American ballistic missile. Intercontinental ballistic missiles

Missile weapons are the dominant direction in the military defense of all leading powers, which is why it is so important to know: ICBMs - what are they? Today, intercontinental ballistic missiles are the most powerful means of deterring the threat of nuclear attack.

ICBM - what is it?

The guided intercontinental ballistic missile has a surface-to-surface class and a flight range of more than 5,500 km. Its equipment is nuclear warheads, which are designed to destroy extremely important strategic objects of a potential enemy located on other continents. Based on possible launching methods, this type of missile is divided into those launched from:

• ground stations - this method of basing is currently considered obsolete and has not been used since 1960);
• stationary silo missile launcher (SPU). The most highly protected launch complex from a nuclear explosion and other damaging factors;
• mobile portable units based on a wheeled chassis. This and subsequent bases are the most difficult to detect, but have size limitations for the missiles themselves;
• railway installations;
• submarines

ICBM flight altitude

One of the most important characteristics for the accuracy of hitting a target is the flight altitude of an intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch is carried out in a strictly vertical position of the rocket, for accelerated exit from dense atmospheric layers. Next, there is a tilt towards the programmed target. Moving along a given trajectory, the rocket at its highest point can reach an altitude of 1000 km or more.

ICBM flight speed

The accuracy of hitting an enemy target largely depends on the speed correctly set at the initial stage, during launch. At the highest point of flight, the ICBM has the lowest speed; when it deviates towards the target, the speed increases. Most of the rocket travels by inertia, but in those layers of the atmosphere where there is practically no air resistance. When descending before contact with the target, the speed of an intercontinental ballistic missile can be about 6 km per second.

ICBM testing

The first country to start creating a ballistic missile was Germany, but there is no reliable data on possible tests, work was suspended at the stage of developing drawings and creating sketches. Subsequently, tests of the intercontinental ballistic missile were carried out in the following chronological order:

1. The USA launched a prototype of the MBA in 1948.
2. In 1957, the USSR successfully launched a two-stage Semerka rocket.
3. The United States launched the Atlas in 1958, and later it became the first ICBM to be put into service in the country.
4. In 1962, the USSR launched a rocket from a silo installation.
5. The United States passed tests in 1962, and the first solid-fuel rocket was put into service.
6. The USSR passed tests in 1970 and was accepted into the state. armament: a rocket with three multiple warheads.
7. USA since 1970 accepted for state registration. Minuteman weapons, the only one launched from a ground base.
8. USSR in 1976 accepted to the state. weapons first mobile launch missiles.
9. In 1976, the USSR adopted the first missiles launched from railway installations.
10. In 1988, the USSR passed the test and adopted the most multi-ton and powerful ICBM in the history of weapons.
11. Russia in 2009, a training launch of the latest modification of the Voevoda ICBM took place.
12. India tested an ICBM in 2012.
13. Russia in 2013 carried out a test launch of a new ICBM prototype from a mobile launch facility.
14. In 2017, the United States tested the ground-based Minuteman 3.
15. 2017 North Korea tested an intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time.

The best ICBMs in the world

Intercontinental ballistic installations are divided according to several parameters important for successfully hitting a target:

1. The best of the mobile installations is “Topol M”. Country – Russia, launched in 1994, solid fuel, monoblock.
2. The most promising for further modernization is the Yars RS-24. Country: Russia, launched in 2007, solid fuel.
3. The most powerful ICBM is Satan. Country - USSR, launched in 1970, two-stage, solid fuel.
4. The best of the long-range ones is the Trident II D5 SLBM. Country: USA, launched in 1987, three-stage.
5. The fastest is the Minuteman LGM-30G. Country: USA, launched in 1966.

Intercontinental ballistic missile "Satan"

The Voyevoda intercontinental ballistic missile is the most powerful nuclear weapon in existence in the world. In the West, in NATO countries, she is called “Satan”. There are two technical modifications of this missile in service in Russia. The latest development can conduct combat operations (destruction of a given target) under all possible conditions, including under the condition of a nuclear explosion (or repeated explosions).

