Poplar m dimensions. Intercontinental missile system "Topol-M. Other Tricks and Promising Features

In recent years, the word "poplar" in the Russian media is much less used in its direct meaning - a fast-growing tree of the willow family - than before. Now much more often this word is used in a military and even geostrategic perspective. The Russian Topol-M ballistic missile has become one of the main information trends of recent times. It is with the presence in service with the Russian army of this variety strategic weapons began to bind the positions of the Russian Federation in the international arena.

Start "Topol-M": 93.75% success

The RT-2PM2 (Topol-M) missile system really has not only a purely military, but also a strategic and ideological character and significance. Since this is the first intercontinental ballistic missile developed and put into service in Russia after the abolition of Soviet Union. "Topol-M" is the most frequent and reasoned response of Russian supporters in any geopolitical discussions. “We are not some banana republic that was lucky enough to inherit nuclear weapons, we are capable of creating high-tech weapons at the level of the best world standards ourselves” - Topol-M is most often mentioned in this context. The development of the Topol-M missile system began back in Soviet times, when the task of creating a missile system with a solid-fuel rocket and two types of launchers for it was formulated - stationary (that is, from a launch silo) and mobile (from a mobile platform). But the main part of the work was carried out after the collapse of the USSR - for example, the tests of Topol-M started already in 1994.

In just twenty years, from December 1994 to November 2014, 16 test launches of the missile system were carried out. Of these, only one was unsuccessful: in October 1998, the launch of Topol-M was accompanied by a deviation of the rocket from the course, and it was decided to shoot it down. Thus, the effectiveness of the Topol-M rocket today is 93.75%. The placement of the missile in the launch silos began in 1997, although officially Topol-M, the radius of destruction of which depends on the individual characteristics of the target and environment, put on combat duty in 2000. In 2011 political and military leadership countries decided that missile system Topol-M fulfilled its task, that is, it ensured the nuclear safety of Russia for more than a decade and a half. Since 2012, the acquisition of the Topol-M complex by the Armed Forces has been discontinued, in the future it is planned to put into operation the next generation missile system, the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile. At the moment, 60 stationary mine complexes and 18 Topol-M mobile complexes are on combat duty.

"Topol-M": characteristics for envy, for fear and for conscience

Regardless of the method of basing, stationary (that is, being in launch silos), or mobile (installed on a transport platform), the Topol-M missile itself has the same characteristics, with the exception of the number of missiles. In the case of the stationary complex, these are ten missiles, the mobile version provides for one missile. The Topol-M rocket consists of three solid-fuel stages. Features of the fuel system and engine operation allow the Topol-M to quickly gain combat speed, which distinguishes it from the previous Soviet ballistic missiles. Besides, a complex system autonomous maneuvering makes this missile a very difficult target for the air defense systems of a potential enemy.

The flight range of Topol-M is 11 thousand kilometers, which is quite enough to defeat strategic targets on the territory of other states that have nuclear weapons. The mass of the thrown warhead is approximately 1.2 tons, the capacity of the nuclear stock is estimated at 550 kilotons of TNT. These indicators are associated with such a characteristic as the radius of destruction of the Topol-M missile: there is no single value in this case. The fact is that to determine the radius of destruction of a nuclear warhead, you need to know all the accompanying quantities: the location of the explosion (air, ground, water), the characteristics of the object that the missile collided with (what material it consists of), the type of environment (type of soil, the presence of natural or artificial obstacles) and so on. Based on the theoretical indicators of the size of the zone of destruction of a nuclear explosion, it is possible to calculate the conditional value during the explosion of the charge of the Topol-M rocket with a capacity of 550 kilotons. In this case, the zone of complete destruction will be approximately 2 kilometers from the epicenter of the explosion, the zone of strong and medium destruction - up to 4 kilometers, the zone of weak destruction - about 7 kilometers.

