Moscow, 04/26/2011. It was previously believed that this was the APU "Yars" (photo - Vitaly Kuzmin, http:/ /vitalykuzmin.net/)

The rocket for RTOs SN "Topol-M" was created as a modernization of the intercontinental ballistic missile RS-12M. The conditions for modernization were determined by the START-1 Treaty. According to this document, a rocket can be considered new if it differs from its analogue in one of the following signs:
- number of steps;
- type of fuel for any of the stages;
- starting weight differs by more than 10 percent;
- the length of the assembled rocket without warhead (warhead), or the length of the first stage of the rocket differs by more than 10 percent;
- the diameter of the first stage differs by more than 5 percent;
- more than 21 percent throw weight combined with a first stage length change of 5 percent or more.

Due to these limitations, the performance characteristics of the Topol-M MRK missile could not undergo significant changes, and the main differences from its analogue (RT-2PM) are in the flight features and stability when penetrating through enemy missile defense systems. From the very beginning, the warhead was developed taking into account the possibility of rapid modernization in the event that active missile defense systems appeared in a potential enemy. It is possible to install warheads with multiple warheads with individual guidance.

The Topol-M missile system is unique in many respects and is approximately 1.5 times superior to the previous generation missile system in terms of combat readiness, survivability and maneuverability (in the mobile version), the effectiveness of hitting various objects, even under the condition of opposition from the enemy. The energy capabilities of the rocket provide an increase in the thrown weight, a significant decrease in the height of the active section of the flight trajectory, as well as an effective overcoming of a promising missile defense system.

When developing RTOs SN "Topol-M", the latest achievements of domestic rocket science and science were used. For the first time, a new system of experimental testing was used during tests with high standard operating modes of the units and systems of the missile complex. This has drastically reduced the traditional scope of testing and reduced costs without sacrificing reliability.

The complex is a monoblock three-stage solid-propellant rocket placed in a transport and launch container. The term of the rocket in it is at least 15 years, while the total service life is at least 20 years. Among the features of the complex:
- the possibility of using existing silo launchers without significant costs (only the system for attaching the container to the missile changes). Silo launchers are used, which are exempt from missiles being decommissioned, and launchers in accordance with the START-2 treaty;
- increased, in comparison with the "Topol", the accuracy of fire, the vulnerability of missiles during flight from the effects of air defense (including nuclear) and readiness for launch;
- the ability of missiles to maneuver during flight;
- immunity to electromagnetic impulses;
- compatibility with existing control, communication and support systems.

Rocket 15Zh65 (RT-2PM2) has 3 sustainer stages with powerful solid fuel power plants. The rocket's marching stages have a one-piece "cocoon" body made of composite material. The 15ZH65, unlike the Topol, has no lattice stabilizers and rudders. Flight control is carried out by the central partially recessed rotary nozzle of the main rocket engines of three stages. Propulsion engine nozzles are made of carbon-carbon material. For nozzle liners, a three-dimensionally reinforced oriented carbon-carbon matrix was used.

The launch weight of the rocket is more than 47 tons. The total length of the rocket is 22.7 meters, and without the warhead, the length is 17.5 meters. The maximum diameter of the rocket body (first stage) is 1.86 meters. The mass of the head part is 1.2 tons. The length of the first stage is 8.04 meters, the weight of the fully equipped stage is 28.6 tons, the operating time is 60 seconds. The thrust of the solid propellant rocket engine of the first stage at sea level is 890 kN. The diameter of the second and third steps is 1.61 and 1.58 meters, respectively. The operating time of the steps is 64 and 56 seconds, respectively. Three solid propellant propulsion engines provide a quick increase in speed, reducing the missile's vulnerability in the boost phase, and modern control systems and dozens of auxiliary engines provide maneuvers in flight, making the trajectory difficult to predict for the enemy.

A monoblock thermonuclear detachable warhead with a thermonuclear 550-kiloton warhead, unlike strategic intercontinental ballistic missiles of another type, can be replaced in a short time by a warhead with individually targetable multiple reentry vehicles with a capacity of 150 kilotons. In addition, the rocket of the Topol-M complex can be equipped with a maneuvering warhead. The new nuclear warhead, according to media reports, can overcome the US missile defense system, which is confirmed by the test results of the complex (November 21, 2005) with a new warhead. The probability of overcoming American missile defense systems is currently 60-65 percent, in the future - more than 80.

It should be noted that when creating the warhead of the ICBM, the technologies and developments obtained during the creation of the warhead for the Topol were used to the maximum, which made it possible to reduce the cost and reduce the development time. The new warhead, despite such unification, is much more resistant to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and the action of weapons based on new physical principles, compared to its predecessor, has a lower specific gravity, and also has more advanced security mechanisms during transportation, storage and being on combat duty. The warhead has an increased efficiency of fissile materials. This warhead was created without testing components and parts during full-scale explosions (for the first time for the domestic military industry).

The 15ZH65 missile is equipped with a set of anti-missile defense breakthrough tools (KSP PRO), which include passive and active decoys, as well as means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. False targets from warheads are indistinguishable in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (laser, optical, radar, infrared). They allow you to simulate the characteristics of warheads in almost all selective features in all sections of the descending branch of their flight trajectory, are resistant to PFYAV, etc. These decoys are the first that can withstand radar stations with super resolution. The means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead consist of a radio absorbing coating, aerosol sources of infrared radiation, active radio interference generators, and so on.

The 15Zh65 missile can be operated as part of a stationary (15P065) or mobile (15P165) DBK. At the same time, for the stationary version, silo missile launchers are used, which are removed from service or destroyed in accordance with START-2. A stationary group is created by re-equipping mine launchers 15P735 and 15P718.

The 15P065 combat stationary silo missile system includes 10 15Zh65 missiles in 15P765-35 launchers, as well as one unified 15V222 high-security CP (located in the silo on a suspension using special depreciation). Work on the re-equipment of the silo 15P735 for the placement of Topol-M missiles was carried out under the leadership of Dmitry Dragun at the Vympel Design Bureau.

Rocket 15Zh65 in the process of combat duty is placed in a metal TPK. The transport and launch container is unified for various types of silos and combines the functions of a transport and handling machine and an installer. The transport and installation unit was developed at the design bureau "Motor".

Mobile-based Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missiles are deployed as part of the 15P165 complex. The mobile-based missile is placed in a high-strength fiberglass transport and launch container on an MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922) all-terrain chassis with eight axles of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant. Structurally, the TPK practically does not differ from the mine version. The launcher and its adaptation to the tractor was carried out by the Central Design Bureau "Titan". Serial production of launchers is carried out at the Volgograd production association "Barrikada". The mass of the launcher is 120 tons, width - 3.4 meters, length - 22 meters. Six of the eight pairs of wheels are swivel (the first and last three axles), which provides exceptional maneuverability for such dimensions (the turning radius, for example, is only 18 meters) and cross-country ability. The ground pressure is half that of a conventional truck. The launcher engine is a 12-cylinder V-shaped 800-horsepower YaMZ-847 turbocharged diesel engine. The depth of the ford to be overcome is 1.1 meters. When creating units and systems 15P165, several fundamentally new technical equipment was used. solutions. So, for example, the partial suspension system allows you to deploy the Topol-M launcher on soft soils. Improved maneuverability and maneuverability of the installation, increasing its survivability. "Topol-M" can launch missiles from anywhere in the position area and has improved means of camouflage against optical and other reconnaissance means.

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

The re-equipment of units of the strategic missile forces is carried out using the existing infrastructure. Stationary and mobile versions are fully compatible with existing communication and command and control systems.

Tactical and technical characteristics of the rocket 15ZH65:
The maximum firing range is 11,000 km;
Number of steps - 3;
Starting weight - 47.1 tons (47.2 tons);
Thrown mass - 1.2 tons;
The length of the rocket without the warhead is 17.5 m (17.9 m);
Rocket length - 22.7 m;
The maximum hull diameter is 1.86 m;
Warhead type - nuclear, monoblock;
Warhead equivalent - 0.55 Mt;
Circular probable deviation - 200 m;
TPK diameter (without protruding parts) - 1.95 m (for 15P165 - 2.05 m).

Tactical and technical characteristics of MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922):
Wheel formula - 16x16;
Turning radius - 18 m;
Ground clearance - 475 mm;
Curb weight - 40 tons (without combat equipment);
Carrying capacity - 80 tons;
Maximum speed - 45 km / h;
Power reserve - 500 km.

