Intercontinental ballistic missile ICBM Poplar. Lucky number sixteen: eight-axle MAZ for the Topol-M missile

One of the most successful modern Russian complexes is considered to be the Topol mobile ground missile system (SS-25 “Sickle” according to NATO classification) with the RS-12M missile. "Topol-M" is the result of further modification of the "Topol" complex and is equipped with a more advanced RS-2PM2 missile

One of the most successful modern Russian complexes is considered to be the Topol mobile ground missile system (SS-25 “Sickle” according to NATO classification) with the RS-12M missile.

The development of the intercontinental three-stage ballistic missile RT-2PM on solid mixed fuel weighing 45 tons with a monoblock nuclear warhead (weight 1 ton) was carried out by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering under the leadership of chief designer Nadiradze (after his death the development was continued by Lagutin) and is a further modernization of the RT-2P missile.

The first flight test of the missile was carried out at the Plesetsk test site on February 8, 1983, and in 1985 the RT-2PM missile entered service with the Strategic Missile Forces. The RT-2PM missile is produced in Votkinsk, its launcher is a seven-axle vehicle of the MAZ-7310 type (later modifications to the MAZ-7917) - at the Barrikady plant in Volgograd. The RT-2PM missile spends its entire service life in a sealed transport and launch container 22 m long and 2 m in diameter. The launcher weighs about 100 tons. and a very respectable size, it has good mobility and cross-country ability.

Unlike the RSD-10 and Temp-2S, the Topol missile can be launched from any point along the combat patrol route. If necessary, the RS-12M can be launched directly from the hangar during parking for maintenance, through the sliding roof. To launch from an unequipped position, the launcher is hung on jacks and leveled. Preparation time for the start is about 2 minutes. The type of launch is mortar: after installing the “pencil case” in a vertical position and shooting off its upper cap, the powder pressure accumulators push the rocket out of it to a height of several meters, after which the first-stage propulsion engine is started.

The RT-2PM missile is designed according to a design with three sustainer stages. The rocket used a new, more advanced mixed fuel developed at the Lyubertsy LNPO Soyuz. All three stages are equipped with solid propellant rocket engines with one fixed nozzle. On the body of the first stage there were folding rotary lattice aerodynamic rudders (4 pieces), used for flight control together with gas-jet rudders and 4 lattice aerodynamic stabilizers. The bodies of the upper stages were manufactured using the method of continuous winding from organoplastic according to the “cocoon” pattern. The third stage was equipped with a transition compartment for attaching the warhead. The firing range was controlled by cutting off the third-stage propulsion engine, using a thrust cut-off unit, with eight reversible bells and “windows” cut through by detonating charges in the organoplastic power structure of the body.

The guidance system is autonomous, inertial with an on-board computer. The warhead is monoblock, nuclear, weighing about 1 ton. The missile was equipped with a set of means to overcome the missile defense of a potential enemy. The integrated control system made it possible to fully automate the control of the rocket in flight, preparation for launch and carrying out control and regulatory work.

After modernization, the missile could be used in a silo.

Mobile and stationary command posts were developed for the new complexes. The mobile command post for combat control of the Topol ICBM was located on the chassis of a four-axle MAZ-543M vehicle.

To control the fire, mobile command posts "Barrier" and "Granit" were also used, equipped with a missile, with a transmitter instead of a combat load, which, after launching the missile, duplicated the start command for the launchers located in positional areas.

In 1984, the construction of stationary structures and the equipment of combat patrol routes for Topol mobile missile systems began in the positional areas of the RT-2P and UR-100 ICBMs being removed from duty and located in the OS silos. Later, the positioning areas of medium-range complexes removed from service under the INF Treaty were arranged.

The Topol complex began entering service in 1985. The first missile regiment entered combat duty near Yoshkar-Ola on July 23, 1985. The Topol missile divisions were deployed near the cities of Barnaul, Verkhnyaya Salda (Nizhny Tagil), Vypolzovo (Bologoe), Yoshkar-Ola, Teykovo, Yurya, Novosibirsk, Kansk, Irkutsk, as well as near the village of Drovyanaya, Chita region. Nine regiments (81 launchers) were deployed in missile divisions on the territory of Belarus - near the cities of Lida, Mozyr and Postavy. After the collapse of the USSR, some of the Topols remained on the territory of Belarus and were withdrawn from it by November 27, 1996.