What is carrying a nuclear bomb

Of particular interest is the mobile version of the Topol-M missile system. Moreover, this interest primarily affects not the rocket itself, but the transport platform on which it moves. So, as " workhorse"For Topol-M, they use the MZKT-79221 wheeled chassis specially designed for such purposes. It has 16 wheels (wheel formula 16x16/12) and a load capacity of 80 tons. At the same time, the curb weight of the MZKT-79221 itself is about 44 tons. The engine of this wheeled chassis is diesel, the power of which is 588 kW (equivalent to horsepower- 800 hp). With such an “engine”, a fully equipped Topol-M mobile missile system is capable of speeds up to 45 kilometers per hour.

This may seem more than modest speed from the point of view of an ordinary motorist, but do not forget that we are talking about a colossus total weight 90 tons (44 tons of wheeled chassis and 46 tons of rockets) and a turning radius of 18 meters. Given the huge amount of fuel required for the operation of a complex of this magnitude, an indicator of 500 kilometers of power reserve with a full refueling should be considered very good. But armed forces have the ability to maneuver and create a flexible nuclear defense system, launchers intercontinental missiles which can change position relatively quickly. Add to this the system of carrying "false targets" and the increased resistance of the launched missile to electromagnetic impulses - and you get a weapon that can play a decisive role in a possible nuclear war.

Alexander Babitsky

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

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

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

Development history

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

Alexander Nadiradze / Photo: liveinternet.ru

Boris Lagutin / Photo: liveinternet.ru

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rocket 15Zh58 (RT-2PM)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An autonomous, inertial control system was developed at the NPO Automation and Instrumentation under the leadership of Vladimir Lapygin. The aiming system was developed under the guidance of the chief designer of the Kyiv plant "Arsenal" Serafim Parnyakov.

Vladimir Lapygin / Photo: faceruss.ru

Serafim Parnyakov / Photo: space.com.ua

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

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

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

Samvel Kocharyants / Photo: atomic-energy.ru

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

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

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

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

Launcher and equipment

During operation, the rocket is located in a transport and launch container installed on a mobile launcher. It is mounted on the basis of a seven-axle chassis of a MAZ heavy truck. The rocket is launched from a vertical position using a powder pressure accumulator (PAD) placed in a transport and launch container (TLC).

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

Viktor Shurygin / Photo: topwar.ru

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boris Zhukov / Photo: liveinternet.ru

Zinoviy Pak / Photo: minpromtorg.gov.ru

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

Victor Protasov / Photo: liveinternet.ru

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Composition of the PKP RP:

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

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

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

Trials and deployment

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

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

In 1984, the construction of stationary facilities and the equipment of routes began. combat patrol mobile missile systems "Topol" in the positional areas of the RT-2P and UR-100 ICBMs removed from duty, located in the OS silo. Later, the arrangement of positional areas removed from service according to the INF Treaty complexes medium range.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topol missile divisions were deployed near the cities of Barnaul, Verkhnyaya Salda (Nizhny Tagil), Vypolzovo (Bologoe), Yoshkar-Ola, Teikovo, Yurya, Novosibirsk, Kansk, Irkutsk, and also 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.

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

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

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

2. rocket 15ZH58E "Topol-E"- experimental launch vehicle for testing new types combat equipment ICBM, name 15Zh58E is probable.

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

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

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

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

Reduction

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

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

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

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

Tactical and technical indicators

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

What's next...

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

But that's another story...

April 13th, 2013

Location: 60th Taman Order October revolution red banner missile division

Complex RT-2PM2 "Topol-M"(code RS-12M2, according to NATO classification - SS-27 Sickle "Serp") - Russian strategic missile system with an intercontinental ballistic missile, developed in the late 1980s - early 1990s on the basis of the RT-2PM "Topol" complex .

The first intercontinental ballistic missile developed in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. Adopted in 1997. The lead developer of the missile system is the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT).

Rocket complex "Topol-M" is a solid fuel, three-stage. The maximum range is 11,000 km. Carries one thermonuclear warhead with a capacity of 550 kt. The missile is based both in silo launchers (silos) and on mobile launchers. In the mine-based variant, it was put into service in 2000.