Prepared from:
http://rbase.new-factoria.ru
http://www.arms-expo.ru
http://www.kap-yar.ru
http://army.lv
http://military-informer.narod.ru

DATA FOR 2019 (standard replenishment)
Complex RS-12M / 15P158.1 / 15P158 "Topol", missile RT-2PM / 15ZH58 - SS-25 SICKLE / PL-5

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) / mobile ground missile system (PGRK). The preliminary study of the project of the complex has been carried out since 1975 by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT) under the leadership of Alexander Davidovich Nadiradze on the basis of ICBM and MRBM. Chief designer since 1987 - Boris Lagutin (until 1993). The full-fledged development of the Topol ICBM for use as part of the PGRK was started by the Decree of the USSR Council of Ministers of 07/19/1976 ( ). The next Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR on the development of the Topol complex with solid-fuel ICBMs was issued on July 19, 1977.

In 1979, development began on the manufacture of charges for the engines of the second and third stages of the rocket at the Pavlograd Chemical Plant ().

The first launch of an ICBM from a specially equipped silo was carried out at the Kapustin Yar test site on October 27, 1982. Probably, one of the launch tasks was to check the operation of the launch systems and the exit of the rocket from the TPK, followed by the launch of the main engine of the first stage. The launch was unsuccessful. Flight design tests (LKI) of the 15Zh58 ICBM began with a launch from a converted silo at the Plesetsk training ground on February 08, 1983. The launch was completely successful. In total in 1983-1984. 12 launches took place under the LKI program. All launches were carried out at the Plesetsk test site. The test launch of the LCI program took place on November 20, 1984.

Serial production of the Topol missile system began according to the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the USSR of December 28, 1984 ( ist. - Strategic missile). The rocket has been mass-produced by the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant since 1985. The self-propelled launchers of the complex were manufactured by the Barrikady plant (Volgograd). In 1984, the construction of stationary-based facilities and the equipment of combat patrol routes for the PGRK began. The objects were located in those divisions of the Strategic Missile Forces, where the RT-2P, MR-UR-100 and UR-100N ICBMs were removed from combat duty. At the same time, the PGRK complex was deployed in the position areas of the Pioneer IRBM ( ist. - Strategic missile).

The first division of the PGRK 15P158.1 Topol entered combat duty on July 23, 1985 as part of the Strategic Missile Forces regiment in Yoshkar-Ola, Mari Autonomous District of the USSR (). Until the end of 1985, another half of the PGRK took up combat duty ( ist. - Strategic missile). The first regiment of the Strategic Missile Forces with RS-12M missiles, equipped with a mobile regimental command post "Barrier" (), was put on alert on April 28, 1987 in the region of Nizhny Tagil and on May 27, 1988, the first missile regiment was put on alert with a modernized mobile regimental command post "Granit" (), based - Irkutsk (). The Topol ICBM complex was adopted by the USSR Strategic Missile Forces on December 1, 1988 ().

Since 1997, the RS-12M ICBMs have been gradually replaced by ICBMs and .

http://tvzvezda.ru/).

ICBM launches RS-12M "Topol":

