The relative security of humanity in recent decades has been ensured by nuclear parity between countries that own the majority of nuclear weapons on the planet and the means of delivering it to the target. Currently these are two states - the United States of America and the Russian Federation. The fragile balance is based on two main “pillars”. The American heavy carrier Trident-2 is opposed by the latest Russian rocket"Topol M". Behind this simplified diagram lies a much more complex picture.

The average person is rarely interested in military equipment. According to her appearance It is difficult to judge how reliably the state’s borders are protected. Many people remember the magnificent Stalinist military parades, during which citizens were shown the inviolability of Soviet defense. Huge five-turret tanks, giant TB bombers and other impressive models turned out to be not very useful on the fronts of the war that soon began. Maybe the Topol-M complex, the photo of which makes such a strong impression, is also outdated?

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

A little history. The beginning of the atomic race

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

Quantity and quality

In the fifties, the leadership of the USSR placed its main bet not on long-range bombers, but on strategic intercontinental missiles, and, as time has shown, this decision was correct. The remoteness of the American continent has ceased to be a guarantee of security. During this time the US outnumbered the Soviet Union nuclear warheads, but President Kennedy could not guarantee the lives of his citizens in the event of war with the USSR. According to experts, it turned out that in the event of a global conflict, America would formally win, but the number of victims could exceed half the population. Based on these data, President J.F. Kennedy curbed his warlike ardor, left Cuba alone and made other concessions. Everything that happened in the subsequent decades in the field of strategic confrontation came down to a competition not just for the ability to deliver an all-crushing blow, but also to avoid retaliation or minimize it. The question was raised not only about the number of bombs and missiles, but also about the ability to intercept them.

After the Cold War

The RT-2PM Topol missile was developed in the USSR back in the eighties. Its general concept was the ability to overcome the impact of potential enemy missile defense systems mainly due to the surprise factor. It could be launched from various points, along which this mobile system carried out combat patrols. Unlike stationary launchers, the location of which was often no secret to the Americans, Topol was constantly in motion, and it was not possible to quickly calculate its possible trajectory even taking into account the high performance of Pentagon computers. Stationary mine installations, by the way, also posed a threat to a potential aggressor, because not all of them were known, and besides, they were well protected and a lot of them were built.

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

How to complicate the missile defense task

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

Variable trajectory

The idea was to make it impossible, even if detected, to miscalculate the coordinates of the warhead taking into account the lead. To do this, it was necessary to change and complicate the trajectory along which the flight takes place. "Topol-M" is equipped with gas-jet rudders and additional shunting engines (their number is still unknown to the general public, but we're talking about about tens), allowing you to change direction on the active part of the trajectory, that is, during direct guidance. In this case, information about the final goal is constantly retained in the memory of the control system, and ultimately the charge will get exactly where it is required. In other words, anti-missiles fired to shoot down a ballistic projectile will miss. It is not possible to defeat the Topol-M by existing and created missile defense systems of a potential enemy.

New engines and body materials

It is not only the unpredictability of the trajectory in the active area that makes the strike of the new weapon irresistible, but also the very high speed. "Topol-M" at different stages of the flight is driven by three main engines and very quickly gains altitude. Solid fuel is a mixture based on ordinary aluminum. Of course, the composition of the oxidizer and other details are not disclosed for obvious reasons. The step bodies are made as light as possible; they are made of composite materials (organoplastic) using the technology of continuous winding of hardening fibers of a heavy-duty polymer (“cocoon”). This decision has a double practical meaning. Firstly, the weight of the Topol-M rocket is reduced, and its acceleration characteristics are significantly improved. Secondly, the plastic shell is more difficult to detect by radar; high-frequency radiation is reflected from it worse than from a metal surface.

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

Control system

Any missile defense system fights enemy missiles using a whole range of influences. The most common method of disorientation is the installation of powerful electromagnetic barriers, also called interference. Electronic circuits cannot withstand strong fields and fail completely or cease to function properly for some time. The Topol-M missile has a noise-resistant guidance system, but this is not the main thing. In the expected conditions of global conflict likely enemy ready to apply the most effective means to destroy threatening strategic forces, including even barrage nuclear explosions in the stratosphere. Having discovered an insurmountable barrier in its path, the Topol, thanks to its ability to maneuver, will with a high degree of probability be able to bypass it and continue its deadly trajectory.

Stationary

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

Mobile complex and its chariot

The novelty of the mobile installation, designed for firing from any point on the combat patrol route (position area), lies in the so-called incomplete hanging of the container. This technical feature assumes the ability to deploy on any soil, including soft soil. Camouflage has also been significantly improved, which makes it difficult to detect the complex by all existing reconnaissance means, including space-optical and radio-electronic.

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

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

Other tricks and promising opportunities

According to the terms of the SALT-2 treaty, the number of separable individually targeted warheads is subject to a limitation. This means that it is impossible to create new missiles equipped with multiple nuclear warheads. The situation with this international treaty is generally strange - back in 1979, in connection with the entry of Soviet troops into Afghanistan, it was withdrawn from the US Senate and has not yet been ratified. However, there was no refusal from the American government to comply with its conditions. In general, it is observed by both sides, although it has not received official status even today.

Some violations, however, took place, and mutual ones. The United States insisted on reducing the total number of carriers to 2,400, which corresponded to their geopolitical interests, since they had more multi-charge missiles. In addition, it is also important that American nuclear forces in to a greater extent close to Russian borders, and their flight time is much shorter. All this prompted the country's leadership to look for ways to improve its safety indicators without violating the conditions of SALT 2. The Topol-M missile, the characteristics of which formally and without taking into account its features correspond to the parameters of the RT-2P, was called a modification of the latter. The Americans, taking advantage of the gaps in the treaty, placed cruise missiles on strategic bombers and practically do not comply with quantitative restrictions on carriers with multiple independently targetable warheads.

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

Are there any disadvantages?

Strategic missile system "Topol-M", like any other Combat vehicles, is not an ideal weapon. The reason for the recognition of some shortcomings was, paradoxically, the discussion that unfolded during the discussion of the future prospects of the SALT-2 treaty. In some conditions, you can vaguely hint at your own omnipotence, but in other circumstances, it is more advantageous, on the contrary, to point out that we are not as terrible as we seem. This happened with the Topol-M complex. The speed of the rocket (up to 7 km/sec), it turns out, is not high enough to be completely confident in its invulnerability. Security in barrage stratospheric conditions nuclear explosion also leaves much to be desired, especially from such a terrible damaging factor as However, very little can withstand it.

"Topol-M", the destruction radius of which allows you to destroy targets on other continents, is currently the only Russian strategic missile, mass-produced. That is why it is the mainstay of the forces of containment.

Apparently, this lack of alternative is a temporary phenomenon; other models will appear that will absorb the advantages of “Topol” and leave its shortcomings in the past. Although it’s unlikely to work out completely without any shortcomings. In the meantime, this type of ballistic missile carries the main burden in defense. Be that as it may, recent history shows that those who cannot defend themselves pay dearly for their own weakness.

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

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

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

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

combat railway missile system photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Poplar M photo at the Victory Parade. Moscow, 2011

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

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

Design and layout of the Topol M missile system

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

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

Start Topol M photo video of strategic missile forces

Poplar rocket launch

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

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

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

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

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

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

The standard distance along the Earth's surface that intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) cover is 10,000 km. This is enough for old friends the United States and Russia to be able to hit any targets on each other’s territory. It is more difficult for China due to America’s greater distance, although the Celestial Empire’s ability to launch spacecraft allows it to reach any point on the globe with a thermonuclear club. And before Russia good neighbor"just a stone's throw away."

Optimal in terms of energy consumption are trajectories with an apogee of 1000 - 1500 km. In this case, the flight time is about 30 minutes, and the active part of the trajectory ends at an altitude of 200 - 350 km.The relatively short acceleration section can be ignored when assessing the flight range of the missile warheads. The latter describe long ballistic curves, accelerating up to 7 km/sec in sections of descent towards the target. Let us model them numerically using the following equations of the dynamics of a material point:

The center of the Earth is at the origin, and when falling onto its surface, the following occurs:

Let us assume that at time t = 0 the deployment platform (bus) is at an altitude h km and has a speed v km/sec directed at a certain angle to the horizontal (pitch angle). Neglecting the fact that in the disengagement area the trajectory of each warhead changes slightly, we summarize the calculation results for different initial data in a table:

The table shows that a slight decrease in flight range, which is not significant for SLBMs, leads to a sharp decrease in flight time. The time factor can be critical in a situation where the attacking side launches a preemptive strike on the enemy’s control centers and nuclear forces.The first escape velocity at an altitude of h = 100 km is 7.843 km/sec, and at an altitude of h = 200 km - 7.783 km/sec. It can be seen that with the intercontinental flight range of the so-called. flat trajectories are possible only in the case when, in the active phase, the rocket accelerates to a speed significantly exceeding 7 km/sec and approaching the first cosmic speed.

