Mistress 

At what height does the poplar m. ICBM "Topol-M" fly: history and performance characteristics. Combat equipment testing

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

Start "Topol-M": 93.75% success

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

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

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

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

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

What is carrying a nuclear bomb

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

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

Alexander Babitsky


On August 6th, 1945, the first nuclear weapon was used against the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Three days later, the city of Nagasaki was subjected to a second blow, and now the last in the history of mankind. These bombings were tried to be justified by the fact that they ended the war with Japan and prevented the further loss of millions of lives. In total, the two bombs killed approximately 240,000 people and ushered in a new, atomic age. From 1945 until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the world endured the Cold War and the constant expectation of a possible nuclear strike between the United States and the Soviet Union. During this time, the parties built thousands of nuclear weapons, from small bombs and cruise missiles, to large intercontinental ballistic warheads (ICBMs) and Seaborne Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs). Britain, France and China have added their own nuclear arsenals to this stockpile. Today, the fear of nuclear annihilation is much less than it was in the 1970s, but several countries still possess a large arsenal of these destructive weapons.

Despite agreements aimed at limiting the number of missiles, the nuclear powers continue to develop and improve their stockpiles and delivery methods. Advances in the development of missile defense systems have led some countries to increase the development of new and more effective missiles. There is a threat of a new arms race between world superpowers. This list contains ten of the most destructive nuclear missile systems currently in service in the world. Accuracy, range, number of warheads, warhead yield and mobility are the factors that make these systems so destructive and dangerous. This list is presented in no particular order because these nuclear missiles do not always share the same mission or purpose. One missile may be designed to destroy a city, while another type may be designed to destroy enemy missile silos. Also, this list does not include missiles currently being tested or not officially deployed. Thus, missile systems Agni-V in India and JL-2 in China, being tested step by step and ready for operation this year, are not included. Jericho III of Israel is also not taken into account, since little is known about this missile at all. It is important to keep in mind when reading this list that the size of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs were equivalent to 16 kilotons (x1000) and 21 kilotons of TNT respectively.

M51, France

After the United States and Russia, France deploys the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world. In addition to nuclear bombs and cruise missiles, France relies on its SLBMs as its primary nuclear deterrent. The M51 missile is the most modern component. It entered service in 2010 and is currently installed on the Triomphant class of submarines. The missile has a range of approximately 10,000 km and is capable of carrying 6 to 10 warheads per 100 kt. The circular error probable (CEP) of the missile is between 150 and 200 meters. This means that the warhead has a 50% chance of hitting within 150-200 meters of the target. The M51 is equipped with a variety of systems that greatly complicate attempts to intercept warheads.

DF-31/31A, China

The Dong Feng 31 is a road-mobile and bunker ICBM series deployed by China since 2006. The original model of this missile carried a large 1 megaton warhead and had a range of 8,000 km. The probable missile deflection is 300 m. The improved 31 A has three 150 kt warheads and is capable of covering a distance of 11,000 km, with a probable deflection of 150 m. The additional fact that these missiles can be moved and launched from a mobile launch vehicle, which makes them even more dangerous.

Topol-M, Russia

Known as the SS-27 by NATO, the Topol-M was put into use by Russia in 1997. The ICBM is based in bunkers, but a few Poplars are also mobile. The missile is currently armed with a single 800 kt warhead, but can be equipped with a maximum of six warheads and decoys. With a top speed of 7.3 km/s, a relatively flat flight path and a probable deflection of approximately 200 m, the Topol-M is a very efficient nuclear rocket, which is difficult to stop in flight. The difficulty of tracking mobile units makes it a more effective weapon system worthy of this list.

RS-24 Yars, Russia

The Bush Administration's plans to develop a missile defense network in Eastern Europe have angered leaders in the Kremlin. Despite the claim that the external shock shield is not intended against Russia, Russian leaders considered it as a threat to their own security and decided to develop a new ballistic missile. The result was the development of the RS-24 Yars. This missile is closely related to the Topol-M, but delivers four warheads at 150-300 kilotons and has a 50m deflection. With many of the features of the Topol, the Yars can also change direction in flight and carry decoys, making it extremely difficult to intercept by a missile defense system. .

LGM-30G Minuteman III, USA

It is the only land-based ICBM deployed by the United States. First deployed in 1970, the LGM-30G Minuteman III was to be replaced by the MX Peacekeeper. That program was canceled and the Pentagon instead spent $7 billion to upgrade and upgrade the existing 450 active systems LGM-30G over the past decade. With a speed of almost 8 km/s and a deflection of less than 200 m (the exact number is highly classified), the old Minuteman remains a formidable nuclear weapon. This missile originally delivered three small warheads. Today, a single warhead of 300-475 kt is used.

PCM 56 Bulava, Russia

The RSM 56 Bulava naval ballistic missile is in service with Russia. In terms of naval missiles, the Soviet Union and Russia lagged somewhat behind the United States in performance and capability. To correct this shortcoming, the Mace was created, a more recent addition to the Russian submarine arsenal. The missile was designed for the new Borei-class submarine. After numerous setbacks during the testing phase, Russia accepted the missile into service in 2013. The Bulava is currently equipped with six 150 kt warheads, although reports say it can carry as many as 10. Like most modern ballistic missiles, the RSM 56 carries several decoys to increase survivability in the face of a missile defense system. The range is approximately 8,000 km at full load, with an approximate deviation probability of 300-350 meters.

