What kind of fuel does a poplar rocket have? Topol-M missile launcher (Upgraded)

July 23, 2010 marks 25 years since the day when ground mobile vehicles were put on combat duty intercontinental missiles"Poplar".

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

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

The mobile complex was supposed to be a response to increasing the accuracy of American ICBMs. It was necessary to create a missile that was achieved not by building reliable shelters, but by creating vague ideas among the enemy about the location of the missile.

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

By the end of autumn 1983, an experimental series of new missiles was built. On December 23, 1983, flight development tests began at the Plesetsk training ground. During the entire period of their implementation, only one launch was unsuccessful. In general, the rocket showed high reliability. The combat units of the entire combat missile system (BMK) were also tested there. In December 1984, the main series of tests was completed and a decision was made to begin mass production of the complexes. However, the full testing of the mobile complex, called “Topol”, ended only in December 1988.

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

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

The first stage of the rocket consists of a propulsion rocket engine on solid fuel (solid propellant rocket engine) and the tail section. The mass of the fully equipped stage is 27.8 tons. Its length is 8.1 m and its diameter is 1.8 m. The first-stage propulsion solid propellant rocket engine has one fixed, centrally located nozzle. The tail section is cylindrical in shape, on the outer surface of which aerodynamic control surfaces and stabilizers are located.

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

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

The third stage includes connecting and transition sections of a conical shape and a sustainer solid propellant rocket engine. Case diameter - 1.34 m.

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

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

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

During operation, the RT-2PM missile is located in a transport and launch container located on a mobile launcher. The container is 22.3 m long and 2.0 m in diameter.

The launcher is mounted on the basis of a seven-axle chassis of a MAZ vehicle and is equipped with units and systems that ensure transportation, maintenance of combat readiness at the established level, preparation and launch of the rocket.

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

After shooting off the protective cap of the container, the rocket is ejected from it by powder starting engines several meters upward, where the first-stage propulsion engine is turned on.

The maximum firing range is 10,500 km. Rocket length - 21.5 m. Launch weight 45.1 tons. Weight of the warhead - 1 ton. Nuclear warhead power - 0.55 Mt. Firing accuracy (maximum deviation) - 0.9 km. The combat patrol area of the complex is 125 thousand square meters. km.

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

Combat readiness (time to prepare for launch) from the moment the order was received until the missile was launched was brought to two minutes.

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

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

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

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

Every year one control launch of the Topol rocket is carried out from the Plesetsk test site. The high reliability of the complex is evidenced by the fact that during its testing and operation, about fifty control and test launches of missiles were carried out. All of them went without a hitch.

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

The material was prepared based on information from open sources

Intercontinental ballistic missile "Topol" (RS-12M)
At the end of 1993, Russia announced the development of a new domestic rocket, designed to become the basis of a promising group of strategic missile forces. The development of the RS-12M2 missile, called Topol-M, is being carried out by a Russian cooperation of enterprises and design bureaus. The lead developer of the missile system is the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering.

The Topol-M missile is being created as a modernization of the RS-12M ICBM. The conditions for modernization are determined by the START-1 Treaty, according to which a missile is considered new if it differs from the existing one (analogue) in one of the following ways:

number of steps;

type of fuel of any stage;

starting weight by more than 10%;

the length of either the assembled rocket without the warhead, or the length of the first stage of the rocket by more than 10%;

the diameter of the first stage by more than 5%;

throw weight of more than 21% combined with a change in first stage length of 5% or more.

Thus, the mass-dimensional characteristics and some features design Topol-M ICBMs are strictly limited.

The stage of state flight testing of the Topol-M missile system took place at 1-GIK MO. In December 1994, the first launch took place from a silo launcher. On April 28, 2000, the State Commission approved an act on the adoption of the intercontinental missile by the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation ballistic missile"Topol-M".

Deployment of units - regiment in Tatishchevo ( Saratov region) (since November 12, 1998), military unit in Altai (near the village of Sibirsky, Pervomaisky district, Atai Territory). The first two Topol-M /RS-12M2/ missiles were put on experimental combat duty in Tatishchevo in December 1997 after four test launches, and on December 30, 1998, the first regiment of 10 missiles of this type began combat duty.

The manufacturer of Topol-M missiles is the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant State Enterprise. The nuclear warhead was created under the leadership of Georgy Dmitriev at Arzamas-16.