Who are you, Mr. Topol M?

The most modern of the Russian ICBMs, which is a minor modification of a Soviet product, is the 15Zh65 missile, also known as the Topol-M. The propaganda myth that there is no effective missile defense against Topol became very popular in the 2000s. Let's take a closer look at this source of national pride.

Length 22.5 m, maximum diameter 1.9 m, take-off weight 47 tons. It has 3 stages with solid propellant engines and a warhead weighing 1.2 tons, which is equipped with a warhead with a capacity of 0.55 Mt. In addition to this, Topol’s payload includes dozens of decoys + electronic means of countering missile defense: both radar and infrared methods of target selection. According to information from http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/missile/wobb/topol_m/topol_m.shtml, the first stage engines create a thrust of 91 tons. Circular Probability Deviation (CPD) expresses the radius of the circle into which the warhead has a probability of at least 50%. The CEP indicator is critically important from the point of view of attacks on missile silos and underground control centers. A vague estimate of 200 - 350 m is given for it. It is possible that in this Topol-M is not inferior to the veteran Minuteman-3, which has been the main American ICBM for more than 30 years.

About the pilots Topol-M data there is no information that is trustworthy. It is stated that the range reaches 11,000 km and there is an estimate of the speed of 7.3 km/sec that the warhead has when entering the ballistic part of the trajectory. Numerical simulation leads to various options. For example, it is possible that the warhead separates at a level of 300 km with a pitch angle of 6 degrees and, rising to maximum height 550 km (apogee), in 27 minutes covers a distance of 11,000 km along the surface globe. However, such a flight profile is not adequate to popular ideas about the low, flat trajectory of the Topol-M. The scenario looks very realistic, according to which the monoblock separates at an altitude of 200 km with an initial pitch of 5 degrees, ultimately flying 8,800 km in 21 minutes and reaching an apogee of 350 km. This range is quite sufficient for shelling US territory from various directions, and the flight time is significantly less than that typical for ICBMs at a distance of 10,000 km (~30 minutes). This creates additional difficulties for the missile defense system, which must have time to select the warhead among the decoys. It is clear that reduced flight time is a more important factor in a preemptive strike than a retaliatory strike.

In order to somehow understand the “exceptional” capabilities of the Topol-M, it is useful to compare it with its American counterpart LGM-30 Minutemen-3. Length 18.2 m, maximum diameter 1.67 m, take-off weight 36 tons. It has 3 stages with solid propellant engines and a warhead of unknown mass. Which is currently equipped with a W62 warhead with a yield of 170 kilotons, and also carries decoys along with small metal debris that impedes radar detection. The CEP of Minuteman-3 is estimated at 150 - 200 m. According to data from http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=113 , the starting thrust of the first stage reaches 92 tons, and when entering the ballistic section, the warhead has a speed of about 6.7 km/sec. Moreover, the ICBM has a range of 9,600 km and an apogee1,120 km. This “classical” flight profile corresponds to an initial pitch angle of 15.5 degrees and an altitude of 450 km when entering the ballistic phase. The Minuteman's flight time is 28 minutes. With such modest speed characteristics, a flat trajectory of intercontinental flight is out of the question. This contrasts with the Minuteman-3's thrust-to-weight ratio, which is 1.3 times that of the Topol-M. In the video of the launches, he doesn’t look like a particularly fast sprinter.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHuFh_PNc68&feature=related , and the relic Minuteman-I took off no worse even without a “kick” from the mortar launchhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrnfRfawtI0&feature=related . Let's try to explain this discrepancy.

Available information about the flight data of Minuteman-3 relates to its modification, which was equipped with three W78 335 Kt warheads, with individual targeting. But the same rocket is capable of accelerating a relatively light monoblock to higher speed than the stated 24,000 km/h, in order to throw it over a longer range and along a flatter trajectory. This is indirectly confirmed by the fact that there is information about Miniman’s maximum range of 15,000 km. For the United States, such a distance is relevant due to the growing military power of China, which is located quite far from America. The high thrust-to-weight ratio of Minuteman 3 could also be important in a three-warhead configuration, providing a more energetic launch and escape of the missile from a nuclear strike in the area where the launch silos were located.

Horror flying on the wings of the night?

Thus, Topol's outstanding abilities in terms of the ability to quickly gain speed and reach a flat trajectory are greatly exaggerated.But if the Topol-M warhead flies along a flat trajectory, then this means the following. At the end of the active section, the monoblock practically enters a circular orbit, having an unlimited flight range. In this case, the trajectory can be very low (see lines 7, 8 in the table), although this circumstance is a dubious advantage, given the capabilities of missile defense interceptorsoperate at altitudes up to 200 km. ABOUTit is also obvious that the new generation of class anti-missiles Standard-3 will reach high altitudes. In addition, a monoblock flying along a flat trajectory, as a target for interception, differs little from a conventional satellite. But shooting down a satellite in low orbit has not been a problem for a long time. In this case, you won’t be able to go too low, because... atmospheric resistance comes into its own - already atat an altitude of 120 km The shuttles used aerodynamic maneuvering instead of rocket engines (new article on flat trajectory problems) .

This can be countered by another popular property of the Topol-M, which supposedly lies in the monoblock’s ability to perform maneuvers using special mini-engines in the ballistic section of the trajectory. This ability is partly mythological in nature, because in many sources it is written only that Poplar May be equipped with such monoblocks. Enthusiastic reports about something elusive to interceptors and really the existing monoblock is not confirmed by serious sources, while frivolous sources have added that there are combat units with ramjet engines that fly and maneuver like hypersonic aircraft.

Orbital maneuvers of warheads have poor reverse side, about which propaganda is modestly silent. Namely, during any maneuver of the monoblock, the surrounding shielding cloud of false targets, sources of interference and any metallized debris will remain aside, continuing to move along the ballistic trajectory. The warhead will seem to emerge from under the protective blanket and remain naked, which will immediately remove the selection task for the missile defense system. After the first maneuver, the monoblock will be clearly visible on radars. At the same time, it will not have enough fuel and time to scour from side to side for a long time, given the not very large payload reserve of the Topol-M and the need to aim at the target.

Thus, it is doubtful that a good Topol-M ICBM is significantly superior to the Minuteman-3 in any way, except for the use of a mobile launcher. However, the number of such deployed installations, according to various estimates, is 20 - 25, so they are not the main part of the Russian nuclear deterrent forces. Interestingly, China also loves mobile ICBMs and has no less of them.

Dmitry Zotyev

Articles about flat trajectories, hypersonic warheads and other missile defense nightmares:

"Heat of the Stratosphere"

"Space slalom".

MISSILE COMPLEX 15P765 “TOPOL-M” SILO-TYPE OS

29.04.2015
Missile system "Topol-M": fifteen years in the service of the Ministry of Armor of the Russian Federation. The modernized Topol-M missile system is the first missile system created exclusively by Russian enterprises. It was developed in the late 1980s.
The act on the adoption of the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) was approved by the state commission on April 28, 2000.
The first launch of the Topol-M missile from an autonomous launcher (APU) was carried out on September 20, 2000; the APU was put on combat duty in 2006, adopted for service by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin of January 20, 2007.
Currently, according to media reports, two divisions of the Strategic Missile Forces are armed with Topol-M complexes.
TASS

18.01.2017


On January 16, 2017, a joint combat crew of the Strategic Missile Forces and the Aerospace Forces launched a silo-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Topol-M from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.
The missile's training warhead hit a simulated target at a training ground on the Kamchatka Peninsula with high accuracy.
The purpose of this launch was to confirm the stability of the flight performance characteristics of this type of ICBM.
Department of Information and Mass Communications of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

MISSILE SYSTEM 15P765 “TOPOL-M” WITH OS TYPE silo launcher



Since the early 1990s, Russia has been developing only one for the Strategic Missile Forces missile system— “Topol-M” with OS-type mine launchers and movable ground launchers. After 1991, the technical appearance of the rocket was clarified; only Russian organizations and enterprises remained in cooperation. The Perm NPO Iskra joined the development of the first stage of the ICBM. In 1992, MIT released an addition to the preliminary design, reflecting the changed appearance of the rocket and the complex as a whole. In 1993, by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, MIT was given the task of creating a unified ICBM using Russian enterprises. Almost the same requirements were imposed on the Topol-M missile as on fourth-generation missiles. Today we can say that the Topol-M ICBM is characterized by a high degree of continuity from the previously created Topol complex.
The possibilities for improving the Topol-M missile, in relation to the existing Topol missile, were determined by the START-1 Treaty, according to which a missile was considered new if it differed from the existing one in at least one of certain characteristics. The weight and size characteristics and some design principles of the Topol-M ICBM were limited by this agreement. However, the Topol-M missile was significantly changed compared to its predecessor. The conditions for modernization are determined by the START-1 Treaty, according to which a missile is considered new if it differs from the existing one (analogue) in one of the following ways: the number of stages; type of fuel of any stage; starting weight by more than 10%; the length of either the assembled rocket without the warhead, or the length of the first stage of the rocket, by more than 10%; the diameter of the first stage by more than 5%; throw weight of more than 21% combined with a change in first stage length of 5% or more.