ICBMs, what does this mean in terms of general characteristics. For example, the “Voevoda” is superior in power to the recently launched American “Minuteman”:

• 200 m – hit error;
• 500 sq. km – damage radius;
• not infected by radars due to “false targets” created during flight;
• There is no missile defense system in the world capable of destroying the nuclear head of a missile.

Intercontinental ballistic missile "Bulava"

"Bulava" ICBM is the latest development of Russian scientists and engineers. The technical specifications indicate:

• solid fuel (5th generation fuel is used);
• three-stage;
• astro-radio-inertial control system;
• launch from submarines, “on the move”;
• impact radius 8 thousand km;
• weight at launch 36.8 tons;
• withstands hits from any laser weapon;
• the tests are not completed;
• other technical characteristics are classified.

Intercontinental missiles of the world

The speed and impact indicators depend on how the intercontinental ballistic missile flies (amplitude of movement). In addition to Russia and the United States, there are several other world powers armed with ICBMs, these are France and China:

1. China (DF-5A) – flight range 13,000 km, two-stage, liquid fuel.
2. China (DF-31A) – flight range 11,200 km, solid fuel, three-stage.
3. France (M51) – flight range 10,000 km, solid propellant, launched from submarines.

The military policy of any state is based on the protection of state borders, state sovereignty and national security. Therefore, it is worth asking the question: ICBMs - what could this mean for the effective protection of the borders of the Russian Federation? Russian military doctrine presupposes the right to a response when applied to its aggression. In this regard, ballistic missiles in service are the most effective means of deterring foreign aggression.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said that the country's security must be ensured through “offensive” measures. At the same time, he previously noted that the republic would take steps to strengthen its armed forces. Experts recall that in December, the DPRK twice reported tests, but did not specify what exactly. According to analysts, in this way the North Korean authorities want to push the United States to continue the dialogue, which has stalled due to Washington’s reluctance to make concessions.

The Chinese army has flight tested a new sea-launched ballistic missile that is capable of “hitting targets throughout the United States with a nuclear warhead,” The Washington Times reports, citing Pentagon sources.

45 years ago, the first regiment armed with the R-36M intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which received the NATO nickname “Satan” and the status of the world’s most powerful strategic missile system, went on combat duty. The missile could carry more than 8 tons of payload, breaking through an enemy missile defense system. Depending on the equipment, the R-36M could hit targets at a range of up to 15 thousand km. At the end of the 1980s, a modernized version of the “Satan” was developed for the needs of the Strategic Missile Forces, which is still in service with the strategic forces of the Russian Federation. Now the RS-28 Sarmat is being created to replace it. According to experts, it is no coincidence that “Satan” has earned such a frightening name in the West. The capabilities of this ICBM make it almost guaranteed to hit the most important targets on enemy territory.

• The Russian army and navy must always be equipped with the most modern weapons. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting of the expanded board of the Ministry of Defense. According to him, in the past year the share of new military equipment in the armed forces was 68%, and in 2020 it will increase to 70%. As Putin emphasized, qualitative changes have occurred in command and control, robotics and unmanned aircraft. At the same time, Washington's destruction of the arms control system is causing concern. Moscow will take this situation into account in its national defense plan for 2020. Experts believe that the current state of the Russian Armed Forces and the pace of rearmament are adequate to modern challenges and threats to national security.

  In December, crews of the Peresvet mobile laser systems began combat duty. This was stated by the Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov. According to him, unique Russian weapons will cover strategic mobile systems. Experts believe that the main purpose of lasers will be air defense. “Peresvet” is the only combat laser system in the world capable of causing damage to aircraft. According to analysts, the unique weapon will become more compact in the future and will be modernized for wider use among the troops.