According to the START-2 treaty, 360 units of the Topol missile system will be reduced by 2007.

In 1986, on the basis of the second and third stages of the RT-2PM rocket, a medium-range mobile soil complex "Speed" was developed.

Tactical and technical characteristics of the RS-12 "Topol" complex

"Topol M"

Currently, the basis of the ground component of Russia's strategic nuclear forces is the Topol-M complex, produced by the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant. This complex is the only currently mass-produced missile system in Russia.

"Topol-M" is the result of a further modification of the "Topol" complex and is equipped with a more advanced RS-2PM2 missile.

Due to the restrictions imposed on modernization by the main provisions of the START-2 treaty, the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile could not undergo significant changes and the main differences from the RS-2PM lie in the flight characteristics and stability when penetrating through possible enemy missile defense systems. Moreover, the warhead was initially created taking into account the possibility of rapid modernization in case a potential enemy developed existing missile defense systems. The creators also do not deny the technical possibility of installing a warhead with multiple individually targeted warheads. According to experts, there can be from three to seven.

Thanks to three improved solid-propellant sustainer engines, the RS-12M2 missile began to pick up speed much faster, and several dozen auxiliary engines, instruments and a control mechanism also make its flight difficult to predict for the enemy. The RS-12M2, unlike its predecessor, does not have lattice aerodynamic stabilizers, uses an improved guidance system (insensitive to powerful electromagnetic pulses), and uses a more efficient mixed charge.

According to the plans of the Russian leadership and the Russian Defense Ministry, Topol-M will have to replace 270 silo-based complexes with missiles equipped with multiple warheads. These are, first of all, ballistic liquid missiles of the RS-20 (SS-18 according to the Western classification), RS-18 (SS-19), RS-16 (SS-17) systems and solid fuel RS-22 (SS-24), created in the early eighties. Over time, these missiles will be supplemented by 350 mobile Topol complexes, to replace which a mobile version of the Topol-M based on an eight-axle tractor has been developed. According to the latest government plans, in 2004 it is planned to begin testing a mobile version of the Topol-M complex.

During combat duty, the Topol-M missile will be located in a transport and launch container. It is assumed that it will be operated as part of both stationary (in silo launchers) and mobile complexes. In this case, in a stationary version, it is advisable to use silo launchers (silos) of missiles removed from service or destroyed in accordance with the START-2 Treaty. The modification of these silos should ensure that it is impossible to install a “heavy” ICBM and includes pouring a layer of concrete at the bottom of the shaft, as well as installing a special restrictive ring at the top. Placing Topol-M missiles in existing silos modified in this way will significantly reduce the costs of developing and deploying the complex. The launch method is active-reactive (“mortar”).

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

Fundamentally new technical solutions were used when creating systems and units of the mobile launcher, the Topol-M complex. Thus, the partial suspension system makes it possible to deploy the Topol-M launcher even on soft soils. The maneuverability and maneuverability of the installation have been improved, which increases its survivability. "Topol-M" is capable of launching from any point in the positional area (and not from a limited number of predetermined positions), and also has improved camouflage means against both optical and other reconnaissance means.

Technical characteristics of the chassis: wheel formula - 16x16, steerable first three and last three axles, turning radius - 18 m, ground clearance - 475 mm, fording ability - 1.1 m, tires - 1.600x 600-685, curb weight - 40,000 kg, load capacity - 80,000 kg, engine - V12 diesel YaMZ-847 with a power of 800 hp. c., speed - 45 km/h, range - 500 km.

The characteristics of the Topol-M missile system can significantly increase the readiness of the Strategic Missile Forces to carry out assigned combat missions in any conditions, ensure maneuverability, secrecy of actions and survivability of units, subunits and individual launchers, as well as reliability of control and autonomous operation for a long time (without replenishment inventories of materials).