The new rocket used the most advanced scientific and technical solutions: materials, structures, solid fuels. The Topol-M rocket is designed according to a scheme with three propulsion and combat stages. The sustainer stages use high-density, high-energy mixed fuel developed by NPO Soyuz. The rocket uses controls of high efficiency and speed. The warhead is equipped with a powerful thermonuclear charge, meets the most stringent requirements for nuclear explosion safety and has particularly high resistance to the effects of nuclear and other weapons.
The developers of the Topol-M missile system successfully solved the problems of effectively countering echeloned advanced missile defense systems with space-based assets. In accordance with the main development objectives, the Topol-M missile has high capabilities to overcome a promising missile defense system with space-based elements and can be used in conditions of a massive nuclear missile attack on the positional area where Strategic Missile Forces complexes are based. The rocket has no protruding parts, including aerodynamic rudders. Thus, along with the use of appropriate structural materials and coatings, increased resistance to the effects of dust and soil formations and other damaging factors of a nuclear explosion of laser and other beam weapons is ensured.
Rocket propulsion systems are characterized by reduced operating time. As a result, most of the active part of the trajectory is located within the atmosphere, which prevents the use of space-based missile defense systems and reduces the intensity of the impact of radiation weapons on the missile. According to experts, the Topol-M missile system is the first purely Russian-made missile system, which in its tactical and technical characteristics will significantly exceed the systems in operation.

Since March 1997, work on the Topol-M complex was headed by the director and general designer of MIT, Yu.S. Solomonov. Recalling the work on the silo version of the Topol-M complex, he says: “When designing the Topol-M rocket, we needed to create a design that, for the first time in domestic and world practice, would allow solving a number of the most complex tasks. It was necessary to develop a missile that was universal in relation to the types of deployment, which would have: equally high combat qualities both as part of a stationary mine complex and as part of a mobile soil complex based on a self-propelled launcher; the highest shooting accuracy and the possibility of long-term combat duty in various combat readiness; high level resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion in flight; adaptability to the deployment by a possible enemy of missile defense systems of various compositions.
...You managed to significantly improve one of the main indicators military weapons— firing accuracy, reduce the degree of vulnerability of the missile when exposed to missile defense, increase the resistance of the missile in flight to the effects of damaging factors of various types of weapons, including nuclear weapons, and ensure increased nuclear explosion safety. The guaranteed shelf life of the new missile is longer than that of previously created ones. Another important task was solved: the complex, from development and production to delivery to the troops, was created by Russian cooperation.”
The cooperation of MIT's related partners in the Republic of Kazakhstan "Topol-M" included the FSUE "NPC AP named after. Academician N.A. Pilyugin" (general director E.L. Mezhiritsky), FSUE "RFNC - VNIIEF" (director R.I. Ilkaev, chief designer Yu.I. Faykov), FSUE "FPDT "Soyuz" ( CEO Yu.M. Milekhin), NPO "Iskra" (general director and general designer M.I. Sokolovsky), FSUE "Votkinsky plant" (general director V.G Tolmachev), FSUE OKB "Vympel" (general director and general designer D.K. Dragun), JSC "KBSM" (general director and general designer N.A. Trofimov) and other enterprises.
The silo-based type with high durability of the silos assumed minimal deployment costs, which is why it was developed first. One of the main advantages of the structure of missile regiments with the Topol-M missile system was the use of resource-saving technologies. The need to change the diameter or depth of the old “glasses” of silo launchers has disappeared - only the system for attaching the container to the rocket is changing.
The development of the silo complex, taking into account the fact that at the test site two silo launchers - "Yuzhnaya-1" and "Yuzhnaya-2" - were then being prepared for the missiles of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau, began to be carried out for the Topol-M missile. It was necessary to convert these silos for a new missile, which was done in a fairly short time. The first launch of the Topol-M rocket was made from the converted Yuzhnaya-1 silo launcher developed by the Vympel Design Bureau (chief designer O.S. Baskakov).

Initially, for the Topol-M ICBM it was proposed to use an OS-type silo launcher developed by the Vympel Design Bureau for medium-class missiles UR-100NUTTH (15A35). During the development process, certain problems emerged. If for the mobile ground version of the Topol-M complex the problem was the choice of chassis for the launcher - seven- or eight-axle, then for the stationary version the “critical moment” was the use of previously built mines. At the same time, their protective devices with opening drives, equipment compartment, barrel, entrance hatch and input devices remained without modifications. With minimal modifications, a depreciation system is used during re-examination.

Subsequently, in accordance with the joint decision of the MIT, GURVO MO and KBSM dated August 21, 1992 on carrying out re-equipment work, design materials were developed that determined the main directions of work on the re-equipment of silo launchers heavy missiles R-36M UTTH for the Topol-M missile. Since January 1993, in accordance with the signed START-2 Treaty, the conversion of 90 silo launchers for heavy missiles to the Topol-M missile was allowed. This important decision opened up the possibility of preserving the silo group of the Strategic Missile Forces based on launchers for heavy missiles of the R-36M UTTH type (according to START - RS-20) for the future deployment of Topol-M missiles.

The command post for the Republic of Kazakhstan was created at TsKBTM under the leadership of A. Leontenkov. He is further development The gearbox is of shaft type and has some differences from its predecessors. The command post uses equipment and other means of a new generation with increased protection from the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and improved characteristics of information channels. All components of the CP are manufactured by Russian enterprises; before this, up to a quarter of the equipment was produced in Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, etc. The main equipment for the stationary CP of the Topol-M RK was designed and manufactured at the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "State Obukhov Plant" (General Director A.F. .Vashchenko, chief designer N.F.Ilyushikhin).

Fire tests of the Topol-M ICBM sustainer solid propellant rocket engines were carried out at the Geodesy Central Research Institute. Its flight tests of the rocket began with a successful launch from a silo launcher at the Plesetsk test site on December 20, 1994. Subsequently, until September 26, 2000, 10 more test launches of the Topol-M missiles of the stationary complex were carried out. The second launch took place in September 1995, the third on July 25, 1996. The fourth launch of the modernized Topol-M ICBM was successfully completed on July 8, 1997 from the Plesetsk test site. Only the fifth launch, carried out on October 22, 1998, turned out to be an emergency due to the erroneous operation of an abnormal emergency detonation system, not installed on a combat missile, which interrupted the flight of a completely serviceable missile. All test launches were carried out from the Yuzhnaya launch pad from the silo. To conduct further tests, a second launch pad was built - “Svetlaya” to accommodate the silo launcher of the Topol-M complex. Chairman of the State Commission, Deputy State Committee of the Strategic Missile Forces, Colonel General V.A. Nikitin. On December 8, 1998, the sixth test launch of the Topol-M rocket was carried out from the Plesetsk test site, which demonstrated the high reliability of the equipment. The seventh launch took place on June 3, 1999, and was successful. On September 3, 1999, the eighth ICBM launch was carried out, during which the warhead reached the Kura test site in Kamchatka in 23 minutes, then on December 14, 1999.
In 1999, according to the KBSM project (Chief Designer V.D. Guskov), the creation of an experimental combat launch position 15P765-18E was completed at the Yubileinaya site of the Plesetsk cosmodrome using equipment dismantled in accordance with the START-2 Treaty from ICBM silos R-36M. On February 9 and August 26, 2000 (at a target in the Kamchatka region), two successful launches of the Topol-M missile took place from this silo. Successfully completed regular test launches of the Topol-M confirmed the main flight performance characteristics of the rocket.