No. pp	date of	Launch site	Result	Description
	29.09.1981	Plesetsk		There was probably no such launch, but it is mentioned in a number of foreign sources (). The date is called as the start date of the LCI in some sources (). The launch is mentioned in the 2002 book on the history of the Plesetsk cosmodrome. With a high probability, this is a throw test of an early prototype / test rocket of the 15Zh58 rocket
	30.10.1981	Plesetsk		Throwing launch (?)
	25.08.1982	Plesetsk		Throwing launch (?)
00	27.10.1982	Kapustin Yar	failed launch	Launch from a specially converted silo.
01	08.02.1983 (02/18/1983 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	The launch was carried out by the combat crew of the 6th NRU. Launch from a specially converted silo RT-2P (). The first launch of the LKI rocket 15Zh58.
02	03.05.1983 (05/05/1983 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	Launch from a specially converted silo RT-2P (). 2nd start LKI ()
03	30.06.1983 (05/31/1983 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	Launch from a specially converted silo RT-2P (). 3rd launch LCI ()
04	10.08.1983	Plesetsk	emergency start	First launch from SPU PGRK. 4th launch of LKI. In the book "Navigators of the Planets" (under the general editorship of E.L. Mezhiritsky, 2008), the launch is called emergency - not through the fault of the control system ().
05	25.10.1983	Plesetsk	successful launch	5th launch LKI ()
06	20.02.1984	Plesetsk	successful launch	6th launch LKI ()
07	27.03.1984	Plesetsk	successful launch	7th launch LKI ()
08	23.041984	Plesetsk	successful launch	8th launch LKI ()
09	23.05.1984	Plesetsk	successful launch	9th launch LCI ()
10	26.07.1984	Plesetsk	successful launch	10th launch of LCI ()
11	10.09.1984	Plesetsk	successful launch	11th launch LCI ()
12	02.10.1984	Plesetsk	emergency start	12th launch of LKI (). In the book "Navigators of the Planets" (under the general editorship of E.L. Mezhiritsky, 2008), the launch is called emergency - not through the fault of the control system ().
13	20.11.1984	Plesetsk	successful launch	Test start LKI ()
14	06.12.1984	Plesetsk	successful launch	13th LCI launch
15	06.12.1984	Plesetsk	successful launch	14th LCI launch
16	29.01.1985	Plesetsk	emergency start	15th launch of the LKI program (). In the book "Navigators of the Planets" (under the general editorship of E.L. Mezhiritsky, 2008), the launch is called emergency - not through the fault of the control system ().
17	21.02.1985	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch
18	22.04.1985	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch ()
19	14.06.1985	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch ()
20	06.08.1985	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch ()
21	25.08.1985 (08/28/1985 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch ()
22	04.10.1985	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch ()
23	24.10.1985 (25.10.1985 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch ()
24	06.12.1985	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
25	18.04.1986	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
26	20.09.1986	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
27	29.11.1986	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
28	25.12.1986	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
29	11.02.1987	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
30	04/26/1987 (05/26/1987 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
31	30.06.1987	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
32	14.07.1987	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
33	31.07.1987	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
34	23.12.1987	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
35	23.12.1987	Plesetsk	successful launch	Last launch of the joint test program PGRK "Topol" (). 16th launch of LKI ().
36	29.04.1988	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch of the Topol ICBM ()
37	07/05/1988 (08/05/1988 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
38	14.09.1988	Plesetsk	successful launch
39	08.10.1988 (10/20/1988 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
40	09.12.1988	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
41	07.02.1989	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
42	21.03.1989	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
43	15.06.1989	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
44	20.09.1989	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
45	10/26/1989 (10/27/1989 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
46	29.03.1990	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
47	21.05.1990	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
48	24.05.1990	Plesetsk	successful launch
49	31.07.1990	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
50	08.08.1990	Plesetsk, site №169	successful launch	1st launch of the 15Yu75 command missile test program based on the 15Zh58 missile of the Perimeter-RTs system ( , )
51	16.08.1990	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
52	17.10.1990	Plesetsk, site №169	successful launch	2nd launch of the 15Yu75 command missile based on the 15Zh58 missile of the Perimeter-RTs system ( , )
53	01.11.1990	Plesetsk, site №169	successful launch	3rd launch of the 15Yu75 command missile based on the 15Zh58 missile of the Perimeter-RTs system ( , )
54	25.12.1990	Plesetsk, site №169	successful launch	4th launch of the 15Yu75 command missile based on the 15Zh58 missile of the Perimeter-RTs system ( , )
55	25.12.1990	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
56	07.02.1991	Plesetsk	successful launch	() Combat training launch from the 2nd launcher of the 306th missile regiment ()
57	05.04.1991	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
58	25.06.1991	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
59	19.08.1991 (08/20/1991 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
60	02.10.1991	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
61	25.02.1993	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
62	25.03.1993	Plesetsk	partially successful launch	LV EK-25 "Start-1" ( , )
63	23.07.1993	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
64	22.06.1994	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
65	23.09.1994	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
66	10.11.1994	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
67	28.03.1995	Plesetsk	emergency start	"Start" launch vehicle (5 stages), load - EKA-2 overall weight model and Gurwin Techsat 1A and UNAMSat A satellites were not put into orbit ().
68	14.04.1995	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
69	10.10.1995	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
70	10.11.1995	Plesetsk	successful launch
71	17.04.1996	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
72	03.10.1996	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
73	11/09/1996 (11/05/1996 according to other data)	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
74	04.03.1997	Free	successful launch	The first successful launch of the launch vehicle "Start-1.2" (), satellite "Zeya" ().
75	03.10.1997	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
76	24.12.1997	Free	successful launch	Launch vehicle "Start-1" (), AES Early Bird ().
77	16.09.1998	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
78	01.10.1999	Plesetsk	successful launch	()
79	11.10.2000	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch ()
80	05.12.2000	Free	successful launch	Launch vehicle "Start-1" (), satellite EROS A ().
81	16.02.2001	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch ()
82	20.02.2001	Free	successful launch	Launch vehicle "Start-1" (), satellite "Odin" ().
83	03.10.2001	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch ()
84	01.11.2001 19-20 Moscow time	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). Allegedly tested combat equipment ().
85	12.10.2002	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch ()
86	27.03.2003 12-27 Moscow time	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). The missile was on combat duty for 18 years. According to media reports, this is the 79th Topol launch from the Plesetsk training ground and the 43rd combat training launch ().
87	18.02.2004 13-30 Moscow time	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). According to Western data, it is possible that the launch was carried out in order to test advanced combat equipment ( , ).
88	02.11.2004	Plesetsk	successful launch
89	01.11.2005	Kapustin Yar	successful launch	According to Western data (the target IP-10 is mentioned), the launch is the purpose of the test advanced combat equipment, 15Zh58E missile. The launch was made at the Sary-Shagan test site ()
90	29.11.2005 10-44 Moscow time	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch of the Topol ICBM at the Kura range (Kamchatka). The purpose of the launch is to test the reliability of a rocket with a long shelf life. For the first time in the Strategic Missile Forces, the shelf life of a rocket was 20 years ().
91	25.04.2006	Free	successful launch	Launch vehicle "Start-1" (), satellite EROS B ().
92	03.08.2006	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka).
93	18.10.2007 09-10 Moscow time	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). The service life has been extended to 21 years.
94	08.12.2007 17-43 Moscow time	Kapustin Yar	successful launch
95	28.08.2008	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). Probably a 15Zh58E missile. " Experimental warhead missiles with high accuracy hit a conditional target at the training ground of the Kamchatka Peninsula, thereby demonstrating the ability to reliably hit point highly protected objects "().
96	12.10.2008 11-24 Moscow time	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka).
97	10.04.2009 12-09 Moscow time	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). The launch was made by the calculation of the Irkutsk formation of the Strategic Missile Forces. The launched missile was manufactured in 1987 and until August 2007 was on combat duty in the Teikovsky missile formation (,).
98	10.12.2009	Kapustin Yar	successful launch	advanced combat equipment. The launch was made at the Sary-Shagan test site ().
99	28.10.2010	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). The launched missile was manufactured in 1987 and until August 2007 was on combat duty at the Teikovsky missile formation (Ivanovo region), and then was stored at one of the arsenals of the Strategic Missile Forces ().
100	05.12.2010	Kapustin Yar	successful launch	Launch of the 15Zh58E "Topol-E" rocket for the purpose of testing advanced combat equipment. The launch was made at the Sary-Shagan test site ().
101	03.09.2011	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). The missile was launched by the industry in 1988 and until March 2011 was on duty in the Novosibirsk missile formation. According to media reports, the rocket was launched with a new experimental warhead ().
102	03.11.2011 10-45 Moscow time	Plesetsk	successful launch	Launch as part of work to extend the service life of Topol missiles, launch at the Kura test site (Kamchatka). The launch used a rocket manufactured by the industry in 1987 and as of July 2007 the rocket was on alert in the Tagil formation of the Strategic Missile Forces. The launch was made by space troops and personnel of the Strategic Missile Forces unit from Yoshkar-Ola. according to the results of the launch, the service life of the RS-12M missiles was extended to 25 years.
103	07.06.2012 21-39 Moscow time	Kapustin Yar	successful launch	Launch of the Topol-E missile to test advanced combat equipment. The launch was made at the Sary-Shagan test site. "The objectives of this launch were to confirm the stability of the main flight performance characteristics of missiles of this class during the period of extended service life, to develop measuring instruments of various types of measuring systems in the interests of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, another test combat equipment of intercontinental ballistic missiles" ().
104	19.10.2012	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). "The goals of this launch were to confirm the stability of the main flight performance of missiles of this class during the period of operation extended to 24 years and to assess the possibility of extending the operation by 25 years" ().
105	10.10.2013 17-39 Moscow time	Kapustin Yar	successful launch	Launch of the Topol-E rocket for the purpose of testing advanced combat equipment. The launch was made at the Sary-Shagan test site. According to Western data TEST 1 ()
106	30.10.2013	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). The launch was made by a rocket and crew from the 14th division of the Strategic Missile Forces (Yoshkar-Ola). The launch was carried out as part of an exercise with a sudden check of the readiness of the Aerospace Defense and Strategic Missile Forces.
107	27.12.2013 21-30 Moscow time	Kapustin Yar	successful launch	Launch of the Topol-E rocket for the purpose of testing advanced combat equipment. The launch was made at the Sary-Shagan test site. According to Western data TEST 2 ()
108	04.03.2014 22-10 Moscow time	Kapustin Yar	successful launch	Rocket "Topol-E". "The purpose of the launch was to test the promising combat equipment of intercontinental ballistic missiles. The training warhead of the missile hit a conditional target at the Sary-Shagan training ground with a given accuracy. According to Western data TEST 3 ()
-	March 2014	Kapustin Yar	launch plan 2	In addition to the launch on 03/04/2014, according to the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan, in March it was planned to conduct two more launches of ICBMs at the Sary-Shagan training ground ().
109	08.05.2014	Plesetsk	successful launch	Combat training launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). The launch was carried out as part of an exercise with a sudden check of the readiness of the Aerospace Defense and Strategic Missile Forces ().
110	20.05.2014 21-08 Moscow time	Kapustin Yar	successful launch	Rocket "Topol-E". "The purpose of the launch was to test the promising combat equipment of intercontinental ballistic missiles. The training warhead of the missile hit a conditional target at the Sary-Shagan test site () with the given accuracy. According to Western data TEST 4 ()
111	11.11.2014	Kapustin Yar	emergency start	According to Western data, the Topol-E rocket. shooting was carried out at the Sary-Shagan training ground. Presumably one of the launches with promising combat equipment. According to Western data TEST 5 ()
112	22.08.2015 18-13 Moscow time	Kapustin Yar	successful launch	Rocket, probably "Topol-E". "The purpose of the launch was to test the promising combat equipment of intercontinental ballistic missiles. The training warhead of the missile hit a conditional target at the Sary-Shagan training ground ().
113	30.10.2015	Plesetsk	successful launch	Successful launch as part of the training of the strategic forces control system.
114	17.11.2015 15-12 Moscow time	Kapustin Yar	successful launch
115	24.12.2015 20-55 Moscow time	Kapustin Yar	successful launch	Rocket, probably "Topol-E". "The purpose of the launch was to test advanced combat equipment for ICBMs." The training warhead of the rocket hit a conditional target at the Sary-Shagan training ground with a given accuracy.
116	09/09/2016	Plesetsk	successful launch	The objectives of the launch were to confirm the main flight performance of the Topol intercontinental ballistic missile, as well as to test advanced combat equipment and means of overcoming missile defense. The set goals of the launch were achieved in full. The experimental warhead of the rocket with high accuracy hit a conditional target at the test site of the Kamchatka Peninsula () 0 Topol-E rocket - possibly the first launch of the State Testing Program of a new type of warhead developed by MIT.
117	October 12, 2016	Plesetsk	successful launch	Successful launch at the Kura test site in Kamchatka as part of the program for confirming the extended life of ICBMs (). Probably, this launch was carried out by the command rocket 15Yu75 ().
118	November 25, 2016	Plesetsk playground №167	successful launch	According to Western data, the successful launch of a 15Yu75 rocket with a special warhead from the LC167 site of the Plesetsk training ground across the Kura battlefield in Kamchatka to test the combat readiness of the Perimeter-RC system ()
-	2016-2017			According to the Ministry of Defense of Russia for 2016-2017. planned to conduct 7 launches of Topol ICBMs. The insured amount of one launch is 180 million rubles.
119	09/26/2017	Kapustin Yar (site 107)	successful launch	Rocket "Topol-E". "The purpose of the launch was to test advanced combat equipment for ICBMs." The training warhead of the rocket hit a conditional target at the Sary-Shagan training ground with a given accuracy. "During the test, experimental data were obtained on the parameters of the target environment formed by the combat equipment of advanced ballistic missiles in the process of overcoming anti-missile defense. Subsequently, this information will be used in the interests of developing effective means of overcoming missile defense to equip a promising group of Russian ballistic missiles with them"
120	October 26, 2017	Plesetsk	successful launch	Successful launch at the Kura test site (Kamchatka) during the exercises of strategic nuclear forces.
121	December 26, 2017	Kapustin Yar (site 107)	successful launch	Rocket, probably "Topol-E". The purpose of the launch was to test advanced combat equipment of intercontinental ballistic missiles. During the test, experimental data were obtained that will be used in the interests of developing effective means of overcoming missile defense, equipping them with a promising group of Russian ballistic missiles ().
122	04.07.2018	Kapustin Yar (site 107)	crash	According to Western data, the emergency launch of the Topol-E missile at the Sary-Shagan test site - launch not confirmed from other sources ()
123	18.10.2018	Plesetsk	successful launch	Launch as part of the program to extend the warranty period of the Topol rocket ()
124	12/11/2018 (12/06/2018 according to Western data)	Kapustin Yar (site 107)	crash	The launch at the 107th site of the Topol-E rocket at the Sary-Shagan range ended with the explosion of the first stage of the rocket in the first seconds of the flight. The official version is the explosion of an anti-aircraft missile of the S-350 complex ().
125	07/26/2019	Kapustin Yar (site 107)	successful launch	Launch of the Topol-E rocket at the Sary-Shagan test site to test new combat equipment ()