The RS-12M2 "Topol-M" missile is unified with the promising "Bulava" missiles being created for weapons nuclear submarines strategic purpose of project 955.

In the west, the complex received the designation SS-X-27.

Compound

During combat duty, the Topol-M missile is located in a transport and launch container. It is operated as part of stationary (in silo launchers) and mobile complexes. In this case, the stationary version uses silo launchers (silos) of missiles removed from service or destroyed in accordance with the START-2 Treaty. A stationary grouping is created by re-equipping the 15A35 medium-class ICBM silos (developed by the Vympel Design Bureau) and the 15A18M heavy-class ICBMs (developed by the KBSM Design Bureau).

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. 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 research silo loading schemes during nuclear weapons and launch, maintenance systems, the influence on the gas dynamics of the launch of a large internal free volume of the shaft, the restrictive ring and a massive and large-sized roof, issues of loading a TPK with a missile into the launcher, etc. In this case, the TPK with a missile must be unified for both types silo.

Resource-saving technology when creating serial launchers provides for the preservation of the protective roof, barbette, drum, mine shaft with bottom directly at the site and the reuse of most of the equipment of the launcher 718 - protective roof drives, shock absorption systems, elevators and other equipment - after their dismantling and sending to manufacturing plants, carrying out RVR at factories with testing on stands. The problem of implementing resource-saving technology is closely related to the establishment of new warranty periods for reused equipment, including mine shafts. Placing Topol-M missiles in existing silos modified in this way can significantly reduce the costs of developing and deploying the complex.

The transport and installation unit of the complex (see photo), created at KB "Motor", combines the functions of an installer and a transport and loading machine.

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.

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Download video of the Topol-M launch
Fundamentally new technical solutions were used when creating systems and units of the mobile launcher, the Topol-M complex. Thus, the partial suspension system makes it possible to deploy the Topol-M launcher even on soft soils. The maneuverability and maneuverability of the installation have been improved, which increases its survivability. "Topol-M" is capable of launching from any point in the positional area, and also has improved camouflage means against both optical and other reconnaissance means.

The re-equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces units is carried out using existing infrastructure. Mobile and desktop options are fully compatible with existing system combat control and communications.

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 reserves material resources). The aiming accuracy has been almost doubled, the accuracy of determining geodetic data has been increased by one and a half times, and the preparation time for launch has been halved.

The weight of the launcher is 120 tons, length - 22 meters, width - 3.4 meters. Six pairs of eight wheels are swivel, providing a turning radius of 16 meters. The ground pressure of the installation is half that of a conventional truck, and the engine power of 800 horsepower allows you to overcome snow and water obstacles up to a meter deep.

Unlike its predecessor “Topol”, the RS-12M2 “Topol-M” does not have lattice stabilizers and rudders, and the power of the mixed solid propellant charge is much higher. The missiles are equipped with monoblock warheads, but, unlike all others strategic missiles, may be in the shortest possible time re-equipped with multiple warheads for individual guidance.

The main advantages of the Topol-M missile system lie in its flight characteristics and combat stability when penetrating possible enemy missile defense systems. Three solid fuel propulsion engines allow the rocket to gain speed much faster than all previous types of rockets. The higher energy of the missile makes it possible to reduce the effectiveness of missile defense in the active part of the trajectory. In addition, the RS-12M2 missile carries a whole range of missile defense breakthrough weapons more than the American MX with 10 warheads.

A maneuvering warhead has been created for the Topol-M, which does not allow it to be intercepted and destroyed by existing and future missile defense systems. Equipping regular units with mobile Topol-M with new warheads begins in 2006. In the future, up to nine launchers should be supplied to the troops annually. In parallel, it is planned to install new warheads on the already deployed 40 silo Topolya-M missiles and the promising Bulava naval missiles, created to arm nuclear submarines.

However, Topol-M is apparently not an ideal complex; reliance on it appears to be largely due to a lack of alternatives. During the discussion around the START II treaty, numerous publications revealed its shortcomings. In accordance with this information, "Topol" has a relatively low speed and low security, which limits its ability to escape from an attack with a short warning time and makes it vulnerable to damaging factors nuclear explosion, such as a shock wave. Although Topol-M, apparently, has been improved, its weight and dimensions are close to those of Topol, and this puts objective limits on the way to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings.

Tactical and technical characteristics.