The missiles are equipped with monoblock warheads, but, unlike all other strategic missiles, they can be quickly re-equipped with multiple warheads capable of carrying up to three charges. If necessary, if restrictions under the START-2 treaty are lifted, several warheads with individually targetable multiple warheads (MIRVs) can be installed on this monoblock missile.

The main advantages of the Topol-M missile system lie in its flight characteristics and combat stability when penetrating through possible enemy missile defense systems. Three solid fuel propulsion engines allow the rocket to gain speed much faster than all previous types of rockets. The higher energy of the missile makes it possible to reduce the effectiveness of missile defense in the active part of the trajectory. Several dozen auxiliary engines, instruments and control mechanisms make this rapid flight also difficult to predict for the enemy. In addition, the RS-12M2 missile carries a whole range of missile defense breakthrough capabilities, more than the American MX with 10 warheads. Finally, according to Western sources, a maneuvering warhead has been created for the Topol-M (Russian sources do not contain such information); If this is true, then Topol-M represents a major breakthrough in the ability to penetrate missile defenses.

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

Tactical and technical characteristics of RS-12M2 "Topol-M" (Russia)

Russian Civilization

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

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

Calculation of the affected area

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

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

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

The radius of damage from a shock wave, light radiation and penetrating radiation from a ground explosion is somewhat smaller than from an air explosion. A characteristic feature of a ground explosion is the strong radioactive contamination of the area both in the area of ​​the explosion and in the direction of movement of the radioactive cloud.

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

Americans have nothing to respond to the Russian Topol-M

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

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

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

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

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

What are Topol M rockets?

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

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

Unpeaceful atom

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

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

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

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

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

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, the motto of the Topol-M missile systems division, “every launch of the Topol-M missile is excellent!” Designed to deliver a retaliatory and retaliatory strike. At the end of the article, as always, there is a video.
In 1985, the first regiment of mobile ground missile systems RT-2PM "Topol" entered combat duty, not to be confused with "M-koy", on the Internet photos of both complexes are usually found exactly as "Topol M", there is a photo below in the text, approximately from one perspective from which they can be compared. First, let's talk about the older ones. Well, a hint on how to immediately distinguish between versions.

View of the protective cover of the TPK and the complex of command instruments of the Topol PGRK, pay attention, there is something similar to the hatch on the cover, and on the M-ke it is on the other side.

Mobility has become a fundamental solution to the problem of secrecy of actions and survivability of intercontinental missile systems (a very controversial issue, secrecy and mobility with such mass and dimensions, first of all, attachment to the base, how many kilometers it will travel from it, it needs a road, and a good one, so the concept “mobile” is quite arbitrary; with modern space reconnaissance equipment, a metal object more than 24 m long, about 3.5 m in diameter and almost 5 m high, which also emits a large amount of heat and electromagnetic radiation, is unlikely to be hidden.
The complex, which was REALLY difficult to track, was called the combat railway missile complex (BZHRK). The Strategic Missile Forces were 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 a railway platform has not been solved).

combat railway missile system photo

However, the random distribution of complexes with a high degree of combat readiness removed them from the enemy’s “disarming” strike. 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 which of our assets cause NATO “concern”. What do you know about their “toys”? By the way, Donald Cook brought them into the Black Sea without any concealment under 60 pieces (!), by the way, they have a radius of 2500 km, look at the incident in detail, but what are the newest ones, perhaps Trident is also heard of, more about it a little later AND THIS IS FAR NOT ALL. So soon work began on creating a new complex, or rather, a system of complexes of various types based, yes, even during the times of the USSR, so whatever one may say, the nuclear shield is still Soviet, the roots are certainly from there.

The Topol-M missile system at the Victory Parade. Moscow, 2011, please note there is no hatch on the protective cover

The decree of the Military-Industrial Commission of September 9, 1989 set out the development work of the “Universal” - a three-stage solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for mobile and stationary (mine) complexes. The work involved cooperation between the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (the main developer of the Topol mobile complex) and the Dnepropetrovsk Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (the traditional developer of silo ICBMs). But the collapse of the USSR made cooperation impossible. In 1992, it was decided to use the developments on the “Universal” to create the “Topol-M” complex with increased combat readiness and shooting 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 promising missile defense of a potential enemy (which remained the same, the point is clear, we mean not the potential, but the enemy). The complex was designed to deliver a retaliatory and retaliatory strike, that is, it was supposed to retain the possibility of a successful launch even when exposed to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion, passing through the atmospheric “nuclear umbrella.” Long combat duty in various degrees of readiness was required.