R-29RMU2 Liner, Russia

The latest development in Russian weapons, the Liner has been put into operation since 2014. The missile is effectively updated version the previous Russian SLBM (Sineva R-29RMU2), designed to make up for the problems and some shortcomings of the Bulava. The liner has a range of 11,000 km and can carry a maximum of twelve warheads of 100 kt each. Warhead payload can be reduced and replaced with decoys to improve survivability. The deflection of the warhead is kept secret, but is probably similar to 350 meters of Mace.

UGM-133 Trident II, USA

The current SLBM of the American and British submarine forces is the Trident II. The missile has been in service since 1990 and has been updated and upgraded since then. Fully equipped, the Trident can carry 14 warheads on board. This number was later reduced and the missile currently delivers 4-5 warheads at 475 kt. The maximum range depends on the load of warheads and varies between 7800 and 11,000 km. The US Navy required a deflection probability of no more than 120 meters for the missile to be accepted into service. Numerous reports and military journals often state that Trident's deflection actually exceeded this requirement by a fairly significant amount.

DF-5/5A, China

Compared to other missiles on this list, the Chinese DF-5/5A can be considered a gray workhorse. The rocket does not stand out either in appearance or complexity, but at the same time it is able to perform any task. The DF-5 entered service in 1981 as a message to any potential enemies that China was not planning preemptive strikes, but would punish anyone who dared to attack it. This ICBM can carry a huge 5 mt warhead and has a range of over 12,000 km. The DF-5 has a deviation of approximately 1 km, which means that the missile has one goal - to destroy cities. The size of the warhead, the deflection, and the fact that it only takes an hour to fully prepare for launch all mean that the DF-5 is a punitive weapon designed to punish any would-be attackers. The 5A version has increased range, improved 300m deflection, and the ability to carry multiple warheads.

R-36M2 "Voevoda"

The R-36M2 "Voevoda" is a missile that in the West is called nothing more than Satan, and there are good reasons for this. First deployed in 1974, the Dnepropetrovsk-designed R-36 complex has gone through many changes since then, including the relocation of the warhead. The latest modification of this missile, the R-36M2, can carry ten 750 kt warheads and has a range of approximately 11,000 km. With a top speed of almost 8 km/s and a probable deflection of 220 m, Satan is a weapon that has caused great concern to US military planners. There would be much more anxiety if the Soviet planners were given green light to deploy one version of this missile, which was to have 38 warheads at 250 kt. Russia plans to retire all of these missiles by 2019.


To continue, visit a selection of the most powerful weapons in history, which contains not only missiles.

Having overcome 11 thousand kilometers, the rocket fired from Plesetsk accurately hit the target

On April 20, 2004, at 21:30 Moscow time, a historic event took place in the life of the “disqualified” in the 1990s of the Strategic Missile Forces. For the first time in 15 years, a test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile was carried out from the Plesetsk cosmodrome to the area of ​​the Hawaiian Islands at a maximum range exceeding 11,000 kilometers. Until that moment, all launches were "home". The missile that flew to distant lands was a mobile-based 15Zh65 Topol-M.

Evolution of ICBMs

Since the end of the 1960s, Soviet and American designers of national nuclear missile shields have taken different paths. The Americans calmed down by creating Minuteman solid-propellant ballistic missiles in 1970 and burying them in the ground. That is, the missiles were placed in the mines once and for all. And until now, it is they, put into service in the distant 1970, that represent the ground segment of the US nuclear forces.

Soviet rocket builders, on the other hand, constantly not only modernized existing liquid-fuel rockets, but also created new types. This applied not only to the design, but also to their basing. Initially, ICBMs were openly located at the launch pads of the Kapustin Yar test site. Then ICBMs began to be placed in mines. And it was also not the best option in terms of missile survivability. Pretty soon, the coordinates of the mines were marked on US strategic maps and entered into the computers of missiles aimed at the USSR.

And in the early 70s, the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering made a revolution in rocket science. And if the name of S.P. Korolev, who made a huge contribution to the creation of space rocket technology, is well known to everyone, then few people know about Alexander Davidovich Nadiradze (1914 - 1987), long time former general designer of MIT (previously it was called NII-1 of the Ministry of Defense Industry). It was thanks to him that a unique class of missiles appeared in the country.

Rockets roam the country

In the mid-1970s, the Strategic Missile Forces began to receive Temp-2S (SS-16) mobile ground-based missile systems developed by MIT. These ICBMs, mounted on a MAZ chassis, had an impressive range of 10,500 km and a powerful 1.6 Mt warhead. "Temp-2S" had two fundamental advantages that Soviet launch systems did not have before.

First, they constantly moved, changing their location. In this connection, they were inaccessible to preemptive missile attacks of the enemy. American land-based ICBMs still do not have this advantage.

Secondly, the rockets used were solid propellant. They are simpler and safer to operate than liquid-fueled ICBMs. They have increased reliability, as well as reduced preparation time for launch.

The last "Soviet" product of MIT, created in conditions of economic and organizational stability, was the Topol mobile strategic missile system with a three-stage solid-propellant rocket 15Zh58. It was put into service in 1988.

On the basis of Topol, a more advanced complex RT-2PM2 Topol-M was created. He is unique in his tactical and technical capabilities, and the conditions under which the development took place. The RT-2PM2 was put into service in 2000, becoming the first ICBM in history created in "inhuman conditions". The complex began to be developed in the late 80s, when funding was sharply reduced in the industry, and was brought to trials when the industry was practically in ruins. The situation was aggravated by the collapse of the USSR. So, for example, the most important participant in the project - the Dnepropetrovsk design bureau "Yuzhnoye" - dropped out of the game in the early 90s.