Maximum firing range, km 11000

Number of stages 3

Launch weight, t 47.1

Throwing mass, t 1.2

Rocket length without warhead, m 17.5 (17.9)

Rocket length, m 22.7

Maximum diameter, m 1.86

Head type monoblock, nuclear

Solid fuel, mixed

Type of control system: autonomous, inertial based on on-line control system.

Warhead equivalent, mt 0.55

Circular probable deviation, km 0.9

Testing and operation

February 9, 2000 At 15:59 Moscow time, the combat crew of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation (RVSN) from the 1st State Test Cosmodrome "Plesetsk" carried out a successful test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile "Topol-M". The Topol-M (RS-12M2) ICBM was launched on the Kura battlefield, located in Kamchatka. The missile hit a training target in a given area.

April 20, 2004 at 21:30 Moscow time by joint combat crews of the Strategic Missile Forces and Space Force Russia from the Plesetsk cosmodrome carried out the next test launch of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a self-propelled launcher according to the flight test plan in the interests of the Strategic Missile Forces. This was the first launch into the water area in the last 15 years. Hawaiian Islands with a range of more than 11 thousand kilometers.

December 24, 2004 A successful test launch of the Topol-M missile was carried out from a mobile launcher. The launch took place at 12:39 Moscow time from the Plesetsk test site. The warhead of the missile reached its designated target at the Kura training ground in Kamchatka at 13:03 Moscow time. The launch was the fourth and final launch of a mobile version of the Topol-M complex, carried out as part of testing the complex.

November 1, 2005 from the Kapustin Yar training ground in Astrakhan region A successful test launch of the RS-12M1 Topol-M missile with a maneuvering warhead was carried out. This launch was the sixth to test a system being created to overcome American missile defenses. The launch took place at the tenth test site, Balkhash (Priozersk), located in Kazakhstan.

The RT-2PM2 rocket is designed as a three-stage rocket with a powerful mixed solid fuel power plant and a fiberglass body. It does not have lattice stabilizers or rudders. The launch weight of the RT-2PM2 rocket is more than 47 tons. The length of the rocket is 22.7 m, the length without the head part is 17.5 m. The maximum diameter of the body is 1.86 m. The weight of the head part is 1.2 tons. The maximum firing range is 11,000 km.

Topol is a launch vehicle, the destruction radius depends on the warhead, if nuclear warhead, there are many more factors in the size of the affected area, ranging from power, type of explosion, terrain, weather conditions, state air masses and a number of other factors.

Calculation of the affected area

During a ground-based nuclear explosion, a crater is formed on the surface of the earth, the size of which depends on the power of the explosion and the type of soil.

For example, for a bomb with a 1MT TNT equivalent, the diameter of the crater will be 380 m. The depth of the crater will be approximately 40-60 m.

The source of nuclear damage is characterized by:
A) mass destruction people and animals;
b) destruction and damage to ground buildings and structures;
c) partial destruction, damage or blockage of protective structures of civil defense;
d) the occurrence of individual, continuous and massive fires;
e) the formation of complete and partial blockages of streets, driveways, and intra-block areas;
f) the occurrence of massive accidents in public utility networks;
g) the formation of areas and stripes of radioactive contamination of the area during a ground explosion.

Damage radius shock wave, light radiation and penetrating radiation of a ground explosion are somewhat less than in an air explosion. Characteristic feature ground explosion is a strong radioactive contamination of the area both in the area of the explosion and in the direction of movement of the radioactive cloud.

To calculate, enter the TNT equivalent in MT into register X and press S/P. After the calculation is completed, in RT - the radius of the zone of complete destruction in km, in RZ and RY, respectively, the radii of the zones of strong and weak destruction in km, in RX - the initial value of the TNT equivalent in MT.

Americans have nothing to respond to the Russian Topol-M

The Russian Topol-M nuclear missile has a destruction radius of 10 thousand km, its striking power is 75 times greater than that of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

After Russia supplied its army with 10 new intercontinental ballistic missiles with a destruction radius of 10 thousand km, analysts started talking about the possible start of a new nuclear race between former rivals cold war» Washington and Moscow. Moreover, the Russian Federation already has 46 such Topol missiles installed throughout the state.

Last weekend, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that new Topol-M missiles based in the Saratov region are ready for use if necessary. Experts call these missiles “weapons of the 21st century” or “weapons of the future.”

The outstanding capabilities of the Topols are not hidden by the command of the Russian armed forces, claiming that they are capable of carrying out unprecedented maneuvers, bypassing any anti-missile system, including electromagnetic impacts on which the current American system PRO.