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

If anyone is interested, you can look at “”, a cooler machine “poplar”, the most famous difference is its multi-headedness. There is also a video of the launch, showing in detail the vehicles of the control, escort and security systems. They are similar for both PGRKs.

Let's return to the "poplar". The lead developer remained the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, where the work was headed by the general designer B. N. Lagutin, and since 1997 by Yu. S. Solomonov. The nuclear charge was created under the leadership of G.N. Dmitriev at the Russian Federal Nuclear Center-Research Institute of Experimental Physics (Arzamas-1b), the control system was created at the NPO Automation and Instrument Making (Moscow) under the leadership of V.L. Lapygin and Yu.V. Trunov , charges of solid mixed fuel engines - at the Federal Center for Dual Technologies "Soyuz" (Dzerzhinsky Moscow Region) under the leadership of Z. P. Pak and Yu. M. Milekhin, graphite and composite structural elements - at the Central Research Institute Spetsmash, headed by V. A. Barynin, an automated combat control system - at 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 leadership of V. A. Shurygin, the hydraulic drives of self-propelled launchers were developed by the Central Research Institute of AG under the leadership of V. L. Solunin, the modification of the mine installations was carried out by the Moscow Design Bureau "Vympel" under the leadership of D. K. Dragun .

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

New modeling and experimental testing techniques were used with a reduction in the number of pilot 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 agreements it is designated RS-12M2, in the USA and NATO it was given the designation SS-27 Sickle B.

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 that’s an understatement). Nevertheless, on December 20, 1994, the first successful launch from a silo launcher was carried out at the Plesetsk training ground. 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 silo version took up experimental combat duty near Tatishchevo - converted silos of the UN UR-1 removed from duty were used. On December 30, 1998, the first Topol-M regiment entered combat duty; do not confuse this, we are talking specifically about the mine version. In the summer of 2000, the silo version of the Topol-M was put into service. After testing of the mine option was completed, work on the mobile complex intensified.

The missile of the Topol-M complex became the first serial universal land-based intercontinental missile, while being largely unified with the sea-based RS-30 Bulava. Here are some photos of loading into the mine; by the way, the action is very impressive. The key word is unified, for the most part the rocket is associated with a moving soil complex, as you can see there is also a silo-based system, the proportions of the relationship are unknown to me, but there will probably be less movement.

The Topol-M stationary complex consists of 10 intercontinental ballistic missiles located in stationary silos, under the control of a command unit

On September 20, 2000, the mobile version of the Topol-M 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) began combat duty. By the beginning of 2011, according to open sources, there were 52 mine and 18 mobile Topol-M complexes on combat duty. Serial production of missiles was established by the Botkin Plant, and launchers of the mobile version were launched by the Volgograd Production Association "Barricades".
"According to the START-1 Treaty, the weight, dimensions and some design features of the Topol-M ICBM are strictly limited. "

The 15Zh65 light-class intercontinental ballistic missile has three solid-propellant sustainer stages. The flight control of the first stage is by rotating the central nozzle; the second and third stages are controlled by rotating the nozzle partially recessed into the combustion chamber with a folding nozzle tip. To reduce the mass of the rocket, the cocoon-type stage casings are made of composite material, and the nozzles of the propulsion engines are made of carbon-carbon material.
The control system is an autonomous inertial one, based on an on-board digital computer of increased performance and a gyro-stabilized platform, with improved accuracy characteristics of the command gyroscopic devices. 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 a silo, charge delivery range 11,000 km

The missile is equipped with a monoblock detachable warhead with a high-speed thermonuclear warhead with a capacity of 550 kt in TNT equivalent. The complex of means for 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 the 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 super-resolution radars. 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 supplied and stored in a transport and launch container (TPC), in launchers 15P765-35 or 15P765-60 and a unified high-security command post of type 15V222, also installed in the mine on a shock-absorbed suspension.

