ICBM - what is it, the best intercontinental ballistic missiles in the world. Intercontinental ballistic missiles Ballistic missile flight parameters

The intercontinental ballistic missile is a very impressive human creation. Huge size, thermonuclear power, a column of flame, the roar of engines and a formidable roar of launch. However, all this exists only on the ground and in the first minutes of launch. After their expiration, the rocket ceases to exist. Further into the flight and the performance of the combat mission, only what remains of the rocket after acceleration - its payload - goes.

With long launch ranges, the payload of an intercontinental ballistic missile goes into space for many hundreds of kilometers. It rises into the layer of low-orbit satellites, 1000-1200 km above the Earth, and briefly settles among them, only slightly behind their general run. And then, along an elliptical trajectory, it begins to slide down ...

A ballistic missile consists of two main parts - an accelerating part and another, for the sake of which acceleration is started. The accelerating part is a pair or three large multi-ton stages, stuffed to the eyeballs with fuel and with engines from below. They give the necessary speed and direction to the movement of the other main part of the rocket - the head. The accelerating stages, replacing each other in the launch relay, accelerate this warhead in the direction of the area of ​​​​its future fall.

The head part of the rocket is a complex cargo of many elements. It contains a warhead (one or more), a platform on which these warheads are placed along with the rest of the economy (such as means of deceiving enemy radars and anti-missiles), and a fairing. Even in the head part there is fuel and compressed gases. The entire warhead will not fly to the target. It, like the ballistic missile itself before, will be divided into many elements and simply cease to exist as a whole. The fairing will separate from it not far from the launch area, during the operation of the second stage, and somewhere along the road it will fall. The platform will fall apart upon entering the air of the impact area. Elements of only one type will reach the target through the atmosphere. Warheads.

Close up, the warhead looks like an elongated cone a meter or a half long, at the base as thick as a human torso. The nose of the cone is pointed or slightly blunt. This cone is a special aircraft whose task is to deliver weapons to the target. We will return to warheads later and get to know them better.

The head of the "Peacemaker", The pictures show the breeding stages of the American heavy ICBM LGM0118A Peacekeeper, also known as MX. The missile was equipped with ten 300 kt multiple warheads. The missile was decommissioned in 2005.

Pull or push?

In a missile, all of the warheads are located in what is known as the disengagement stage, or "bus". Why a bus? Because, having freed itself first from the fairing, and then from the last booster stage, the breeding stage carries the warheads, like passengers, to the given stops, along their trajectories, along which the deadly cones will disperse to their targets.

Another "bus" is called the combat stage, because its work determines the accuracy of pointing the warhead at the target point, and hence the combat effectiveness. The breeding stage and how it works is one of the biggest secrets in a rocket. But we will still take a little, schematically, look at this mysterious step and its difficult dance in space.

The breeding stage has different forms. Most often, it looks like a round stump or a wide loaf of bread, on which warheads are mounted on top with their points forward, each on its own spring pusher. The warheads are pre-positioned at precise separation angles (on a missile base, manually, with the help of theodolites) and look in different directions, like a bunch of carrots, like a hedgehog's needles. The platform, bristling with warheads, occupies a predetermined, gyro-stabilized position in space in flight. And at the right moments, warheads are pushed out of it one by one. They are ejected immediately after the completion of the acceleration and separation from the last accelerating stage. Until (you never know?) they shot down this entire unbred hive with anti-missile weapons or something failed on board the breeding stage.

But that was before, at the dawn of multiple warheads. Now breeding is a completely different picture. If earlier the warheads “sticked out” forward, now the stage itself is ahead along the way, and the warheads hang from below, with their tops back, turned upside down like bats. The “bus” itself in some rockets also lies upside down, in a special recess in the upper stage of the rocket. Now, after separation, the disengagement stage does not push, but drags the warheads along with it. Moreover, it drags, resting on four cross-shaped "paws" deployed in front. At the ends of these metal paws are rear-facing traction nozzles of the dilution stage. After separation from the booster stage, the "bus" very accurately, precisely sets its movement in the beginning space with the help of its own powerful guidance system. He himself occupies the exact path of the next warhead - its individual path.

Then, special inertia-free locks are opened, holding the next detachable warhead. And not even separated, but simply now not connected with the stage, the warhead remains motionless hanging here, in complete weightlessness. The moments of her own flight began and flowed. Like one single berry next to a bunch of grapes with other warhead grapes that have not yet been plucked from the stage by the breeding process.

Fiery Ten, K-551 "Vladimir Monomakh" - Russian strategic nuclear submarine (project 955 "Borey"), armed with 16 Bulava solid-propellant ICBMs with ten multiple warheads.

Delicate movements

Now the task of the stage is to crawl away from the warhead as delicately as possible, without violating its precisely set (targeted) movement of its nozzles by gas jets. If a supersonic nozzle jet hits a detached warhead, it will inevitably add its own additive to the parameters of its movement. During the subsequent flight time (and this is half an hour - fifty minutes, depending on the launch range), the warhead will drift from this exhaust “slap” of the jet half a kilometer-kilometer sideways from the target, or even further. It will drift without barriers: there is space in the same place, they slapped it - it swam, not holding on to anything. But is a kilometer to the side the accuracy today?

To avoid such effects, four upper “paws” with engines spaced apart are needed. The stage, as it were, is pulled forward on them so that the exhaust jets go to the sides and cannot catch the warhead detached by the belly of the stage. All thrust is divided between four nozzles, which reduces the power of each individual jet. There are other features as well. For example, if on a donut-shaped breeding stage (with a void in the middle - this hole is put on the booster stage of the rocket, like a wedding ring on a finger) of the Trident-II D5 rocket, the control system determines that the separated warhead still falls under the exhaust of one of the nozzles, then the control system disables this nozzle. Makes "silence" over the warhead.

The step gently, like a mother from the cradle of a sleeping child, fearing to disturb his peace, tiptoes away in space on the three remaining nozzles in low thrust mode, and the warhead remains on the aiming trajectory. Then the “donut” of the stage with the cross of the traction nozzles rotates around the axis so that the warhead comes out from under the zone of the torch of the switched off nozzle. Now the stage moves away from the abandoned warhead already at all four nozzles, but so far also at low gas. When a sufficient distance is reached, the main thrust is turned on, and the stage moves vigorously into the area of ​​​​the aiming trajectory of the next warhead. There it is calculated to slow down and again very accurately sets the parameters of its movement, after which it separates the next warhead from itself. And so on - until each warhead is landed on its trajectory. This process is fast, much faster than you read about it. In one and a half to two minutes, the combat stage breeds a dozen warheads.

Abyss of mathematics

Intercontinental ballistic missile R-36M Voyevoda Voyevoda,

The foregoing is quite enough to understand how the warhead's own path begins. But if you open the door a little wider and look a little deeper, you can see that today the turn in space of the disengagement stage carrying the warhead is the area of ​​\u200b\u200bapplication of the quaternion calculus, where the onboard attitude control system processes the measured parameters of its movement with continuous construction of the orientation quaternion on board. A quaternion is such a complex number (above the field of complex numbers lies the flat body of quaternions, as mathematicians would say in their exact language of definitions). But not with the usual two parts, real and imaginary, but with one real and three imaginary. In total, the quaternion has four parts, which, in fact, is what the Latin root quatro says.