Designed for application tasks nuclear strike on the territory of the enemy in the face of opposition from existing and future missile defense systems, with multiple nuclear impact on the positional area, when the positional area is blocked by high-altitude nuclear explosions. It is used as part of the 15PO65 mine-based and 15P165 mobile-based complex.

Stationary complex "Topol-M" includes 10 intercontinental ballistic missiles mounted in silo launchers, as well as a command post.

Main characteristics:

Number of steps - 3

Length (with warhead) - 22.55 m

Length (without warhead) - 17.5 m

Diameter - 1.81 m

Starting weight - 46.5 tons

Cast weight 1.2 t

Type of fuel - solid mixed

Maximum range - 11000 km

Warhead type - monoblock, nuclear, detachable

The number of warheads - 1 + about 20 dummies

Charge power - 550 Kt

Control system - autonomous, inertial based on the BTsVK

Basing method - mine and mobile

Mobile complex "Topol-M" consists of one rocket placed in a high-strength fiberglass transport and launch container (TPK), mounted on an eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221 high cross and structurally practically does not differ from the mine version. The weight of the launcher is 120 tons. Six of the eight pairs of wheels are swivel, which provides a turning radius of 18 meters.

The pressure on the ground of the installation is two times less than that of a conventional truck. Engine V-shaped 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel YaMZ-847 with a power of 800 hp. The depth of the ford to be overcome is up to 1.1 meters.

When creating systems and units of the mobile Topol-M, a number of fundamentally new technical solutions compared with the Topol complex. Thus, the incomplete hanging system makes it possible to deploy the Topol-M launcher even on soft soils. Improved patency and maneuverability of the installation, which increases its survivability.

"Topol-M" is capable of launching from anywhere in the positional area, and also has improved means of camouflage, both against optical and other reconnaissance means (including by reducing the infrared component of the unmasking field of the complex, as well as the use of special coatings that reduce radar visibility).

intercontinental missileconsists of three stages with solid propellant propulsion engines. Aluminum is used as fuel, ammonium perchlorate acts as an oxidizing agent. The stair cases are made of composites. All three stages are equipped with a rotary nozzle for deflecting the thrust vector (there are no lattice aerodynamic rudders).

Control system- inertial, based on BTsVK and gyro-stabilized platform. The complex of high-speed command gyroscopic instruments has improved accuracy characteristics. The new BTsVK has increased productivity and resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion. Aiming is provided through the implementation of an autonomous determination of the azimuth of the control element installed on a gyro-stabilized platform using a ground-based command instrumentation complex located on the TPK. Increased combat readiness, accuracy and continuous operation life of onboard equipment are provided.

Start method - mortar for both options. The rocket's solid propellant main engine allows it to pick up speed much faster than previous types of rockets of a similar class, created in Russia and the Soviet Union. This greatly complicates its interception by missile defense systems in the active phase of the flight.

The missile is equipped with a detachable warhead with one thermonuclear warhead with a capacity of 550 kt TNT equivalent. The warhead is also equipped with a set of means to overcome missile defense. The complex of means of overcoming missile defense consists of passive and active decoys, as well as means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. A few dozens auxiliary engines corrections, instruments and control mechanisms allow the warhead to perform maneuvers on the trajectory, making it difficult to intercept it in the final section of the trajectory.

decoys indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges electromagnetic radiation(optical, laser, infrared, radar). False targets make it possible to imitate the characteristics of warheads in almost all selective characteristics on the extra-atmospheric, transitional and significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the flight path of rocket warheads, are resistant to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and radiation from a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser. For the first time, false targets have been designed that can withstand super-resolution radars.

In connection with the termination of the START-2 treaty, which prohibited the creation of multiply charged intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering is working on equipping the Topol-M with individually targetable multiple warheads. Perhaps the result of these works is the RS-24 Yars. A mobile version of this complex, located on the chassis of an eight-axle tractor MZKT-79221, is being tested.