Even before the end of the tests of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on December 24, 1997, in the Taman missile division near Tatishchevo (Saratov region), two silo launchers with Topol-M missiles (one of them training) took up combat duty, and on December 27, 1998, Combat duty was assigned to the head 104th Missile Regiment (commander Yu. Petrovsky) with 10 Topol-M ICBMs in converted silo launchers of high security removed from duty UR-100N ICBMs. All modernization of missile infrastructure under new complex is carried out using resource-saving technology and is much cheaper than if it were necessary to re-build missile silos, command posts and control systems. At the launchers, a minimum of construction and installation work was done, since neither the depth nor the diameter of the shafts was changed. At the command post, only the container itself with the equipment, manufactured at the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "State Obukhov Plant", was replaced. All this, according to the head of the operational department of the Main Staff of the Strategic Missile Forces, Major General S. Ponomarev, made it possible to save 18.5 million rubles on each missile silo, and the complete re-equipment of the silos for the new missile will bring savings of 3.38 billion, stretched for several years. In addition to missile silos and stationary command posts, the regiment's access roads were modernized, new cable networks for power supply and communications were laid, and the control system was modernized. Residential and training complexes for combat duty shifts were built.

During 1999, from the Plesetsk training ground, combat crews of the Strategic Missile Forces successfully carried out several combat training launches of the Topol-M ICBM from these silo launchers. These launches were carried out with the aim of accumulating statistical data on the tactical and technical characteristics, the operation of all ICBM systems in flight and the accuracy of the execution of given programs. Successful launches allowed the State Commission for flight testing of the Topol-M missile to recommend the adoption of a new stationary missile system on April 25, 2000, and on July 13, 2000 by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1314 The Topol-M complex in a silo version was adopted by the Strategic Missile Forces. This Decree opened the way to a new stage in the development of the Strategic Missile Forces. On December 26, 2000, the third mine-based regiment of the Topol-M complex took up combat duty.
According to initial plans, the rate of introduction of new complexes after 2000 could amount to 40-50 launchers (4-5 missile regiments) per year. But according to the adjusted plans and the actual allocated funds, the Russian Ministry of Defense was supposed to put into service one regiment - ten missiles - every year, but due to financial problems they were able to purchase no more than six vehicles per year. But in 2001-2002 there were no such purchases at all. As General Designer Yu.S. Solomonov stated: “In 2004, the volume of state investments for the production of our Topol-M was cut almost in half without any discussion or agreement with us, although it was the President of Russia who entrusted this work to us. » In 2005, instead of six Topol-M missiles, only four entered service. From 1997 to the end of 2006, the Strategic Missile Forces received 42 Topol-M complexes. According to the approved state weapons program for 2007-2015. 50 Topol-M strategic missile systems will be purchased for the Strategic Missile Forces. The creation of the Topol-M ICBM from the preliminary design to the first pilot launch cost 142.8 billion rubles (in 1992 prices).

At the beginning of 2010, 5 missile regiments of the division were re-equipped with the stationary (mine)-based fifth-generation Topol-M missile system - in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2005.
Since 2010, the Tatishchevsky missile formation has been working to re-equip the sixth missile regiment with the Topol-M missile system. By the end of 2012, this regiment was brought to full strength. After the rearmament of this regiment was completed, the program to equip the Strategic Missile Forces with the Topol-M missile system was completed.
As has been repeatedly noted in the Russian media, when the United States withdraws from the ABM Treaty, plans to install three individually targetable warheads on the Topol-M complex are being discussed within the framework of the state defense order. For now, this is prohibited by the START-1 treaty, but on December 5, 2009, this document expires, which opens up the possibility for Moscow to equip Topol-M with multi-charge warheads.

CHARACTERISTICS

Developer MIT
Gene. designer B.N. Lagutin, Yu.S. Solomonov
Rocket manufacturer Votkinsk MZ
NATO code SS-X-29
Name according to START-1 RS-12M2
(RS-12M option 2)
Classification according to START-1 of assembled ICBMs in a launch container (Class A)
Type of strategic complex with OS type silo launcher with solid propellant ICBM, fifth generation
The first test launch of the missile from a silo took place on December 20, 1994.
The ICBM entered service in December 1997, adopted by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation in 2000
RT-2PM210 missile (Topol-M)
Far arrow intercontinental
Head part:
— monoblock type
thermonuclear4
— developer VNIIEF
- Ch. designer G. Dmitriev
— weight, kg 1200
INS control system with on-board computer
— developer NPO AP


Steering gears:
— developer Central Research Institute AG
- Ch. designer V. Solunin
Aiming system:
— ground type
— developer NPO AP
- Ch. designer V.L.Lapygin, Yu.Trunov
- manufacturer of control equipment Izhevsk plant "Axion"
Type of launch from TPK due to PAD
Number of rocket stages 33, 7
Rocket length, m:
— full rocket in TPK 22.7
— without head part 17.5
Max. case diameter, m 1.86-1.95
Starting weight, t: 47.2-47.21
Fuel type mixed solid
Guarantee. rocket shelf life, 15 years
First stage:
Dimensions, m:
— diameter 1.95
Single-chamber solid propellant engine


Second stage:
Single-chamber solid propellant engine
— charge developer NPO Soyuz
- Ch. charge designer Z.P. Pak, Yu.M. Milekhin
- frame:
one-piece type “cocoon” type made of organoplastic
developer TsNIISM
Ch. designer V.A. Barynin
manufacturer TsNIISM
Third stage:
Single-chamber solid propellant engine
— charge developer NPO Soyuz
- Ch. charge designer Z.P. Pak, Yu.M. Milekhin
Transport and launch container:
Thermostatic type
Body material: composite
Developer: Central Research Institute Spetsmash
Development Manager V.A. Barynin
Dimensions, m:
— diameter 2.0
— length 22.7
Launcher (option 1):
Type silo type OS converted silo launcher ICBM UR-100N
Developer GNIP OKB "Vympel"
Ch. designer O.S. Bakakov, D.K. Dragun
Type PU mine type OS
Protective device against silo launchers of ICBM UR-100NU11
Shaft dimensions, m:
— internal diameter 4.6
— height 29.8
— internal roof diameter 7.6
High degree of security
Number of missiles in silo 1
Number of silos in the complex (shelf) 10
Launcher (option 2):
Type silo type OS converted silo launcher ICBM R-36M
KBSM developer
Ch. designer V.D. Guskov
Protective device against R-36M ICBM silos
Shaft dimensions, m:
— internal diameter 5.9
— the height corresponds to the R-36 ICBM silo with concrete poured 5 meters above the old bottom of the mine
— flow area of ​​the restrictive ring, m 2.9
High degree of protection
Number of missiles in silo 1
The number of silos in the complex is up to 10
Command post:
Type container mine
type 15B222
Developer TsKB TM
Ch. designer A.A.Leontenkov
Developer and manufacturer of main equipment FSUE "State Obukhov Plant"
High degree of protection
Number of control points in the complex 1
Combat control system:
Developer NPO "Impulse"
Ch. designer B. Mikhailov

A.V. Karpenko, BTS “BASTION” + additional.

LIST OF SOURCES:

1. Karpenko A.V., Utkin A.F., Popov A.D. "Domestic strategic missile systems" St. Petersburg: Nevsky Bastion - Gangut, 1999, 288 p.
2. “On the strategic direction...”, M: Intervestnik, 2006
3. Dnieper Rocket and Space Center. Dnepropetrovsk: YuMZ-KBYu, 1994
4. Called by time. From confrontation to international cooperation. Under general ed. S.N. Konyukhova - Dnepropetrovsk: ART-PRESS, 2004. - 768 p.
5. “From artillery systems to launch complexes”, St. Petersburg: KBSM, 2002
6. “Test Site of Special Importance” - M: “Consent”, 1997
7. Pervov M. Missile weapons of the Strategic Missile Forces. M: “Violanta”, 1999
8. "SE "Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering", M: CI SE "MIT" and Ortech", 2001
9. Information collection of the Strategic Missile Forces. Specialist. release. General Staff of the Strategic Missile Forces, 1995
10. Abakumov A.G. "Touches of history missile weapons", M: VA RNSN im. Peter the Great, 1998
11. Missile shield of the fatherland. M: TsIPK Strategic Missile Forces, 1999
12. Trembach E.I., Esin K.P., Ryabets A.F., Belikov B.N. "Titan" on the Volga. From artillery to space launches", Volgograd: Stanitsa-2, 2000
13. “Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant 1959-1999” - “Military Parade”, 1999
14. “The first step of military reform strengthened Russia’s nuclear missile shield” V. Litovkin - Izvestia No. 219 dated November 19, 1997
15. Missile Forecast - Forecast International/ DMS, 1996
16. “Military secret” V. Litovkin - “Izvestia” dated December 24, 1997
17. “Star Wars 2” by A. Protsenko - “Labor” dated February 3, 1998
18. V. Litovkin “...and yet we make rockets!” — “Izvestia”
19. “The Russian Topol-M missile system has no equal in the world - Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation” - Interfax dated December 24, 1997
20. M. Tarasenko “35 years of OKB “Vympel” - “Cosmonautics News” No. 8 (175) - 1998
21. “Missile systems are in combat readiness” - “Commonwealth”, 199
22. Newspapers “Izvestia”, “Trud”, “Krasnaya Zvezda”, “VPK”, “NVO”, “Obshchaya Gazeta”, “Rossiyskaya Gazeta”, “Commonwealth”, magazines “Army Collection”, “Army”, “Aerospace” Courier", "Military Parade", "Russian Maritime Policy", "National Defense", "Cosmonautics News", RIA Novosti, ITAR-TASS, Lenta.ru,

5:07 / 30.04.16
Strategic Missile Forces: missile system RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" (15P165 - silo-based and 15P155 - mobile) with missiles 15Zh65 - for silo-based and 15Zh55 - for mobile-based

RT-2PM2 “Topol-M” (Strategic Missile Forces AAM Index - 15P165 (mine) and 15P155 (mobile), according to the START Treaty - RS-12M2, according to NATO classification - SS-27 Sickle B, translated - Serp) - Russian missile system strategic purpose with the 15Zh65 ICBM (15Zh55 - PGRK), developed in the late 1980s - early 1990s on the basis of the RT-2PM Topol complex.