The breeding stage performs its work quite low, immediately after turning off the booster stages. That is, at an altitude of 100-150 km. And there the influence of gravitational anomalies of the Earth's surface, heterogeneities in the even gravitational field surrounding the Earth still affects. Where are they from? From uneven terrain, mountain systems, occurrence of rocks of different densities, oceanic depressions. Gravitational anomalies either attract the step to themselves with an additional attraction, or, on the contrary, slightly release it from the Earth.

In such heterogeneities, the complex ripples of the local gravity field, the disengagement stage must place the warheads with precision. To do this, it was necessary to create a more detailed map of the Earth's gravitational field. It is better to “explain” the features of a real field in systems of differential equations that describe the exact ballistic motion. These are large, capacious (to include details) systems of several thousand differential equations, with several tens of thousands of constant numbers. And the gravitational field itself at low altitudes, in the immediate near-Earth region, is considered as a joint attraction of several hundred point masses of different "weights" located near the center of the Earth in a certain order. In this way, a more accurate simulation of the real gravitational field of the Earth on the flight path of the rocket is achieved. And more accurate operation of the flight control system with it. And yet ... but full! - let's not look further and close the door; we have had enough of what has been said.

Flight without warheads

In the photo - the launch of an intercontinental missile Trident II (USA) from a submarine. At the moment, Trident ("Trident") is the only family of ICBMs whose missiles are installed on American submarines. The maximum casting weight is 2800 kg.

The disengagement stage, dispersed by the missile in the direction of the same geographical area where the warheads should fall, continues its flight with them. After all, she can not lag behind, and why? After breeding the warheads, the stage is urgently engaged in other matters. She moves away from the warheads, knowing in advance that she will fly a little differently from the warheads, and not wanting to disturb them. The breeding stage also devotes all its further actions to warheads. This maternal desire to protect the flight of her “children” in every possible way continues for the rest of her short life.

Short, but intense.

The payload of an intercontinental ballistic missile spends most of the flight in the mode of a space object, rising to a height three times the height of the ISS. A trajectory of enormous length must be calculated with extreme precision.

After the separated warheads, it is the turn of other wards. To the sides of the step, the most amusing gizmos begin to scatter. Like a magician, she releases into space a lot of inflating balloons, some metal things resembling open scissors, and objects of all sorts of other shapes. Durable balloons sparkle brightly in the cosmic sun with a mercury sheen of a metallized surface. They are quite large, some shaped like warheads flying nearby. Their surface, covered with aluminum sputtering, reflects the radar signal from a distance in much the same way as the warhead body. Enemy ground radars will perceive these inflatable warheads on a par with real ones. Of course, in the very first moments of entry into the atmosphere, these balls will fall behind and immediately burst. But before that, they will distract and load the computing power of ground-based radars - both early warning and guidance of anti-missile systems. In the language of ballistic missile interceptors, this is called "complicating the current ballistic situation." And the entire heavenly host, inexorably moving towards the area of ​​impact, including real and false warheads, inflatable balls, chaff and corner reflectors, this whole motley flock is called "multiple ballistic targets in a complicated ballistic environment."

Metal scissors open and become electric chaff - there are many of them, and they reflect well the radio signal of the early warning radar beam that probes them. Instead of ten required fat ducks, the radar sees a huge fuzzy flock of small sparrows, in which it is difficult to make out anything. Devices of all shapes and sizes reflect different wavelengths.

In addition to all this tinsel, the stage itself can theoretically emit radio signals that interfere with enemy anti-missiles. Or distract them. In the end, you never know what she can be busy with - after all, a whole step is flying, large and complex, why not load her with a good solo program?

Last cut

America's underwater sword, the American Ohio-class submarines are the only type of missile carriers in service with the US. Carries 24 Trident-II (D5) MIRVed ballistic missiles. The number of warheads (depending on power) - 8 or 16.

However, in terms of aerodynamics, the stage is not a warhead. If that one is a small and heavy narrow carrot, then the stage is an empty vast bucket, with echoing empty fuel tanks, a large non-streamlined body and a lack of orientation in the flow that begins to flow. With its wide body with a decent windage, the step responds much earlier to the first breaths of the oncoming flow. The warheads are also deployed along the stream, penetrating the atmosphere with the least aerodynamic resistance. The step, on the other hand, leans into the air with its vast sides and bottoms as it should. It cannot fight the braking force of the flow. Its ballistic coefficient - an "alloy" of massiveness and compactness - is much worse than a warhead. Immediately and strongly it begins to slow down and lag behind the warheads. But the forces of the flow are growing inexorably, at the same time the temperature warms up the thin unprotected metal, depriving it of strength. The rest of the fuel boils merrily in the hot tanks. Finally, there is a loss of stability of the hull structure under the aerodynamic load that has compressed it. Overload helps to break bulkheads inside. Krak! Fuck! The crumpled body is immediately enveloped by hypersonic shock waves, tearing the stage apart and scattering them. After flying a little in the condensing air, the pieces again break into smaller fragments. The remaining fuel reacts instantly. Scattered fragments of structural elements made of magnesium alloys are ignited by hot air and instantly burn out with a blinding flash, similar to a camera flash - it was not for nothing that magnesium was set on fire in the first flashlights!

Time does not stand still.

Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and Boeing have completed the first and key phase of development of the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV), a defense kinetic interceptor (EKV) that is part of the Pentagon's mega-project, a global missile defense system based on interceptor missiles, each of which is capable of carry SEVERAL kinetic interception warheads (Multiple Kill Vehicle, MKV) to destroy ICBMs with multiple, as well as "dummy" warheads

"The milestone reached is an important part of the concept development phase," Raytheon said in a statement, adding that it "is in line with the MDA's plans and is the basis for further concept alignment scheduled for December."

It is noted that Raytheon in this project uses the experience of creating EKV, which has been involved in the American global missile defense system, which has been operating since 2005 - Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GBMD), which is designed to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles and their combat units in outer space outside the Earth's atmosphere. Currently, 30 anti-missiles are deployed in Alaska and California to protect the US continental territory, and another 15 missiles are planned to be deployed by 2017.

The transatmospheric kinetic interceptor, which will become the basis for the currently created MKV, is the main striking element of the GBMD complex. A 64-kilogram projectile is launched by an anti-missile into outer space, where it intercepts and engages an enemy warhead thanks to an electro-optical guidance system protected from extraneous light by a special casing and automatic filters. The interceptor receives target designation from ground-based radars, establishes sensory contact with the warhead and aims at it, maneuvering in outer space with the help of rocket engines. The warhead is hit by a frontal ram on a head-on course with a combined speed of 17 km/s: the interceptor flies at a speed of 10 km/s, the ICBM warhead at a speed of 5-7 km/s. The kinetic energy of the impact, which is about 1 ton of TNT, is enough to completely destroy the warhead of any conceivable design, and in such a way that the warhead is completely destroyed.