"Topol-M" has two modifications - mine-based and mobile. It turned out to be easier to install the rocket in the mine - this stage of design and subsequent testing was completed in 1997. Three years later, a mobile launcher was also ready. And its official operation in parts of the RSVN began in 2005, a year after the rocket flew to the Hawaiian Islands.

Tests of the rocket demonstrated its highest reliability, which exceeded the results of tests of other types of rockets. From December 1994 to November 2014, 16 test launches were carried out, both from mine installations and from mobile ones. Only one of them was unsuccessful. At the same time, the rocket did not explode, but deviated from the target in flight and was eliminated.

Cunning modernization

The designers had to show maximum ingenuity in order to bypass the slingshots placed by the START-2 Treaty. MIT did not have the right to create a new missile, "Topol-M" was declared as a modernization of "Topol". The upgraded ICBM was not supposed to differ from the original in any of the following ways:

the number of steps;

Type of fuel for each stage;

Starting weight (no more than 10 percent deviation);

Rocket length (no more than 10% deviation);

Diameter of the first stage (no more than 5% deviation);

Thrown weight (no more than 5 percent deviation).

In this connection, the performance characteristics of the Topol-M complex could not undergo significant changes relative to the Topol complex. And the designers concentrated their main efforts on creating a missile with unique abilities to overcome the enemy's missile defense system.

At the same time, due to the use in a rocket the latest technologies designers managed to significantly increase its energy capabilities. Thus, the bodies of all three stages are made by winding a "cocoon" from a composite material. This made the rocket lighter and made it possible to throw more warhead payload.

This had a beneficial effect on the dynamics of the flight. The operating time of the marching engines of three stages is 3 minutes. Due to the rapid increase in speed, the vulnerability of the rocket in the active part of the trajectory is reduced. Efficient multiple management system auxiliary engines and rudders provides maneuver in flight, making the trajectory unpredictable for the enemy.

Fight against missile defense

The Topol-M is equipped with a new type of maneuvering warhead with a capacity of 550 kt. At the stage of factory testing, it was able to overcome US missile defense with a probability of up to 60% - 65%. Now this figure has been increased to 80%.

The new warhead is more resistant to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and to the effects of weapons based on new physical principles. It should be noted that it was completely simulated on a supercomputer and was created for the first time in domestic practice without testing components and parts during full-scale explosions.

The missile is equipped with a set of missile defense breakthrough means, which include passive and active decoys, as well as means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead. False targets are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation: optical, radar, infrared. They mimic the characteristics of the MS on the downstream portion of the flight path so faithfully that they are able to withstand radar stations with super resolution. The means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead include a radio absorbing coating, infrared radiation simulators, and radio interference generators.

The launcher weighing 120 tons is placed on an eight-axle chassis of high cross-country ability of wheeled tractors of the Minsk plant. The missile is in a fiberglass transport and launch container. Start - mortar type: with the engine off, the rocket is pushed out of the container by powder gases to a height of several meters. In the air, it is deflected using a powder accelerator. And after that, the main engine is turned on in order to avoid damage to the launcher by the gas jet of the main engine of the first stage.

The number of Topol-M complexes on combat duty in the RSVN increases by 5-6 units annually. Now there are 60 mine-based complexes and 18 mobile ones. At the same time, a new, more advanced Yars complex has already entered the army, the missile of which is equipped with three warheads with individual guidance. In it, it was possible to further reduce the time of the active part of the trajectory, increase the accuracy of fire and the likelihood of overcoming missile defense.

TTX complexes "Topol-M", "Yars" and "Minuteman-3"

Number of steps: 3 - 3 - 3
Engine type: RDTT - RDTT - RDTT
Basing: mobile, mine - mobile, mine - mine

Length: 22.5 m - 22.5 m - 18.2 m
Diameter: 1.86 m - 1.86 m - 1.67 m
Weight: 46500 kg - 47200 kg - 35400 kg

Cast weight: 1200 kg - 1250 kg - 1150 kg
Charge power: 550 kt - 4x150-300 kt or 10x150 kt - 3x0.3 Mt

Range: 11,000 km - 12,000 km - 13,000 km
Maximum deviation from the target: 200 m - 150 m - 280 m
Time of the active part of the trajectory: 3 min - 2.5 - n/a
Trajectory: flat - flat - high

Year of adoption: 2000 - 2009 - 1970.

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

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

Mobility has become a cardinal solution to the problem of stealth actions and survivability of intercontinental missile systems (a very controversial issue, stealth and mobility with such a mass and dimensions, first of all, attachment to the base, how many km it will drive away from it, it needs a road, and not a bad one, so the concept "mobile" is very conditional, with modern means of space reconnaissance, a metal object with a length of more than 24 m, a diameter of about 3.5 and a height of almost 5 m, besides emitting a large amount of heat and electromagnetic radiation, is unlikely to be hidden.
The complex, which was REALLY difficult to trace, was called the combat railway missile system (BZHRK) of the Strategic Missile Forces, liquidated in 2005, look who was at the helm of the country at that time. By the way, our American friends, the problem of launching from the railway platform has not been solved).

military railway missile system photo

However, the random distribution of complexes with a high degree combat readiness took them out from under the "disarming" strike of the enemy. It is not for nothing that the Topol, which received the designation SS-25 Sickle in the USA and NATO, caused great concern there. Cool, we know what our means cause NATO "anxiety". What do you know about their "toys"? by the way, Donald Cook brought them to the Black Sea under 60 pieces (!), By the way, they have a radius of 2500 km, see in detail about the incident, but the latest ones, probably still Trident, about it a little later AND THIS IS FAR NOT ALL. So soon work began on the creation of a new complex, more precisely, a system of complexes of various types based, yes, even in the days of the USSR, so whatever one may say, the nuclear shield is still Soviet, the roots are definitely from there.