Decommissioning: The RS-12M Topol ICBM is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2022 (December 2016, ).

Launch and ground equipment:
silos- an experimental mine launcher was used at the first stage of testing ICBMs. In the mid-1980s, some Western sources speculated that the SS-25 ICBMs would also be deployed in silos.

PGRK - autonomous launcher APU 15U128.1- missile system 15P158.1 "Topol" with a point "" - MAZ-7912 chassis - this type of SPU was part of the Topol PGRK at the initial stage of deploying the complex's assets. SPU was developed by the Central Design Bureau "Titan" of the "Barricades" plant (Volgograd). In part, the source notes that the 15U128.1 installation was precisely the SPU, and not the APU.

The length of the APU with TPK - 22.3 m (Poster from the exhibition "Army-2015",)
Chassis length - 17.3 m
APU width - 3.85 m
Minimum turning radius - 27 m
Power reserve - 400 km

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

SPU 15U128.1 on MAZ-7912 chassis without TPK - Topol complex (official photo from documents under SALT agreements, http://www.fas.org).

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

PGRK - SPU 15U168- missile system 15P158 "Topol" - MAZ-7917 chassis. According to a number of sources, the SPU can launch from any point on the patrol route without preliminary geodetic reference and marking of the starting position (probably not true). SPU was developed by the Central Design Bureau "Titan" of the "Barricades" plant (Volgograd) under the leadership of V.M. Sobolev and V.A. Shurygin. The MAZ-7917 chassis was developed at the Minsk Automobile Plant under the leadership of V.P. Chvyalev ( ist. - Strategic missile). The SPU is equipped with an autonomous power source, a navigation system, radio and intercom equipment, a set of spare parts and accessories, a set for mounting and sheltering the unit on a railway platform.

Calculation - 3 people
Engine - 710 hp diesel.
The length of the SPU with TPK - 22303 mm (Poster from the exhibition "Army-2015", )
SPU length without TPK - 19520 mm ()
Chassis length - 18.4 m
TPK length - 22.3 m ()
TPK diameter - 2 m ()
The width of the APU in the stowed position is 3.85 m (Poster from the exhibition "Army-2015",)
Height with TPK - 4350 mm (Poster from the exhibition "Army-2015", )
Height without TPK - 3000 mm ()
Ground clearance with full load - 475 mm ()
Gross weight of APU - 105.1 tons (Poster from the exhibition "Army-2015", )
Minimum turning radius - 26 m (Poster from the exhibition "Army-2015", )
Power reserve - 400 km
Speed ​​max():
- 40 km/h (roads 1-2 categories)
- 25 km/h (roads 3-4 categories)

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

APU 15U168 on the MAZ-7917 chassis without TPK - the Topol complex (official photo from the documents under the SALT agreements, http://www.fas.org).

TPK missiles 15Zh58 / RS-12M (official photo from documents under SALT agreements, http://www.fas.org).

APU 15U168 on the MAZ-7917 chassis of the Topol complex after a rocket launch at the Plesetsk training ground, 2000s (http://militaryphotos.net).

APU 15U168 of the complex 15P158 "Topol" of the Novosibirsk division of the Strategic Missile Forces, 12/09/2011 (photo - Alexander Kryazhev, http://visualrian.ru/).

APU 15U168 of the 15P158 "Topol" complex at the exercises of graduates of the Serpukhov Military Academy of the Strategic Missile Forces, publication 12/12/2013 (photo - Konstantin Semenov, http://tvzvezda.ru/).

SPU 15U168 complex 15P158 "Topol", Military Historical Artillery Museum, St. Petersburg, 05/09/2012 (photo - A.V. Karpenko, http://bastion-karpenko.narod.ru/).

http://rvsn.ruzhany.info/).

SPU 15U168 complex 15P158 "Poplar" in the prelaunch position (http://www.nationaldefense.ru).

SPU 15U168 complex 15P158 "Poplar". On the starboard side of the SPU, some essential structural elements are missing. Exhibition "Patriot", Kubinka, 2015 (photo - Vitaly Kuzmin, http://vitalykuzmin.net/).

The aft part of the SPU 15P168 complex 15P158 "Topol" (Strategic ground-based missile systems. M., "Military Parade", 2007).

http://pressa-rvsn.livejournal.com/).

The control system cables were cut off for the first time by pyrodevices ( ist. - Strategic missile). TPK is covered with a special fire-resistant intumescent coating SGK-1.

Unit 15U135 "Krona" - a hangar with a retractable roof for carrying PGRK combat duty at a stationary equipped position. The rocket could be launched directly from the structure, which was equipped with a retractable roof.

Rocket RT-2PM / 15Zh58:
Design- a three-stage solid-propellant rocket with a sequential arrangement of stages. For the first time in the USSR, the stair cases are made of organoplastic by the method of continuous winding of the "cocoon" type. All steps are equipped with transition compartments.

The first stage of the rocket is equipped with 4 lattice aerodynamic stabilizers and 4 lattice aerodynamic rudders combined with gas-jet rudders.

Launch of ICBM 15Zh58 / RS-12M "Topol" from the Plesetsk test site, presumably 2007-2010. (http://pressa-rvsn.livejournal.com/).

The spent first stage of the Topol ICBM after launch from the Plesetsk test site in northern Russia, photo no later than 2013 (http://www.edu.severodvinsk.ru/).

One of the launches of ICBM 15Zh58 / RS-12M "Topol" from the Plesetsk test site, presumably 2007-2012, published on 01/15/2013 (http://pressa-rvsn.livejournal.com/).

The composition of the rocket:
- starting PAD

Stage 1 - fixed-nozzle solid-propellant rocket engine with gas-jet rudders (synchronized with aerodynamic lattice rudders).

Stage 2 - solid propellant rocket motor with a fixed nozzle with a fixed nozzle.

Stage 3 - solid propellant rocket engine with one fixed nozzle with a fixed nozzle. In front of the solid propellant rocket engine there are cut-off windows for engine thrust, which were opened with the help of detonating elongated charges (DEZ).

Warhead launch stage

http://rvsn.ruzhany.info/).

Rocket 15Zh58 complex 15P158 "Topol". The photo was probably taken at the MIK at the "Ice" site of the Plesetsk test site (http://rvsn.ruzhany.info/).

Control system: autonomous inertial missile control system using on-board computer. The system was developed by NPO Automation and Instrumentation (chief designer Vladimir Lapygin). Firing accuracy has been improved through the use of new, more sensitive accelerometers and an on-board computer that implements direct guidance methods, which calculated at the current time the warhead flight trajectory to the point of impact. ( ist. - Strategic missile). The aiming system was developed by the design bureau of the Arsenal plant (Kiev), the chief designer is Serafim Parnyakov. All operations of pre-launch preparation and launch, as well as preparatory and maintenance work are fully automated.

One of the main components of the missile aiming system is the automatic gyrocompass (AGK) SPU 15U168 of the 15P158 Topol complex. On the starboard side of the SPU, some essential structural elements are missing. Exhibition "Patriot", Kubinka, 2015 (photo - Vitaly Kuzmin, http://vitalykuzmin.net/).