In 2009, the United States suspended the development of a program to combat multiple warheads due to the extreme complexity of the production of the disengagement mechanism. However, this year the program was revived. According to the analytical data of Newsader, this is due to the increased aggression from Russia and the corresponding threats to use nuclear weapons, which have been repeatedly expressed by top officials of the Russian Federation, including President Vladimir Putin himself, who frankly admitted in a commentary on the situation with the annexation of Crimea that he allegedly was ready to use nuclear weapons in a possible conflict with NATO (recent events related to the destruction of a Russian bomber by the Turkish Air Force cast doubt on Putin's sincerity and suggest a "nuclear bluff" on his part). Meanwhile, as is known, it is Russia that is the only state in the world that allegedly owns ballistic missiles with multiple nuclear warheads, including "dummy" (distracting) ones.

Raytheon said that their brainchild will be able to destroy several objects at once using an improved sensor and other latest technologies. According to the company, during the time that has passed between the implementation of the Standard Missile-3 and EKV projects, the developers managed to achieve a record performance in intercepting training targets in space - more than 30, which exceeds the performance of competitors.

Russia also does not stand still.

According to open sources, this year will see the first launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile RS-28 "Sarmat", which should replace the previous generation of RS-20A missiles, known by NATO classification as "Satan", but in our country as "Voevoda" .

The RS-20A ballistic missile (ICBM) development program was implemented as part of the "assured retaliatory strike" strategy. President Ronald Reagan's policy of aggravating the confrontation between the USSR and the United States forced him to take adequate retaliatory measures in order to cool the ardor of the "hawks" from the presidential administration and the Pentagon. American strategists believed that they were quite capable of providing such a level of protection of their country's territory from an attack by Soviet ICBMs that they could simply give a damn about the international agreements reached and continue to improve their own nuclear potential and missile defense (ABM) systems. "Voevoda" was just another "asymmetric response" to Washington's actions.

The most unpleasant surprise for the Americans was the missile's multiple warhead, which contained 10 elements, each of which carried an atomic charge with a capacity of up to 750 kilotons of TNT. On Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for example, bombs were dropped, the yield of which was "only" 18-20 kilotons. Such warheads were able to overcome the then American missile defense systems, in addition, the infrastructure for launching missiles was also improved.

The development of a new ICBM is designed to solve several problems at once: first, to replace the Voevoda, whose ability to overcome modern American missile defense (ABM) has decreased; secondly, to solve the problem of the dependence of the domestic industry on Ukrainian enterprises, since the complex was developed in Dnepropetrovsk; finally, to give an adequate response to the continuation of the program for the deployment of missile defense in Europe and the Aegis system.

According to the expectations of The National Interest, the Sarmat missile will weigh at least 100 tons, and the mass of its warhead could reach 10 tons. This means, the publication continues, that the rocket will be able to carry up to 15 separable thermonuclear warheads.
"The range of the Sarmat will be at least 9,500 kilometers. When it is put into service, it will be the largest missile in world history," the article notes.

According to press reports, NPO Energomash will become the head enterprise for the production of the rocket, while Perm-based Proton-PM will supply the engines.

The main difference between "Sarmat" and "Voevoda" is the ability to launch warheads into a circular orbit, which drastically reduces range restrictions; with this launch method, it is possible to attack enemy territory not along the shortest trajectory, but along any and from any direction - not only through the North Pole , but also through the South.

In addition, the designers promise that the idea of ​​maneuvering warheads will be implemented, which will make it possible to counter all types of existing anti-missiles and promising systems using laser weapons. Anti-aircraft missiles "Patriot", which form the basis of the American missile defense system, cannot yet effectively deal with actively maneuvering targets flying at speeds close to hypersonic.
Maneuvering warheads promise to become such an effective weapon, against which there are no countermeasures equal in reliability, that the option of creating an international agreement prohibiting or significantly limiting this type of weapon is not ruled out.

Thus, together with sea-based missiles and mobile railway complexes, Sarmat will become an additional and quite effective deterrent.

If that happens, then efforts to deploy missile defense systems in Europe could be in vain, since the missile's launch trajectory is such that it is not clear exactly where the warheads will be aimed.

It is also reported that the missile silos will be equipped with additional protection against close explosions of nuclear weapons, which will significantly increase the reliability of the entire system.

The first prototypes of the new rocket have already been built. Start of launch tests is scheduled for the current year. If the tests are successful, serial production of Sarmat missiles will begin, and in 2018 they will go into service.

An integral part of the armament of major world powers. Since their inception, they have proven themselves as a formidable weapon capable of solving tactical and strategic tasks at great distances.

The variety of tasks and the advantages provided by such projectiles have led to a number of scientific breakthroughs in this area. The second half of the 20th century is considered the era of rocket science. Technologies have found application not only in the military sphere, but also in the construction of spacecraft.

Ballistic and cruise missiles have a wide variety of uses and classifications. However, there are a number of common aspects, on the basis of which one can single out a number of the best missiles in the world. To determine such a list, one should understand the general differences between these weapons.

What is a ballistic missile

A ballistic missile is a projectile that strikes a target along an unguided trajectory.

Given this aspect, it has two stages of flight:

• a short controlled stage, according to which the further speed and trajectory are set;
• free flight - having received the main command, the projectile moves along a ballistic trajectory.

Often in such weapons, multi-stage acceleration systems are used. Each stage is detached after the fuel has been used up, allowing the projectile speed to be increased by reducing weight.

The development of a ballistic missile is connected with the research of K. E. Tsiolkovsky. Back in 1897, he determined the relationship between the speed under the thrust of a rocket engine, its specific impulse, and the mass at the beginning and end of the flight. The calculations of the scientist still occupy the most important place in the design.

The next important discovery was made by R. Goddard in 1917. He used a liquid-propellant rocket engine for the Laval nozzle. This decision doubled the power plant and had a significant response in the subsequent work of G. Oberth and the team of Wernher von Braun.

In parallel with these discoveries, Tsiolkovsky continued his research. By 1929, he had developed a multi-stage principle of motion, taking into account the earth's gravity. He also developed a number of ideas for optimizing the combustion system.

Hermann Oberth was one of the first to think about the application of such discoveries in the field of astronautics. However, before him, the ideas of Tsiolkovsky and Goddard were implemented by the team of Wernher von Braun in the military sphere. It was on the basis of their research that the first mass-produced V-2 (V2) ballistic missiles appeared in Germany.

On September 8, 1944, they were first used during the bombing of London. However, during the occupation of Germany by the Allies, all research documents were taken out of the country. Further developments were already carried out by the USA and the USSR.

What is a cruise missile

A cruise missile is an unmanned aerial vehicle. In its structure and history of creation, it is closer to aviation than to rocket science. The obsolete name - projectile aircraft - has fallen into disuse, since planning air bombs were also called that.

The term "cruise missile" should not be associated with the English cruise missile. The latter includes only software-controlled projectiles that maintain a constant speed for most of the flight.

Taking into account the specifics of the structure and use of cruise missiles, the following advantages and disadvantages of such projectiles are distinguished:

• programmable flight course, which allows you to create a combined trajectory and bypass enemy missile defenses;
• movement at low altitude, taking into account the terrain, makes the projectile less visible to radar detection;
• the high accuracy of modern cruise missiles is combined with the high cost of their manufacture;
• shells fly at a relatively low speed - approximately 1150 km / h;
• the destructive power is low, with the exception of nuclear weapons.

The history of the development of cruise missiles is connected with the advent of aviation. Even before the First World War, the idea of ​​a flying bomb arose. The technologies necessary for its implementation were soon developed:

• in 1913, the radio control complex for an unmanned aerial vehicle was invented by the school physics teacher Wirth;
• in 1914, E. Sperry's gyroscopic autopilot was successfully tested, which made it possible to keep the aircraft on a given course without the participation of the pilot.