  60 years ago, a new type of armed forces was created within the structure of the Soviet army - the Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces). The enormous resources invested in their formation allowed the USSR to achieve strategic parity with the United States, which remains to this day. The Strategic Missile Forces consist of three armies and 12 divisions, the arsenal of which includes about 400 silo-based and mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles. It is expected that by 2024, the Strategic Missile Forces formations will be 100% equipped with modern Russian-made complexes. As experts note, maintaining the high combat readiness of this type of troops is the main guarantor of the national security of the Russian Federation.

  The Strategic Missile Forces are preparing for the adoption of the latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) RS-28 Sarmat. The commander of this branch of the Armed Forces, Colonel General Sergei Karakaev, stated this in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper. The first recipient of this unique complex will be one of the regiments of the Uzhur Missile Division. The Sarmat should replace the R-36M2 Voevoda ICBM, which has been on combat duty since the late 1980s. The RS-28 will have an almost unlimited range and be able to carry up to 10 tons of payload. According to experts, the appearance of Sarmat in the arsenal of the Strategic Missile Forces will allow Russia to maintain strategic parity with the United States.

  An aggravation of existing interstate contradictions in the Arctic could lead to an armed conflict, but the scenario of a large-scale confrontation is excluded. This was stated by the commander of the Northern Fleet (NF), Vice Admiral Alexander Moiseev, speaking at the forum “The Arctic: Present and Future”. He named the policy of the United States and other Western countries as the key factor of destabilization. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, since 2015, the intensity of operational and combat training of NATO troops in high latitudes has doubled. In this regard, Russia is pursuing a course to strengthen the strike and air defense capabilities of the Northern Fleet.

  The Council of the European Union has approved 13 new programs within the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation on Security and Defense (PESCO). Among them is the TWISTER project, aimed at creating a threat detection and tracking system that should strengthen Europe's missile defense capabilities. Analysts note that European countries could become concerned about the issue of their own missile defense due to the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty. However, experts note that the EU states are not yet talking about creating full-fledged systems of such weapons.

The comparative assessment was carried out according to the following parameters:

firepower (number of warheads (WB), total power of WB, maximum firing range, accuracy - CEP)
constructive perfection (launch mass of the rocket, overall characteristics, relative density of the rocket - the ratio of the launch mass of the rocket to the volume of the transport and launch container (TPC))
operation (based on a ground-moving missile system (MGRS) or placement in a silo launcher (silo launcher), time of the interregulatory period, possibility of extending the warranty period)

The sum of points for all parameters gave an overall assessment of the compared MDB. It was taken into account that each ICBM taken from the statistical sample, compared with other ICBMs, was evaluated based on the technical requirements of its time.

The variety of ground-based ICBMs is so great that the sample includes only ICBMs that are currently in service and have a range of more than 5,500 km - and only China, Russia and the United States have such (Great Britain and France have abandoned ground-based ICBMs , placing them only on submarines).

Intercontinental ballistic missiles

Based on the number of points scored, the first four places were taken by:

1. Russian ICBM R-36M2 “Voevoda” (15A18M, START code - RS-20V, according to NATO classification - SS-18 Satan (Russian: “Satan”))

Adopted into service, 1988
Fuel - liquid
Number of accelerating stages - 2
Length, m - 34.3
Maximum diameter, m - 3.0
Launch weight, t - 211.4
Start - mortar (for silos)
Throwing weight, kg - 8,800
Flight range, km -11,000 - 16,000
Number of BB, power, ct -10Х550-800
KVO, m - 400 – 500

28.5

The most powerful ground-based ICBM is the 15A18M missile of the R-36M2 "Voevoda" complex (designation of the Strategic Missile Forces RS-20V, NATO designation SS-18mod4 "Satan". The R-36M2 complex has no equal in its technological level and combat capabilities.

The 15A18M is capable of carrying platforms with several dozen (from 20 to 36) individually targeted nuclear MIRVs, as well as maneuvering warheads. It is equipped with a missile defense system, which allows one to break through layered missile defense systems using weapons based on new physical principles. R-36M2 are on duty in ultra-protected silo launchers, which are resistant to shock waves at a level of about 50 MPa (500 kg/sq. cm).