APU PGRK 15P155 “Topol-M” / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

The silo-based version was put into service in 2000. In the next decade, Topol-M was to become the basis of the armament of the Strategic Missile Forces.

In 2011, the Russian Ministry of Defense abandoned further purchases of Topol-M missile systems in favor of the further deployment of RS-24 Yars ICBMs with MIRVs, although the Topol-M silo launchers of the last, sixth regiment of the 60th 1st missile division was planned to be completed in 2012.

Upgraded missile system "Topol-M"- the first missile system created only by Russian enterprises, it forms the core of the entire grouping of the Strategic Missile Forces.

It is on him that great hopes are placed in preserving and maintaining nuclear potential on required level to guarantee the security of the country. The missile system is unique and is approximately 1.5 times superior to the previous generation complex in terms of combat readiness, maneuverability and survivability (in a mobile version), and effectiveness in hitting various targets, including in the context of missile defense deployment. The energy capabilities of the new missile make it possible to increase the throw weight, significantly reduce the height of the active part of the trajectory, and increase the efficiency of overcoming promising missile defense systems.

APU PGRK 15P155 “Topol-M” overcomes a ford / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

The Topol-M complex has absorbed the existing domestic scientific and technical background and the achievements of domestic rocket science. Experts say: everything that relates to the process of its development, testing, and its tactical and technical characteristics is defined by the word “for the first time.” For the first time, a completely unified missile is being created for highly protected silo and mobile ground-based missiles.

For the first time, a new experimental testing system has been introduced, in which high-standard operating modes of missile complex systems and assemblies are used during ground and flight tests. This made it possible to sharply reduce the traditional volume of testing, reduce costs, without losing reliability.

Topol-M is the result of further modification of the Topol complex and is equipped with a more advanced RS-2PM2 missile (15Zh65 for silos and 15Zh55 for PGRK).

From “Universal” to “Topol-M”

In the first half of the eighties, the United States began to develop a promising layered missile defense system with space-based elements. On the other hand, by the beginning of the nineties, the service life of hundreds of liquid monoblock stationary ICBMs UR-100K had expired. In this regard, the need arose to develop a new monoblock ICBM with increased capabilities to overcome a promising missile defense system.

The corresponding work was carried out within the framework of the Topol-M theme at MIT in the direction of modernizing the Topol mobile complex while maintaining the general layout of the previously created ICBM. At the same time, at the KBYU, under the name “Dnepr”, to replace the UR-100K, a new missile of a stationary complex was being developed, successor to a number of structural RT-23, but with a lower launch weight.

On early stage During the work of the KBYU, design materials were independently developed for a version of the rocket using a ramjet engine in the second stage, due to which it was planned to reduce the launch mass of the rocket to 20 tons. The option with a ramjet engine was not further developed due to the extreme complexity of testing such an engine and its inoperability under the conditions of a rocket passing through the dusty soil formations of a nuclear explosion.

But times have changed and new leadership Soviet Union was not inclined to reproduce the practice of the Brezhnev era, when several new combat systems of a similar purpose, including intercontinental missiles, were simultaneously developed and then put into service.

Taking into account the emerging trend towards limiting funding for defense programs, in the fall of 1988 the leadership of MIT and KBYU considered it expedient to combine the efforts of their teams to create a single promising ICBM, universal in terms of deployment types. () Therefore, the cooperation between MIT and Yuzhnoye Design Bureau has become objective a necessary condition survival of these two organizations, especially since the most favored nation treatment in government leadership bodies military-industrial complex A third missile “company” began to use it - Reutov’s NPO Mashinostroeniya, which came up with its project to create a strategic weapons system of a fundamentally new type.

The development of the Albatross missile system was assigned to NPO Mashinostroyenia by Resolution of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 173-45 of February 9, 1987 as part of the Soviet Union’s asymmetric response to the development of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program in the United States with the launch of the LCI in 1991 . The assignment required the creation of a combat missile system in three deployment options, capable of overcoming the promising multi-echelon US missile defense system, the creation of which was announced by the administration of President R. Reagan.

The Albatross three-stage solid-propellant missile was supposed to be equipped with a gliding wing unit with a nuclear charge, capable of approaching targets at a sufficiently low altitude and maneuvering around the target. All elements of the missile, as well as the launcher, had to have increased protection from PFYVs and laser weapons in order to ensure a guaranteed retaliatory strike in the event of any opposition from a potential enemy.

As experts from the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau note: “it was surprising that the creation of such a complex missile system was entrusted to an organization that had virtually no experience in the development of solid propellant missiles and mobile missile systems. In addition, the development of a gliding winged unit performing intercontinental flight in the atmosphere at high speed, in fact, was qualitatively new task, which does not correspond to NPOmash’s experience in creating tactical cruise missiles.”

At the beginning of 1989, it became absolutely clear that the creation of the Albatros missile system, both in terms of technical indicators and the timing of its implementation, was in danger of being disrupted. In addition, since the second half of the 1980s, intensive negotiations were conducted between the USSR and the USA on limiting and reducing strategic weapons, which ended on July 31, 1991 with the signing of the Treaty on the Reduction of Offensive Arms (START-1) in Moscow.

In it, the American side insisted not only on a quantitative reduction in Soviet heavy ICBMs, but also on a ban on their modernization and the creation of new types of such missiles for any type of deployment. With regard to new strategic developments, the START I Treaty allowed only modernization and only one type of light-class solid-fuel missile, provided it was equipped with only one warhead.

In this regard, there was a need to adjust general direction developments and, as a result, replacement of the main developer of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Ultimately, plans for the creation of new technology were revised, the leading role passed to MIT and KBU, or more precisely to their joint development of the Universal rocket.

The decision of the Military-Industrial Complex No. 323 of September 9, 1989 (IOM order No. 222 of September 22, 1989) prescribed the creation of two new missile launchers instead of the Albatros missile launcher: a mobile ground launcher and a stationary mine missile launcher based on the RT-2PM three-stage solid-fuel rocket, which is universal for both complexes. The theme was called “Universal”, and the rocket was named RT-2PM2 (15Zh65).

The development of a mobile ground launch vehicle with the RT-2PM2 missile was entrusted to MIT (general designer B.N. Lagutin), and a stationary mine launcher was entrusted to the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (general designer V.F. Utkin).

Boris Lagutin / Photo: gruzdoff.ru

Vladimir Utkin / Photo: tsnii-link.raystudio.ru

MIT was entrusted with the development of missile units and connecting compartments of the second and third stages, an unguided warhead, a sealed instrument compartment, a platform for placing the warhead and a missile defense penetration system (SP), interstage communications. Yuzhnoye Design Bureau was supposed to develop the first-stage rocket unit, the SP missile defense system, and the head aerodynamic fairing for the NSC. Design work on the rocket and testing of its elements were carried out by the teams of MIT and KBU in close cooperation with full mutual understanding.

Taking into account more stringent restrictions on the part of the mobile complex, the layout of the new missile was largely consistent with the Topol ICBM. The development of the missile control system was entrusted to NPO AP.

At the end of 1989, a preliminary design for the rocket and silo complex was developed, and in mid-1990, for the mobile ground one. The universal 15Zh65 missile was supposed to become a “massive” Soviet ICBM, like the American Minuteman-2 and Minuteman-3. The RT-2PM2 “Universal” missile system in silo and mobile versions was to become the basis of the future formation of the Strategic Missile Forces. Development of silos and technical complex 15P365 for the "Universal" was carried out by KBSM (chief designer A.F. Utkin), in 1991 they released working drawings for the silo 15P765 consisting of: protective device - 15U178, PU equipment - 15U179, equipment compartment 13M33, special equipment 15U180.