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

The missile of the mobile ground missile system is housed in a high-strength fiberglass TPK, structurally similar to the metal one. The basis for the autonomous launcher 15U175 of the ground complex was a special all-wheel drive eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221 (MAZ-7922) with an 800-horsepower diesel engine and six rotating pairs of wheels. The chassis is characterized by increased cross-country ability and good agility (turning radius 18 m with a vehicle length of 22 m). The partial suspension system allows the launcher to be deployed on soft soils. The installation is equipped with high-precision navigation equipment and camouflage equipment in various ranges. Also, a mobile command post and a combat duty support vehicle are built on all-terrain wheeled chassis.
In the silo version, metal TPKs are installed in existing missile silos that are being removed from combat duty.

Poplar 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. Total length, mm: 22 700
4. Rocket length without warhead, mm: 17,500
5. Stage engine thrust, t: 1st - 90.8, 2nd - about 50.3rd - about 25
6. Diameter of launch container, mm: 1950-2050
7. Maximum firing range, km: 11,000
8. Warhead - monoblock, thermonuclear, power kt: 550
9. Weight of warhead, kg: 1200 Self-propelled launcher: 15U175
10. Weight of self-propelled launcher with missile, kg: 120,000
11. Maximum speed, km/h: 45. Cruising range, km: 500

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

Design and layout of the Topol M missile system

The partial suspension system allows the launcher to be deployed on soft soils. The installation is equipped with high-precision navigation equipment and camouflage equipment in various ranges. Also, a mobile command post and a combat duty support vehicle are built on all-terrain wheeled chassis.
In the silo version, missiles in metal TPKs are installed in existing silos of missiles being removed from combat duty.

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

Start Topol M photo video of strategic missile forces

Poplar rocket launch

The use of “Topol-M” can be considered using the example of a mobile soil complex. Like its predecessor, it can launch a missile from any point in the positional area, both from a combat patrol route and while parked from garage shelters with a retractable roof. The ground-based complex of command instruments located on the TPK of the Topol-M missile provides targeting by implementing an autonomous determination of the azimuth of the control element installed on a gyro-stabilized platform. Before launching, the TPK is raised to a vertical position. Just as I promised, I cut a short video, let’s watch it, if you’re not too lazy, you can “like” it.

At the same time, you can look at the presentation of the channel on YouTube, where there’s just a sea of ​​different missile launches.

The rocket launch is “mortar”. The first stage engine is turned on after the rocket exits the container. Increasing the power of solid fuel charges made it possible to increase the thrown mass and reduce the duration and height of the active part of the trajectory, thereby making interception more difficult for the enemy. A program maneuver is provided at the start when passing through the 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 objects of the complex and when the position 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, high-strength strategic targets.

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

The missile can be equipped with a warhead with multiple warheads for individual guidance (then a warhead disengagement stage is added) or maneuvering (with correction engines) - such warheads, which greatly increase the likelihood of a breakthrough of the missile defense system, were tested in 2005-2007. So, what's so wonderful about her?

1. The operating time of the first stage engine is 60 s, the second is 64 s, and the third is 56 s. Thus, the rocket reaches maximum speed in three minutes. What is considered extremely fast acceleration?
2. When passing through the cloud of a nuclear explosion, it performs a program maneuver, actively maneuvering in the interception segment.
3. The protective coating of the missile body provides protection from the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and... the attention of weapons based on new physical principles (who knows, please clarify what we are talking about?).
4. When overcoming missile defense systems, it can launch passive and active false targets according to their characteristics when irradiated by various types of detection, indistinguishable from combat ones. Visibility is 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 dedicated specifically to the "Bulava" launch weight of 37 tons. But it is inferior in striking power to heavier solid-fuel missiles, for example, such as Trident-2 with a launch weight of 59 tons. (Let’s compare the warhead of the Bulava - 150kt x 6, theoretically the Trident-2 - 8x475 kt). Some specialists criticize the equipping of the naval component with light ballistic missiles of the Bulava type, pointing to the need to create a solid-fuel SLBM R-39UTTH, testing on it was stopped in the 90s. If it had come to putting it into service, it would have no world analogues in terms of striking power and performance characteristics among submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Transportation of the Topol-M rocket and loading into the silo

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

RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" is a strategic missile system, work on the creation of which began in the Soviet period, but fine-tuning and mass production were already carried out by Russian enterprises. Topol-M is the first example of an ICBM created after the collapse of the USSR. Today, the Russian army is armed with silo-based (15P165) and mobile (15P155) missile systems.