Against the background of such technologies, flying projectiles were being developed in several countries at once. Most of them were carried out in parallel with work on autopilot and radio control. The idea to equip them with wings belongs to F. A. Zander. It was he who in 1924 published the story "Flights to other planets."

The first successful serial production of such aircraft is considered to be the British radio-controlled aerial target Queen. The first samples were created in 1931, in 1935 the serial production of Queen Bee (queen bee) was launched. By the way, it was from this moment that drones received the unofficial name Drone - a drone.

The main task of the first drones was reconnaissance. For combat use, there was a lack of accuracy and reliability, which, with the high cost of development, made production impractical.

Despite this, research and testing in this direction continued, especially with the outbreak of World War II.

The first classic cruise missile is considered to be the German V-1. She was tested on December 21, 1942, and she received combat use by the end of the war against Great Britain.

The first tests and applications showed the low accuracy of the projectile. Because of this, it was planned to use them together with the pilot, who at the final stage had to leave the projectile with a parachute.

As in the case of ballistic missiles, the development of German scientists passed to the winners. The USSR and the USA took over the further relay race in the design of modern cruise missiles. It was planned to use them as nuclear weapons. However, the development of such shells was stopped due to the economic inexpediency and the success of the development of ballistic missiles.

The best ballistic and cruise missiles in the world

To determine the most powerful missiles in the world, various classification methods are often used. Ballistic are divided into strategic and tactical, depending on the application.

In connection with the treaty on the elimination of intermediate and short-range missiles, the following categorization applies:

• short range - 500-1000 km;
• medium - 1000-5500 km;
• intercontinental - more than 5500 km.

Cruise missiles have several types of classification. According to the charge, nuclear and conventional ones are distinguished. According to the assigned tasks - strategic, tactical and operational-tactical (usually anti-ship). Depending on the basing, they can be ground, air, sea and underwater.

Scud B (R-17)

Scud B, aka P-17, unofficially - "kerosene stove" - ​​a Soviet ballistic missile, put into service in 1962 for the 9K72 Elbrus operational-tactical complex. It is considered one of the most famous in the West, due to active supplies to the allied countries of the USSR.

Used in the following conflicts:

• Egypt against Israel in the Yom Kippur operation;
• the Soviet Union in Afghanistan;
• In the first Gulf War by Iraq against Saudi Arabia and Israel;
• Russia during the Second Chechen War;
• Yemeni rebels against Saudi Arabia.

Specifications R-17:

• the length of the projectile from the support feet to the top of the head - 11 164 mm;
• case diameter — 880 mm;
• swing on stabilizers - 1810 mm;
• weight of an unfilled product with a 269A head - 2076 kg;
• weight of a fully filled product with a 269A head - 5862 kg;
• the weight of an unfilled product with an 8F44 warhead is 2074 kg;
• the weight of a fully filled product with an 8F44 warhead is 5860 kg;
• engine 9D21 - liquid, jet;
• supply of fuel components to the engine - by a turbopump unit powered by a gas generator;
• way to promote TNA - from a powder checker;
• executive element of the control system - gas-jet rudders;
• emergency detonation system - autonomous;
• maximum range of destruction - 300 km;
• minimum range - 50 km;
• guaranteed range - 275 km.

The R-17 warhead could be both high-explosive and nuclear. The power of the second option varied and could be 10, 20, 200, 300 and 500 kilotons.

"Tomahawk"

American Tomahawk cruise missiles are perhaps the most famous of this category of projectiles. Adopted by the US in 1983. From that moment on, they were used in all conflicts involving America as a strategic and tactical weapon.

Development of the Tomahawk began in 1971. The main task was to create strategic cruise missiles for submarines. The first prototypes were presented in 1974, and test runs began a year later.

Since 1976, developers from the Navy and Air Force have joined the program. Prototypes of a projectile for aviation appeared, and later ground modifications of the Tomahawks were tested.

In January of the following year, the Joint Cruise Missile Program (JCMP) was adopted. According to it, all such shells were to be developed according to a common technological base. It was she who laid the foundation for the versatile development of Tomahawks, as the most promising development.

The result of this step was the emergence of various modifications. Aviation, ground-based, mobile systems, surface and submarine fleets - such shells are everywhere. Their ammunition capacity may vary depending on the task at hand - from conventional warheads to nuclear warheads and cluster bombs.

Often missiles are used for reconnaissance missions. The low trajectory of the flight with the envelope of the terrain allows you to go unnoticed by the enemy's missile defense system. Less often, such shells are used to deliver equipment to combat units.

Widespread use and various modifications are also reflected in the variability of the technical characteristics of the Tomahawks:

• basing - surface, underwater, land mobile, air;
• flight range - from 600 to 2500 km, depending on the modification;
• length - 5.56 m, with a starting accelerator - 6.25;
• diameter - 518 or 531 mm;
• weight - from 1009 to 1590 kg;
• fuel supply - 365 or 465 kg;
• flight speed - 880 km / h.

As part of the control and guidance systems, various options are used, depending on the modification and the target task. The accuracy of the defeat also varies - from 5-10 to 80 meters.

Trident II

Trident (Trident) - American three-stage ballistic missiles. They operate on solid fuel and are designed for launches from submarines. They were developed as a modification of the Poseidon shells with an emphasis on salvo fire and an increased range.

The combination of the technical characteristics of the Poseidon made it possible to re-equip more than 30 submarines with new shells. Trident I entered service already in 1979, however, with the advent of second-generation missiles, they were withdrawn.

Trident II tests ended in 1990, at the same time new missiles began to enter service with the US Navy.

The new generation has the following technical characteristics:

• number of steps - 3;
• engine type - solid propellant rocket (RDTT);
• length - 13.42 m;
• diameter - 2.11 m;
• starting weight - 59078 kg;
• warhead weight - 2800 kg;
• maximum range - 7800 km with full load and 11300 km with disconnection of blocks;
• guidance system - inertial with astro-correction and GPS;
• defeat accuracy - 90-500 meters;
• basing - submarines of the "Ohio" and "Vangard" type.

A total of 156 Trident II ballistic missile launches were made. The last one took place in June 2010.

R-36M "Satan"

Soviet ballistic missiles R-36M, known as "Satan" - one of the most powerful in the world. They have only two steps and are designed for stationary mine installations. The main emphasis is on a guaranteed retaliatory strike in the event of a nuclear attack. With this in mind, the mines can withstand even direct hits of nuclear warheads in the positioning area.

The new ballistic missile was supposed to replace its predecessor, the R-36. The development included all the achievements of rocket science, which made it possible to surpass the second generation in the following parameters:

• accuracy increased by 3 times;
• combat readiness - 4 times;
• energy capabilities and warranty period increased by 1.4 times;
• the security of the launch shaft is 15-30 times.

Testing of the R-36M began in 1970. For several years, various launch conditions have been worked out. The shells were put into service in 1978-79.

The weapon has the following specifications:

• basing - mine launcher;
• range - 10500-16000 km;
• accuracy - 500 m;
• combat readiness - 62 seconds;
• starting weight - about 210 tons;
• number of steps - 2;
• control system - autonomous inertial;
• length - 33.65 m;
• diameter - 3 m.