As British analyst Duncan Lamont writes in the November issue of the prestigious publication Jane's Strategic Weapons Systems, "Topol-M" and "Bulava" are ballistic missiles of a completely new class, capable of maneuvering both during the march and during the final phase of flight, which gives them the ability to bypass any ground-based missile defense systems, even those located in Alaska and California.”

What are Topol M rockets?

This is not even a missile, but a complete Russian missile system for strategic purposes. The complex includes the missile itself and the launch vehicle itself. The missile can carry one thermonuclear warhead. In 2011 Russian ministry defense abandoned this outdated complex in favor of more advanced systems. But the missile system is still on combat duty and mainly in Taman.

Apparently, this is a ballistic missile, judging by the abbreviation M, it should be intercontinental, a formidable thing is launched from special underground mines, the damage radius is about 11 kilometers, one of the main nuclear missiles Russia power 550 kiloton

Unpeaceful atom

Missile complex Topol-M developed in two versions: silo-based and as a self-propelled launcher. The complex is armed with fifth-generation intercontinental ballistic missiles RT-2PM2 and RT-2PM1, developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering and capable of carrying a nuclear charge.

The missiles have increased protection from the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion, a powerful system for overcoming enemy missile defense systems, and can be effectively used to destroy planned and unplanned targets. The silo-based version of the missile was put into service in April 2000, and the mobile version in December 2006.

The RT-2PM1 and RT-2PM2 missiles consist of three stages and operate on solid fuel. Their length reaches 21 meters, diameter - 1.8 meters, and weight - 47.2 tons. The mass of the missile head is 1.2 tons, the mass of the thermonuclear warhead is 550 kilograms. The missile is capable of hitting targets within a radius of up to 11.5 thousand kilometers.

Currently, the Russian Strategic Missile Forces are switching to the latest Yars missile systems with RS-24 missiles. In the future, mobile Yars will replace Topol-M. It is planned to keep only mine-based Topols in service.

Sources: otvet.mail.ru, mk.semico.ru, www.km.ru, www.bolshoyvopros.ru, lenta.ru

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Complex RT-2PM2 "Topol-M"(code RS-12M2, according to NATO classification - SS-27 Sickle "Sickle") - a Russian strategic missile system with an intercontinental ballistic missile, developed in the late 1980s - early 1990s on the basis of the RT-2PM "Topol" complex . The first intercontinental ballistic missile developed in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. Adopted into service in 1997. The lead developer of the missile system is the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT).

Missile of the Topol-M complex is solid fuel, three-stage. Maximum range - 11,000 km. Carries one thermonuclear warhead with a power of 550 kt. The missile is based both in silo launchers (silos) and on mobile launchers. The silo-based version was put into service in 2000.

Designed to carry out missions to target enemy territory in the face of counteraction from existing and future missile defense systems, with multiple nuclear impacts on a positional area, and when a positional area is blocked by high-altitude nuclear explosions. It is used as part of the 15PO65 silo-based and 15P165 mobile-based complexes.

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

Number of steps	3
Length (with MS)	22.55 m
Length (without MS)	17.5 m
Diameter	1.81 m
Launch weight	46.5 t
Throwing weight	1.2 t
Fuel type	Solid mixed
Maximum range	11000 km
Head type	Monobloc, nuclear, detachable
Number of warheads	1 + about 20 dummies
Charge power	550 Kt
Control system	Autonomous, inertial based on BTsVK
Based method	Mine and mobile

Mobile complex "Topol-M" is a single missile placed in a high-strength fiberglass transport and launch container (TPK), mounted on an eight-axle MZKT-79221 cross-country chassis and is structurally practically no different from the silo version. The weight of the launcher is 120 tons. Six pairs of eight wheels are swivel, providing a turning radius of 18 meters.

The ground pressure of the installation is half that of a conventional truck. Engine V-shaped 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine YaMZ-847 with a power of 800 hp. The depth of the ford is up to 1.1 meters.

When creating systems and units of the mobile “Topol-M”, a number of fundamentally new technologies were used technical solutions compared to the Topol complex. Thus, the partial suspension system makes it possible to deploy the Topol-M launcher even on soft soils. The maneuverability and maneuverability of the installation have been improved, which increases its survivability.