"Topol-M" was the result of the modernization of the Soviet strategic missile system "Topol", surpassing its predecessor in almost all main characteristics. Currently, Topol-M forms the basis of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces. It was developed by designers from the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT).

Since 2011, the Russian Ministry of Defense has stopped purchasing new Topol-M systems; resources have been directed to the creation and deployment of Yars RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missiles.

From the very beginning, the creators of the Topol-M missile system were given quite serious restrictions concerning, first of all, the overall characteristics of the missile. Therefore, the main emphasis in its development was on increasing the survivability of the complex in the face of enemy nuclear strikes and on the ability of the warheads to overcome the enemy missile defense system. The maximum firing range of the complex is 11 thousand km.

According to a number of experts, the Topol-M missile system is not an ideal option for the Russian Strategic Missile Forces. It had to be created due to the lack of other alternatives. The disadvantages of ICBMs are largely related to the characteristics of the Topol complex, on the basis of which it was created. And although the designers managed to improve many parameters, they, of course, could not perform a miracle.

History of creation

Work on a new intercontinental ballistic missile with solid propellant engines began in the mid-80s. The project was carried out by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering and the Dnepropetrovsk Yuzhnoye Design Bureau. The designers were tasked with creating a universal rocket for stationary and mobile missile systems. The only difference between them was the engine of the warhead propagation stage: the designers planned to install a liquid engine on silo-based missiles, and a solid fuel engine on mobile systems.

In 1992, the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau ceased participation in the project, and the completion of development fell entirely on the shoulders of the Russian side. At the beginning of 1993, a presidential decree appeared that regulated further work on the missile system, and guarantees of further funding were also given. MIT was appointed as the lead enterprise for this project.

The designers needed to develop a universal missile, suitable for various types of deployment, with high accuracy, flight range, and capable of overcoming the enemy’s missile defense system.

Topol-M was created as a modernization of the Soviet Topol missile system. At the same time, the SVN-1 Treaty clearly defined what exactly was considered modernization and what characteristics of the complex should be changed. The new ballistic missile had to differ in one of the following characteristics:

• number of steps;
• type of fuel of at least one of the stages;
• the length of the rocket or the length of the first stage;
• diameter of the first stage;
• the mass that the rocket could throw;
• starting mass.

Based on the foregoing, it becomes clear that the designers of the missile system were initially very limited. Therefore, the tactical and technical characteristics (TTX) of the Topol-M missile could not differ significantly from its predecessor. The main differences were the missile's flight characteristics and its ability to overcome enemy missile defense.

Improved solid-fuel engines of the three stages of the rocket made it possible to significantly reduce the duration of the active phase of the rocket’s flight, which seriously reduced the likelihood of it being hit by anti-missile systems. The missile guidance system has become much more resistant to electromagnetic radiation and other factors of a nuclear explosion.

State tests of the new missile began in 1994. The Topol-M was successfully launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome. Then several more launches were carried out, and in 1997 serial production of the Topol-M complex began. In 2000, the silo-based Topol-M missile system was put into service, and in the same year testing and launches of the mobile complex began.

The deployment of silo-based Topol-M began in 1997 in silos that were previously used for UR-100N missiles. At the end of 1998, the first missile regiment entered combat duty. The Topol-M mobile systems began to enter service en masse in 2005, at which time a new state rearmament program was adopted, according to which the Ministry of Defense planned to purchase 69 new ICBMs by 2019.

In 2005, the Topol-M missile with a maneuvering warhead was launched. It became part of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces program to create means to overcome the American missile defense system. A warhead with a ramjet hypersonic engine was also tested.

From 1994 to 2014, sixteen launches of the Topol-M ICBM were carried out, of which only one launch was considered unsuccessful: the missile deviated from its course and was eliminated. Launches were carried out both from silo-based installations and from mobile missile systems.

In 2008, a decision was announced to install multiple warheads on the Topol-M ICBM. The first such missiles began to enter service with the troops in 2010. A year earlier, it was announced that the production of the Topol-M mobile complexes would be stopped and work would begin on a complex with higher characteristics.

Complex structure

The basis of the Topol-M mobile and stationary missile system is the 15Zh65 ICBM.

The missile has three stages and a warhead expansion stage, all of which are equipped with solid propellant engines. Each stage has a one-piece body made of composite materials (“cocoon” type). Rocket engine nozzles are also made of carbon-based composite materials and are used to control the flight of the rocket. Unlike its predecessors, the Topol-M2 ICBM does not have lattice rudders and stabilizers.

The missile is launched from both complexes by mortar launch. The launch weight of the projectile is 47 tons.

The missile warheads have a special coating that reduces their visibility on radar screens, and can also release special aerosols - sources of infrared radiation. The rocket's new propulsion engines make it possible to significantly reduce the active portion of the flight, where it is most vulnerable. In addition, in this part of the flight the missile can maneuver, which makes its destruction even more problematic.

A high level of resistance of the missile and warheads against the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion was achieved through a whole range of measures:

• coating the rocket body with a special composition;
• application in creating a control system of an elementary base that is more resistant to electromagnetic pulses;
• the control system equipment is placed in a separate sealed compartment, coated with a special composition of rare earth elements;
• the rocket's cable network is reliably shielded;
• When the cloud of a nuclear explosion passes, the rocket makes a so-called program maneuver.

The power of the solid propellant charges of all rocket engines is significantly higher than that of its predecessors, which allows it to gain speed much faster.

The probability of overcoming the American missile defense system for Topol-M ICBM warheads is 60-65%, work is underway to increase this value to 80%.

The missile control system is inertial, based on a digital computer and a gyro-stabilized platform. “Topol-M” can successfully launch and complete its mission even in the event of high-altitude blocking nuclear strikes on the area where the complex is deployed.

It should be noted that the Topol-M ICBM was created using developments and technologies obtained in the manufacture of the Topol ICBM; this significantly reduced the time it took to create the missile, and also reduced the cost of the project.

The re-equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces units was carried out using existing infrastructure, which also made it possible to significantly reduce economic costs. This was especially important for the late 90s, when the Russian economy was going through hard times.

To install silo-based Topol-M missiles, silos of missiles removed from combat duty were used. The silo installations of Soviet heavy ICBMs were converted to use Topol. At the same time, an additional five meters of concrete were poured into the base of the shaft, and some additional transformations were carried out. Most of the mine equipment was reused, which significantly reduced the cost of deploying the complex and also speeded up the work.

Each stationary Topol-M missile system consists of ten missiles in launchers and one high-security command post. It is located in a special shaft on shock absorbers, which makes it less vulnerable to enemy strikes. The missile is enclosed in a special metal transport and launch container.

The mobile-based Topol-M is mounted on an MZKT-79221 all-terrain chassis with 8 axles. The missile is housed in a high-strength fiberglass transport and launch container. Structurally, the missiles of the mobile and silo complexes are no different. The weight of one launcher is 120 tons, and its length is 22 meters. Six pairs of wheels can turn, which provides the mobile complex with a minimum turning radius.

The specific pressure of the mobile unit's wheels on the ground is less than that of a conventional truck, which provides it with high maneuverability. The unit is equipped with a 12-cylinder engine with an output of 800 hp. With. It can ford a depth of 1.1 meters.

When creating the mobile complex, previous experience in creating similar machines was taken into account. High cross-country ability and maneuverability significantly increases the survivability of the complex, allowing it to leave the zone of a probable enemy strike in the shortest possible time.

The launch can be made from any ground, from any point of deployment of the complex, equipped with camouflage means against various detection means (optical, infrared, radar).

Serial production of launchers has been established at the Volgograd plant "Barricades".

In 2013, missile units armed with Topol-M mobile launchers received thirteen special camouflage and engineering support vehicles. Their main task is to destroy traces of missile systems, as well as create false positions that would be visible to the reconnaissance means of a potential enemy.

Performance characteristics

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