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

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

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

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

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

We return to the "poplar". The Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering remained the lead developer, where the work was headed by General Designer B. N. Lagutin, and since 1997 - by Yu. S. Solomonov. The nuclear charge was created under the direction of G. N. Dmitriev at the RFNC-Research Institute of Experimental Physics (Arzamas-1b), the control system - at the NPO Automation and Instrument Engineering (Moscow) under the direction of V. L. Lapygin and Yu. V. Trunov , charges of solid mixed fuel engines - in federal center dual technologies "Soyuz" (Dzerzhinsky MO) under the leadership of 3. P. Pak and Yu. M. Milekhin, graphite and composite structural elements - at the Central Research Institute Spetsmash, headed by V. A. Barynin, combat control- in the NPO "Impulse" under the leadership of B. G. Mikhailov. The launcher for the mobile version was developed by the Volgograd Central Design Bureau "Titan" under the direction of V. A. Shurygin, the hydraulic drives of self-propelled launchers were developed by the Central Research Institute of Ag under the direction of V. L. Solunin, the completion of the mine installations was carried out by the Moscow Design Bureau "Vympel" under the direction of D. K. Dragun .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intercontinental ballistic missile of light class 15ZH65 has three sustainer solid propellant stages. Flight control of the first stage - by turning the central nozzle, the second and third stages - by turning a nozzle partially recessed into the combustion chamber with a folding nozzle nozzle. To reduce the mass of the rocket, the hulls of the "cocoon" type stages are made of composite material, and the main engine nozzles are made of carbon-carbon material.
The control system is autonomous inertial, based on an on-board digital computer of increased productivity and a gyro-stabilized platform, with improved accuracy characteristics of command gyroscopic instruments. An element base with increased reliability and resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion was used. A protective coating is applied to the outer surface of the rocket body, a special coating with a high content of rare earth elements is applied to the body of the sealed instrument compartment, the cable network is completely shielded and protected.

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

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

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

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

Topol M photo at the Victory Parade. Moscow, 2011

  1. Starting weight, kg: 47100
  2. Maximum step diameter, mm: 1st - 1860, 2nd - 1610, 3rd - 1580
  3. Full length, mm: 22 700
  4. Missile length without warhead, mm: 17,500
  5. Stage engine thrust, t: 1st - 90.8, 2nd - about 50.3rd - about 25
  6. Launch container diameter, mm: 1950-2050
  7. Maximum range shooting, km: 11 000
  8. Warhead - monoblock, thermonuclear, power kt: 550
  9. Warhead mass, kg: 1200 Self-propelled launcher: 15U175
  10. Mass of a self-propelled launcher with a rocket, kg: 120,000
  11. Maximum travel speed, km/h: 45. Power reserve, km: 500

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

The device and layout of the Topol M missile system

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

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

Start Topol M photo video of the Strategic Missile Forces

poplar rocket launch

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

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

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

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

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

  1. The operating time of the engine of the first stage is 60 s, the second - 64 s, the third - 56 s. Thus, the rocket gains maximum speed in three minutes. What is considered extremely fast acceleration
  2. When passing through a cloud of a nuclear explosion, it performs a program maneuver, actively maneuvers in the interception segment.
  3. The protective coating of the rocket body provides protection against the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and ... the attention of weapons based on new physical principles (who knows, please clarify what is at stake?).
  4. When overcoming missile defense systems, it can launch passive and active decoys according to its characteristics when irradiated various types detection, indistinguishable from combat. Significance has been reduced by an order of magnitude, the estimated detection range of the missile on approach to the target is about 100-200 km.
  5. The missile is unified with the famous sea-based missile "Bulava", many news releases are devoted specifically to the "Bulava" with a launch weight of 37 tons. But it is inferior in terms of impact power to heavier solid-propellant missiles, such as the Trident-2, for example, with a launch weight of 59 tons. (Compare warhead"Maces" - 150kt x 6, theoretically "Trident-2" - 8x475 kt). Some specialists criticize equipping the marine component with light ballistic missiles of the Bulava type, pointing out the need to create a solid-propellant SLBM R-39UTTKh, tests on it were discontinued in the 90s if it came to putting into service, it would have no analogues in the world in terms of strike power and performance characteristics among submarine ballistic missiles.
Mobile ground missile system 15P158 "Topol"
with intercontinental ballistic missile 15Zh58.
Customer index: complex 15P158
Customer Index: Missiles 15Zh58
Designation according to the INF Treaty RS-12M
Designation DIA SS-25
NATO designation Sickle
Rocket manufacturer: Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant
Complex developer: MIT, OKB A.D. Nadiradze.
Launcher manufacturer: Plant "Barricades", Volgograd, RSFSR.

RS-12M is designed to destroy strategic targets at intercontinental ranges.

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

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


2.

Development

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




3 - 8. Self-propelled launcher (15U168)

9. Self-propelled launcher (15U128.1)

Rocket RT-2PM

Rocket 15Zh58 made according to the scheme with three marching steps. To ensure high energy-mass perfection and increase the firing range in all marching stages, a new, developed at the Lyubertsy LNPO Soyuz, a more advanced mixed fuel of increased density with a specific impulse increased by several units was used compared to the fillers of previously created engines.