The head of the R-36M is equipped with a set of tools to overcome the enemy's anti-missile defense. There are multiple warheads with autonomous guidance, which allows you to hit several targets at once.

V-2 (V-2)

The V-2 is the world's first ballistic missile, developed by Wernher von Braun. The first tests took place in early 1942. On September 8, 1944, a combat launch was made, and a total of 3225 bombings took place, mainly on British territory.

"V-2" had the following technical characteristics:

• length - 14030 mm;
• body diameter - 1650 mm;
• weight - without fuel 4 tons, starting - 12.5 tons;
• range - up to 320 km, practical - 250 km.

The V-2 also became the first rocket to make a suborbital space flight. With a vertical launch in 1944, an altitude of 188 km was reached. After the end of the war, the projectile became a prototype for the development of ballistic missiles in the USA and the USSR.

"Topol M"

Topol-M is the first intercontinental ballistic missile developed in Russia after the collapse of the USSR. It was put into service in 2000 and formed the basis of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces.

The development of Topol-M began in the mid-1980s. The emphasis was on universal ballistic missiles of stationary and mobile launch "Universal". However, in 1992, it was decided to use the current developments in the creation of a new modern Topol-M rocket.

The first tests from a stationary launcher were carried out in 1994. Three years later, mass production began. In 2000, a launch was carried out from a mobile launcher, at the same time Topol-M was put into service.

The projectile has the following specifications:

• number of steps - 3;
• type of fuel - solid mixed;
• length - 22.7 m;
• diameter - 1.86 m;
• weight - 47.1 tons;
• hit accuracy - 200 m;
• range - 11000 km.

The missile continues to be developed, especially in relation to the warhead. The emphasis is on overcoming missile defenses, as well as using up to 6 warheads to successfully hit multiple targets.

Minuteman III (LGM-30G)

Minutemen III - American stationary ballistic missiles. Adopted in 1970 and remain the backbone of the US missile forces. They are expected to remain in demand until 2020.

The development was based on the idea of ​​using solid fuel. Cheapness, ease of maintenance and reliability made the Minutemen more convenient than the former Atlases and Titans. The emphasis was on creating a sufficient amount of ammunition in case of the first nuclear strike of the Soviet Union.

Minutemen III (LGM-30G) has the following specifications:

• number of steps - 3;
• starting weight - 35 tons;
• rocket length - 18.2 m;
• head part - monoblock;
• the greatest range - 13000 km;
• accuracy - 180-210 m.

Shells are regularly upgraded. The latest program began in 2004 and focuses on updating the engine's power plant by replacing its components.

"Point-U"

Tochka is a Soviet tactical missile system designed for a divisional level. Since the end of 1980 he was transferred to the army unit. The Tochka-U modification began to be developed in 1986-88, entered service in 1989. A distinctive feature from previous generations is the firing range increased to 120 km.

Technical characteristics of the Tochka-U modification:

• firing range - from 15 to 120 km;
• rocket speed - 1100 m / s;
• starting weight - 2010 kg;
• time of approach to the maximum distance - 136 seconds;
• launch preparation time - 2 minutes from the ready state, 16 minutes from the traveling state.

The first combat use took place in 1994 in Yemen. In the future, the complexes were used during operations in the North Caucasus, in South Ossetia. Since 2013, they have been used in Syria. Also used by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia in Yemen.

"Iskander"

Iskander is a Russian operational-tactical missile system. Designed to defeat the anti-missile and air defense of the enemy. It has two modifications of missiles - "Iskander-K" and "Iskander-M", which can be simultaneously launched from one launcher.

"Iskander-M" is designed for a high flight path (up to 50 km), has false targets to counter missile defense, as well as high maneuverability. It hits targets at a distance of up to 500 km.

"Iskander-K" belongs to the most effective cruise missiles in Russia. Designed for a low flight path (6-7 meters) with terrain envelope. The official range is 500 km, however, Western experts believe that these figures are too low to comply with the treaty on the elimination of intermediate and short-range missiles. In their opinion, the real range of destruction is 2000-5000 km.

The development of the Iskander complex began in 1988. The first public presentation took place in 1999, but the missiles continue to be improved. In 2011, tests of projectiles with new combat equipment and an improved guidance system were completed.

According to Western analysts, the Iskander complexes, in combination with the S-400 and Bastion complexes, form a reliable zone of access prohibition for any adversary. In the event of a military confrontation, this would prevent NATO troops from moving and deploying close to Russia's borders without the risk of suffering unacceptable damage.

The technical characteristics of the Iskander complexes are represented by the following indicators:

• hit accuracy - 10-30 meters, for Iskander-M - 5-7 m;
• starting weight - 3800 kg;
• warhead weight - 480 kg;
• length - 7.3 m;
• diameter - 920 mm;
• rocket speed - up to 2100 m / s;
• range of destruction - 50-500 km.

"Iskander" can use different warheads: fragmentation, concrete-piercing, high-explosive fragmentation. Potentially, missiles can be equipped with nuclear warheads. According to the American analytical publication The National Interest, the Iskander complexes are Russia's most dangerous weapon.

R-30 Bulava

R-30 "Bulava" - Russian solid-propellant ballistic missiles. Designed to be launched from Project 955 Borey submarines. The development of shells began in 1998 with the aim of not only updating the country's naval combat power, but also bringing it to a qualitatively new level.

The first successful tests took place in 2007 - from that moment mass production of most of the components began. Initially, the missiles were intended for two types of submarines - 941 "Shark" and 955 "Borey". However, it was decided to abandon the rearmament of the first category.

The actual adoption of missiles into service took place in 2012. From this moment, not only the mass production of shells begins, but also the equipment of storage facilities for them. The shells were officially put into service in 2018.

Technical characteristics of ballistic missiles "Bulava":

• range - 8000-11000 km;
• accuracy - 350 m;
• starting weight - 36.8 tons;
• warhead weight - 1150 kg;
• number of steps - 3;
• launch container length - 12.1 m;
• diameter of the first stage - 2 m.

The missile is capable of carrying up to 6 warheads. The emphasis is on improving guidance systems and anti-missile defense systems, similar to the Topol-M missiles. It is expected that the effectiveness of this weapon will further increase.

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Ballistic missiles have been and remain a reliable shield of Russia's national security. A shield, ready, if necessary, to turn into a sword.

R-36M "Satan"

Developer: Design Bureau Yuzhnoye
Length: 33.65 m
Diameter: 3 m
Starting weight: 208 300 kg
Flight range: 16000 km
Soviet strategic missile system of the third generation, with a heavy two-stage liquid-propellant, ampulized intercontinental ballistic missile 15A14 for placement in a silo launcher 15P714 of increased security type OS.

The Americans called the Soviet strategic missile system "Satan". At the time of the first test in 1973, this missile became the most powerful ballistic system ever developed. Not a single missile defense system was able to withstand the SS-18, the radius of destruction of which was as much as 16 thousand meters. After the creation of the R-36M, the Soviet Union could not be worried about the "arms race". However, in the 1980s, "Satan" was modified, and in 1988, a new version of the SS-18, the R-36M2 Voyevoda, entered service with the Soviet army, against which even modern American missile defense systems cannot do anything.