The high resistance of the 15Zh65 missile to the impact of potential enemy missile defense systems is achieved due to:

• Reducing the time and length of the active site by extremely fast acceleration of the rocket. The acceleration time to the final speed (over 7 km/s) is less than 3 minutes.


• The ability of the missile to maneuver on the active site, which complicates the enemy’s solution of the interception task, as well as to perform a program maneuver when passing through a cloud of a nuclear explosion


• Body protective coating new development, which provides comprehensive protection against the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and weapons based on new physical principles.


• A complex to overcome missile defense, including passive and active decoys and means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. LCs are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, laser, infrared, radar), allow you to simulate the characteristics of warheads in almost all selective features on the extra-atmospheric, transitional and a significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the missile warhead flight path, up to altitudes 2 - 5 km; are resistant to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and the radiation of a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser, etc. For the first time, LCs capable of withstanding super-resolution radars have been designed. The means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead consist of a radio-absorbing (combined with a heat-shielding) coating of the warhead, active jammers, etc. The radar visibility of the warhead is reduced by several orders of magnitude, the RCS is 0.0001 sq.m. Its detection range has been reduced to 100-200 km. Optical - and IR visibility of the BB is extremely reduced due to the effective cooling of the surface of the BB in the extra-atmospheric area and the reduction in the luminosity of the wake of the BB in the atmospheric area, achieved incl. due to the injection of special liquid products into the trace area, which reduce the radiation intensity. As a result measures taken overcoming a monoblock warhead of a promising multi-layered missile defense system with space-based elements with a probability of 0.93 - 0.94 is ensured. The high- and trans-atmospheric part of the missile defense system is overcome with a probability of 0.99, the atmospheric one - with a probability of 0.93 - 0.95.

The 15Zh65 missile is equipped with a thermonuclear monoblock warhead with a capacity of 0.55 MGt. ICBMs with MIRVs (from 3 to 6 MIRVs with a capacity of 150 kt.) were tested. In the future, it is planned to equip the missile with a maneuvering warhead (which was also successfully tested in 2005 and continues), and therefore the possibility of intercepting warheads, according to Russian specialists, will be practically reduced to zero.

The circular probable deviation is no more than 200 m, which allows the half-megaton power warhead to confidently hit heavily protected point targets (in particular, command posts and silos). Due to the limited throw-in weight, which limits the power of nuclear warheads, the Topol-M rocket, unlike the 15A18 Voevoda rocket (the power of the monoblock warhead of which was 20-25 MGt), has restrictions on the implementation of a destructive effect on a large area target.

The 15P165 mobile-based complex has unique characteristics of initial survivability, is able to operate covertly and autonomously for a long period of time. The patrol area of ​​the complex is 250,000 sq. km.

Rocket "Topol-M" unified with the rocket " Mace» sea-based created to arm the SSBNs of project 955. The Bulava's competitor is the R-29RMU2 liquid-propellant ICBM " blue". It significantly surpasses the Bulava (like all other ICBMs) in energy-mass perfection, but is inferior in what is important for Russian missiles sea-based criterion - survivability in the active site due to the lower acceleration speed and greater vulnerability to laser weapons, characteristic of liquid-propellant missiles compared to solid-fuel ones. However, the Bulava missile, with a launch weight of about 37 tons, is significantly inferior in terms of impact power to the existing heavier solid-propellant missiles, including the Trident-2 rocket with a launch weight of 59 tons. (Warhead "Maces" - 6x150 kt, "Trident-2" (theoretically) - 8x475 kt). Marine component project nuclear forces Russia SSBN with light ballistic missiles "Bulava" is criticized by experts pointing to the need to arm domestic SSBNs with high-tech solid-fuel SLBM R-39UTTKh, the tests of which were curtailed in the 90s. and which, if put into service, would have no world analogues among SLBMs in terms of strike power and flight performance.

Suppose rockets are launched from the American continent, with an interval of a few seconds. After 3-4 minutes, the duty officer of the early warning system receives a signal about a missile attack. After another 2-3 minutes, the message reaches the leadership of the country, and it begins to think. In the best case, 10-13 minutes after the start, a command arrives at Topol about the launch of rockets - they leave the garages, or stop at given point route, and begin to turn around (they lower the supports, raise the tractor, raise the rockets, calculate the coordinates and enter them into the computer).
Until all the calculations do this - this is, at best, 8 minutes. And so, 20 minutes passed, the first launches began.
In 25-30 minutes, almost all installations can shoot back, the last rockets that have taken off can be destroyed by explosions of already American 500-kiloton warheads.
But this, note, at best - with a fully working early warning system, with communication systems (which groups of saboteurs can disable in advance), the presence of decisive people in the country's leadership, as well as the launch of missiles from American territory, and not from anywhere in Europe , Turkey, Central or Central Asia, from submarines in the Pacific or Northern Arctic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, or from the Persian Gulf. The flight time in this case is reduced to ... 8 minutes.
If any of these conditions are not met, Topol volumes will be seen from satellites and simply shot.
Already in the 80s, American satellites could track part of the trains with nuclear missiles, which from above are indistinguishable from the dozens of trains passing next to them. What can I say now, 20 years later, after the scientific and technological revolution that took place in the military sphere .. In 5 years, their capabilities will increase significantly.
Radar reconnaissance satellite "Spot" can distinguish on the ground an object up to 10 meters in size, "Lacrosse" of the VEGA series, worth half a billion dollars - already up to 1 meter. He can distinguish a tank from an infantry fighting vehicle, not to mention the Topol tractor, which is 25 meters long and 5 meters wide. These satellites are not hindered by night, fog, or a thick layer of clouds - using a giant radar antenna, they are able to detect enemy targets, even if they are camouflaged, covered with snow or sand, hidden by foliage, artificial smoke screen or canvas awning. A less expensive "Discover-2" is currently being developed, capable of obtaining three-dimensional radar images of the earth's surface with a resolution of 0.3 m and selecting moving targets. By 2010, the United States intends to launch 24 such satellites into space, which will have to fly over any point on the Earth every 15 minutes. The detection task can also be solved by optical-electronic reconnaissance satellites of the KN11 and KN12 types (15 cm), Landsat-7 geological satellites (15 m), Quick Bird-2 mapping satellites (0.6 m), MightySat hyperspectral imaging satellites II (according to the program "Warfighter-1" until 2010 it is planned to create and deploy a space constellation based on these satellites) (see 1).
Already now, the Americans are already receiving information around the clock from the Topol bases (the hangars themselves, and the road network made of concrete slabs).
If you keep Topols where they are now located, then they can be destroyed right on their parking lots or cruising places, even if they are moving.
Calculate for yourself: the radius of destruction (see. 2) for a 500-kt warhead is 3.6 kilometers (with a shock wave of 40 kPa, necessary for the partial destruction of objects such as buildings, Topols), for a 100-kt warhead - 2.2 kilometers . This means that, in principle, the Topol, moving at its own speed of 45 km / h, can leave the dangerous zone of destruction in 5 minutes or 3 minutes, respectively.
From the zone of "overturning" of the rocket by a shock wave of 20 kPa (for 500-kt it is 6 km, for 100-kt it is 4 km) - 8 minutes and 5 minutes.
From the affected area (see 3) by radiation of the practically unprotected "Topol", the crew of which will not be able to complete the task when exposed to more than 5000 roentgen / h, "Topol" to leave - with an explosion of 500 kt (radius - 13 km) 17 minutes, at 100 kt - 7 minutes.
But you can hit several warheads with a “volley”, trapping the mobile complex (especially dangerous in this regard are Ohio-type submarines carrying 24 modernized Trident II D5 missiles, which are equipped with 14 warheads with an accuracy of 100).
To get away from all these damaging factors, you need a speed of more than 400 km / h.
If, however, they are used not as they are now, but for their intended purpose - constantly moving across fields, forests, roads, steppes, then the possibility of their detection by American satellites will not decrease by much, but the problem of militants or saboteurs with grenade launchers or Stingers using modern communications will increase and satellite navigation systems (in fact, at night they can make their way to the bases themselves). They will be able to destroy Topol complexes while still on the ground, or shoot down launching MANPADS missiles with infrared homing heads (after all, the thermal “torch” of a missile is much larger than that of an aircraft, and it flies more slowly and does not maneuver).
In the conduct of conventional hostilities, "Poplar" is generally no comparison with a mine that can withstand close nuclear explosion! After all, the Topol tractor can be destroyed by any low-power bomb that exploded nearby, by any rocket. "Topol" can be stopped even with a landmine, and its crew can be shot from large-caliber sniper rifles.

Now it is - detectable and vulnerable to all damaging factors, slow in deploying the system.

Conclusion: the Topol mobile complexes were a good addition to the Soviet nuclear arsenals, but now the very idea of ​​​​the Topol, which "unlike a mine, cannot be shot in advance", put forward in the early 80s, is outdated. Its "advantages in stealth" are offset by the appearance in orbit of modern radar reconnaissance satellites, which took place in the early 90s (that is, this should be taken for granted). The placement of intercontinental missiles on a mobile chassis has to be recognized as inappropriate, since in the event of a real military conflict, for which they are actually made, in modern conditions a very small percentage of such complexes will be able to perform a combat mission. This complex cannot fully fulfill the task of a retaliatory strike (to prevent early warning systems), and is not at all capable of delivering a retaliatory strike.
To place the main emphasis on these complexes is to cause the enemy to be tempted to deliver the first "disarming" blow.

We have been told many times that other states do not have such complexes - that's why they don't ...
And in the States this is well understood, and they write in articles like "The rise of ..." Foreign Affairs.

And in addition ... A few quotes about the missile warning system (see 4):

As of May 2006, three satellites are operating as part of the space echelon of the missile attack early warning system: one geostationary (Kosmos-2379) and two satellites in highly elliptical orbits (Kosmos-2388 and Kosmos-2393).
The satellites Kosmos-2388 (VEO, launched on 04/01/02, NORAD catalog number 27409) and Kosmos-2393 (VEO, 12/24/02, 27613) - ... are designed to detect ballistic missile launches from the United States and cannot detect launches of sea-based missiles ... Kosmos-2379 (GSO, 24.08.01, 26892), placed in geostationary orbit ... was developed for the US-KMO system, which should provide global coverage of all missile-hazardous areas. This system has not yet been deployed.
(Center for the Study of Disarmament Problems at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology SPRN and Defense - Strategic Nuclear Weapons of Russia)

On February 10, 1999, the Washington Post published two articles by David Hoffman on the condition Russian system missile attack warnings (MSRN). In particular, the author of the article referred to Pavel Podvig, researcher of our Center: "...Only three satellites continue to function... Every 24 hours, a system of satellites in highly elliptical orbits is "blind" for two periods, the duration of which is six and one hour, respectively...".

The "hole" in observation today totals about 9 (!) hours a day. She moves according to the time of the year. For example, our military does not see American missile bases on the continent during the day, and in winter they will not be able to control them at night ... Only three satellites remain in orbit. "(Maria Kudryavtseva, Novye Izvestia, June 29, 1999, p. 1-2 )

"...Major General V.Z. Dvorkin commented on the information published in the Washington Post newspaper, but refused to talk about the existing capabilities of the Russian early warning system to register missile launches: "...Speak now or confirm how many hours we see or do not see I just can't because it's a state secret. If I tell you, regardless of whether these are good or bad figures, then you will take the next interview with me behind bars.

"At present, Russia simply will not see the launch of Trident missiles from submarines located in the waters of the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. Much the same can be said for Minuteman and MX missiles launched from bases in the continental United States" - False Alarm, Nuclear Danger (by Geoffrey Forden, Pavel Podvig and Theodore A. Postol, IEEE Spectrum, March 2000, V37 , N 3.).