The design of the R-36M2 includes the ability to launch directly during a period of massive enemy nuclear impact on a positional area and blocking a positional area with high-altitude nuclear explosions. The missile has the highest resistance among ICBMs to nuclear weapons.

The rocket is covered with a dark heat-protective coating, making it easier to pass through the cloud of a nuclear explosion. It is equipped with a system of sensors that measure neutron and gamma radiation, register dangerous levels and, while the missile passes through the cloud of a nuclear explosion, turn off the control system, which remains stabilized until the missile leaves the danger zone, after which the control system turns on and corrects the trajectory.

A strike from 8-10 15A18M missiles (fully equipped) ensured the destruction of 80% of the industrial potential of the United States and most of the population.

2. US ICBM LGM-118A “Peacekeeper” - MX

Main tactical and technical characteristics (TTX):

Adopted into service, 1986
Fuel - solid
Number of accelerating stages - 3
Length, m - 21.61
Maximum diameter, m - 2.34
Launch weight, t - 88.443
Start - mortar (for silos)
Throwing weight, kg - 3,800
Flight range, km - 9,600
Number of BB, power, ct - 10X300
KVO, m - 90 - 120

Sum of points for all parameters - 19.5

The most powerful and advanced American ICBM - the three-stage solid-propellant MX missile - was equipped with ten with a yield of 300 kt each. It had increased resistance to the effects of nuclear weapons and had the ability to overcome the existing missile defense system, limited by an international treaty.

The MX had the greatest capabilities among ICBMs in terms of accuracy and ability to hit a heavily protected target. At the same time, the MXs themselves were based only in the improved silo launchers of the Minuteman ICBMs, which were inferior in security to the Russian silo launchers. According to American experts, the MX was 6-8 times superior in combat capabilities to the Minuteman-3.

A total of 50 MX missiles were deployed, which were on alert in a state of 30-second readiness for launch. Removed from service in 2005, the missiles and all equipment of the position area are being preserved. Options for using MX to launch high-precision non-nuclear strikes are being considered.

3. Russian ICBM PC-24 "Yars" - Russian solid-fuel mobile-based intercontinental ballistic missile with a multiple warhead

Main tactical and technical characteristics (TTX):

Adopted for service, 2009
Fuel - solid
Number of accelerating stages - 3
Length, m - 22.0
Maximum diameter, m - 1.58
Launch weight, t - 47.1
Start - mortar
Throwing weight, kg - 1,200
Flight range, km - 11,000
Number of BB, power, ct - 4X300
KVO, m – 150

Sum of points for all parameters - 17.7

Structurally, the RS-24 is similar to the Topol-M and has three stages. Differs from RS-12M2 "Topol-M":
new platform for breeding blocks with warheads
re-equipment of some part of the missile control system
increased payload

The missile enters service in a factory transport and launch container (TPC), in which it spends its entire service. The body of the missile product is coated with special compounds to reduce the effects of a nuclear explosion. Probably, an additional composition was applied using stealth technology.

Guidance and control system (GCS) is an autonomous inertial control system with an on-board digital computer (OND), probably using astrocorrection. The proposed developer of the control system is the Moscow Research and Production Center for Instrument Engineering and Automation.

The use of the active trajectory section has been reduced. To improve the speed characteristics at the end of the third stage, it is possible to use a turn with the direction of zero increment of distance until the last stage's fuel reserve is fully exhausted.

The instrumentation compartment is completely sealed. The rocket is capable of overcoming the cloud of a nuclear explosion at launch and performing a program maneuver. For testing, the rocket will most likely be equipped with a telemetry system - the T-737 Triad receiver and indicator.

To counter missile defense systems, the missile is equipped with a countermeasures system. From November 2005 to December 2010, tests of anti-missile defense systems were carried out using Topol and K65M-R missiles.

