Powerful launch vehicles from different countries. Rating of the largest rockets in the world

40 years ago, on February 21, 1969, the cosmodrome froze in anticipation. The largest rocket in the world, the N-1, was supposed to launch into space. She was called the Tsar Rocket. It was planned that it was this giant that would launch a heavy interplanetary spacecraft into orbit, which would fly to the Moon, Venus, and Mars.

The dimensions of the rocket are still impressive: 5 stages, 105 meters in height - almost a skyscraper, weight - over 200 tons. It's hard to imagine a more powerful rocket. When the N-1 first left the assembly and testing building, the testers froze. Here it is - the Tsar Rocket! The power of the Soviet state. The largest carrier in the world. "All the testers called her" White swan" - the N-1 rocket, it was so powerful, beautiful and, indeed, a unique technical complex", recalls Sergei Tikhonov, a veteran of the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The romantic Sergei Korolev dreamed of Mars. Long before Yuri Gagarin's flight, together with the manned R-7, he conceived a super-heavy rocket for interplanetary flights. But the lunar race, in which the Soviet Union was drawn into, set priorities: to be the first on the Moon. Secret development received the code name "N-1". N – from the word “carrier”.

“This was the most ambitious space project of the 20th century. Everyone involved in this program had no doubt that the rocket would fly and fly successfully,” says Vladimir Bugrov, a veteran of RSC Energia.

Due to its gigantic size, it was assembled right here at the cosmodrome. Following traditions, they broke a bottle of champagne, while breaking two rules. Instead of a woman, it was a man who smashed her and smashed her against the verticalization installation, and not against the rocket body.

On this day, 40 years ago, everyone was waiting for triumph. It seemed that victory was close. The rocket flew for 69 seconds and fell 50 kilometers from the launch – the first stage engines and control system failed. “This first launch was not considered a failure. Refueling, launch preparation and the launch itself were worked out,” explained Grigory Sonis, a veteran of the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Six months later, the new N-1 was prepared for launch. Ballisticians even timed the launch to circle the Moon as accurately as possible. However, at an altitude of 200 meters, the engines turn off again and the rocket falls to the launch site along with 3 thousand tons of fuel. In the early 70s, two more launch attempts were made. The missiles died at the stage of operation of the first stage. “Only 7 seconds were missing before the end of the first stage. The automation worked, the first stage turned off. And again there was an emergency launch,” says Sergei Tikhonov.

The fifth launch of N-1, already with a standard lunar complex, was scheduled for the end of 1974. Almost everyone was confident of success. The rocket had completely new Kuznetsov reusable engines. But the fate of "N-1" has already been decided: to stop all work. The question remained open: why didn’t they launch already built rockets? “This was, of course, incomprehensible,” says Nina Omysova, chief engineer of the Baikonur branch of TsSKB-Progress. “When the assembled product was lying there, with all the improvements, they said that this was politics.” The N-1 project was officially closed only two years later in 1976. All finished N-1 missiles were destroyed.

On November 23, 1972, the last fourth launch of the N-1 super-heavy launch vehicle was carried out. All four launches were unsuccessful and after four years, work on the N-1 was discontinued. The launch weight of this rocket was 2,735 tons. We decided to talk about the five heaviest space rockets in the world.

The Soviet H-1 super-heavy launch vehicle has been developed since the mid-1960s at OKB-1 under the leadership of Sergei Korolev. The mass of the rocket was 2735 tons. Initially, it was intended to launch a heavy orbital station into low-Earth orbit with the prospect of ensuring the assembly of a heavy interplanetary spacecraft for flights to Venus and Mars. Since the USSR entered into the “lunar race” with the USA, the N1 program was accelerated and reoriented for the flight to the Moon.

However, all four test launches of the N-1 were unsuccessful during the first stage operation. In 1974, the Soviet manned lunar landing program was effectively closed before achieving the target result, and in 1976, work on the N-1 was also officially closed.

"Saturn-5"

The American Saturn 5 launch vehicle remains the highest lifting, most powerful, heaviest (2965 tons) and largest of the existing rockets that have launched a payload into orbit. It was created by rocket designer Wernher von Braun. The rocket could launch 141 tons of payload into low Earth orbit and 47 tons of payload onto the trajectory to the Moon.

Saturn 5 was used to implement the American program lunar missions, including with its help the first human landing on the Moon was carried out on July 20, 1969, as well as for launching the Skylab orbital station into low-Earth orbit.

"Energy"

"Energia" is a Soviet super-heavy launch vehicle (2400 tons), developed by NPO Energia. It was one of the most powerful rockets in the world.

It was created as a universal promising rocket to perform various tasks: a carrier for the Buran spacecraft, a carrier for supporting manned and automatic expeditions to the Moon and Mars, for launching orbital stations new generation, etc. The first rocket launch took place in 1987, the last in 1988.