The course and pitch control was carried out at the 1st stage by gas-jet rudders synchronized with aerodynamic rudders, at the second and third stages - by blowing gas into the supercritical region of the nozzle. Range control was carried out by cutting off the thrust of the third stage engine.

Engines: development of production and manufacture of charges for solid propellant rocket engines of the 2nd and 3rd stages of the rocket began at the Pavlograd chemical plant in 1979 ().

Start PAD

Stage 1 - solid propellant rocket engine with a new mixed fuel with increased density and specific impulse developed by LNPO "Soyuz" (Lyubertsy). The engine is equipped with one fixed nozzle with gas jet rudders (synchronized with aerodynamic lattice rudders).

The rocket engines underwent fire tests at NIO-1 (Sofrinsky artillery range of the Research Institute "Geodesy") ().

The first stage of the 15Zh58 / RS-12M rocket. The photo was probably taken at the MIK at the "Ice" site of the Plesetsk test site (official photo from the documents under the SALT agreements, http://www.fas.org).

Probably, the preparation of the engine of the 1st stage of the ICBM 15ZH58 "Topol" for experimental testing for the purpose of experimental combustion under the joint program of MIT, FTsDT "Soyuz", Moscow State University and the company "Lockheed Martin" (USA) in NIO-1 (Sofrinsky artillery range of NII "Geodesy") ().

The nozzle block of the first stage of the 15Zh58 rocket of the 15P158 Topol complex. The photo was probably taken at the MIK at the "Ice" site of the Plesetsk test site (http://rvsn.ruzhany.info/).

- Stage 2 - solid propellant rocket engine with a new mixed fuel with increased density and specific impulse developed by LNPO "Soyuz" (Lyubertsy). The engine is equipped with one fixed nozzle with a fixed nozzle. The thrust vector was controlled by blowing gas into the supercritical region of the nozzle. The blowing is provided by a special gas generator ( ist. - Strategic missile).

The second stage of the 15Zh58 rocket of the 15P158 Topol complex. The photo was probably taken at the MIK at the "Ice" site of the Plesetsk test site (http://rvsn.ruzhany.info/).

- Stage 3 - solid propellant rocket engine with a new mixed fuel with increased density and specific impulse developed by LNPO "Soyuz" (Lyubertsy). The engine is equipped with one fixed nozzle with a fixed nozzle. In front of the solid propellant rocket engine there are 8 cut-off windows for engine thrust, which were opened using detonating elongated charges (DUZ). The thrust vector was controlled by blowing gas into the supercritical region of the nozzle. For the first time, part of the engine charge is made of metal-free fuel - the combustion products of this part of the charge are removed through filters to special injection valves through devices in the nozzle flange ( ist. - Strategic missile).

The third stage of the 15Zh58 rocket of the 15P158 Topol complex. The photo was probably taken at the MIK at the "Ice" site of the Plesetsk test site (http://rvsn.ruzhany.info/).

- warhead launch stage - 4 x solid propellant rocket motors

Launch stage of the warhead of the 15Zh58 missile of the 15P158 Topol complex. The photo was probably taken at the MIK at the "Ice" site of the Plesetsk test site (http://rvsn.ruzhany.info/).

TTX missiles:
Length:
- full - 21.5 m
- without warhead - 18.5 m
- first stage - 8.1 m
- second stage - 4.6 m
- third stage - 3.9 m
- head part - 2.1 m
Diameter:
- hulls of the first stage - 1.8 m
- hulls of the second stage - 1.55 m
- hulls of the third stage - 1.34 m
- TPK (transport and launch container) - 2.0 m

The area of ​​the combat patrol area is 125,000 sq. km

Warhead types:

The basic version is a thermonuclear warhead with a capacity of 550 kt (,). The charge was developed by VNIIEF under the leadership of Samvel Kocharyants. The warhead is equipped with a set of means to overcome missile defense.
Warhead mass - 1000 km

One of the Topol-E ICBM launches from the Kapustin Yar test site at the Sary-Shagan test site, 2013 or earlier (TV footage).

Launch of the Topol-E ICBM from the Kapustin Yar test site, 05/20/2014 (Zvezda TV channel,).

Projections of Topol and Topol-E missiles (15Zh58 and 15Zh58E) - SS-25 SICKLE (, 2015).

- "Start-1"- AES launch vehicle. The development of the launch vehicle began in 1989; the first launch was made on 03/25/1993.
Design - 5-stage launch vehicle.
Payload mass to low orbit - 500 kg

Presumably, the photo shows the launch of the Start-1 launch vehicle on March 25, 1993 (http://www.bmstu.ru/).

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

Launch vehicle "Start-1" in the workshop of the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant (Yu. Solomonov. Nuclear vertical. M., Intervestnik, 2009).

Launch of the launch vehicle "Start".

Infrastructure and auxiliary facilities of the complex:
As of 1999, 4-5 missile regiments were based simultaneously in one position area of ​​the PGRK. The regiment includes three missile divisions - i.e. 9 SPU, a mobile command post and a stationary command post at the place of permanent deployment of the regiment. ( ist. - Strategic missile).

The composition of the complex includes:
- self-propelled ICBM launchers;
- combat control vehicle (MBU);
- communication machine;
- combat duty support vehicles;

Combat duty support vehicle (MOBD) 15V148 / 15V231 of the Topol complex on the MAZ-543M chassis was intended for personnel rest on combat duty.

Combat duty support vehicle (MOBD) 15V148 / 15V231 of the Topol complex on the MAZ-543M chassis (official photo from documents under SALT agreements, http://www.fas.org).

Combat duty support vehicle (MOBD) 15V148 / 15V231 of the Topol complex on the MAZ-543M chassis (http://rvsn.ruzhany.info/).

Combat duty support vehicle (MOBD) 15V148 / 15V231 of the Topol complex on the MAZ-543M chassis at the exercises of graduates of the Serpukhov Military Academy of the Strategic Missile Forces, publication on 12.12.2013 (photo - Konstantin Semenov, http://tvzvezda.ru/).

Combat duty support vehicle (MOBD) 15V148 of the Topol complex on the MAZ-543M chassis. Exhibition "Patriot", Kubinka, 2015 (photo - Vitaly Kuzmin, http://vitalykuzmin.net/).

- a vehicle for driver training on the MAZ-7917 chassis.

A vehicle for driver training on the MAZ-7917 chassis (official photo from the SALT documents, http://www.fas.org).

Tropospheric radio communication station 15V78 from the means of providing the Topol complex on the MAZ-543M chassis. Exhibition "Patriot", Kubinka, 2015 (photo - Vitaly Kuzmin, http://vitalykuzmin.net/).

The set of arsenal equipment of the complex includes a transport trolley for the TPK, probably developed by the Central Design Bureau "Titan" (Volgograd) and produced at the "Barrikada" plant.

, the motto of the Topol-M missile systems division, "each launch of the Topol-M rocket is excellent!" It is intended for delivering retaliatory and reciprocal strikes. At the end of the article, as always, the video.
In 1985, the first regiment of RT-2PM Topol mobile ground-based missile systems, not to be confused with M-koy, took up combat duty, on the network a photo of both complexes is usually found exactly as Topol M, below in the text there is a photo, approximately from a single point of view from which they can be compared. First, let's talk about the older one. Well, a hint on how to immediately distinguish versions.

View of the protective cover of the TPK and the complex of command devices of the Topol PGRK, pay attention, something like a hatch on the cover, and so on M-ke it is on the other side.

Mobility has become a cardinal solution to the problem of stealth actions and survivability of intercontinental missile systems (a very controversial issue, stealth and mobility with such a mass and dimensions, first of all, attachment to the base, how many km it will drive away from it, it needs a road, and not a bad one, so the concept "mobile" is very conditional, with modern means of space reconnaissance, a metal object with a length of more than 24 m, a diameter of about 3.5 and a height of almost 5 m, besides emitting a large amount of heat and electromagnetic radiation, is unlikely to be hidden.
The complex, which was REALLY difficult to trace, was called the combat railway missile system (BZHRK) of the Strategic Missile Forces, 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 the railway platform has not been solved).

military railway missile system photo

However, the distribution of complexes with a high degree of combat readiness according to a random law took them out of the “disarming” attack of the enemy. 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 what our means cause NATO "anxiety". What do you know about their "toys"? by the way, Donald Cook brought them to the Black Sea under 60 pieces (!), By the way, they have a radius of 2500 km, see in detail about the incident, but the latest ones, probably still Trident, about it a little later AND THIS IS FAR NOT ALL. So soon work began on the creation of a new complex, more precisely, a system of complexes of various types based, yes, even in the days of the USSR, so whatever one may say, the nuclear shield is still Soviet, the roots are definitely from there.