4. Russian ICBM UR-100N UTTH (GRAU index - 15A35, START code - RS-18B, according to NATO classification - SS-19 Stiletto (English “Stiletto”))

Main tactical and technical characteristics (TTX):

Adopted into service, 1979
Fuel - liquid
Number of accelerating stages - 2
Length, m - 24.3
Maximum diameter, m - 2.5
Launch weight, t - 105.6
Start - gas-dynamic
Throwing weight, kg - 4,350
Flight range, km - 10,000
Number of BB, power, ct - 6Х550
KVO, m - 380

Sum of points for all parameters - 16.6

ICBM 15A35 is a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile, made according to the “tandem” design with a sequential separation of stages. The rocket is distinguished by a very dense layout and virtually no “dry” compartments. According to official data, as of July 2009, the Russian Strategic Missile Forces had 70 deployed 15A35 ICBMs.

The last division was previously in the process of liquidation, but by decision of the President of the Russian Federation D.A. Medvedev in November 2008, the liquidation process was terminated. The division will continue to be on duty with the 15A35 ICBM until it is re-equipped with “new missile systems” (apparently either Topol-M or RS-24).

Apparently, in the near future, the number of 15A35 missiles on combat duty will be further reduced until it stabilizes at a level of about 20-30 units, taking into account purchased missiles. The UR-100N UTTH missile system is extremely reliable - 165 test and combat training launches were carried out, of which only three were unsuccessful.

The American magazine of the Air Force Rocketry Association called the UR-100N UTTH missile “one of the most outstanding technical developments of the Cold War.” The first complex, still with UR-100N missiles, was put on combat duty in 1975 with a warranty period of 10 years. During its creation, all the best design solutions worked out on previous generations of "hundreds" were implemented.

The high reliability indicators of the missile and the complex as a whole, then achieved during the operation of the improved complex with the UR-100N UTTH ICBM, allowed the military-political leadership of the country to set before the RF Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, the command of the Strategic Missile Forces and the lead developer represented by NPO Mashinostroeniya the task of gradually extending the service life of the complex with 10 to 15, then to 20, 25 and finally to 30 and beyond.

The ICBM is a very impressive human creation. Huge size, thermonuclear power, column of flame, roar of engines and the menacing roar of launch. However, all this exists only on the ground and in the first minutes of launch. After they expire, the rocket ceases to exist. Further into the flight and to carry out the combat mission, only what remains of the rocket after acceleration is used - its payload.

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

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

The head of a rocket is a complex load consisting of many elements. It contains a warhead (one or more), a platform on which these warheads are placed along with all other equipment (such as means of deceiving enemy radars and missile defenses), and a fairing. There is also fuel and compressed gases in the head part. The entire warhead will not fly to the target. It, like the ballistic missile itself earlier, will split into many elements and simply cease to exist as a single whole. The fairing will separate from it not far from the launch area, during the operation of the second stage, and somewhere along the way it will fall. The platform will collapse upon entering the air of the impact area. Only one type of element will reach the target through the atmosphere. Warheads.

Up close, the warhead looks like an elongated cone, a meter or one and a half long, with a base as thick as a human torso. The nose of the cone is pointed or slightly blunt. This cone is a special aircraft whose task is to deliver weapons to the target. We'll come back to warheads later and take a closer look at them.

The head of the “Peacekeeper”, The photographs show the breeding stages of the American heavy ICBM LGM0118A Peacekeeper, also known as MX. The missile was equipped with ten 300 kt multiple warheads. The missile was withdrawn from service in 2005.

Pull or push?

In a missile, all warheads are located in the so-called breeding stage, or “bus”. Why bus? Because, having first been freed from the fairing, and then from the last booster stage, the propagation stage carries the warheads, like passengers, along given stops, along their trajectories, along which the deadly cones will disperse to their targets.