In addition, by this time ground bench tests of the rocket had been carried out. For the mobile complex, experimental samples of eight-axle wheeled chassis “7922” and “7923” were created at SKB MAZ in 1990.

MAZ-7922 Zubr missile chassis (16x16) with a 780-horsepower V12 diesel engine at a military display in 1992 / Photo: www.e-reading.club

MAZ-7923 Bison missile chassis with a 1000-horsepower gas turbine engine and electric transmission. 1990 / Photo: www.e-reading.club

In December 1991, the first 15Zh65 missile was manufactured for the silo-based LKI; the first launch of the ICBM was supposed to take place on February 15, 1992, but due to the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia was forced to modernize the Topol complex independently, taking into account developments on the Universal rocket launcher. , all work on the universal ICBM was transferred to Russia. In April 1992, by the decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the CIS Armed Forces and the Ministry of Industry of the Russian Federation, Yuzhnoye Design Bureau and YuMZ PA were relieved of their functions as the lead developer and manufacturer of the universal RT-2PM2 (15Zh65) missile with their transfer to Russian organizations.

In connection with the signing of the SALT-2 Treaty, work on the Universal was suspended. Work on the RT-2PM2 missile system with a single universal missile for stationary silo and mobile ground missile systems was continued by MIT under the code "Topol-M", then a decision was made to place the monoblock missile "Topol-M" in the silos of the UR-100N and R- complexes. 36M (15A18). In 1994, at the Plesetsk test site, a model of the Universal rocket was demonstrated to Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

With the adoption of the status of a nuclear-free state by Ukraine, with the permission of its government, the first flight missile RT-2PM, manufactured by YuMZ, was transferred to the Russian Federation on January 14, 1995.

"Topol-M" for mines

Since the beginning of the 1990s, only one missile system has been developed in Russia for the Strategic Missile Forces - Topol-M with silo-type OS launchers and mobile ground launchers. After 1991, the technical appearance of the rocket was clarified; only Russian organizations and enterprises remained in cooperation. The Perm NPO Iskra joined the development of the first stage of the ICBM.

In 1992, MIT released an addition to the preliminary design, reflecting the changed appearance of the rocket and the complex as a whole. In 1993, by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, MIT was given the task of creating a unified ICBM using Russian enterprises.

Almost the same requirements were imposed on the Topol-M missile as on fourth-generation missiles. Today we can say that the Topol-M ICBM is characterized by a high degree of continuity from the previously created Topol complex.

The possibilities for improving the Topol-M missile, in relation to the existing Topol missile, were determined by the START-1 Treaty, according to which a missile was considered new if it differed from the existing one in at least one of certain characteristics.

The weight and size characteristics and some design principles of the Topol-M ICBM were limited by this agreement.

Layout diagram of the Topol-M ICBM of the Republic of Kazakhstan / Image: bastion-karpenko.ru

However, the Topol-M missile was significantly changed compared to its predecessor. The conditions for modernization are determined by the START-1 Treaty, according to which a missile is considered new if it differs from the existing one (analogue) in one of the following ways: the number of stages; type of fuel of any stage; starting weight by more than 10%; the length of either the assembled rocket without the warhead, or the length of the first stage of the rocket, by more than 10%; the diameter of the first stage by more than 5%; throw weight of more than 21% combined with a change in first stage length of 5% or more.

15P785-18E. Experimental launcher for the 15Zh65 rocket / Image: bastion-karpenko.ru

In accordance with the START-2 treaty, the conversion of 90 silo launchers of 15A18 missiles to the Topol-M missile is allowed, while guaranteeing the impossibility of installing heavy ICBMs in such a converted launcher. Refinement of these silos includes pouring a 5m layer of concrete at the bottom of the shaft, as well as installing a special restrictive ring at the top of the launcher. The internal dimensions of the heavy missile silo are excessive to accommodate the Topol-M missile, even taking into account the filling of the lower part of the launcher with concrete.

Launch position RK 15P165 with silo for the 15Zh65 rocket / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

The mass of the Topol-M rocket, its outer diameter and length are approximately 5, 1.5 and 1.5 times less than the mass-geometric dimensions of the 15A18M rocket, respectively. In order to preserve and use the heavy silo units and systems during conversion, it was necessary to carry out a number of comprehensive studies of the silo loading scheme during nuclear attack and launch, the maintenance system, the influence on the gas dynamics of the launch of the large internal free volume of the shaft, the restrictive ring and the massive and large-sized roof, issues of loading the TPK with a missile in a launcher, etc. In this case, the TPK with a missile must be unified for both types of silos.

Protective roof of the silo for the 15Zh65 rocket / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

Resource-saving technology when creating serial launchers involves preserving the protective roof, barbette, drum, mine shaft with bottom directly at the facility and reuse most of the PU 718 equipment - protective roof drives, shock absorption systems, elevators and other equipment - after their dismantling, sending to manufacturing plants, carrying out RVR at the plants with testing on stands.

The problem of implementing resource-saving technology is closely related to the establishment of new warranty periods for reused equipment, including mine shafts.

Placement of 15Zh65 missiles in a modified silo / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

The transport and installation unit of the 15T414 complex, created at the Motor Design Bureau, combines the functions of an installer and a transport and loading machine.

15T414 - transport and installation unit for transportation, temporary storage and installation in the RT-2PM2 (15Zh65) Topol-M ICBM silo / Photo: www.russianarms.ru

Successful flight tests allowed the State Commission to recommend the adoption of a silo launcher, converted from a silo launcher for heavy missiles, into service as part of the missile complex, and already in the summer of 2000, such a complex was adopted for service by decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

During combat duty, the Topol-M missile is located in a transport and launch container.

TPK missile 15Zh65 (it houses ground-based preparation and launch equipment) / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

TPK rocket 15Zh55 / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

The rocket uses controls of high efficiency and speed. The warhead is equipped with a powerful thermonuclear charge, meets the most stringent requirements for nuclear explosion safety and has particularly high resistance to the effects of nuclear and other weapons.

The developers of the Topol-M missile system successfully solved the problems of effectively countering echeloned advanced missile defense systems with space-based assets.

In accordance with the main development objectives, the Topol-M missile has high capabilities to overcome a promising missile defense system with space-based elements and can be used in conditions of a massive nuclear missile attack on the positional area where Strategic Missile Forces complexes are based.

The rocket has no protruding parts, including aerodynamic rudders. Thus, along with the use of appropriate structural materials and coatings, increased resistance to the effects of dust and soil formations and other damaging factors of a nuclear explosion of laser and other beam weapons is ensured.

Rocket propulsion systems are characterized by reduced operating time. As a result, most of the active part of the trajectory is located within the atmosphere, which prevents the use of space-based missile defense systems and reduces the intensity of the impact of radiation weapons on the missile.

According to experts, the Topol-M missile system is the first purely Russian-made missile system, which in its tactical and technical characteristics will significantly exceed the systems in operation.

Since March 1997, work on the Topol-M complex has been headed by the director and general designer of MIT, Yuri Solomonov.

Yuri Solomonov / Photo: MIT Press Service

Recalling his work on the mine version of the Topol-M complex, he says: “When designing the Topol-M rocket, we needed to create a design that, for the first time in domestic and world practice, would allow us to solve a number of complex problems. It was necessary to develop a missile that was universal in relation to the types of deployment, which would have: equally high combat qualities both as part of a stationary mine complex and as part of a mobile soil complex based on a self-propelled launcher; the highest shooting accuracy and the possibility of long-term combat duty in various combat readiness; high level of resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion in flight; adaptability to the deployment by a possible enemy of missile defense systems of various compositions. ...It was possible to significantly improve one of the main indicators of military weapons - firing accuracy, reduce the degree of vulnerability of a missile when exposed to missile defense, increase the resistance of a missile in flight to the damaging factors of various types of weapons, including nuclear weapons, and ensure increased nuclear explosion safety. The guaranteed shelf life of the new rocket is longer than that of previously created ones. Another important task was solved: the complex, from development and manufacturing to delivery to the troops, was created by Russian cooperation.”

The cooperation of MIT's subcontractors in the Republic of Kazakhstan "Topol-M" included the FSUE "NPC AP named after. Academician N.A. Pilyugin", FSUE "RFNC - VNIIEF", FSUE "FPDT "Soyuz", NPO "Iskra", FSUE "Votkinsky Plant", FSUE OKB "Vympel", OJSC "KBSM" and other enterprises.

The silo-based type with high durability of the silos assumed minimal deployment costs, which is why it was developed first. One of the main advantages of the structure of missile regiments with the Topol-M missile system was the use of resource-saving technologies. The need to change the diameter or depth of the old “glasses” of silo launchers has disappeared - only the system for attaching the container to the rocket is changing.