RT-2PM2. "Topol M"

Length: 22.7 m
Diameter: 1.86 m
Starting weight: 47.1 t
Flight range: 11000 km

The RT-2PM2 rocket is made in the form of a three-stage rocket with a powerful mixed solid-propellant power plant and a fiberglass body. Rocket testing began in 1994. The first launch was carried out from a silo launcher at the Plesetsk cosmodrome on December 20, 1994. In 1997, after four successful launches, mass production of these missiles began. The act on the adoption by the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile was approved by the State Commission on April 28, 2000. As of the end of 2012, there were 60 mine-based and 18 mobile-based Topol-M missiles on combat duty. All silo-based missiles are on combat duty in the Taman missile division (Svetly, Saratov region).

PC-24 "Yars"

Developer: MIT
Length: 23 m
Diameter: 2 m
Flight range: 11000 km
The first rocket launch took place in 2007. Unlike Topol-M, it has multiple warheads. In addition to warheads, Yars also carries a set of missile defense breakthrough tools, which makes it difficult for the enemy to detect and intercept it. This innovation makes the RS-24 the most successful combat missile in the context of the deployment of the global American missile defense system.

SRK UR-100N UTTH with 15A35 rocket

Developer: Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering
Length: 24.3 m
Diameter: 2.5m
Starting weight: 105.6 t
Flight range: 10000 km
Intercontinental ballistic liquid rocket 15A30 (UR-100N) of the third generation with a multiple reentry vehicle (MIRV) was developed at the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering under the leadership of V.N. Chelomey. Flight design tests of the ICBM 15A30 were carried out at the Baikonur training ground (chairman of the state commission - Lieutenant General E.B. Volkov). The first launch of the ICBM 15A30 took place on April 9, 1973. According to official data, as of July 2009, the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation had 70 deployed 15A35 ICBMs: 1. 60th Missile Division (Tatishchevo), 41 UR-100N UTTKh UR-100N UTTH.

15Ж60 "Well done"

Developer: Design Bureau Yuzhnoye
Length: 22.6 m
Diameter: 2.4m
Starting weight: 104.5 t
Flight range: 10000 km
RT-23 UTTH "Molodets" - strategic missile systems with solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missiles 15Zh61 and 15Zh60, mobile railway and stationary mine-based, respectively. It was a further development of the RT-23 complex. They were put into service in 1987. Aerodynamic rudders are placed on the outer surface of the fairing, allowing you to control the rocket in a roll in the areas of operation of the first and second stages. After passing through the dense layers of the atmosphere, the fairing is reset.

R-30 "Mace"

Developer: MIT
Length: 11.5 m
Diameter: 2 m
Starting weight: 36.8 tons.
Flight range: 9300 km
Russian solid-propellant ballistic missile of the D-30 complex for placement on Project 955 submarines. The first launch of the Bulava took place in 2005. Domestic authors often criticize the Bulava missile system under development for a fairly large proportion of unsuccessful tests. According to critics, the Bulava appeared due to Russia's banal desire to save money: the country's desire to reduce development costs by unifying the Bulava with land-based missiles made its production cheaper , than usual.

X-101/X-102

Developer: MKB "Rainbow"
Length: 7.45 m
Diameter: 742mm
Wingspan: 3 m
Starting weight: 2200-2400
Flight range: 5000-5500 km
New generation strategic cruise missile. Its hull is a low-wing aircraft, but has a flattened cross-section and side surfaces. The warhead of a rocket weighing 400 kg can hit 2 targets at once at a distance of 100 km from each other. The first target will be hit by ammunition descending on a parachute, and the second directly when a missile hits. With a flight range of 5000 km, the circular probable deviation (CEP) is only 5-6 meters, and with a range of 10,000 km does not exceed 10 m.

, UK , France and China .

An important stage in the development of rocket technology was the creation of systems with multiple reentry vehicles. The first implementation options did not have individual targeting of warheads, the benefit of using several small charges instead of one powerful one is greater efficiency when exposed to area targets, so in 1970 the Soviet Union deployed R-36 missiles with three warheads of 2.3 Mt . In the same year, the United States put the first Minuteman III complexes on combat duty, which had a completely new quality - the ability to breed warheads along individual trajectories to hit several targets.

The first mobile ICBMs were adopted in the USSR: the Temp-2S on a wheeled chassis (1976) and the railway-based RT-23 UTTKh (1989). In the United States, work was also carried out on similar complexes, but none of them was put into service.

A special direction in the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles was work on "heavy" missiles. In the USSR, the R-36 became such missiles, and its further development R-36M, put into service in 1967 and 1975, and in the USA in 1963 the Titan-2 ICBM was put into service. In 1976, Yuzhnoye Design Bureau began developing a new RT-23 ICBM, while in the United States, work had been underway on a rocket since 1972; they were put into service in (in the RT-23UTTKh variant) and 1986, respectively. R-36M2, which entered service in 1988, is the most powerful and heaviest in the history of rocket weapons: a 211-ton rocket, when fired at 16,000 km, carries 10 warheads with a capacity of 750 kt each.

Design

Operating principle

Ballistic missiles usually launch vertically. Having received some translational speed in the vertical direction, the rocket, with the help of a special software mechanism, equipment and controls, gradually begins to move from the vertical to an inclined position towards the target.

By the end of the engine operation, the longitudinal axis of the rocket acquires an angle of inclination (pitch), corresponding to the greatest range of its flight, and the speed becomes equal to a strictly set value that ensures this range.

After the engine stops, the rocket makes its entire further flight by inertia, describing in the general case an almost strictly elliptical trajectory. At the top of the trajectory, the rocket's flight speed takes on its lowest value. The apogee of the trajectory of ballistic missiles is usually located at an altitude of several hundred kilometers from the earth's surface, where, due to the low density of the atmosphere, air resistance is almost completely absent.

On the descending part of the trajectory, the rocket's flight speed gradually increases due to the loss of altitude. With a further decrease in the dense layers of the atmosphere, the rocket passes at tremendous speeds. In this case, a strong heating of the skin of the ballistic missile occurs, and if the necessary protective measures are not taken, then its destruction may occur.

Classification

Basing method

According to the method of basing, intercontinental ballistic missiles are divided into:

• launched from land-based stationary launchers: R-7, Atlas;
• launched from silo launchers (silos): RS-18, PC-20, Minuteman;
• launched from mobile units based on a wheeled chassis: Topol-M, Midgetman;
• launched from railway launchers: RT-23UTTH;
• submarine ballistic missiles: Bulava, Trident.

The first basing method fell out of use in the early 1960s, as it did not meet the requirements of security and secrecy. Modern silos provide a high degree of protection against the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and allow you to quite reliably hide the degree of combat readiness of the launch complex. The remaining three options are mobile, and therefore more difficult to detect, but impose significant restrictions on the size and mass of missiles.

ICBM layout Design Bureau them. V. P. Makeeva

Other methods of basing ICBMs have been repeatedly proposed, designed to ensure the secrecy of deployment and the security of launch complexes, for example:

• on specialized aircraft and even airships with the launch of ICBMs in flight;
• in ultra-deep (hundreds of meters) mines in rocks, from which transport and launch containers (TLC) with missiles must rise to the surface before launch;
• at the bottom of the continental shelf in pop-up capsules;
• in a network of underground galleries through which mobile launchers are constantly moving.