The “bus” is also called the combat stage, because its work determines the accuracy of pointing the warhead to the target point, and therefore combat effectiveness. The propulsion stage and its operation is one of the biggest secrets in a rocket. But we will still take a slight, schematic look at this mysterious step and its difficult dance in space.

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

But this happened before, at the dawn of multiple warheads. Now breeding presents a completely different picture. If previously the warheads “stuck” forward, now the stage itself is in front along the course, and the warheads hang from below, with their tops back, upside down, like bats. The “bus” itself in some rockets also lies upside down, in a special recess in the upper stage of the rocket. Now, after separation, the breeding stage does not push, but drags the warheads along with it. Moreover, it drags, resting against its four “paws” placed crosswise, deployed in front. At the ends of these metal legs are rearward-facing thrust nozzles for the expansion stage. After separation from the accelerating stage, the “bus” very accurately, precisely sets its movement in the beginning of space with the help of its own powerful guidance system. He himself occupies the exact path of the next warhead - its individual path.

Then the special inertia-free locks that held the next detachable warhead are opened. And not even separated, but simply now no longer connected with the stage, the warhead remains motionless hanging here, in complete weightlessness. The moments of her own flight began and flowed by. Like one individual berry next to a bunch of grapes with other warhead grapes not yet plucked from the stage by the breeding process.

Fiery Ten, K-551 “Vladimir Monomakh” is a Russian strategic nuclear submarine (Project 955 “Borey”), armed with 16 solid-fuel Bulava ICBMs with ten multiple warheads.

Delicate movements

Now the task of the stage is to crawl away from the warhead as delicately as possible, without disturbing its precisely set (targeted) movement with gas jets of its nozzles. If a supersonic jet of a nozzle hits a separated warhead, it will inevitably add its own additive to the parameters of its movement. Over the subsequent flight time (which is half an hour to fifty minutes, depending on the launch range), the warhead will drift from this exhaust “slap” of the jet half a kilometer to a kilometer sideways from the target, or even further. It will drift without obstacles: there is space, they slapped it - it floated, not being held back by anything. But is a kilometer sideways really accurate today?

To avoid such effects, it is precisely the four upper “legs” with engines that are spaced apart to the sides that are needed. The stage is, as it were, pulled forward on them so that the exhaust jets go to the sides and cannot catch the warhead separated by the belly of the stage. All thrust is divided between four nozzles, which reduces the power of each individual jet. There are other features too. For example, if on the donut-shaped propulsion stage (with a void in the middle - this hole is worn on the rocket's upper stage like a wedding ring on a finger) of the Trident II D5 missile, the control system determines that the separated warhead still falls under the exhaust of one of the nozzles, then the control system turns off this nozzle. Silences the warhead.

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

The abysses of mathematics

What has been said above is quite enough to understand how a warhead’s own path begins. But if you open the door a little wider and look a little deeper, you will notice that today the rotation in space of the breeding stage carrying the warheads is an area of ​​​​application of quaternion calculus, where the on-board attitude control system processes the measured parameters of its movement with a continuous construction of the on-board orientation quaternion. A quaternion is such a complex number (above the field of complex numbers lies a flat body of quaternions, as mathematicians would say in their precise language of definitions). But not with the usual two parts, real and imaginary, but with one real and three imaginary. In total, the quaternion has four parts, which, in fact, is what the Latin root quatro says.

The dilution stage does its job quite low, immediately after the boost stages are turned off. That is, at an altitude of 100−150 km. And there is also the influence of gravitational anomalies on the Earth’s surface, heterogeneities in the even gravitational field surrounding the Earth. Where are they from? From uneven terrain, mountain systems, occurrence of rocks of different densities, oceanic depressions. Gravitational anomalies either attract the stage to themselves with additional attraction, or, conversely, slightly release it from the Earth.