Rocket complex "Topol-M" at the Victory parade. Moscow, 2011, pay attention there is no hatch on the protective cover

By a resolution of the Military-Industrial Commission of September 9, 1989, the development work "Universal" was set - a three-stage solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile for mobile and stationary (mine) complexes. The work involved cooperation between the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (the lead developer of the Topol mobile complex) and the Dnepropetrovsk design bureau Yuzhnoye (the traditional developer of mine ICBMs). But the collapse of the USSR made cooperation impossible. In 1992, it was decided to use the achievements of the Universal to create the Topol-M complex with increased combat readiness and firing 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 prospective missile defense of a potential enemy (which remained the same, the stump is clear, we mean not the potential, but the enemy). The complex was designed to deliver a retaliatory and retaliatory strike, that is, it had 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 was required in various degrees of readiness.

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

For those who are interested, you can see "", a cooler typewriter "poplar", the most famous difference is the many-headedness. There is also a video of the launch, showing in detail the machines of the control system, escort and security. They are similar for both PGRK.

We return to the "poplar". The Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering remained the lead developer, where the work was headed by General Designer B. N. Lagutin, and since 1997 - by Yu. S. Solomonov. The nuclear charge was created under the direction of G. N. Dmitriev at the RFNC-Research Institute of Experimental Physics (Arzamas-1b), the control system - at the NPO Automation and Instrument Engineering (Moscow) under the direction of V. L. Lapygin and Yu. V. Trunov , charges of solid mixed fuel engines - at the Soyuz Federal Center for Dual Technologies (Dzerzhinsky Moscow Region) under the leadership of 3. 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 direction of V. A. Shurygin, the hydraulic drives of self-propelled launchers were developed by the Central Research Institute of Ag under the direction of V. L. Solunin, the completion of the mine installations was carried out by the Moscow Design Bureau "Vympel" under the direction of D. K. Dragun .

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

New methods of modeling and experimental testing were used with a reduction in the number of experimental 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 treaties it is designated RS-12M2, in the USA and NATO it was assigned the designation SS-27 Sickle V.

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 this is an understatement). Nevertheless, on December 20, 1994, the first successful launch from a silo launcher was made at the Plesetsk test site. 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 mine version took up experimental combat duty near Tatishchevo - the converted mines of the UN UR-1 removed from duty were used. On December 30, 1998, the first regiment "Topol-M" took up combat duty, do not confuse it is about the mine version. In the summer of 2000, the Topol-M mine version was put into service. At the end of the development of the mine version, work on the mobile complex was intensified.

The missile of the Topol-M complex became the first mass-produced universal ground-based intercontinental missile, while being largely unified with the sea-based RS-30 Bulava. Here are a few photos of loading into the mine, the action is very impressive by the way. The key word is unified, for the most part, the rocket is associated with a mobile soil complex, as you can see, there is also a silo-based one, the proportions of the ratio are unknown to me, but there will probably be less progress.

Stationary complex "Topol-M" consists of 10 intercontinental ballistic missiles located in stationary mines, under the control of the command unit

On September 20, 2000, the Topol-M mobile version 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) took up combat duty. By the beginning of 2011, according to open sources, 52 mine and 18 Topol-M mobile complexes were on combat duty. Serial production of missiles was established by the State Production Association "Botkinsky Zavod", launchers of the mobile version - 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 severely limited. "

Intercontinental ballistic missile of light class 15ZH65 has three sustainer solid propellant stages. Flight control of the first stage - by turning the central nozzle, the second and third stages - by turning a nozzle partially recessed into the combustion chamber with a folding nozzle nozzle. To reduce the mass of the rocket, the hulls of the "cocoon" type stages are made of composite material, and the main engine nozzles are made of carbon-carbon material.
The control system is autonomous inertial, based on an on-board digital computer of increased productivity and a gyro-stabilized platform, with improved accuracy characteristics of command gyroscopic instruments. 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 the mine, charge delivery range 11,000 km

The missile was adopted with a monoblock detachable warhead with a high-speed thermonuclear warhead with a capacity of 550 kt in TNT equivalent. The complex of means of 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 a 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 the radar with super resolution. 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 delivered and stored in a transport and launch container (TPK), in launchers 15P765-35 or 15P765-60 and a unified command post of high security type 15V222, also installed in the mine on a shock-absorbing suspension.

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

The rocket of the mobile ground missile system is placed in a high-strength fiberglass TPK, structurally similar to a metal one. The base for the autonomous launcher 15U175 of the soil complex was a special all-wheel drive eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922) with an 800-horsepower diesel engine and six swivel pairs of wheels. The chassis is characterized by increased cross-country ability, good agility (turning radius 18 m with a vehicle length of 22 m). The partial hanging system allows you to deploy the launcher on soft soils. The installation is equipped with navigation equipment of increased accuracy, camouflage in various ranges. Also, a mobile command post and a combat duty support vehicle are made on off-road wheeled chassis.
In the mine version, in metal TPKs, they are installed in the existing mines of missiles removed from combat duty.

Topol 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. Full length, mm: 22 700
4. Missile length without warhead, mm: 17,500
5. Stage engine thrust, t: 1st - 90.8, 2nd - about 50.3rd - about 25
6. Launch container diameter, mm: 1950-2050
7. Maximum firing range, km: 11,000
8. Warhead - monoblock, thermonuclear, power kt: 550
9. Warhead mass, kg: 1200 Self-propelled launcher: 15U175
10. Mass of a self-propelled launcher with a rocket, kg: 120,000
11. Maximum travel speed, km/h: 45. Power reserve, km: 500

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

The device and layout of the Topol M missile system

The partial hanging system allows you to deploy the launcher on soft soils. The installation is equipped with navigation equipment of increased accuracy, camouflage in various ranges. Also, a mobile command post and a combat duty support vehicle are made on off-road wheeled chassis.
In the silo version, missiles in metal TPKs are installed in the existing missile silos that are removed from combat duty.

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

Start Topol M photo video of the Strategic Missile Forces

poplar rocket launch

The use of "Topol-M" can be considered on the example of a mobile soil complex. Like its predecessor, it can launch a missile from anywhere in the positional area, both from the combat patrol route, and during parking from garage shelters with a retractable roof. The ground complex of command instruments, located on the TPC of the Topol-M missile, provides aiming by implementing an autonomous determination of the azimuth of the control element installed on the gyro-stabilized platform. Before launch, the TPK rises to a vertical position. As promised, I cut a small video, we look, if not too lazy, you can "like".

At the same time, you can look at the presentation of the channel on YouTube, where, well, just a sea of ​​​​various missile launches.

Rocket launch - "mortar". The first stage engine is turned on after the rocket exits the container. An increase in the power of solid propellant charges made it possible to increase the thrown mass and reduce the duration and height of the active section of the trajectory, thereby making it difficult for the enemy to intercept. A programmatic maneuver is provided at the start when passing through a 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 facilities of the complex and when the positional 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-sized high-strength strategic targets.

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

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

1. The operating time of the engine of the first stage is 60 s, the second - 64 s, the third - 56 s. Thus, the rocket gains maximum speed in three minutes. What is considered extremely fast acceleration
2. When passing through a cloud of a nuclear explosion, it performs a program maneuver, actively maneuvers in the interception segment.
3. The protective coating of the rocket body provides protection against the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and ... the attention of weapons based on new physical principles (who knows, please clarify what is at stake?).
4. When overcoming missile defense systems, it can launch passive and active false targets according to its characteristics when irradiated with various types of detection that are indistinguishable from combat ones. Significance has been 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 Bulava missile, many news releases are dedicated specifically to the Bulava with a launch weight of 37 tons. But it is inferior in impact power to heavier solid-propellant missiles, such as the Trident-2, for example, with a launch weight of 59 tons. (Compare the warhead of the "Bulava" - 150kt x 6, theoretically "Trident-2" - 8x475 kt). Some experts criticize the equipping of the marine component with light ballistic missiles of the Bulava type, pointing to the need to create a solid-propellant SLBM R-39UTTKh, tests on it were discontinued in the 90s if it came to putting into service, it would have no analogues in the world in terms of strike power and performance characteristics among submarine ballistic missiles.