"Arian 5"

Ariane 5 is a European launch vehicle of the Ariane family, designed to launch a payload into a low reference orbit (LEO) or geotransfer orbit (GTO). The mass of the rocket is not so large compared to Soviet and American ones - 777 tons. It is produced by the European Space Agency. The Ariane 5 launch vehicle is ESA's primary launch vehicle and will remain so at least until 2015. For the period 1995–2007 43 launches were made, of which 39 were successful.

"Proton"

"Proton" (UR-500, "Proton-K", "Proton-M") - a heavy-class launch vehicle (705 tons), designed to launch automatic spacecraft into Earth orbit and beyond space. Developed in 1961–1967 in the OKB-23 division (now the M.V. Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center).

“Proton” was the means of launching all Soviet and Russian orbital stations “Salyut-DOS” and “Almaz”, modules of the “Mir” and ISS stations, planned to be manned spaceships TKS and L-1/Zond (Soviet lunar flyby program), as well as heavy satellites for various purposes and interplanetary stations.

10. France, P51

The M51 missile was put into service by the French in 2010. It is installed on Triomphant class submarines. Capable of covering a distance of 10 thousand km, having on board from six to 10 warheads with a capacity of 100 kilotons. The probable deviation is 150–200 meters. The M51 is difficult to intercept, which is why it deserves to be on this list.

9. China, Dong Feng 31

This missile has been in service in China since 2006. It is capable of carrying a large 1 megaton warhead over a distance of 8 thousand km. The probable deviation is 300 m. The improved version already has three 150 kt warheads and a distance of 11 thousand km with a probable deviation of 150 m. This weapon can be moved and launched from a mobile launch vehicle and that is why it poses a serious danger.

8. Russia, "Topol-M"

The Russian Ministry of Defense introduced Topol-M back in 1997. The missile can be fired from a bunker or from a mobile launch vehicle. It is armed with an 800 kt warhead, but can be equipped with six warheads and decoys. Speed ​​7.3 km per second. The probable deviation is 200 meters. All this makes it very effective and practically undetectable.

7. USA, LGM-30G Minuteman III

The Americans introduced this system back in 1970, but later modernized it. This is a ground-based ICBM that is capable of moving at a speed of 8 km per second. The probable deviation is less than 200 meters. The missile is capable of delivering a warhead with a yield of 375–400 kt.

6. Russia, RSM 56 "Bulava"

It is this rocket that allows us to catch up with the Americans in the field of development naval weapons. "Bulava" was developed for the new Borei-class submarine. In service since 2013. It is equipped with six 150 kt warheads, but can carry 10 warheads. There may also be decoys on board that can deceive the missile defense system. Range - 8 thousand km, probable deviation 300–350 meters.

5. Russia, R-29RMU2 "Liner"

The system was put into operation in 2014. This is an updated version of the previous Sineva SLBM. It was developed to make up for some of the shortcomings of the Bulava. The range of the "Liner" is 11 thousand km. It can carry 12 warheads of 100 kt each. Moreover, some of them can be replaced by false targets. The probable deviation is classified.

4. USA, UGM-133 Trident II

Trident II - hello from the 90s, but updated and modernized. This SLBM was capable of carrying 14 warheads, but after improvements their number was reduced to five (with a yield of 475 kt each). The range depends on the load and varies from 7.8 thousand km to 11 thousand. The probable deviation is only 120 meters, which makes it one of the most accurate nuclear missiles in the world.

3. China, DF-5/5A

Chinese armed forces This system was introduced back in 1981, but since then it has remained a leader in terms of efficiency. This ICBM is capable of carrying a 5 megaton warhead over a distance of 12 thousand km. The deviation in this case can be 1 km. This missile has one goal - to destroy cities. IN last years The PRC has improved the DF-5, increasing its range. In addition, the missile can now carry several warheads, and the deviation, according to some sources, is only 300 meters.

2. Russia, R-36M2 "Voevoda"

In the West this rocket is called "Satan". It was launched in 1974, but has undergone many changes since then. The latest modernization made it possible to install up to 10 750 kt warheads on the Voevoda. Range - 11 thousand km. Speed ​​- 8 km per second. The probable deviation is 220 meters. These weapons were of greatest concern to the Pentagon before March 1, 2018.

1. Russia, R-36 "Sarmat"

Currently, the Ministry of Defense, together with enterprises of the rocket and space industry, has begun the active phase of testing a new missile system with a heavy intercontinental missile - Sarmat. Range new rocket and the number of warheads is greater than that of the Voevoda. "Sarmat" will be equipped with a wide range of high-power nuclear weapons, including hypersonic ones. And the most modern systems for overcoming missile defense.

Presented to the attention of readers fastest rockets in the world throughout the history of creation.