10.


11.

All three steps have RDTT with one fixed nozzle. On the outer surface of the tail section of the first stage there were folding rotary lattice aerodynamic rudders (4 pcs.), Used for flight control in conjunction with gas-jet rudders and 4 lattice aerodynamic stabilizers. The second stage structurally consists of a connecting compartment and a mid-flight RDTT. The third stage has almost the same design, but it additionally includes a transition compartment, to which the head part is attached.



12. First step


13. Second step


14. Third step


15. Tail section


16. The combat stage of the RS-12M rocket

The bodies of the upper stages were for the first time made by the method of continuous winding from organoplastic according to the “cocoon” scheme. The third stage was equipped with a transition compartment for attaching the warhead. Controlling the firing range was the most difficult technical task and was carried out by cutting off the third-stage propulsion engine, using a thrust cut-off unit, with eight reversible bells and "windows" cut through DUZ ami ( DUZ- detonating elongated charge) in the organoplastic power structure of the body. The thrust cut-off unit was located on the front bottom of the upper stage housing.

An autonomous, inertial control system was developed at the NPO Automation and Instrumentation under the guidance of Vladimir Lapygin. The aiming system was developed under the guidance of the chief designer of the Kyiv plant "Arsenal" Serafima Parnyakova. The inertial control system has its own onboard computer, which made it possible to achieve high precision shooting. The control system provides missile flight control, routine maintenance on the missile and launcher, pre-launch preparation and missile launch. All operations of pre-launch preparation and launch, as well as preparatory and maintenance work are fully automated.

The head part is monoblock, nuclear weighing about 1 ton. The head part includes a propulsion system and a control system that provides circular probable deviation ( QUO) 400 m (so our sources say, in the West the accuracy is estimated at 150-200 m). " Poplar"equipped with a set of means to overcome the missile defense of a potential enemy. The nuclear warhead was created at the All-Union Research Institute of Experimental Physics under the leadership of the chief designer Samvel Kocharyants. According to Western sources, the missile was tested at least once with four individually targetable warheads, but this option was not further developed.

The flight control of the rocket is carried out by rotary gas-jet and lattice aerodynamic rudders. New nozzle devices for solid propellant engines have been created. To ensure stealth, camouflage, false complexes, and camouflage have been developed. Like the previous mobile complexes of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. Rocket 15Zh58 produced in Votkinsk.

The entire life of the rocket 15ZH58 (RT-2PM) conducts in a sealed transport and launch container 22 m long and 2 m in diameter.

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

Launcher and equipment


17..

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

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

As the chassis of the launcher of the mobile complex, a seven-axle MAZ-7912 (15U128.1), later MAZ-7917 (15U168) wheel arrangement 14x12 (factory "Barricades" in Volgograd). This car of the Minsk Automobile Plant is equipped with a 710 hp diesel engine. Yaroslavl Motor Plant. Chief designer rocket carrier Vladimir Tsvyalev. The car was equipped with a sealed transport and launch container with a diameter of 2 m and a length of 22 m. The mass of the launcher with a rocket was about 100 tons. Despite this, the complex Poplar"had good mobility and patency.

Solid propellant charges of engines were developed in the Lyubertsy NPO "Soyuz" under the guidance of Boris Zhukov(later the association was headed Zinovy Pack). Composite materials and the container were developed and manufactured at the Central Research Institute of Special Machine Building under the guidance of Victor Protasova. Rocket steering hydraulic drives and self-propelled launcher hydraulic drives were developed at the Moscow Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics.

Some sources reported that the launch could have been made from any point on the patrol route, but according to more accurate information: “ Upon receipt of a launch order ASBU, calculation APU is obliged to take the nearest waypoint suitable for launch and deploy APU» .

note- the nearest suitable, which means predetermined and having certain coordinates, plus previously prepared in an engineering question and plotted on a route map. To this end, periodically in accordance with plans NS and ZBU reconnaissance of field positions and patrol routes is carried out, during which list of works where to cut down, level, add or strengthen. This is practically and is called from any point. [Ed.]

In the field (i.e. on the field BSP and MBP shelves " Poplars"are on combat duty, as a rule, for 1.5 months in winter and the same amount in summer).

Start RS-12M could also be produced directly from a special unit 15U135 « Crown" wherein " Poplars» are on combat duty on stationary BSP. For this, the roof of the hangar is made sliding.

Initially, the roof was retractable, andon the locking device, which did not allow the cables with loads -concrete counterweights -at the end (like a weight on a chain on walkers) to fall were installedsquibs.At the command to start (in the sequence diagram of the mode« Start”), a command was sent to trigger the squibs, and then the loads pulled the cables with their weight and the roof moved apart.

In harsh winter conditions such a scheme proved to be negative (to determine exactly the mass of the counterweight due to snowfall impossible, the average reading led either to jamming or to a breakdown from the guides, besides this - without shooting it is not possible to determine the state of the squib). Therefore, the squibs were replaced with older and more reliable ones (compared to pioneer improved) electromechanical drives. [Ed.]

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

In order to be able to start PU hung on jacks and leveled. These operations enter deployment mode. The missile container is then lifted to a vertical position. To do this, in the "Start" mode, a powder pressure accumulator is triggered ( PAD) located on the very APU. It is needed in order for the hydraulic system to lift the boom with TPK into the vertical. In other words, this is an ordinary gas generator. On the Pioneer, the boom was raised (i.e., the hydraulic pump engine was working) from the drive from the propulsion engine ( HD) chassis, which led to the need to have a system to maintain HD in the "hot state", duplicate the start system HD air balloons, etc. But such a scheme somewhat reduced reliability.

Start type - artillery: after installation TPK to a vertical position and the shooting of its upper protective cap is triggered first by the first PAD TPK– for extending the movable bottom TPK to "rest" on the ground for more stability, and then the second PAD already pushes the rocket to a height of several meters, after which the main engine of the first stage is launched.

Control APU carried out PKP « Zenith"(divisional link) and" Granite"(regimental link).

For the Topol complex, a mobile command post of the regiment was developed ( PKP RP). Aggregates PKP RP placed on the chassis MAZ-543. Compound PKP RP:

Unit 15V168- command and control vehicle

Unit 15V179– communication machine 1

Unit 15V75– communication vehicle 2

Each unit was accompanied by a unit MOBD(combat support vehicle), also on the chassis MAZ-543. At first it was a unit 15V148, then (with 1989 g.) unit 15V231.

One MOBD included the functions of 4 units of the complex Pioneer: MDES, canteen, hostel, MDSO). Those. had diesel units, household compartment, BPU.

APU RK « Poplar» were equipped with a modernized system RBU, which made it possible to receive commands to start using the system " Perimeter» for 3 ranges.


18.
19.

20.
21.

22.
23.

24.
25. SPU occupies the field
combat training
starting position (PUBSP)

26. Loading equipment onto platforms
to send av arsenal.
27. SPU exit from the facility
15U135 (Krona).


28. Missile division on the march.
29. SPU in the field position.

32. An example of the location of structures
at the starting position
31.

30.
32. 1. Starting position Novosibirsk-2

32. 2. Starting position Novosibirsk-2
32. 3. Starting position Novosibirsk-2

Trials and deployment


33.

34.

35.

36.

37

On October 27, 1982, as part of the first stage of the LKI-1, the first and only launch of the 15Zh58 rocket from the Kapustin Yar test site took place.

AT February 1983 year PGRK " Poplar”was released for flight tests. The first flight test of the rocket at the 53rd NIIP MO (now the 1st GIK MO) Plesetsk was carried out February 8, 1983 g. (here it should be clarified - according to other sources, this launch took place 18th of Febuary) This and two subsequent launches were made from converted stationary missile silos RT-2P. One of the launches was unsuccessful. The series of tests continued until December 23, 1987 d. In total, more than 70 launches of this rocket were carried out.

AT 1984 In 1999, the construction of stationary facilities and the equipment of combat patrol routes for mobile missile systems began. Poplar» in positional areas removed from duty ICBM RT-2P and UR-100 located in silos OS. Later, the arrangement of positional areas removed from service under the contract was carried out. RIAC medium range complexes.

The development of the elements of the complex proceeded in stages, and apparently the greatest difficulties were associated with the combat control system.

The first series of tests was successfully completed by the middle 1985 city ​​(during April 1985 15 test launches took place).

It was decided in order to gain experience in operating the new complex RT-2PM (15P158) in military units deploy it in one of the units.It was done and July 23, 1985 G. in the area of ​​Yoshkar-Ola, a complex consisting of 9 launchers was first put on combat duty in the 779th missile regiment of the PGRK (commander - Lieutenant Colonel Dremov V.V.). And in November 1985, the regiment first went on combat duty to field positions.

At the same time, the development of the combat control system, obviously, continued.

With 1985 of the year mass production missiles were placed at a plant in Votkinsk (Udmurtia), and a mobile launcher was manufactured at the Volgograd plant "Barrikada".

In parallel, in 1985 year based on the second and third stages of the rocket 15Zh58 a mobile soil complex of medium range was developed " Speed". The first and only launch of the 15Zh66 rocket of the Speed ​​complex took place on March 1, 1985. The maximum firing range of this complex was greater than that of the Temp-S front-line complex and less than that of the Pioneer complex. Such a range, with powerful combat equipment, made it possible to squeeze into the launch weight of the rocket, which provided an acceptable total weight and dimensions of the self-propelled launcher. Acceptable in order to "ride" on the territory of the countries of Eastern Europe. Thus, the question of flying time for London, Rome, Bonn was removed. For political reasons, the adoption of this complex for service did not take place.

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

Part of the PGRK " Poplar"was deployed in the newly created positional areas. After signing in 1987 of the INF Treaty, for basing complexes " Poplar"Some positional areas of dismantled medium-range PGRKs began to be re-equipped" Pioneer».

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

May 27, 1988 The first missile regiment with a modernized mobile regimental command post (PKP "Granit", near the city of Irkutsk) was put on combat duty.

At the time of signing the Agreement START-1 in 1991 The USSR had 288 missile systems " Poplar". After signing START-1 the deployment of these complexes was continued.

Missile divisions " Poplars"were deployed near the cities of Barnaul, Verkhnyaya Salda (Nizhny Tagil), Vypolzovo (Bologoe), Yoshkar-Ola, Teikovo, Yurya, Novosibirsk, Kansk, Irkutsk, as well as near the village of Drovyanaya, Chita Region. Nine regiments (81 launchers) were deployed in missile divisions on the territory of Belarus - near the cities of Lida, Mozyr and Postavy.

As of the end 1996 The Strategic Missile Forces had 360 PGRK " Poplar».

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

November 29, 2005 the training and combat launch of ICBMs was carried out RS-12M « Poplar» mobile-based from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in the direction of the Kura test site in Kamchatka. The training warhead of the rocket hit a conditional target at the training ground of the Kamchatka Peninsula with a given accuracy. The main purpose of the launch is to check the reliability of the equipment. The missile stood on combat duty for 20 years. This is the first case in the practice of not only domestic, but also world rocket science - a solid-fuel rocket, which has been in operation for so many years, has been successfully launched.

Reduction

According to the agreement on START-2(signed in January 1993 by George Bush and Boris Yeltsin) 360 units of the missile system " Poplar" before 2007 years have been shortened. This was not prevented by the delay in ratification and the subsequent actual rejection of the treaty.

After the collapse of the USSR, part of " Poplars remained on the territory of Belarus. August 13, 1993 year, the withdrawal of the Strategic Missile Forces group " Poplar" from Belarus, November 27, 1996 year it was completed.

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

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

In order to use the released missiles of the complex " Poplar"to launch satellites, the launch complex of the space launch vehicle" Start". From 1993 to 2006 only 7 launches took place. There were two options for launch vehicles:

« Start"- four stages (starting and three marching) + upper stage RB-4 (high-altitude stage). At the same time, the first stage (starting) of the complex is similar to the first stage of the 15Zh58 rocket. The second and third (marching) are the second stage 15ZH58. The fourth (marching) is the third step 15ZH58.

« Start-1"- three stages + upper stage.

The development of the space complex did not receive and the program was frozen ...

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

But that is another story...

The composition of the complex

PGRK 15P158.1 "Poplar"- APU 15U128.1 on the MAZ-7912 chassis, in this configuration, the Topol complex was deployed as part of the Strategic Missile Forces at the initial stage.

PGRK 15P158 Topol- APU 15U168 on the MAZ-7917 chassis, standard equipment of the Topol complex.

The complex also includes:

- 15V148 / 15V231 combat duty support vehicles (MOBD) of the Topol complex on the MAZ-543M chassis for recreation personnel on combat duty;

- 15V78 tropospheric radio communication station from the means of providing the Topol complex on the MAZ-543M chassis;

- combat control vehicle (MBU);

- 15U135 unit "Krona" - a hangar with a retractable roof for carrying PGRK combat duty at a stationary equipped position;

– vehicle for training drivers on the MAZ-7917 chassis.

Tactical and technical characteristics of the Topol complex

Launch preparation time min 2
thermonuclear power, Mt 0,55
Shooting accuracy (KVO), m 900/200*
Combat patrol area km 2 125000
Launcher 7-axle chassis
MAZ-7310
Warranty period of storage of the rocket in the TPK, years 10
(extended to 15)
launcher type mobile, group launcher with mortar launch
Intercontinental ballistic missile 15Zh58 (RT-2PM)
firing range, km 10500
Number of steps 3 + breeding stage
combat blocks.
Engine RDTT
Start type ground from TPK
due to PAD
Length:
- complete, m 21,5
- without HF, m 18,5
- first step m 8,1
- second stage m 4,6
- third stage m 3,9
- head part m 2,1
Diameter:
- first stage hulls, m 1,8
- second stage hulls, m 1,55
- hulls of the third stage, m 1,34
- TPK (transport and launch container), m 2,0
starting weight, t 45,1
The mass of the equipped first stage of the rocket, t 27,8
head part monobloc detachable
head mass, kg 1000
Control system autonomous, inertial with onboard computer
Autonomous launcher (APU)
Number of missiles on the launcher 1
Base - wheeled MAZ-7912, MAZ-7917
Wheel formula 14x12
Weight:
- launcher without TPK, t 52,94
Overall dimensions (without TPK/with TPK):
- length, m 19,520/22,303
- width, m 3,850/4,5
- height, m 3,0/4,5
Engine diesel V-58-7 (12V)
Power, hp 710
fuel supply, l 825
Speed, km/h 40
Power reserve, km 400
Time of transfer to combat position, minutes 2
Combat duty support vehicle (MOBD)
Weight, kg 43500
dimensions:
- length, m 15,935
- width, m 3,23
- height, m 4,415
Power, hp 525
Power reserve, km 850
Speed, km/h 40
Combat escort vehicle (BMS)
Weight, kg 103800
dimensions:
- length, m 23,03
- width, m 3,385
- height, m 4,35
Power, hp 710
Power reserve, km 400
Speed, km/h 40
Stationary building
for ground mobile launchers
Type sliding roof garage
Purpose for storage of one SPU
built, units 408
Dimensions:
- length, m 30,4
- width, m 8,1
- height, m 7,2
Composition of connections and parts
Missile division 3-5 missile regiments
(KP and 9 SPU in each).
Regimental command post stationary and mobile
"Barrier" or "Granite"
(based on MAZ-543M).
Division composition:
- preparation and launch group, PCS. 3
- Combat control and communications group

* – according to Russian/foreign sources

List of launches



1.

Most of the launches were carried out in the area of ​​the Kura test site.

the date Rocket Polygon Note
29.09.1981 15Zh58Plesetsk Throw tests
30.10.1981 15Zh58PlesetskThrow tests
25.08.1982 15Zh58PlesetskThrow tests
27.10.1982 15Zh58Kapustin Yar LKI-1(stage 1) -
First and only launch
15Zh58 from the Kapustin Yar training ground
18.02.1983 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-1(stage 2)
05.05.1983 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-2
31.05.1983 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-3
10.08.1983 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-4
25.10.1983 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-5
20.02.1984 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-6
27.03.1984 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-7
23.04.1984 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-8
23.05.1984 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-9
26.07.1984 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-10
10.09.1984 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-11
02.10.1984 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-12
20.11.1984 15Zh58PlesetskControl
06.12.1984 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-13
06.12.1984 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-14
29.01.1985 15Zh58PlesetskLKI-15
21.02.1985 15Zh58PlesetskControl
22.04.1985 15Zh58Plesetsk Control - 79th rp (military unit 19970)
14.06.1985 15Zh58Plesetsk Control - 107th rp
06.08.1985 15Zh58PlesetskControl
28.08.1985 15Zh58PlesetskControl
04.10.1985 15Zh58Plesetsk Control - 308th rp (military unit 29438)
25.10.1985 15Zh58PlesetskControl
06.12.1985 15Zh58PlesetskControl
18.04.1986 15Zh58PlesetskControl
20.09.1986 15Zh58PlesetskControl
29.11.1986 15Zh58PlesetskControl
25.12.1986 15Zh58PlesetskControl
11.02.1987 15Zh58PlesetskControl
26.05.1987 15Zh58PlesetskControl
30.06.1987 15Zh58PlesetskControl
14.07.1987 15Zh58Plesetsk Combat training launch
31.07.1987 15Zh58PlesetskControl
23.12.1987 15Zh58PlesetskControl
23.12.1987 15Zh58Plesetsk LKI-16 –
End of LCI
29.04.1988 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
05.08.1988 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
14.09.1988 15Zh58PlesetskControl
20.10.1988 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
01.12.1988 – – PGRK 15P158 Topol
adopted
09.12.1988 15Zh58PlesetskControl
07.02.1989 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
21.03.1989 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
15.06.1989 15Zh58PlesetskControl
20.09.1989 15Zh58PlesetskControl
26.10.1989 15Zh58PlesetskControl
29.03.1990 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
21.05.1990 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
24.05.1990 15Zh58PlesetskControl
31.07.1990 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
16.08.1990 15Zh58PlesetskControl
01.11.1990 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
25.12.1990 15Zh58PlesetskControl
07.02.1991 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
05.04.1991 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
25.06.1991 15Zh58Plesetsk Control - 189 rp (military unit 11466)
20.08.1991 15Zh58Plesetsk Control - 479 rp 35 rd
02.10.1991 15Zh58Plesetsk Control - 346 rp 32 rd
25.02.1993 15Zh58PlesetskControl
23.07.1993 15Zh58Plesetsk Control -
Command post exercises
22.06.1994 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
23.09.1994 15Zh58PlesetskControl
10.11.1994 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
14.04.1995 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
10.10.1995 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
10.11.1995 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
17.04.1996 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
03.10.1996 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
05.11.1996 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
03.10.1997 15Zh58Plesetsk Combat training launch -
Command post exercises
16.09.1998 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
01.10.1999 15Zh58Plesetsk Combat training launch -
Command post exercises
11.10.2000 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
16.02.2001 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
03.10.2001 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
01.11.2001 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
12.10.2002 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
27.03.2003 15Zh58Plesetsk Combat training launch - 235th rp (military unit 12465)
18.02.2004 15Zh58Plesetsk Combat training launch - 307th rp (military unit 29532)
Exercise "Safety-2004"
02.11.2004 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
01.11.2005 15Zh58EKapustin Yar The test of a promising
military equipment.
The target is the Sary-Shagan test site.
The first launch of 15Zh58E with
polygon "Kapustin Yar"
29.11.2005 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
03.08.2006 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
18.10.2007 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
08.12.2007 15Zh58EKapustin YarThe test of a promising
military equipment.
28.08.2008 15Zh58EPlesetsk The test of a promising
military equipment.
First launch of 15Zh58E from Plesetsk
12.10.2008 15Zh58EPlesetsk The test of a promising
military equipment.
Exercise "Stability-2008"
10.04.2009 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
10.12.2009 15Zh58EKapustin YarThe test of a promising
military equipment.
The target is the Sary-Shagan test site.
28.10.2010 15Zh58Plesetsk Combat training launch -
service life extension
complex up to 23 years
05.12.2010 15Zh58EKapustin Yar The test of a promising
military equipment.
The target is the Sary-Shagan test site.
03.09.2011 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
03.11.2011 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
07.06.2012 15Zh58EKapustin YarThe test of a promising
military equipment.
The target is the Sary-Shagan test site.
19.10.2012 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
10.10.2013 15Zh58EKapustin YarThe test of a promising
military equipment.
The target is the Sary-Shagan test site.
30.10.2013 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
27.12.2013 15Zh58EKapustin YarThe test of a promising
military equipment.
The target is the Sary-Shagan test site.
04.03.2014 15Zh58EKapustin YarThe test of a promising
military equipment.
The target is the Sary-Shagan test site.
08.05.2014 15Zh58Plesetsk Combat training launch -
Command post exercises
20.05.2014 15Zh58EKapustin YarThe test of a promising
military equipment.
The target is the Sary-Shagan test site.
11.11.2014 15Zh58EKapustin YarThe test of a promising
military equipment.
22.08.2015 15Zh58EKapustin Yar The test of a promising
military equipment.
The target is the Sary-Shagan test site.
30.10.2015 15Zh58PlesetskCombat training launch
17.11.2015 15Zh58EKapustin YarThe test of a promising
combat equipment
24.12.2015 15Zh58EKapustin Yar The test of a promising
combat equipment

* - unsuccessful launches are marked in red.

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