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

Intercontinental missile consists of three stages with solid propellant propulsion engines. Aluminum is used as fuel, ammonium perchlorate acts as an oxidizing agent. The step bodies are made of composites. All three stages are equipped with a rotating nozzle to deflect the thrust vector (there are no lattice aerodynamic rudders).

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

Launch method - mortar for both options. The rocket's sustaining solid-propellant engine allows it to gain speed much faster than previous types of rockets of a similar class created in Russia and the Soviet Union. This makes it much more difficult for missile defense systems to intercept it during the active phase of the flight.

The missile is equipped with a detachable warhead with one thermonuclear warhead with a capacity of 550 kt of TNT equivalent. The warhead is also equipped with a set of means to overcome missile defense. The complex of means for overcoming missile defense consists of passive and active decoys, as well as means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. Several dozen auxiliary engines corrections, instruments and control mechanisms allow the warhead to maneuver along the trajectory, making it difficult to intercept it at the final part of the trajectory.

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

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

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

Reducing the time and length of the active section through extremely rapid acceleration of the rocket. Acceleration time to final speed (over 7 km/s) is less than 3 minutes.
The missile’s ability to maneuver in the active section, complicating the enemy’s solution to the interception task, as well as to perform a program maneuver when passing through the cloud of a nuclear explosion
Protective coating of the housing new development, providing comprehensive protection against the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and weapons based on new physical principles.
A complex for overcoming missile defense, including passive and active decoys and means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. LCs are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, laser, infrared, radar), they allow simulating the characteristics of warheads according to almost all selection criteria in the extra-atmospheric, transitional and significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the flight path of missile warheads, up to altitudes 2 - 5 km; are resistant to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and radiation from a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser, etc. For the first time, LCs have been designed that can withstand super-resolution radars. Means for distorting the characteristics of the warhead consist of a radio-absorbing (combined with heat-shielding) coating of the warhead, active jammers, etc. The radar signature of the warhead is reduced by several orders of magnitude, the ESR is 0.0001 sq.m. Its detection range has been reduced to 100 - 200 km. The optical and IR visibility of the BB is extremely reduced due to the effective cooling of the BB surface in the transatmospheric section and the reduction in the luminosity of the BB's wake in the atmospheric section, achieved incl. due to the injection of special liquid products into the trace area that reduce the intensity of radiation. As a result of the measures taken, it is possible to overcome the monoblock warhead of a promising multi-echelon missile defense system with space-based elements with a probability of 0.93 - 0.94. The high- and sub-atmospheric missile defense section is overcome with a probability of 0.99, the atmospheric - with a probability of 0.93 - 0.95.

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

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

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

Rocket "Topol-M" unified with the rocket "Mace" sea-based, created to arm the Project 955 SSBN. The Bulava’s competitor is the R-29RMU2 liquid-fueled ICBM “ Sineva" It is significantly superior to the Bulava (like all other ICBMs) in terms of energy and mass perfection, but is inferior in terms of what is important for Russian missiles sea-based criterion - survival in the active site due to lower acceleration speed and greater vulnerability from laser weapons characteristic of liquid rockets compared to solid propellant ones. However, the Bulava rocket, with a launch weight of about 37 tons, is significantly inferior in striking power to existing heavier solid-fuel rockets, including the Trident-2 rocket with a launch weight of 59 tons. (Bulava warhead - 6x150 kt, Trident-2 (theoretically) - 8x475 kt). The project to equip the naval component of the Russian nuclear forces with SSBNs with light ballistic missiles "Bulava" is criticized by experts who point to the need to arm domestic SSBNs with high-tech solid-fuel SLBM R-39UTTH, the testing of which was curtailed in the 90s. and which, if put into service, would have no analogues in the world among SLBMs in terms of striking power and flight performance.

Transportation of the rocket and loading into the silo

Transportation and loading into the silo of the 5th generation intercontinental ballistic missile system RT-2PM2 "Topol-M". Location: 60th Taman Order October Revolution Red Banner Missile Division.

At the end of 1993, Russia announced the development of a new domestic missile, designed to become the basis of a promising group of strategic missile forces. The development of the 15Zh65 (RS-12M2) rocket, called Topol-M, was carried out by a Russian cooperation of enterprises and design bureaus. The lead developer of the missile system is the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering.