Speed ​​3.8 km/s

The fastest medium-range ballistic missile with maximum speed 3.8 km per second opens the ranking of the most fast missiles in the world. The R-12U was a modified version of the R-12. The rocket differed from the prototype in the absence of an intermediate bottom in the oxidizer tank and some minor design changes - there are no wind loads in the shaft, which made it possible to lighten the tanks and dry compartments of the rocket and eliminate the need for stabilizers. Since 1976, the R-12 and R-12U missiles began to be removed from service and replaced with Pioneer mobile ground systems. They were withdrawn from service in June 1989, and between May 21, 1990, 149 missiles were destroyed at the Lesnaya base in Belarus.

Speed ​​5.8 km/s

One of the fastest American launch vehicles with a maximum speed of 5.8 km per second. It is the first developed intercontinental ballistic missile adopted by the United States. Developed as part of the MX-1593 program since 1951. It formed the basis of the US Air Force's nuclear arsenal from 1959-1964, but was then quickly withdrawn from service due to the advent of the more advanced Minuteman missile. It served as the basis for the creation of the Atlas family of space launch vehicles, which have been in operation since 1959 to this day.

Speed ​​6 km/s

UGM-133 A Trident II- American three-stage ballistic missile, one of the fastest in the world. Its maximum speed is 6 km per second. “Trident-2” has been developed since 1977 in parallel with the lighter “Trident-1”. Adopted into service in 1990. Launch weight - 59 tons. Max. throw weight - 2.8 tons with a launch range of 7800 km. Maximum range flight with a reduced number of warheads - 11,300 km.

Speed ​​6 km/s

One of the fastest solid-propellant ballistic missiles in the world, in service with Russia. It has a minimum damage radius of 8000 km and an approximate speed of 6 km/s. The rocket has been developed since 1998 by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, which developed it in 1989-1997. rocket ground-based"Topol M". To date, 24 test launches of the Bulava have been carried out, fifteen of them were considered successful (during the first launch, weight and size layout missiles), two (seventh and eighth) - partially successful. The last test launch of the rocket took place on September 27, 2016.

Speed ​​6.7 km/s

Minuteman LGM-30 G- one of the fastest land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles in the world. Its speed is 6.7 km per second. The LGM-30G Minuteman III has an estimated flight range of 6,000 kilometers to 10,000 kilometers, depending on the type of warhead. Minuteman 3 has been in US service from 1970 to the present day. It is the only silo-based missile in the United States. The first launch of the rocket took place in February 1961, modifications II and III were launched in 1964 and 1968, respectively. The rocket weighs about 34,473 kilograms and is equipped with three solid propellant engines. It is planned that the missile will be in service until 2020.

Speed ​​7 km/s

The fastest anti-missile missile in the world, designed to destroy highly maneuverable targets and high-altitude hypersonic missiles. Tests of the 53T6 series of the Amur complex began in 1989. Its speed is 5 km per second. The rocket is a 12-meter pointed cone with no protruding parts. Its body is made of high-strength steel using composite winding. The design of the rocket allows it to withstand large overloads. The interceptor launches with 100-fold acceleration and is capable of intercepting targets flying at speeds of up to 7 km per second.

Speed ​​7.3 km/s

The most powerful and fastest nuclear rocket in the world at a speed of 7.3 km per second. It is intended, first of all, to destroy the most fortified command posts, ballistic missile silos and air bases. The nuclear explosives of one missile can destroy Big city, a very large part of the USA. Hit accuracy is about 200-250 meters. The missile is housed in the world's strongest silos. The SS-18 carries 16 platforms, one of which is loaded with decoys. When entering a high orbit, all “Satan” heads go “in a cloud” of false targets and are practically not identified by radars.”

Speed ​​7.9 km/s

The intercontinental ballistic missile (DF-5A) with a maximum speed of 7.9 km per second opens the top three fastest in the world. The Chinese DF-5 ICBM entered service in 1981. It can carry a huge 5 MT warhead and has a range of over 12,000 km. The DF-5 has a deflection of approximately 1 km, which means that the missile has one purpose - to destroy cities. Warhead size, deflection and the fact that it full preparation Taking just an hour to launch, all this means is 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-7 Speed ​​7.9 km/s

R-7- Soviet, the first intercontinental ballistic missile, one of the fastest in the world. Its top speed is 7.9 km per second. The development and production of the first copies of the rocket was carried out in 1956-1957 by the OKB-1 enterprise near Moscow. After successful launches it was used in 1957 to launch the world's first artificial satellites. Since then, launch vehicles of the R-7 family have been actively used to launch spacecraft for various purposes, and since 1961, these launch vehicles have been widely used in manned astronautics. Based on the R-7, a whole family of launch vehicles was created. From 1957 to 2000, more than 1,800 launch vehicles based on the R-7 were launched, of which more than 97% were successful.