In such irregularities, the complex ripples of the local gravitational field, the breeding stage must place the warheads with precision accuracy. To do this, it was necessary to create a more detailed map of the Earth's gravitational field. It is better to “explain” the features of a real field in systems of differential equations that describe precise ballistic motion. These are large, capacious (to include details) systems of several thousand differential equations, with several tens of thousands of constant numbers. And the gravitational field itself at low altitudes, in the immediate near-Earth region, is considered as a joint attraction of several hundred point masses of different “weights” located near the center of the Earth in a certain order. This achieves a more accurate simulation of the Earth's real gravitational field along the rocket's flight path. And more accurate operation of the flight control system with it. And also... but that's enough! - Let's not look further and close the door; What has been said is enough for us.

Intercontinental ballistic missile R-36M Voevoda Voevoda,

Flight without warheads

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

Short, but intense.

The ICBM payload spends most of its flight in space object mode, rising to an altitude three times the height of the ISS. The trajectory of enormous length must be calculated with extreme accuracy.

After the separated warheads, it is the turn of other wards. The most amusing things begin to fly away from the steps. Like a magician, she releases into space a lot of inflating balloons, some metal things that resemble open scissors, and objects of all sorts of other shapes. Durable balloons sparkle brightly in the cosmic sun with the mercury shine of a metallized surface. They are quite large, some shaped like warheads flying nearby. Their aluminum-coated surface reflects a radar signal from a distance in much the same way as the warhead body. Enemy ground radars will perceive these inflatable warheads as well as real ones. Of course, in the very first moments of entering the atmosphere, these balls will fall behind and immediately burst. But before that, they will distract and load the computing power of ground-based radars - both long-range detection and guidance of anti-missile systems. In ballistic missile interceptor parlance, this is called “complicating the current ballistic environment.” And the entire heavenly army, inexorably moving towards the area of ​​impact, including real and false warheads, balloons, dipole and corner reflectors, this whole motley flock is called “multiple ballistic targets in a complicated ballistic environment.”

The metal scissors open up and become electric dipole reflectors - there are many of them, and they well reflect the radio signal of the long-range missile detection radar beam probing them. Instead of the ten desired fat ducks, the radar sees a huge blurry flock of small sparrows, in which it is difficult to make out anything. Devices of all shapes and sizes reflect different wavelengths.

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

The photo shows the launch of a Trident II intercontinental missile (USA) from a submarine. Currently, Trident is the only family of ICBMs whose missiles are installed on American submarines. The maximum throwing weight is 2800 kg.

Last segment

However, from an aerodynamic point of view, the stage is not a warhead. If that one is a small and heavy narrow carrot, then the stage is an empty, vast bucket, with echoing empty fuel tanks, a large, streamlined body and a lack of orientation in the flow that is beginning to flow. With its wide body and decent windage, the stage responds much earlier to the first blows of the oncoming flow. The warheads also unfold along the flow, piercing the atmosphere with the least aerodynamic resistance. The step leans into the air with its vast sides and bottoms as necessary. It cannot fight the braking force of the flow. Its ballistic coefficient - an “alloy” of massiveness and compactness - is much worse than a warhead. Immediately and strongly it begins to slow down and lag behind the warheads. But the forces of the flow increase inexorably, and at the same time the temperature heats up the thin, unprotected metal, depriving it of its strength. The remaining fuel boils merrily in the hot tanks. Finally, the hull structure loses stability under the aerodynamic load that compresses it. Overload helps to destroy the bulkheads inside. Crack! Hurry! The crumpled body is immediately engulfed by hypersonic shock waves, tearing the stage into pieces and scattering them. After flying a little in the condensing air, the pieces again break into smaller fragments. Remaining fuel reacts instantly. Flying fragments of structural elements made of magnesium alloys are ignited by hot air and instantly burn with a blinding flash, similar to a camera flash - it’s not for nothing that magnesium was set on fire in the first photo flashes!

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

Time does not stand still.

Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and Boeing have completed the first and key phase associated with the development of a defense exoatmospheric kinetic interceptor (EKV), which is part of a mega-project - a global missile defense system being developed by the Pentagon, based on interceptor missiles, each of which is capable of carry SEVERAL kinetic interception warheads (Multiple Kill Vehicle, MKV) to destroy ICBMs with multiple warheads, as well as “false” warheads

“The milestone achieved is an important part of the concept development phase,” Raytheon said, adding that it is “consistent with MDA plans and is the basis for further concept approval planned for December.”

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

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

In 2009, the United States suspended the development of a program to combat multiple warheads due to the extreme complexity of producing the breeding unit mechanism. However, this year the program was revived. According to Newsader analytical data, this is due to increased aggression on the part of Russia and corresponding threats to use nuclear weapons, which were repeatedly expressed by senior officials of the Russian Federation, including President Vladimir Putin himself, who, in a commentary on the situation with the annexation of Crimea, openly admitted that he allegedly was ready to use nuclear weapons in a possible conflict with NATO (the latest events related to the destruction of a Russian bomber by the Turkish Air Force cast doubt on Putin’s sincerity and suggest a “nuclear bluff” on his part). Meanwhile, as we know, Russia is the only state in the world that allegedly possesses ballistic missiles with multiple nuclear warheads, including “false” (distracting) ones.

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

Russia is also not standing still.

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

The RS-20A ballistic missile (ICBM) development program was implemented as part of the “guaranteed retaliatory strike” strategy. President Ronald Reagan's policy of exacerbating the confrontation between the USSR and the USA forced him to take adequate response measures to cool the ardor of the "hawks" from the presidential administration and the Pentagon. American strategists believed that they were quite capable of ensuring such a level of protection for their country’s territory from an attack by Soviet ICBMs that they could simply not give a damn about the international agreements reached and continue to improve their own nuclear potential and missile defense systems (ABM). “Voevoda” was just another “asymmetric response” to Washington’s actions.

The most unpleasant surprise for the Americans was the rocket's fissile warhead, which contained 10 elements, each of which carried an atomic charge with a capacity of up to 750 kilotons of TNT. For example, bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki with a yield of “only” 18-20 kilotons. Such warheads were capable of penetrating the then-American missile defense systems; in addition, the infrastructure supporting missile launching was also improved.

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

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

According to reports in the press, NPO Energomash will become the head enterprise for the production of the rocket, and the engines will be supplied by Perm-based Proton-PM.

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

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

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

If this happens, efforts to deploy missile defense systems in Europe may be in vain, since the missile's launch trajectory is such that it is unclear where exactly the warheads will be aimed.

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

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

sources

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

R-36M "Satan"

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

The Americans called the Soviet strategic missile system “Satan”. When first tested in 1973, the missile was the most powerful ballistic system ever developed. Not a single missile defense system was capable of resisting the SS-18, whose destruction radius was as much as 16 thousand meters. After the creation of the R-36M, the Soviet Union did not have to worry about the “arms race.” However, in the 1980s, the Satan was modified, and in 1988, a new version of the SS-18, the R-36M2 Voevoda, entered service with the Soviet Army, against which even modern American missile defense systems cannot do anything.

RT-2PM2. "Topol M"

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

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

PC-24 "Yars"

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

SRK UR-100N UTTH with 15A35 missile

Developer: Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering
Length: 24.3 m
Diameter: 2.5 m
Starting weight: 105.6 t
Flight range: 10000 km
The third generation intercontinental ballistic liquid missile 15A30 (UR-100N) with a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) was developed at the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering under the leadership of V.N. Chelomey. Flight design tests of the 15A30 ICBM were carried out at the Baikonur training ground (chairman of the state commission - Lieutenant General E.B. Volkov). The first launch of the 15A30 ICBM took place on April 9, 1973. According to official data, as of July 2009, the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation had 70 deployed 15A35 ICBMs: 1. 60th Missile Division (Tatishchevo), 41 UR-100N UTTH 2. 28th Guards Missile Division (Kozelsk), 29 UR-100N UTTH.

15Zh60 "Well done"

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

R-30 "Bulava"

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

X-101/X-102

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