The development of the silo complex, taking into account the fact that at the test site two silo launchers - "Yuzhnaya-1" and "Yuzhnaya-2" - were then being prepared for the missiles of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau, began to be carried out for the Topol-M missile. It was necessary to convert these silos for a new missile, which was done in a fairly short time. The first launch of the Topol-M rocket was made from the converted Yuzhnaya-1 silo launcher developed by the Vympel Design Bureau.

Initially, for the Topol-M ICBM it was proposed to use an OS-type silo launcher developed by the Vympel Design Bureau for medium-class missiles UR-100NUTTH (15A35). During the development process, certain problems emerged. If for the mobile ground version of the Topol-M complex the problem was the choice of a chassis for the launcher - seven or eight axles, then for the stationary version the “critical moment” was the use of previously built mines. At the same time, their protective devices with opening drives, equipment compartment, barrel, entrance hatch and input devices remained without modifications. With minimal modifications, a depreciation system is used during re-examination.

15P785-18. Silo launcher for the 15Zh65 rocket / Image: bastion-karpenko.ru

Alexander Leontenkov / Photo: todd.vpk-media.ru

Model of a missile regiment command post. The two lower compartments are habitable: 12th, household; and 11th, from where control is carried out / Photo: komariv.livejournal.com

Fire tests of the Topol-M ICBM sustainer solid propellant rocket engines were carried out at the Geodesy Central Research Institute. Its flight tests of the rocket began with a successful launch from a silo launcher at the Plesetsk test site on December 20, 1994. Subsequently, until September 26, 2000, 10 more test launches of the Topol-M missiles of the stationary complex were carried out. The second launch took place in September 1995, the third on July 25, 1996. The fourth launch of the modernized Topol-M ICBM was successfully completed on July 8, 1997 from the Plesetsk test site.

Only the fifth launch, carried out on October 22, 1998, turned out to be an emergency due to the erroneous operation of an abnormal emergency detonation system, not installed on a combat missile, which interrupted the flight of a completely serviceable missile. All test launches were carried out from the Yuzhnaya launch pad from the silo.

To conduct further tests, a second launch pad was built - “Svetlaya” to accommodate the silo launcher of the Topol-M complex. Chairman of the State Commission, Deputy State Committee of the Strategic Missile Forces, Colonel General V.A. Nikitin. On December 8, 1998, the sixth test launch of the Topol-M rocket was carried out from the Plesetsk test site, which demonstrated the high reliability of the equipment. The seventh launch took place on June 3, 1999, and was successful. On September 3, 1999, the eighth ICBM launch was carried out, during which the warhead reached the Kura test site in Kamchatka in 23 minutes, then on December 14, 1999.

Launch of a 15Zh65 rocket from PU 15P765-18E (February 2000) / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

In 1999, according to the KBSM project, the creation of an experimental combat launch position 15P765-18E was completed at the Yubileinaya site of the Plesetsk cosmodrome using equipment dismantled in accordance with the START-2 Treaty from the silo launcher of the R-36M ICBM. On February 9 and August 26, 2000 (at a target in the Kamchatka region), two successful launches of the Topol-M missile took place from this silo. Successfully carried out regular test launches of the Topol-M confirmed the main flight characteristics of the rocket.

Even before the end of the tests of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on December 24, 1997, in the Taman missile division near Tatishchevo (Saratov region), two silo launchers with Topol-M missiles (one of them training) took up combat duty, and on December 27, 1998, they went on combat duty The head 104th Missile Regiment (commander Yu. Petrovsky) was supplied with 10 Topol-M ICBMs in converted silo launchers of high security removed from duty UR-100N ICBMs.

The entire modernization of the missile infrastructure for the new complex is carried out using resource-saving technology and is much cheaper than if it were necessary to re-build missile silos, command posts and control systems.

At the launchers, a minimum of construction and installation work was done, since neither the depth nor the diameter of the shafts was changed. At the command post, only the container itself with the equipment, manufactured at the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "State Obukhov Plant", was replaced.

All this, according to the head of the operational department of the Main Staff of the Strategic Missile Forces, Major General S. Ponomarev, made it possible to save 18.5 million rubles on each missile silo, and the complete re-equipment of the silos for the new missile will bring savings of 3.38 billion, stretched for several years.

In addition to missile silos and stationary command posts, the regiment's access roads were modernized, new cable networks for power supply and communications were laid, and the control system was modernized. Residential and training complexes for combat duty shifts were built. During 1999, from the Plesetsk training ground, combat crews of the Strategic Missile Forces successfully carried out several combat training launches of the Topol-M ICBM from these silo launchers.

These launches were carried out with the aim of accumulating statistical data on the tactical and technical characteristics, the operation of all ICBM systems in flight and the accuracy of the execution of specified programs.

Successful launches of flight tests of the 15Zh65 rocket / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

This Decree opened the way to a new stage in the development of the Strategic Missile Forces. On December 26, 2000, the third mine-based regiment of the Topol-M complex took up combat duty. According to initial plans, the rate of introduction of new complexes after 2000 could amount to 40-50 launchers (4-5 missile regiments) per year.

But according to the adjusted plans and the actual allocated funds, the Russian Ministry of Defense was supposed to put into service one regiment of ten missiles every year, but due to financial problems they were able to purchase no more than six vehicles per year. But in 2001-2002 there were no such purchases at all.

As General Designer Yuri Solomonov stated: “In 2004, the volume of state investment for the production of our Topol-M was cut almost in half without any discussion or agreement with us, although it was we who were entrusted with this work by the President of Russia.”.

In 2005, instead of six Topol-M missiles, only four entered service. From 1997 to the end of 2006, the Strategic Missile Forces received 42 Topol-M complexes. According to the approved state weapons program for 2007-2015. 50 Topol-M strategic missile systems will be purchased for the Strategic Missile Forces. The creation of the Topol-M ICBM from the preliminary design to the first pilot launch cost 142.8 billion rubles (in 1992 prices).

At the beginning of 2010, 5 missile regiments of the division were re-equipped with the stationary (mine)-based fifth-generation Topol-M missile system - in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003 and 2005.

Since 2010, the Tatishchevsky missile formation has been working to re-equip the sixth missile regiment with the Topol-M missile system. By the end of 2012, this regiment was brought to full strength. After the rearmament of this regiment was completed, the program to equip the Strategic Missile Forces with the Topol-M missile system was completed.

As has been repeatedly noted in the Russian media, when the United States withdraws from the ABM Treaty, plans to install three individually targetable warheads on the Topol-M complex are being discussed within the framework of the state defense order. For now, this is prohibited by the START-1 treaty, but on December 5, 2009, this document expires, which opens up the possibility for Moscow to equip Topol-M with multi-charge warheads.

Mobile soil complex "Topol-M" 15P155 with ICBM 15Zh55

Overcoming economic, organizational and personnel difficulties, in parallel with the creation of the stationary Topol-M complex, the MIT team continued hard work to create a mobile version of this complex.

As MIT Director and General Designer Yuri Solomonov recently noted “The important thing is that the missile for stationary and mobile systems is 100% unified. This was achieved by solving the most complex scientific, engineering and technological problems. In addition, this provided a significant economic effect for the developer and the Ministry of Defense.”

According to him, due to the 100% unification of the rocket, cost savings of about 12-15 billion rubles were achieved during its development.

PGRK "Topol-M" 15P155 with ICBM 15Zh55 / Photo: bastion-karpenko.ru

As already noted, the combat equipment of the Topol-M ICBM has been adapted to advanced missile defense systems, and the characteristics of mobility and protection from enemy technical reconnaissance equipment have been increased. Several dozen auxiliary engines and control equipment provide flight that is unpredictable for the enemy. The developers of Topol-M claim that it is completely immune to the effects of an electromagnetic pulse. The effectiveness of hitting a target is 1.6 - 4 times higher compared to previous missiles.

In addition to ICBMs, the Topol-M mobile ground complex includes control posts, autonomous launchers, as well as means to ensure operation and combat use complex. The new ICBM necessitated the creation of a new launcher. The SPU was developed by the Volgograd Federal State Unitary Enterprise "TsKB "Titan" (General Director and General Designer V.A. Shurygin) on the basis of an eight-axle wheeled all-wheel drive chassis 79221 with a central microprocessor control system of the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant.

Victor Shurygin / Photo: topwar.ru

The technical characteristics of the MZKT-79221 are exceptionally high, having no analogue in the world in terms of the combination of carrying capacity and maneuverability. Individual SPU units are manufactured at the Barrikady Production Association, Volgograd. Fundamentally new technical solutions were used when creating systems and units of the autonomous launcher (APU) of the Topol-M complex.