So far, none of these projects has been brought to practical implementation.

Engines

Early versions of ICBMs used liquid propellant rocket engines and required extensive refueling of propellant components just prior to launch. Preparation for launch could last several hours, and the time to maintain combat readiness was very insignificant. In the case of the use of cryogenic components (P-7), the equipment of the launch complex was very bulky. All this significantly limited the strategic value of such missiles. Modern ICBMs use solid propellant rocket engines or liquid rocket engines on high-boiling components with ampoule fuel. Such missiles come from the factory in transport and launch containers. This allows them to be stored in a ready-to-start condition throughout their entire service life. Liquid rockets are delivered to the launch complex in an unfilled state. Refueling is carried out after the installation of a TPK with a rocket in the launcher, after which the rocket can be in a combat-ready state for many months and years. Preparation for launch usually takes no more than a few minutes and is carried out remotely, from a remote command post, via cable or radio channels. Periodic checks of missile and launcher systems are also carried out.

Modern ICBMs usually have a variety of means to overcome enemy missile defense systems. They may include maneuvering warheads, means of setting radar jamming, decoys, etc.

Indicators

Launch of the Dnepr rocket

Peaceful use

For example, with the help of the American Atlas and Titan ICBMs, the Mercury and Gemini spacecraft were launched. And the Soviet ICBMs PC-20, PC-18 and the marine R-29RM served as the basis for the creation of launch vehicles Dnepr, Strela, Rokot and Shtil.

see also

Notes

Links

• Andreev D. Missiles do not go into reserve // ​​Krasnaya Zvezda. June 25, 2008

The era of ballistic missiles began in the middle of the last century. At the end of World War II, the engineers of the Third Reich managed to create carriers that successfully completed the tasks of hitting targets in the UK, starting from the ranges of continental Europe.

Subsequently, the USSR and the USA became leaders in military rocket building. When the leading world powers received ballistic and cruise missiles, this radically changed military doctrines.

The best ballistic missiles in the world - Topol-M

Paradoxically, the best missiles in the world, capable of delivering nuclear warheads anywhere in the world within minutes, were the main factor that prevented the Cold War from escalating into a real clash of superpowers.

Today, ICBMs are equipped with the armies of the USA, Russia, France, Great Britain, China, and, more recently, the DPRK.

According to some reports, cruise and ballistic missiles will soon appear in India, Pakistan and Israel. Various modifications of medium-range ballistic missiles, including Soviet-made ones, are in service with many countries of the world. The article tells about the best rockets in the world that have ever been produced on an industrial scale.

V-2 (V-2)

The first truly long-range ballistic missile was the German V-2, developed by a design bureau headed by Wernher von Braun. It was tested back in 1942, and from the beginning of September 1944, London and its environs were attacked daily by dozens of V-2s.

TTX products FAU-2:

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	14x1.65
Takeoff weight, t	12,5
Number of steps, pcs	1
Fuel type	liquid	mixture of liquefied oxygen and ethyl alcohol
Accelerating speed, m/s	1450
	320
	5000	design value within 0.5–1
Warhead mass, t	1,0
Charge type		high-explosive, equivalent to ammotol 800 kg
combat blocks	1	inseparable
Type of basing	ground	stationary or mobile launcher

During one of the launches, the V-2 managed to rise 188 km above the ground and make the world's first suborbital flight. On an industrial scale, the product was produced in 1944–1945. In total, about 3.5 thousand V-2s were produced during this time.

Scud B (R-17)

The R-17 missile, developed by SKB-385 and adopted by the USSR Armed Forces in 1962, is still considered the standard for evaluating the effectiveness of anti-missile systems developed in the West. It is an integral part of the 9K72 Elbrus complex or Scud B in NATO terminology.

It proved to be excellent in real combat conditions during the Doomsday War, the Iran-Iraq conflict, was used in the II Chechen campaign and against the Mujahideen in Afghanistan.

TTX products R-17:

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	11.16x0.88
Takeoff weight, t	5,86
Number of steps, pcs	1
Fuel type	liquid
Accelerating speed, m/s	1500
Maximum flight range, km	300	with a nuclear warhead 180
Maximum deviation from the target, m	450
Warhead mass, t	0,985
Charge type		nuclear 10 Kt, high explosive, chemical
combat blocks	1	not separable
rocket launcher	mobile	eight-wheel tractor MAZ-543-P

Various modifications of cruise missiles of Russia and the USSR - R-17 were produced in Votkinsk and Petropavlovsk from 1961 to 1987. As the design life of 22 years expired, the SKAD complexes were removed from service with the RF Armed Forces.

At the same time, almost 200 launchers are still used by the armies of the United Arab Emirates, Syria, Belarus, North Korea, Egypt and 6 other countries of the world.

Trident II

The UGM-133A missile was developed for about 13 years by Lockheed Martin Corporation and was adopted by the US Armed Forces in 1990, and a little later by the UK. Its advantages include high speed and accuracy, which makes it possible to destroy even silo-based ICBM launchers, as well as bunkers located deep underground. Tridents are equipped with American Ohio-class submarines and British Wangard SSBNs.

TTX ICBM Trident II:

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	13.42x2.11
Takeoff weight, t	59,078
Number of steps, pcs	3
Fuel type	solid
Accelerating speed, m/s	6000
Maximum flight range, km	11300	7800 with the maximum number of warheads
Maximum deviation from the target, m	90–500	minimum with GPS guidance
Warhead mass, t	2,800
Charge type		thermonuclear, 475 and 100 Kt
combat blocks	8 to 14	split warhead
Type of basing	underwater

The Tridents hold the record for the number of successful launches in a row. Therefore, a reliable missile is expected to be used until 2042. Currently, the US Navy has at least 14 Ohio SSBNs capable of carrying 24 UGM-133A each.

Pershing II ("Pershing-2")

The last US medium-range ballistic missile MGM-31, which entered the Armed Forces in 1983, became a worthy opponent of the Russian RSD-10, the deployment of which in Europe was begun by the Warsaw Pact countries. For its time, the American ballistic missile had excellent performance, including the high accuracy provided by the RADAG guidance system.

TTX BR Pershing II:

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	10.6x1.02
Takeoff weight, t	7,49
Number of steps, pcs	2
Fuel type	solid
Accelerating speed, m/s	2400
Maximum flight range, km	1770
Maximum deviation from the target, m	30
Warhead mass, t	1,8
Charge type		high-explosive, nuclear, from 5 to 80 Kt
combat blocks	1	inseparable
Type of basing	ground

A total of 384 MGM-31 missiles were fired, which were in service with the US Army until July 1989, when the Russian-American treaty on the reduction of the INF came into force. After that, most of the carriers were disposed of, and nuclear warheads were used to equip aerial bombs.

"Point-U"

Developed by the Kolomna Design Bureau and put into service in 1975, the tactical complex with the 9P129 launcher has long been the basis of the firepower of divisions and brigades of the Russian armed forces.

Its advantages are high mobility, which makes it possible to prepare a rocket for launch in 2 minutes, versatility in the use of various types of ammunition, reliability, and unpretentiousness in operation.