The Topol intercontinental ballistic missile is the most important component of the mobile ground complex, which became the basis nuclear shield our state for many decades.

In response to the improvement in the tactical characteristics of high-precision weapon systems of NATO countries, it was necessary to create a unique type of weapon. The most important requirement was the high survivability of the complex, which is achieved through maneuverability and speed of deployment.

History of creation

July 19, 1977 A decision was made to begin work. However, the implementation of the project, headed by Alexander Nadiradze, began at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering a little earlier - in 1975.

1979 was marked by the beginning of factory tests of charges for the 2nd and 3rd stages of the rocket engine by specialists from the Pavlograd Chemical Plant.

October 27, 1982 The first field trials have begun. The main task was to test the launch and launch system of the rocket engine. The launch was unsuccessful, but the results obtained were carefully studied and taken into account in further work.

December 23, 1983 the next stage of design tests began, the results of which demonstrated high TTX Poplar M. Only once did the testers fail.

From 1984 to 1988 was launched mass production new missile system "Topol". Self-propelled installations were manufactured at the Barricades plant in Volgograd, and the rocket itself became the brainchild of the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant.

July 23, 1985 to summarize military experience near the city of Yoshkar-Ola, a military unit missile troops.

In 1987, after the death of the chief designer, work was continued under the supervision of Boris Lagutin.

Boris Lagutin, missile weapons designer

December 1, 1988 ICBM "Topol" was adopted by the Strategic Missile Forces. In just 3 years, 288 new missiles were deployed.

Description of the Topol ballistic missile

RT-2PM "Topol" (according to NATO classification - "SS-25 "Sickle", GRAU-15ZH58) is a strategic complex with a three-stage solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile.

Despite his appearance, the Topol ballistic missile is classified as light. The launcher is mobile and ground-based, and the control system has its own on-board computer (BTsVM).

Thanks to the onboard computer and the use of the latest variety of solid fuel for each of the stages, the designers managed to increase effective range shooting. Wherein possible deviation will be only 150-200 m.

1. Head part.
2. transition compartment.
3. Propulsion rocket engine 3 stages.
4. Connection compartment 2 steps.
5. Propulsion engine 2 stage rockets.
6. Connecting compartment 1st stage.
7. 1st stage rocket propulsion engine.
8. Tail section 1st stage.

Tactical and technical characteristics (TTX)

As previously mentioned, the Topol M rocket is three-stage. Its length, together with the head part, is 22.7 m, and the diameter is 1.8 m. The complex itself is ready for launch within 2 minutes after setting the task. Other characteristics of the Topol M rocket are shown in the table.

Intercontinental ballistic missile 15Zh58 (RT-2PM)

Autonomous launcher (APU)

Weight

Combat duty support vehicle (MOBD)

Now, along with the complexes of early versions, the Topol-M ICBM is entering service. In connection with the international agreements of Russia, significant changes in flight and tactical characteristics (TTX Topol M) have become outside the legal framework.

Therefore, in new missiles, the main emphasis is on the explosion power of Topol M, the unpredictability of flight and the increase in the resistance of components and assemblies of the sustainer engine to a powerful electromagnetic impulse(AMY).

Tests

After entering service, Topol ICBM launches are carried out on average once every 6-12 months. In recent years, the cause of the test, in addition to maintaining a high degree of combat readiness and training personnel Strategic Missile Forces, steel:

• verification of a long-term storage rocket (20 years) November 29, 2005 (Plesetsk);
• study of the experimental warhead on August 28, 2008 (Plesetsk);
• verification of advanced combat equipment on December 27, 2013 (Kapustin Yar);
• ability to overcome missile defense systems September 9, 2016 (Plesetsk), December 26, 2017 (Kapustin Yar).

Total from 1981 to 2017 120 launches were made. Tests have shown that the explosion radius of Topol M depends on the power of the warhead and the number of parts to be separated.

Video about the missile system