The possibilities of using SPUs when launching missiles from launch positions with weak-bearing soil have been significantly expanded. Thus, the partial suspension system makes it possible to deploy the Topol-M APU even on soft soils.

The maneuverability and maneuverability of the installation have been improved, which increases its survivability. Chassis systems provide monitoring, diagnostics, troubleshooting on board, issuing operating recommendations, as well as automatic control.

When developing the SPU, the main attention was paid to the introduction of new design solutions that increase the operational reliability of the unit; the maneuverability, maneuverability and autonomy of the SPU were increased.

S-4 Projection of Topol-M 15P155 PGRK with 15Zh55 ICBM / Image: bastion-karpenko.ru

The vehicle has a single three-seater cabin and two Russian-assembled diesel generators. A potential enemy is unable to track the mobile Topol-M. Once the launcher of the complex goes into the endless Russian forests, its trace is practically lost.

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

“Topol-M” can shoot from any point on the route. At the same time, the response nuclear strike in case of aggression guaranteed. However, the adoption and introduction into service of the mobile component of the Missile Forces group of the mobile version of the Topol-M will undoubtedly entail a change in the theory and practice of troop operations.

The characteristics of the Topol-M missile system can significantly increase the readiness of the Strategic Missile Forces to carry out assigned combat missions in any conditions, ensure maneuverability, secrecy of actions and survivability of units, subunits and individual launchers, as well as reliability of control and autonomous operation for a long time (without replenishment inventories of materials).

The first launch of the Topol-M rocket from a mobile launcher took place on September 25, 2000 from the Plesetsk test site and was successful. On April 20, 2004, the second launch was carried out from a mobile launcher at maximum range (about 11,000 - 11,500 km), which turned out to be very difficult from an organizational and technical point of view.

This was due, first of all, to the fact that the point of impact was outside the territory of the Russian Federation, in Pacific Ocean, which required the presence of special measuring equipment in the area to record the launch results. The ship “Marshal Krylov” of the Pacific Fleet was used as such a means.

This type of work has not been carried out since 1988. Such launches have not been carried out for about 20 years. Successful launch confirmed the combat readiness of an entire batch of serial missiles manufactured in two years for silo launchers. At the same time they were protected performance characteristics this unified missile for mobile and silo-based systems. This procedure alone saved about a billion rubles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was personally informed about this launch by Sergei Ivanov, then head of the Ministry of Defense, who then stated: “There will be one more launch, after which it will be possible to make a decision on putting this complex into service. The test launch was carried out to a maximum range of 11.5 thousand kilometers, the task was to confirm the functionality of the complex systems and evaluate the flight performance characteristics of the rocket. Everything went well."

Vladimir Putin, in turn, noted that the testing of the Topol-M mobile-based ballistic missile “is an important event in the Armed Forces, in a sense, even a milestone.”

In November from the Kapustin Yar training ground in Astrakhan region A successful test launch of the Topol-M rocket with a new warhead was carried out. This launch was already the sixth as part of testing a system created to overcome the American missile defense system. Answering the president’s question, the Minister of Defense confirmed that the launch was similar to the one carried out last winter in Plesetsk, when the president was shown a superweapon - a hypersonic aircraft (HLA): the latest warhead for Topol-M type missiles.

Its flight is carried out according to a “non-classical scheme”: the GLA is capable of flying not only along a ballistic trajectory with hypersonic speed, but also in the atmosphere, arbitrarily changing the flight path. This allows him to overcome any missile defense systems. For example, neither the current nor the promising US national missile defense system (today Germany, France and Japan are also creating their own missile defense systems) are able to track the flight of the Topol-M.

The second division, armed with the Topol-M mobile ground-based missile system (PGRK), will go on combat duty in the Ivanovo region in December 2007. The Topol-M PGRK missile division includes three launchers. The deployment program for the Topol-M mobile complex was synchronized in terms of timing with the gradual withdrawal from the Strategic Missile Forces of its predecessor, the Topol missile system.

In 2008, the Strategic Missile Forces put on combat duty 11 launchers (PU) of the Topol-M missile system, stationary and mobile, said the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, “The rate of commissioning of the new Topol-M missile system, both stationary and and mobile deployment will increase,” the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces clarified. “In 2008, 11 launchers will be put on combat duty—two silo-based and nine mobile.”

In 2009, the second regiment of the Teikovsky missile formation was re-equipped with the Topol-M mobile ground missile system. In the Tatishchevsky connection they continued preparatory work to re-equip the silo-based missile system of the next, sixth, missile regiment with the Topol-M missile system.

As of the beginning of 2009, the Strategic Missile Forces had 50 mine-based and 12 mobile-based launchers of the Topol-M missile system.

On combat duty at the Vladimir Missile Association there are missile systems with mobile-based RS-12M “Topol”, stationary-based RS-18, mobile and stationary-based RS-12M2 “Topol-M” ICBMs. On December 14, 2010, the sixth regiment of the Tatishchev Missile Division in the Saratov Region, armed with the silo-based Topol-M complex, took up combat duty. At the end of November 2010, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, Lieutenant General Sergei Karakaev, announced that rocket troops will gradually be re-equipped from the RS-12M2 Topol-M mobile missile systems to the new RS-24 Yars mobile missile systems.

According to him, the new complex, along with the Topols already put into service, will form “the basis of the strike force of the Strategic Missile Forces for the foreseeable future, until 2020.” In 2012, the rearmament of the Teykovsky missile formation was completed ( Ivanovo region) for the latest fifth-generation mobile ground-based missile systems (PGRK) “Topol-M” and “Yars”. Teykovskaya missile division became the first formation in the Strategic Missile Forces to be completely re-equipped with fifth-generation PGRK.

In 2012, work began on re-equipment of the Novosibirsk and Kozelsky missile systems with the Yars missile system ( Kaluga region) missile formations. President Vladimir Putin said that the Topol-M complex is a significant contribution to increasing Russia's combat capability.

The President noted that Topol-M is the latest mobile complex, which has the special qualities of increased survivability, starting speed and other parameters, reports. V.V. Putin has previously repeatedly named Topol-M among “developments that other nuclear states do not have and will not have in the coming years.”

“These missile systems are not a response to the missile defense system, but they do not care whether it exists or not,” Putin emphasized, assessing the missile’s combat equipment. “These systems operate at hypersound, change their trajectory in course and altitude, and the missile defense system is designed for ballistic trajectories.”

The Strategic Missile Forces will receive up to six Topol-M ICBMs per year, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces said. According to him, in addition to the three Topol-M missiles that arrived at the Teikovsky formation on December 10, this year the Strategic Missile Forces received two silo-based Topol-M ICBMs, which were placed on combat duty in Tatishchevo.

Currently, five regiments in the Tatishchevsky formation have been re-equipped with silo-based Topol M missiles, the total number of missiles on combat duty has been increased to 44 units. New mobile systems should replace the old Topols, which have been in service since the late 1980s and have already reached the end of their extended technical life.

It is planned that mobile and stationary Topol-M complexes will become the basis combat personnel The Strategic Missile Forces after the Topol, UR-100N UTTH and R-36M2 Voevoda missile systems that have served their established and extended service lives are removed from combat duty.

In accordance with the State Armament Program (GPV), the Strategic Nuclear Forces will receive 69 Topol-M ICBM launchers in silo and mobile versions in 2007-2015. “In the near future we will begin to replace monoblocks with intercontinental missiles“Topol-M” with multiple warheads,” said the commander-in-chief of the Strategic Missile Forces.

PGRK "Topol-M" is distinguished by increased operational characteristics, in particular, the warranty period has been increased by 1.5 times and nuclear safety has been increased due to the introduction of new technical solutions and implementation of fire protection measures for APU equipment. When creating the Topol-M PGRK, a set of measures was implemented that ensured significant financial savings, including through the use of the same rocket as for the silo-based complex.

This made it possible to apply an experimental testing system with a 3-4 times reduced test volume.

In addition, the high degree of use of the existing infrastructure of the Strategic Missile Forces position areas and compatibility with the existing combat control and communications system made it possible to reduce the costs of introducing the complex into the Strategic Missile Forces group by approximately 2 times.

As MIT director and general designer Yuri Solomonov recently said: “In 2005-2006, a thorough assessment of the possibilities of cooperation among more than 600 enterprises involved in the Russian nuclear missile industry was carried out. It is safe to say that the task of rearmament of the domestic nuclear missile shield is feasible.»

According to Yu. Solomonov, the development of strategic nuclear forces is fully funded by the state, which allows us to hope that by 2015-2020 the land and sea group of strategic nuclear forces of the Russian Federation will be completely updated.

Characteristics - "Topol-M"