The relative security of mankind in recent decades has been ensured by nuclear parity between countries that own most of the nuclear weapons on the planet and the means of delivering them to the target. Currently, these are two states - the United States of America and the Russian Federation. At the heart of the fragile balance are two main "pillars". The American heavy carrier "Trident-2" is opposed by the latest Russian missile "Topol-M". Behind this simplified scheme lies a much more complex picture.

The average layman is rarely interested in military equipment. By its appearance it is difficult to judge how well the state's borders are protected. Many remember the magnificent Stalinist military parades, during which citizens were shown the inviolability of the Soviet defense. Huge five-tower tanks, giant TB bombers and other impressive models were not very useful on the fronts of the war that began soon. Maybe the Topol-M complex, whose photo makes such a strong impression, is also outdated?

Judging by the reaction of military experts from countries that consider Russia a potential adversary, this is not so. Only in practice it would be better not to be convinced of this. There is little objective data on the latest rocket. It remains only to consider what is available. There seems to be a lot of information. It is known what the Topol-M mobile launcher looks like, the photo of which was published at one time by all the world's leading media. The main technical characteristics are also not a state secret, on the contrary, they can be a warning to those who may be plotting an attack on our country.

A bit of history. The beginning of the atomic race

The Americans built the atomic bomb before anyone else in the world and did not hesitate to use it immediately, in August 1945, and twice. At that time, the US Air Force possessed not only but also an aircraft capable of carrying it. It was a flying "super fortress" - the B-29 strategic bomber, the mass of the combat load of which reached nine tons. At an altitude of 12 thousand meters, inaccessible to air defense systems of any country, at a speed of 600 km / h, this air giant could carry its terrible cargo to a target almost three and a half thousand kilometers away. On the way, the B-29 crew could not worry about their safety. The plane was perfectly protected and equipped with all the latest achievements of science and technology: radar, powerful telemetrically controlled rapid-fire barrage cannons (in case someone did get close), and even some kind of analogue on-board computer that makes the necessary calculations. So, in peace and comfort, it was possible to punish any recalcitrant country. But it ended quickly.

Quantity and quality

In the fifties, the leadership of the USSR made the main bet not on long-range bombers, but on strategic intercontinental missiles, and, as time showed, such a decision was the right one. The remoteness of the American continent has ceased to be a guarantee of security. At the time, the United States surpassed the Soviet Union in the number of nuclear warheads, but President Kennedy could not guarantee the life of his citizens in the event of a war with the USSR. According to experts, it turned out that in the event of a global conflict, America would formally win, but the number of victims could exceed half the population. Based on these data, President John F. Kennedy tempered his militant ardor, left Cuba alone, and made other concessions. Everything that happened in the subsequent decades in the field of strategic confrontation came down to a competition not only for the opportunity to strike an all-destroying blow, but also to avoid or minimize retaliation. The question was raised not only about the number of bombs and missiles, but also about the possibility of intercepting them.

Post Cold War

The RT-2PM Topol missile was developed in the USSR back in the 1980s. Its general concept was the ability to overcome the impact of a potential adversary's missile defense systems, mainly due to the surprise factor. It could be launched from various points along which this mobile system performed combat patrols. Unlike stationary launchers, the location of which was often not a secret for the Americans, Topol was constantly on the move, and it was not possible to quickly calculate its possible trajectory even taking into account the high performance of Pentagon computers. Stationary mine installations, by the way, also posed a threat to a potential aggressor, because not all of them were known, besides, they were well protected and built a lot.

The collapse of the Union, however, led to the destruction of a long-term security system based on the inevitability of a retaliatory strike. The answer to new challenges was the Topol-M missile adopted in 1997 by the Russian army, the characteristics of which have improved significantly.

How to complicate the task of missile defense

The main change, which became revolutionary in the entire world ballistic missile industry, concerned the uncertainty and ambiguity of the missile's trajectory on its combat course. The operation of all missile defense systems, already created and only promising (at the stage of design development and refinement), is based on the principle of miscalculation of lead. This means that when an ICBM launch is detected by several indirect parameters, in particular, by an electromagnetic pulse, a thermal trace or other objective data, a complex interception mechanism is launched. With a classical trajectory, it is not difficult to calculate the position of the projectile by determining its speed and launch site, and it is possible to take measures in advance to destroy it in any part of the flight. It is possible to detect the launch of Topol-M, there is not much difference between it and any other missile. But then things get more complicated.

Variable trajectory

The idea was to make it impossible, even in the event of detection, to miscalculate the coordinates of the warhead, taking into account the lead. To do this, it was necessary to change and complicate the trajectory along which the flight passes. "Topol-M" is equipped with gas-jet rudders and additional shunting engines (their number is still unknown to the general public, but we are talking about dozens), allowing you to change direction in the active part of the trajectory, that is, during direct guidance. At the same time, information about the final target is constantly kept in the memory of the control system, and in the end the charge will get exactly where it is required. In other words, anti-missiles fired in order to shoot down a ballistic projectile will pass by. Defeat "Topol-M" by existing and created missile defense systems of a potential enemy is not possible.

New motors and hull materials

Not only the unpredictability of the trajectory on the active site makes the impact of the new weapon irresistible, but also the very high speed. "Topol-M" at different stages of the flight is set in motion by three sustainer engines and very quickly gains altitude. Solid fuel is a mixture based on ordinary aluminum. Of course, the composition of the oxidizing agent and other subtleties, for obvious reasons, were not disclosed. The step bodies are maximally lightened, they are made of composite materials (organoplastic) using the technology of continuous winding of hardening fibers of a heavy-duty polymer (“cocoon”). This solution has a double practical meaning. Firstly, the weight of the Topol-M rocket is reduced, and its acceleration characteristics are significantly improved. Secondly, the plastic shell is more difficult to detect with radars; high-frequency radiation from it is reflected worse than from a metal surface.

To reduce the probability of destruction of charges at the final stage of the combat course, numerous decoys are used, which are very difficult to distinguish from real ones.

Control system

Any missile defense system fights enemy missiles using a whole range of actions. The most common method of disorientation is to set up powerful electromagnetic barriers, also called interference. Electronic circuits do not withstand strong fields and fail completely or cease to function properly for some time. The Topol-M missile has an anti-jamming guidance system, but this is not the main thing either. In the assumed conditions of a global conflict, a potential adversary is ready to use the most effective means to destroy threatening strategic forces, including even barrage nuclear explosions in the stratosphere. Having found an insurmountable barrier on its way, "Topol", thanks to the ability to maneuver, with a high degree of probability will be able to bypass it and continue its deadly trajectory.

Stationary basing

The Topol-M missile system, regardless of whether it is mobile or stationary, is launched using a mortar method. This means that the launch is carried out vertically from a special container that serves to protect this complex technical system from accidental or combat damage. There are two options for basing: stationary and mobile. The task of deploying new complexes in mines is simplified as much as possible due to the possibility of refining existing underground facilities designed for heavy ICBMs decommissioned under the terms of the SALT-2 agreement. It remains only to fill the too deep bottom of the shaft with an additional layer of concrete and install a restrictive ring that reduces the working diameter. At the same time, it is also important that the Topol-M missile system is maximally unified with the already justified infrastructure of the strategic deterrence forces, including communications and control.

Mobile complex and its chariot

The novelty of the mobile installation, designed for firing from any point of the combat patrol route (positional area), lies in the so-called incomplete hanging of the container. This technical feature implies the possibility of deployment on any ground, including soft. Also, camouflage has been significantly improved, which makes it difficult to detect the complex by all existing reconnaissance equipment, including space-optical and radio-electronic.

It is necessary to dwell in detail on the vehicle designed to transport and launch the Topol-M rocket. The characteristics of this powerful machine are admired by specialists. It is huge - it weighs 120 tons, but at the same time it is very maneuverable, has high maneuverability, reliability and speed. There are eight axles, respectively, sixteen wheels 1 cm high, all of them are leading. The eighteen-meter turning radius is ensured by the fact that all six (three front and three rear) axles can turn. The width of the tires is 60 cm. The high clearance between the bottom and the road (it is almost half a meter) ensures unhindered passage not only over rough terrain, but also ford (with a bottom depth of more than a meter). The specific ground pressure is half that of any truck.

The Topol-M mobile unit is driven by a power 800-horsepower diesel-turbo unit YaMZ-847. The speed on the march is up to 45 km / h, the cruising range is at least five hundred kilometers.