The Topol-M missile was created as a modernization of the RS-12M ICBM. The conditions for modernization are determined by the START-1 Treaty, according to which a missile is considered new if it differs from the existing one (analogue) in one of the following ways:

number of steps;

type of fuel of any stage;

starting weight by more than 10%;

the length of either the assembled rocket without the warhead, or the length of the first stage of the rocket by more than 10%;

the diameter of the first stage by more than 5%;

throw weight of more than 21% combined with a change in first stage length of 5% or more.

Thus, the mass-dimensional characteristics and some design features of the Topol-M ICBM are strictly limited.

The stage of state flight testing of the Topol-M missile system took place at 1-GIK MO. In December 1994, the first launch took place from a silo launcher. April 28, 2000 The State Commission approved the act on the adoption of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile into service by the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation.

The deployment of units is a regiment in Tatishchevo (Saratov region) (since November 12, 1998), military unit in Altai (near the village of Sibirsky, Pervomaisky district, Atai Territory). The first two Topol-M /RS-12M2/ missiles were put on experimental combat duty in Tatishchevo in December 1997 after four test launches, and on December 30, 1998, the first regiment of 10 missiles of this type began combat duty.

The manufacturer of Topol-M missiles is the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant State Enterprise. The nuclear warhead was created under the leadership of Georgy Dmitriev at Arzamas-16.

The RS-12M2 "Topol-M" missile is unified with the promising R-30 "Bulava" missiles, created to arm Project 955 strategic nuclear submarines.

In the west the complex received the designation SS-X-27.

Compound

The 15Zh65 missile is operated as part of stationary (15P065) and mobile (15P165) combat missile systems (BMS). In this case, the stationary version uses silo launchers (silos) of missiles removed from service or destroyed in accordance with the START-2 Treaty. The stationary group is created by converting the 15P735 silo launcher for the 15A35 medium-class ICBM (developed by the Vympel Design Bureau) and the 15P718 silo launcher for the 15A18M heavy-class ICBM (developed by KBSM).

The 15P065 combat stationary silo missile system includes 10 15Zh65 missiles in 15P765-35 silo launchers and one highly protected unified command post of the 15V222 type (located on a suspension in the silo using special shock absorption). The use of a “mortar launch” made it possible to significantly increase the resistance of the 15P765-35 silo to PFYAV due to the removal of elements of the 15P735 launcher necessary for the gas-dynamic launch of 15A35 missiles, the use of an improved shock-absorbing system and filling the released volume with heavy reinforced concrete of special grades. Work on the conversion of silo launchers 15P735 to accommodate Topol-M missiles was carried out by the Vympel Experimental Design Bureau under the leadership of Dmitry Dragun.

In accordance with the START-2 treaty, the conversion of 90 15P718 silo launchers of 15A18 missiles to the 15Zh65 missile is allowed, provided that guarantees are provided that it is impossible to install heavy ICBMs in such a converted launcher. Refinement of these silos includes pouring a 5m layer of concrete at the bottom of the shaft, as well as installing a special restrictive ring at the top of the launcher. The internal dimensions of the heavy missile silo are excessive to accommodate the Topol-M missile, even taking into account the filling of the lower part of the launcher with concrete. The mass of the Topol-M rocket, its outer diameter and length are approximately 5, 1.5 and 1.5 times less than the mass-geometric dimensions of the 15A18M rocket, respectively. In order to preserve and use the heavy silo units and systems during conversion, it was necessary to carry out a number of comprehensive studies of the silo loading scheme during nuclear attack and launch, the maintenance system, the influence on the gas dynamics of the launch of the large internal free volume of the shaft, the restrictive ring and the massive and large-sized roof, issues of loading the TPK with a rocket in the launcher, etc.

Resource-saving technology when creating serial PU 15P765-18 provides for the preservation of the protective roof, barbette, drum, mine shaft with bottom directly at the site and the reuse of most of the equipment of the 15P718 PU - protective roof drives, shock absorption systems, elevators and other equipment - after their dismantling , sending to manufacturing plants, carrying out RVR at factories with testing on stands. The problem of implementing resource-saving technology is closely related to the establishment of new warranty periods for reused equipment, including mine shafts. Placing Topol-M missiles in existing silos modified in this way can significantly reduce the costs of developing and deploying the complex. Successful flight tests (see photo - 09/26/2000 site 163/1 "Yubileinaya") allowed the State Commission to recommend the adoption of a silo launcher, converted from a silo launcher for heavy missiles, into service as part of the missile complex, and already in the summer of 2000 such a complex was adopted for service by decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

The 15P065 combat missile system (CBM) with a light-class solid-fuel ICBM 15Zh65, which has increased resistance to PFYV, ensures the launch of a missile without delay for the normalization of the external situation during repeated nuclear impacts on neighboring DBK facilities and when a position area is blocked by high-altitude nuclear explosions, as well as with minimal delay in case of non-destructive nuclear impact directly on the launcher. Stability of PU and mine command post to the PFYAV has been significantly increased, there is the possibility of launching from the constant combat readiness mode according to one of the planned target designations, as well as operational retargeting and launching according to any unscheduled target designation transmitted from the highest echelon of control. The likelihood of launch commands being transmitted to the control panel and silos has been increased. During combat duty, the 15Zh65 missile is located in a metal transport and launch container. TPKs are unified for both types of silos.

The transport and installation unit of the complex (see photo), created at KB "Motor", combines the functions of an installer and a transport and loading machine.

Mobile-based Topol-M ICBMs are deployed as part of the DBK 15P165. The mobile-based 15Zh65 missile is housed in a high-strength fiberglass TPK on an eight-axle MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922) cross-country chassis and is structurally practically no different from the silo version. The weight of the launcher is 120 tons, length - 22 meters, width - 3.4 meters. Six pairs of eight wheels are swivel, providing a turning radius of 18 meters. The ground pressure of the installation is half that of a conventional truck. The PU engine is a V-shaped 12-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine YaMZ-847 with a power of 800 hp. The depth of the ford is up to 1.1 m. When creating systems and units of the DBK 15P165 Topol-M, a number of fundamentally new technical solutions were used in comparison with the Topol complex. Thus, the partial suspension system makes it possible to deploy the Topol-M launcher even on soft soils. The maneuverability and maneuverability of the installation have been improved, which increases its survivability. "Topol-M" is capable of launching from any point in the positional area, and also has improved means of camouflage against both optical and other reconnaissance means (including by reducing the infrared component of the complex's unmasking field, as well as the use of special coatings that reduce radar visibility).

The 15Zh65 missile has three sustainer stages plus a warhead deployment stage. All stages are solid fuel. The marching steps have a one-piece "cocoon"-type body made of composite material. Unlike its predecessor, the Topol, the 15Zh65 does not have lattice stabilizers or rudders. Flight control in the first stage operation area is carried out by a central rotating partially recessed nozzle based on an elastic hinge. The length of the first stage is 8.04 m, the diameter is 1.86 m, the weight of the fully loaded first stage is 28.6 tons. The thrust of the first stage solid propellant rocket engine at sea level is 890,000 kN. The second and third stages are equipped with a central rotating partially recessed nozzle with a folding nozzle tip. The nozzle blocks of all stages are made of carbon-carbon material, the nozzle liners are based on a three-dimensionally reinforced oriented carbon-carbon matrix. The diameter of the second stage is 1.61m, the third - 1.58m.

The control system is inertial based on the on-board central control system and a gyro-stabilized platform. The complex of high-speed command gyroscopic devices has improved accuracy characteristics, the new on-board computer has increased performance and resistance to the effects of PFYaV, aiming is ensured through the implementation of autonomous determination of the azimuth of the control element installed on the gyro-stabilized platform, using a ground-based complex of command devices located on the TPK. Increased combat readiness, accuracy and continuous operation life of on-board equipment are ensured.

High support characteristics of the 15Zh65 missile high level resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion was achieved through the use of a set of measures that had proven themselves during the creation of the R-36M2 (15A18M) ICBM, RT-23UTTH (15Zh60) and RT-2PM (15Zh58):

the use of a newly developed protective coating applied to the outer surface of the rocket body and providing comprehensive protection against nuclear attack;
application of a control system developed on an element base with increased durability and reliability;
applying a special coating with a high content of rare earth elements to the body of the sealed instrument compartment, which housed the control system equipment;
the use of shielding and special methods of laying side cable network rockets;
introducing a special program maneuver for a missile when passing through a cloud of a ground-based nuclear explosion, etc.

Successful measures were taken to reduce the flight duration and reduce the altitude of the end point of the active part of the rocket's flight path. The ICBM also received the possibility of limited maneuver in the active part of the trajectory, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of its destruction in the most vulnerable, initial phase of the flight. According to the developers, the active flight phase (launch, operation of the sustainer stages, disengagement of combat equipment) of the Topol-M ICBM is reduced by “3-4 times” compared to liquid-fueled ICBMs, for which it is approximately 10 minutes.