TTX TRK "Tochka-U":

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	6.4x2.32
Takeoff weight, t	2,01
Number of steps, pcs	1
Fuel type	solid
Accelerating speed, m/s	1100
Maximum flight range, km	120
Maximum deviation from the target, m	250
Warhead mass, t	0,482
Charge type		high-explosive, fragmentation, cluster, chemical, nuclear
combat blocks	1	inseparable
Type of basing	ground	self-propelled launcher

Russian ballistic missiles "Tochka" proved to be excellent in several local conflicts. In particular, the cruise missiles of Russia and the USSR, which are still Soviet-made, are still used by the Yemeni Houthis, who regularly successfully attack the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces.

At the same time, the missiles easily overcome the air defense systems of the Saudis. Tochka-U is still in service with the armies of Russia, Yemen, Syria and some former Soviet republics.

R-30 Bulava

The need to create a new Russian ballistic missile for the Navy, superior in performance to the American Trident II, arose with the commissioning of the Borei and Akula class strategic submarine missile carriers. It was decided to place Russian 3M30 ballistic missiles, which have been developed since 1998, on them. Since the project is under development, one can judge about the most powerful missiles in Russia only from the information that gets into the press. Without a doubt, this is the best ballistic missile in the world.

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	12.1x2
Takeoff weight, t	36,8
Number of steps, pcs	3
Fuel type	mixed	the first two stages on solid fuel, the third on liquid
Accelerating speed, m/s	6000
Maximum flight range, km	9300
Maximum deviation from the target, m	200
Warhead mass, t	1,15
Charge type		thermonuclear
combat blocks	6 to 10	shared
Type of basing	underwater

At present, Russian long-range missiles have been accepted into service conditionally, since some performance characteristics do not fully suit the customer. However, about 50 units of 3M30 have already been produced. Unfortunately, the best rocket in the world is waiting in the wings.

"Topol M"

Tests of the missile system, which became the second in the Topol family, were completed in 1994, and three years later, it was put into service with the Strategic Missile Forces. However, he failed to become one of the main components of the Russian nuclear triad. In 2017, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation stopped purchasing the product, opting for the RS-24 Yars.

Modern rocket launcher of Russia "Topol-M" at the parade in Moscow

TTX RK strategic purpose "Topol-M":

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	22.55x17.5
Takeoff weight, t	47,2
Number of steps, pcs	3
Fuel type	solid
Accelerating speed, m/s	7320
Maximum flight range, km	12000
Maximum deviation from the target, m	150–200
Warhead mass, t	1,2
Charge type		thermonuclear, 1 Mt
combat blocks	1	inseparable
Type of basing	ground	in mines or on a tractor base 16x16

TOP is a Russian-made rocket. It stands out for its high ability to withstand Western air defense systems, excellent maneuverability, low sensitivity to electromagnetic pulses, radiation, and the effects of laser installations. At the moment, 18 mobile and 60 Topol-M mining complexes are on combat duty.

Minuteman III (LGM-30G)

For many years, the product of the Boeing Company is the only silo-based ICBM in the United States. However, even today, the American Minuteman III ballistic missiles, which entered combat duty as early as 1970, remain a formidable weapon. Thanks to the upgrade, the LGM-30G received more maneuverable Mk21 warheads and an improved sustainer engine.

TTX ICBM Minuteman III:

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	18.3x1.67
Takeoff weight, t	34,5
Number of steps, pcs	3
Fuel type	solid
Accelerating speed, m/s	6700
Maximum flight range, km	13000
Maximum deviation from the target, m	210
Warhead mass, t	1,15
Charge type		thermonuclear, from 0.3 to 0.6 Mt
combat blocks	3	shared
Type of basing	ground	in the mines

Today, the list of American ballistic missiles is limited to Minutements-3. The US Armed Forces have up to 450 units deployed in mine complexes in the states of North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. Replacing reliable, but obsolete missiles is planned to be carried out no earlier than the beginning of the next decade.

"Iskander"

The Iskander operational-tactical systems, which replaced the Topols, Tochkas and Elbrus (the well-known names of Russian missiles), are the best missiles of the new generation in the world. Super-maneuverable cruise missiles of tactical systems are practically invulnerable to air defense systems of any potential enemy.

At the same time, the OTRK is extremely mobile, deploying in a matter of minutes. Its firepower, even when fired with conventional charges, is comparable in effectiveness to an attack with nuclear weapons.

TTX OTRK "Iskander":

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	7.2x0.92
Takeoff weight, t	3,8
Number of steps, pcs	1
Fuel type	solid
Accelerating speed, m/s	2100
Maximum flight range, km	500
Maximum deviation from the target, m	5 to 15
Warhead mass, t	0,48
Charge type		cluster and conventional fragmentation, high-explosive, penetrating munitions, nuclear charges
combat blocks	1	inseparable
Type of basing	ground	8x8 self-propelled launcher

Due to its technical excellence, the OTRK, put into service in 2006, will have no analogues for at least another decade. Currently, the RF Armed Forces have at least 120 Iskander mobile launchers.

"Tomahawk"

Tomahawk cruise missiles, developed by General Dynamics in the 1980s, have been among the best in the world for almost two decades due to their versatility, ability to move at ultra-low altitudes, significant combat power and impressive accuracy.

They have been used by the US Army since their adoption in 1983 in many military conflicts. But the most advanced missiles in the world failed the United States during the controversial strike on Syria in 2017.

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	6.25x053
Takeoff weight, t	1500
Number of steps, pcs	1
Fuel type	solid
Accelerating speed, m/s	333
Maximum flight range, km	from 900 to 2500	depending on how you start
Maximum deviation from the target, m	from 5 to 80
Warhead mass, t	120
Charge type		cluster, armor-piercing, nuclear
combat blocks	1	not separable
Type of basing	universal	land mobile, surface, underwater, aviation

Various modifications of the Tomahawks are equipped with American submarines of the Ohio and Virginia classes, destroyers, missile cruisers, as well as the British nuclear submarines Trafalgar, Astyut, Swiftshur.

American ballistic missiles, the list of which is not limited to the Tomahawk and Minuteman, are obsolete. BGM-109s are still in production today. The production of only the aviation series has been discontinued.

R-36M "Satan"

Modern Russian SS-18 silo-based ICBMs in various modifications have been and are the basis of Russia's nuclear triad. These best missiles in the world have no analogues: neither in terms of flight range, nor in terms of technological equipment, nor in terms of maximum charge power.

They cannot be effectively countered by modern air defense systems. "Satan" has become the embodiment of the most modern ballistic technology. It destroys all types of targets and entire positional areas, ensures the inevitability of a retaliatory nuclear strike in the event of an attack on the Russian Federation.

TTX ICBM SS-18:

Name	Meaning	Note
Length and diameter, m	34.3x3
Takeoff weight, t	208,3
Number of steps, pcs	2
Fuel type	liquid
Accelerating speed, m/s	7900
Maximum range of missiles, km	16300
Maximum deviation from the target, m	500
Warhead mass, t	5.7 to 7.8
Charge type		thermonuclear
combat blocks	1 to 10	separable, from 500 kt to 25 Mt
Type of basing	ground	mine

Various modifications of the SS-18 have been in service with the Russian army since 1975. In total, 600 missiles of this type have been produced during this time. Currently, all of them are installed on modern Russian launch vehicles for combat duty. Currently, the planned replacement of the R-36M with a modified version, a more modern Russian R-36M2 Voyevoda missile, is being carried out.