Speed ​​7.9 km/s

RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" (15Zh65)- the fastest intercontinental ballistic missile in the world with a maximum speed of 7.9 km per second. Maximum range - 11,000 km. Carries one thermonuclear warhead with a power of 550 kt. The silo-based version was put into service in 2000. The launch method is mortar. The rocket's sustaining solid-propellant engine allows it to gain speed much faster than previous types of rockets of a similar class created in Russia and the Soviet Union. This makes it much more difficult for missile defense systems to intercept it during the active phase of the flight.

In the second half of April 2000, Russia ratified an agreement on an absolute ban on all tests B modern world cold war no longer has of great importance, and therefore there is no particular need for strategic weapons. But nevertheless, they were not completely abandoned, and Russia is armed with the most powerful surface-to-air missile in the world, the R-36M, which was given to the West scary name"Satan".

Description of the ballistic missile

The world's most powerful missile, the R-36M, was put into service back in 1975. In 1983, a modernized version of the missile, the R-36M2, was put into development, which was called “Voevoda”. New model The R-36M2 is considered the most powerful in the world. Its weight reaches two hundred tons, and this is comparable only to the Statue of Liberty. The rocket has incredible destructive force: launching one missile division will have the same consequences as thirteen thousand atomic bombs, similar to the one dropped on Hiroshima. In addition, the most powerful nuclear missile will be ready for launch in just a few seconds, even after many years of mothballing the complex.

Characteristics of the R-36M2

The R-36M2 missile has only ten homing warheads, each with a power of 750 kt. To make it clearer how powerful the destructive power of this weapon is, we can compare it with the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Its power was only 13-18 kt. Russia's most powerful missile has a range of 11 thousand kilometers. The R-36M2 is a silo-based missile that is still in Russian service today.

The Satan intercontinental missile weighs 211 tons. It starts with a mortar launch and has a two-stage ignition. Solid fuel in the first stage and liquid fuel in the second. Taking into account this feature of the rocket, the designers made some changes, as a result of which the mass of the launch rocket remained the same, the vibration loads occurring at launch were reduced, and the energy capabilities were increased. Ballistic missile“Satan” has the following dimensions: length - 34.6 meters, diameter - 3 meters. This is a very powerful weapon, the missile’s combat load is from 8.8 to 10 tons, the launch capability has a range of up to 16 thousand kilometers.

This is the most ideal missile defense system, which has independently targetable warheads and a system of decoys. "Satan" R-36M, as the world's most powerful surface-to-air missile, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Creator powerful weapons is M. Yangel. The main goal of the design bureau under his leadership was to develop a multifaceted rocket that would be capable of performing many functions and having great destructive power. Judging by the characteristics of the rocket, they coped with their task.

Why "Satan"

The missile system, created by Soviet designers and in service with Russia, was called “Satan” by the Americans. In 1973, at the time of its first test, this missile became the most powerful ballistic system, incomparable to any nuclear weapon of that time. After the creation of "Satan" Soviet Union there was no need to worry about weapons anymore. The first version of the missile was labeled SS-18, only in the 80s a modified version of the R-36M2 Voevoda was developed. They can't even do anything against this weapon. modern systems About America. In 1991, even before the collapse of the USSR, the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau developed a design for the fifth-generation Ikar R-36M3 missile system, but it was not created.

Now heavy missiles fifth generation are being created in Russia. The most innovative scientific and technological achievements will be invested in these weapons. But it is necessary to do so before the end of 2014, since at this time the inevitable decommissioning of the still reliable, but already outdated “Voevod” will begin. According to the tactical and technical specifications agreed upon by the Ministry of Defense and the manufacturer of the future ballistic intercontinental missile, new complex will be put into service in 2018. The creation of the rocket will be carried out at the Makeev Rocket Center in Chelyabinsk region. Experts say the new missile system will be able to reliably overcome any missile defense, including a space strike echelon.

Falcon Heavy launch vehicle

The main task of the two-stage Falcon Heavy launch vehicle is to launch satellites and interplanetary vehicles weighing over 53 tons into orbit. That is, in fact, this carrier can lift a fully loaded Boeing airliner with a crew, luggage, passengers and full fuel tanks into earth orbit. The first stage of the rocket includes three blocks, each of which has nine engines. The US Congress is also discussing the possibility of creating an even more powerful rocket that can launch 70-130 tons of payload into orbit. Representatives of SpaceX agreed with the need to develop and create such a rocket to be able to carry out large quantity manned flights to Mars.

Conclusion

Speaking generally about modern nuclear weapons, then it can rightly be called the peak of strategic weapons. Modified nuclear systems, in particular the world's most powerful missile, are capable of hitting targets at great distances, and at the same time missile defense cannot seriously influence the course of events. If the US or Russia decide to use their nuclear arsenal for its intended purpose, this will lead to the absolute destruction of these countries or, perhaps, even the entire civilized world.