Type of warhead: detachable monoblock thermonuclear with a high-speed, high-level resistance to PFYV, warhead. In the future, it is possible to equip a missile with a maneuvering warhead or a multiple warhead with a number of warheads from 3 to 6 (prospective warheads with a capacity of 150 kt for the MIRV IN are unified with the warhead for the D-19M complex with the R-30 Bulava SLBM). The first test launch of a mobile version of the Topol-M ICBM, equipped with MIRVs and individually targeted warheads ( official name new rocket - RS-24), took place on May 29, 2007 from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.

It should be noted that the ICBM warhead was created with maximum use of developments and technologies obtained during the creation of the warhead for the Topol ICBM, which made it possible to reduce development time and reduce cost. Despite such unification, the new warhead is much more resistant to PFYV and the action of weapons based on new physical principles than its predecessor, has a lower specific gravity, and has improved safety mechanisms during storage, transportation and being on combat duty. The new warhead has an increased coefficient compared to its predecessor beneficial use fissile materials and is historically the first domestic warhead for ICBMs, the creation of which took place without testing parts and assemblies during full-scale nuclear explosions.

The 15Zh65 missile is equipped with a new missile defense breakthrough system (KSP ABM). The missile defense system consists of passive and active decoys and means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. LCs are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, laser, infrared, radar), they allow simulating the characteristics of warheads in almost all selection characteristics in the extra-atmospheric, transitional and significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the flight path of missile warheads, and are resistant to damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and radiation from a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser, etc. For the first time, LCs capable of withstanding super-resolution radars were designed. Means for distorting the characteristics of the warhead consist of a radio-absorbing (combined with heat-shielding) coating of the warhead, active radio interference generators, and source aerosols infrared radiation etc. KSP ABM is designed to significantly increase the time required for a promising missile defense probable enemy to detect a warhead among a variety of decoys and interference, thus significantly reducing the likelihood of interception of a warhead. According to some data, the mass of the Topol-M ICBM missile defense system exceeds the mass of the American LGM-118A Peacekeeper ICBM. In the future, when a missile is equipped with a maneuvering warhead (or a multiple warhead with individually targeted warheads), the missile defense capabilities of a potential enemy to intercept warheads will, according to Russian experts, be reduced to almost zero.

The characteristics of the Topol-M missile system can significantly increase the readiness of the Strategic Missile Forces to carry out assigned combat missions in any conditions, ensure maneuverability, secrecy of actions and survivability of units, subunits and individual launchers, as well as reliability of control and autonomous operation for a long time (without replenishment inventories of materials). The aiming accuracy has been almost doubled, the accuracy of determining geodetic data has been increased by one and a half times, and the preparation time for launch has been halved.

The re-equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces units is carried out using existing infrastructure. Mobile and stationary versions are fully compatible with the existing combat command and control system. The warranty period for the operation of the ICBM 15Zh65 is 15 years (according to some data - 20 years).

Performance characteristics

Maximum firing range, km	11000
Number of steps	3
Launch weight, t	47.1 (47.2)
Throwing mass, t	1,2
Rocket length without head, m	17.5 (17.9)
Rocket length, m	22.7
Maximum body diameter, m	1,86
Head type	monoblock, nuclear
Warhead equivalent, mt	0.55
Circular probable deviation, m	200
TPK diameter (without protruding parts), m	1.95 (for 15P165 - 2.05)
MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922)
Wheel formula	16x16
Turning radius, m	18
Ground clearance, mm	475
Weight in loaded condition (without combat equipment), t	40
Load capacity, t	80
Maximum speed, km/h	45
Range, km	500

Testing and operation

April 20, 2004 at 21:30 Moscow time, joint combat crews of the Strategic Missile Forces and the Russian Space Forces from the Plesetsk cosmodrome carried out the next test launch of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a self-propelled launcher according to the flight test plan in the interests of the Strategic Missile Forces. This was the first launch in the last 15 years into the waters of the Hawaiian Islands with a range of more than 11 thousand kilometers.

November 1, 2005 A successful test launch of the RS-12M1 Topol-M missile with a maneuvering warhead was carried out from the Kapustin Yar test site in the Astrakhan region. This launch was the sixth to test a system being created to overcome American missile defenses. The launch took place at the tenth test site, Balkhash (Priozersk), located in Kazakhstan.