Other Tricks and Promising Features

Under the terms of the SALT-2 agreement, the number of separable combat units of individual targeting is subject to limitation. This means that it is impossible to create new missiles equipped with several nuclear warheads. The situation with this international treaty is generally strange - back in 1979, in connection with the entry of Soviet troops into Afghanistan, it was withdrawn from the US Senate and has not yet been ratified. However, the American government did not refuse to comply with its conditions. In general, it is observed by both sides, although it has not received official status even today.

Some violations, however, took place, and mutual. The United States insisted on reducing the total number of carriers to 2400, which was in line with their geopolitical interests, since they had more multiply charged missiles. In addition, it is also important that the American nuclear forces are closer to the Russian borders to a greater extent, and their flight time is much shorter. All this prompted the country's leadership to look for ways to improve their security indicators without violating the terms of SALT-2. The Topol-M missile, whose characteristics formally and without taking into account its features correspond to the parameters of the RT-2P, was called a modification of the latter. The Americans, taking advantage of the gaps in the treaty, placed cruise missiles on strategic bombers and practically do not comply with quantitative restrictions on launch vehicles with multiple reentry vehicles.

These circumstances were taken into account when creating the Topol-M rocket. The radius of destruction is ten thousand kilometers, that is, a quarter of the equator. This is quite enough to consider it intercontinental. At present, it is equipped with a monoblock charge, but the weight of the fighting compartment of one ton makes it possible to change the warhead to a separable one in a fairly short time.

Are there any disadvantages?

The Topol-M strategic missile system, like any other military equipment, is not an ideal weapon. The reason for the recognition of some shortcomings was, paradoxically, the discussion launched during the discussion of the further prospects of the SALT-2 treaty. Under certain conditions it is possible to hint vaguely at our own omnipotence, and under other circumstances it is more advantageous, on the contrary, to point out that we are not so terrible as it seems. This happened with the Topol-M complex. The speed of the rocket (up to 7 km/sec) turns out to be not high enough to be completely sure of its invulnerability. Security in the conditions of a barrage stratospheric nuclear explosion also leaves much to be desired, especially from such a terrible damaging factor as, however, little can withstand it at all.

"Topol-M", the radius of destruction of which allows you to destroy targets on other continents, at the moment - the only Russian strategic missile that is mass-produced. That is why it is the backbone of the forces of deterrence.

Apparently, this lack of alternatives is a temporary phenomenon, other samples will appear that will absorb the advantages of Topol and leave its shortcomings in the past. Although it is unlikely to succeed completely without flaws. In the meantime, this type of BR bears the main burden in defense. Be that as it may, recent history shows that those who cannot defend themselves pay dearly for their own weakness.

Actually, it's not all that bad. Readiness to repel aggression can be judged only on the basis of relative values. Nothing is absolute in matters of defense; each type of weapon can be improved endlessly. The main thing is that his fighting qualities allow him to effectively resist the forces of the enemy.

July 23, 2010 marks 25 years since the Topol mobile intercontinental missiles were put on combat duty.

RT-2PM "Topol" (index of the Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate of the RF Ministry of Defense (GRAU) - 15Zh58, START code RS-12M, according to NATO classification - "Sickle", SS-25 "Sickle") - a strategic mobile complex with a three-stage solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile RT-2PM, the first Soviet mobile complex with an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The development of a project for a strategic mobile complex with a three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile suitable for placement on a self-propelled automobile chassis (based on the RT-2P solid-propellant ICBM) was launched at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering under the leadership of Alexander Nadiradze in 1975. A government decree on the development of the complex was issued on July 19, 1977. After the death of Nadiradze, the work was continued under the direction of Boris Lagutin.

The mobile complex was supposed to be a response to improving the accuracy of American ICBMs. It was required to create, achieved not by the construction of reliable shelters, but by the creation of vague ideas on the enemy's location of the missile.

The conditions for modernization were strictly limited by the provisions of the SALT-2 Treaty, which determined a modest improvement in the basic combat characteristics of the missile. The first test launch of the rocket, which received the designation RT-2PM, took place at the Plesetsk training ground on February 8, 1983. The launch was carried out from a converted RT-2P stationary missile silo.

By the end of autumn 1983, an experimental series of new missiles was built. On December 23, 1983, flight design tests began at the Plesetsk training ground. For all the time they were held, only one launch was unsuccessful. In general, the rocket showed high reliability. Tests of the combat units of the entire combat missile system (BRK) were also carried out there. In December 1984, the main series of tests was completed and a decision was made to start mass production of the complexes. However, the tests of the mobile complex, called Topol, were fully completed only in December 1988.

Without waiting for the full completion of the joint test program, in order to gain experience in operating the new complex in military units, on July 23, 1985, the first regiment of mobile Topols was deployed near the city of Yoshkar-Ola at the location of RT-2P missiles.

The RT-2PM missile is made according to the scheme with three marching and combat stages. To ensure high energy-mass perfection and increase the firing range in all march stages, a new high-density fuel was used with a specific impulse increased by several units compared to the fillers of previously created engines, and the upper stage bodies were for the first time made by continuous winding of organoplastic according to the "cocoon" scheme. ".

The first stage of the rocket consists of a sustainer solid propellant rocket engine (RDTT) and a tail section. The weight of the fully equipped stage is 27.8 tons. Its length is 8.1 m and the diameter is 1.8 m. The tail compartment is cylindrical in shape, on the outer surface of which aerodynamic rudders and stabilizers are placed.

The flight control of the rocket in the area of ​​operation of the first stage is carried out by rotary gas-jet and aerodynamic rudders.

The second stage consists of a connecting compartment of a conical shape and a sustainer solid propellant rocket engine. The hull diameter is 1.55 m.

The third stage includes connecting and transitional sections of a conical shape and a mid-flight solid propellant rocket engine. Hull diameter - 1.34 m.

The head part of the rocket consists of one warhead (nuclear) and a compartment with a propulsion system and a control system.

The Topol control system is of an inertial type, built using an on-board computer, microcircuits with a high degree of integration, a new set of command devices with float sensitive elements. The computer complex of the control system makes it possible to implement an autonomous combat use of a self-propelled launcher.

The control system provides missile flight control, routine maintenance on the missile and launcher, pre-launch preparation and launch of the missile, as well as other tasks.

During operation, the RT-2PM 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 a set degree of combat readiness, preparation and launch of a rocket.

A missile launch is possible both when the launcher is in a stationary shelter with a retractable roof, and from unequipped positions, if the terrain allows it. To launch a rocket, the launcher is hung on jacks and leveled. The rocket is launched after the container is lifted to a vertical position using a powder pressure accumulator placed in the transport and launch container ("mortar launch").

After shooting off the protective cap of the container, the rocket is thrown out of it by powder starting engines a few meters up, where the main engine of the first stage is turned on.

The maximum firing range is 10,500 km. The length of the rocket is 21.5 m. The launch weight is 45.1 tons. The mass of the warhead is 1 tons. The power of the nuclear warhead is 0.55 Mt. Shooting accuracy (maximum deviation) - 0.9 km. The area of ​​​​combat patrols of the complex is 125 thousand square meters. km.

The mass of the launcher with the rocket is about 100 tons. Despite this, the complex has good mobility and maneuverability.

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

The missile system also includes a mobile command post for combat control on a four-axle MAZ-543M chassis. For fire control, mobile command posts "Granit" and "Barrier" were used, armed with a missile, which had a radio transmitter instead of a payload. After launching the rocket, he duplicated the launch commands for launchers located at remote positions.

Serial production of the RT-2PM missile was launched in 1985 at a plant in Votkinsk (Udmurtia), and its mobile launcher was manufactured at the Volgograd plant "Barrikada".

On December 1, 1988, the new missile system was officially adopted by the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN). In the same year, a full-scale deployment of missile regiments with the Topol complex began and the simultaneous removal of obsolete ICBMs from combat duty. By mid-1991, 288 missiles of this type had been deployed.

Topol missile divisions were deployed near the cities of Barnaul, Verkhnyaya Salda (Nizhny Tagil), Vypolzovo (Bologoe), Yoshkar-Ola, Teikovo, Yurya, Novosibirsk, Kansk, Irkutsk, as well as near the village of Drovyanaya in the Chita region. Nine regiments (81 launchers) were deployed in missile divisions on the territory of Belarus - near the cities of Lida, Mozyr and Postavy. Part of the Topols that remained on the territory of Belarus after the collapse of the USSR was withdrawn from it by November 27, 1996.

Every year, one control launch of the Topol rocket is carried out from the Plesetsk training ground. The high reliability of the complex is evidenced by the fact that during its testing and operation, about fifty control and test launches of missiles were made. They all went through flawlessly.

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

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources