The weight of the rocket is poplar. "Topol-M": characteristics

RT-2PM2 “Topol-M” (Strategic Missile Forces AAM Index - 15P165 (mine) and 15P155 (mobile), according to the START Treaty - RS-12M2, according to NATO classification - SS-27 Sickle B, translated - Serp) - Russian missile system strategic purpose with ICBM 15Zh65 (15Zh55 - PGRK), developed in the late 1980s - early 1990s on the basis of the RT-2PM Topol complex. The first ICBM developed in Russia after the collapse of the USSR.

RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" - video of rocket launch

The 15Zh65 (15Zh55) rocket is three-stage, solid fuel. Maximum range - 11,000 km. Carries one thermonuclear warhead with a power of 550 kt. The silo-based version was put into service in 2000. In the next decade, Topol-M was to become the basis of the armament of the Strategic Missile Forces.
In 2011, the Russian Ministry of Defense abandoned further purchases of Topol-M missile systems in favor of the further deployment of RS-24 Yars ICBMs with MIRVs, although the Topol-M silo launchers of the last, sixth regiment of the 60th 1st missile division was planned to be completed in 2012.

Development of Topol-M

Work on the creation of a new complex began in the mid-1980s. The resolution of the Military-Industrial Commission of September 9, 1989 ordered the creation of two missile systems (stationary and mobile) and a universal solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile for them. This development work was called “Universal”, the complex being developed was designated RT-2PM2. The development of the complex was carried out jointly by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering and the Dnepropetrovsk Yuzhnoye Design Bureau.

The missile was supposed to be unified for both types of complexes, but the original project assumed a difference in the warhead breeding system. The combat stage for the silo-based missile was to be equipped with a liquid rocket engine using the promising PRONIT monopropellant. For mobile vehicles, MIT developed a solid fuel propulsion system. There were also differences in the transport and launch container. For the mobile complex it had to be made of fiberglass. For a stationary one - made of metal, with a number of ground equipment systems mounted on it. Therefore, the rocket for the mobile complex received the index 15Zh55, and for the stationary complex - 15Zh65.

In March 1992, it was decided to develop the Topol-M complex based on developments under the Universal program (in April, Yuzhnoye ceased its participation in work on the complex). By decree of Boris Yeltsin of February 27, 1993, MIT became the lead enterprise for the development of Topol-M. It was decided to develop a unified missile with only one variant of combat equipment - with a solid fuel combat stage propulsion system. The control system was developed at the Automation and Instrumentation Research and Production Center, the combat unit was developed at the Sarov VNIIEF.

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, and the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation on the adoption of the DBK into service was signed by Vladimir Putin in the summer of 2000, after which the mobile ground-based missile system entered flight tests (PGRK) based on the eight-axle chassis MZKT-79221. The first launch from a mobile launcher was carried out on September 27, 2000.
The complex is produced by JSC Votkinsk Plant and Central Design Bureau Titan.

Placement Topol-M

The placement of the first missiles in modified silos used for UR-100N missiles (15A30, RS-18, SS-19 Stiletto) began in 1997.
On December 25, 1997, the first two 15Zh65 missiles (launch minimum) of the first regiment in the Strategic Missile Forces armed with the 15P065-35 missile system - the 104th Missile Regiment - were delivered to experimental combat duty in the 60th Missile Division (Tatishchevo township). And on December 30, 1998, the 104th Missile Regiment (commander - Lieutenant Colonel Yu. S. Petrovsky) took up combat duty with a full complement of 10 silo launchers with silo-based Topol-M ICBMs. Four more regiments with silo-based Topol-M ICBMs entered combat duty on December 10, 1999, December 26, 2000 (re-equipment from 15P060), December 21, 2003 and December 9, 2005.

The process of rearmament to a mobile-based complex began on November 21, 2005 in the 54th Guards Missile Division (Teykovo), when two divisions and a mobile command post (PKP) of the 321st Missile Regiment (321 rp) were decommissioned. A year later, in November 2006, 321 rp went on experimental combat duty as part of one division (3 launchers) and the PKP of the missile regiment at the Topol-M complex. The 1st missile division and PKP 321 rp went on combat duty on December 10, 2006 at 15:00. At the same time, it became known that President Vladimir Putin had signed a new state weapons program until 2015, which provided for the purchase of 69 Topol-M ICBMs.

In 2008, Nikolai Solovtsov announced the beginning in the near future of equipping Topol-M missiles with multiple warheads (MRV). Equipping Topol-M with MIRVs will be the most important way to maintain Russia's nuclear potential. Topol-M with MIRVs began entering service in 2010.

In April 2009, the commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, Nikolai Solovtsov, announced that the production of Topol-M mobile ground-based missile systems would be stopped, and more advanced systems would be supplied to the Strategic Missile Forces.

The 54th Missile Division's location continued to be modernized as of 2010. 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).

The RT-2PM2 stationary complex includes 10 15Zh65 intercontinental ballistic missiles mounted in silo launchers 15P765-35 (converted silo launchers 15P735 and 15P718 of 15A35 and 15A18M missiles) or 15P765-60 (converted silo launchers of 15Zh60 missiles), as well as a command post 15B222.
The autonomous launcher 15U175 of the mobile complex consists of one 15Zh55 missile placed in a high-strength fiberglass TPK mounted on an eight-axle MZKT-79221 chassis.

The 15Zh65 (15Zh55) rocket consists of three stages with solid propellant propulsion engines. Marching steps are made of composites using cocoon-type winding. All three stages are equipped with a rotating nozzle to deflect the thrust vector (there are no lattice aerodynamic rudders). The first stage has a thrust of 100 tons, a mass of 26 tons, of which the mass of the stage is 3 tons, a length of 8.5 m, and an operating time of 60 seconds. The second stage has a thrust of 50 tons, a mass of 13 tons, of which 1.5 tons is the stage, length is 6 m, the stage operating time is 64 s. The third stage has a thrust of 25t, a mass of 6t, of which 1t is the stage, length 3.1 m, operating time 56s.

The launch method is 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 missile defense system 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. Some sources claim that LCs are indistinguishable from warheads in all ranges of electromagnetic radiation (optical, infrared, radar).

In connection with the termination of the START-2 treaty, which prohibited the creation of multi-charge intercontinental ballistic missiles, MIT carried out work to equip Topol-M with multiple independently targetable warheads. Perhaps the result of this work is the RS-24 Yars.
Engineering support and camouflage vehicles.

In 2013, the first 12 engineering support and camouflage (MIOM) vehicles (9 of them in the Teikov Missile Division) entered service with the Topol-M mobile missile systems. The machines provide camouflage (covering) of traces of mobile combat missile systems that are on duty, as well as the creation of high-contrast traces to false combat positions that are clearly visible from satellites.

Tests Topol-M

Flight tests of the silo-based version of the missile were carried out in the period from 1994 to 2000, and with their completion, tests of the mobile version of the complex were carried out in the period 2000-2004.

Testing of combat equipment

Despite the completion of tests of the missile system and the placement of serial equipment on combat duty, work to improve the complex continued in the direction of developing combat equipment (warheads), while the modified Topol complex missile was used as a carrier, as follows:

On November 1, 2005, the RT-2PM Topol missile was successfully launched from the Kapustin Yar test site in the Astrakhan region as part of testing elements of new combat equipment - a single combat unit, a number of newly developed elements of a complex of means of overcoming missile defense and a disengagement stage for which Up to six warheads can be mounted, while the propagation stage is unified for installation on sea-based (Bulava) and ground-based (Topol-M) ICBMs.

Flight testing of the new warhead on a standard missile of the RT-2PM complex was combined with tests in the interests of extending the warranty service life of the Topol. For the first time in Russian practice, the launch was carried out not from the Plesetsk cosmodrome at the Kura test site in Kamchatka, but from the Kapustin Yar test site at the 10th Sary-Shagan test site located in Kazakhstan (Priozersk region). This was done due to the fact that the radar support of the Kura test site does not allow recording the maneuvers performed by the warheads after they are separated from the ICBMs. In addition, these maneuvers are monitored by American measuring instruments located in Alaska. Flight parameters from Kapustin Yar to Sary-Shagan are maintained exclusively by Russian control means.

Performance characteristics of the RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" complex

Number of steps......................3
Length (with warhead)....................22.55 m
Length (without warhead)....................17.5 m
Diameter.........................1.81 m
Launch weight......46.5 t
Throwing weight......................1.2 t
Type of fuel......................solid mixed
Maximum range......................11000 km
Warhead type......................monoblock, thermonuclear, detachable
Number of combat units.........................1 (+ ~20 decoys)
Charge power.........................0.55 Mt
Control system......................autonomous, inertial based on BCVC
Method of basing......................mine and mobile
Launch history
Status........active
Launch locations.........................1 GIK "Plesetsk",
Number of launches.........................16 (successful - 15; unsuccessful - 1)
Adopted into service......................1997
First launch.........................December 20, 1994

Photo Topol-M

The development of the Topol 15Zh58 (RS-12M) strategic mobile complex with a three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile suitable for placement on a self-propelled vehicle chassis (based on the RT-2P solid-fuel ICBM) was started at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering under the leadership of Alexander Nadiradze in 1975. The government decree on the development of the complex was issued on July 19, 1977. After the death of A. Nadiradze, work was continued under the leadership of Boris Lagutin. The mobile Topol was supposed to be a response to increasing the accuracy of American ICBMs. It was necessary to create a complex with increased survivability, achieved not by building reliable shelters, but by creating vague ideas among the enemy about the location of the missile.

By the end of autumn 1983, a pilot series of new missiles, designated RT-2PM, was built. On December 23, 1983, flight development tests began at the Plesetsk training ground. During the entire period of their implementation, only one launch was unsuccessful. In general, the rocket showed high reliability. Combat units of the entire DBK were also tested there. In December 1984, the main series of tests was completed. However, there was a delay in the development of some elements of the complex that are not directly related to the rocket. The entire test program was successfully completed in December 1988.

The decision to begin mass production of the complexes was made in December 1984. Serial production began in 1985.

In 1984, the construction of stationary structures and the equipment of combat patrol routes for Topol mobile missile systems began. The construction objects were located in the position areas of the RT-2P and UR-100 intercontinental ballistic missiles being removed from duty and located in the OS silos. Later, the arrangement of position areas of the Pioneer medium-range complexes removed from service under the INF Treaty began.

In order to gain experience in operating the new complex in military units, in 1985 it was decided to deploy the first missile regiment in Yoshkar-Ola, without waiting for the full completion of the joint testing program. On July 23, 1985, the first regiment of mobile Topols took up combat duty near Yoshkar-Ola at the site of the deployment of RT-2P missiles. Later, the Topols entered service with the division stationed near Teykovo, which was previously armed with the UR-100 (8K84) ICBM.

On April 28, 1987, a missile regiment armed with Topol complexes with a Barrier mobile command post took up combat duty near Nizhny Tagil. PKP "Barrier" has a multiple protected redundant radio command system. The mobile launcher of the Barrier PKP carries a combat control missile. After the missile is launched, its transmitter gives the command to launch the ICBM.

On December 1, 1988, the new missile system was officially adopted by the USSR Strategic Missile Forces. In the same year, the full-scale deployment of missile regiments with the Topol complex began and the simultaneous removal of obsolete ICBMs from combat duty. On May 27, 1988, the first regiment of the Topol ICBM with an improved Granit PKP and an automated control system began combat duty near Irkutsk.

By mid-1991, 288 missiles of this type were deployed. In 1999, the Strategic Missile Forces were armed with 360 launchers of the Topol missile systems. They were on duty in ten position areas. Four to five regiments are based in each district. Each regiment is armed with nine autonomous launchers and a mobile command post.

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 in the 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 outside Russia, on the territory of Belarus. On August 13, 1993, the withdrawal of the Topol Strategic Missile Forces group from Belarus began and was completed on November 27, 1996.

In the west, the complex received the designation SS-25 "Sickle".

Compound

The RT-2PM missile is designed according to a design with three sustainer and combat stages. To ensure high energy-mass perfection and increase the firing range, a new high-density fuel with a specific impulse increased by several units was used in all sustainer stages compared to the fillers of previously created engines, and the housings of the upper stages were for the first time made of continuous winding from organoplastic according to the “cocoon” pattern ". The most difficult technical task turned out to be the placement on the front bottom of the body of the upper stage of the thrust cut-off unit with eight reversible bells and “windows”, cut through by detonating elongated charge (DUS) in an organoplastic power structure.

The first stage of the rocket consists of a sustainer solid propellant rocket engine and a tail section, on the outer surface of which aerodynamic rudders and stabilizers are located. The main engine has one fixed nozzle. The second stage structurally consists of a connecting compartment and a main solid propellant rocket engine. The third stage has almost the same design, but it additionally includes a transition compartment to which the head part is attached.

An autonomous, inertial control system was developed at NPO Automation and Instrumentation under the leadership of Vladimir Lapygin. The aiming system was developed under the leadership of the chief designer of the Kyiv Arsenal plant, Seraphim Parnyakov. The inertial control system has its own digital computer, which made it possible to achieve high shooting accuracy. According to domestic sources, the circular probable deviation (CPD) when firing at the maximum range is 400m, according to Western sources - 150-200m. The control system provides missile flight control, routine maintenance on the missile and launcher, pre-launch preparation and launch of the missile without turning the launcher. All pre-launch preparation and launch operations are fully automated.

"Topol" is equipped with a set of means to overcome missile defense. The rocket's flight is controlled by rotary gas-jet and lattice aerodynamic rudders. New nozzle devices for solid fuel engines have been created. To ensure secrecy, camouflage, decoy systems, and camouflage means have been developed. Like previous mobile complexes of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, Topol can be launched both from a combat patrol route and while parked in garage shelters with a retractable roof. To do this, the launcher is hung on jacks. Combat readiness from the moment the order was received until the missile was launched was brought to two minutes. Mobile and stationary command posts were developed for the new complexes. The mobile command post for combat control of the Topol ICBM is located on the basis 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.

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

The launcher (see diagram) was developed at the Volgograd Central Design Bureau "Titan" under the leadership of Valerian Sobolev and Viktor Shurygin. The launcher is mounted on the chassis of a seven-axle tractor MAZ-7912 (later MAZ-7917 with a 14x12 wheel arrangement. This vehicle from the 80s is equipped with a 710 hp diesel engine) from the Minsk Automobile Plant with an engine from the Yaroslavl Motor Plant. Chief designer of the rocket carrier Vladimir Tsvyalev. Solid propellant engine charges were developed at the Lyubertsy NPO Soyuz under the leadership of Boris Zhukov (later the association was headed by Zinovy ​​Pak). Composite materials and the container were developed and manufactured at the Central Research Institute of Special Engineering under the leadership of Viktor Protasov. The steering hydraulic drives of the rocket and the hydraulic drives of the self-propelled launcher were developed at the Moscow Central Research Institute of Automation and Hydraulics. The nuclear warhead was created at the All-Union Research Institute of Experimental Physics under the leadership of chief designer Samvel Kocharyants.

Initially, the warranty period for the rocket's operation was set at 10 years. Later the warranty period was extended to 15 years. 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.

Performance characteristics

Testing and operation

The Topol PGRK entered testing in February 1983. The first launch took place on February 8 at the Plesetsk test site. This and two subsequent launches were made from converted silos of stationary RT-2P missiles. One launch ended unsuccessfully.

Each year, one control launch of the Topol rocket is carried out from the Plesetsk test site. The high reliability of the complex is evidenced by the fact that during its testing and operation, about fifty control and test launches of missiles were carried out. All of them went without a hitch.

November 29, 2005 A combat training launch of the mobile-based RS-12M Topol ICBM was carried out from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in the direction of the Kura training ground in Kamchatka. A training missile warhead hit a simulated target at a training ground on the Kamchatka Peninsula with specified accuracy. The main purpose of the launch is to check the reliability of the equipment. The missile remained on combat duty for 20 years. This is the first time in the practice of not only domestic, but also global rocket science - a solid-fuel rocket that has been in operation for so many years has been successfully launched.

A conversion space launch vehicle "Start" was developed on the basis of the Topol ICBM. Launches of Start rockets are carried out from the Plesetsk and Svobodny cosmodromes.

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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Intercontinental ballistic missiles, which include the Topol models, are designed to destroy enemy ground and sea launchers of ICBMs, government and armed forces control centers, strategic military and economic facilities, large land and sea formations of the enemy's armed forces.

In total, there are three Topol models with modifications - together, in terms of the number of missiles and warheads placed on them, they form the basis of the ground component of the Russian nuclear forces. “Topol” is not missiles themselves, but strategic missile systems in mobile (mobile ground) and silo-based versions, using three-stage solid-fuel ICBMs (based on RT-2PM), which were developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering - in fact, the only one currently in Russian ICBM developer:

1) the original “Topol” is a mobile ground-based strategic missile system using the RS-12M monoblock ICBM (SS-25 Sickle, or “Sickle”, in NATO classification). First flight test in February 1983, adopted for service in 1985. Warhead power 550 kt, firing range 10,500 km, missile launch weight 45 tons. The launcher is mounted on the basis of a seven-axle chassis of a MAZ heavy-duty vehicle. In 1998, 369 Topol complexes were in service. At the beginning of 2017, 36 mobile systems remained on combat duty in the Barnaul area. The number of Topols is decreasing due to the expiration of their service life. By 2021, “Topol” must be completely withdrawn from service and destroyed, which is being carried out step by step.

2) “Topol-M” (RS-12M2, SS-27) - an analogue of “Topol”, however, with significantly higher characteristics in a number of indicators and new capabilities, including:

The ICBM itself is given the ability to maneuver during the active phase of the flight;

the total flight time to the target has been significantly reduced by increasing the rocket's acceleration speed and the warhead's flight speed;

the missile is equipped with a complex of missile defense breakthrough means with active and passive decoys and means of distorting the characteristics of the warhead;

a high level of resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion has been ensured, which has increased the survivability of the missile;

the infrared “footprint” of the mobile complex has been reduced;

increased cross-country ability and maneuverability of the complex, including on soft ground;

The radar signature of the complex has been reduced due to special coatings on its surfaces.

Topol-M is the first ICBM that the Russian Federation began to develop. First flight test in December 1994. The modernized complex was put into service in April 2000. Warhead power 550 kt, firing range 11,000 km, launch weight 47.1 tons. There are 60 missiles in the silos, and 18 mobile complexes. The deployment of additional systems has been discontinued in favor of the Yars.

3) a modification of the Topol-M complex is the Yars complex (RS-24, SS-29). A distinctive feature of the missile is its multiple independently targetable warhead (MIRV), capable of carrying 4 maneuvering warheads, which further increased the ability to break through the missile defense of the intended enemy. First flight test in May 2007, on combat duty since the summer of 2010. Warhead power 150-250 depending on their number, firing range 12,000 km, launch weight 49.6 tons. At the beginning of 2017, there were 84 Yars mobile complexes on combat duty. and 12 missiles in silo launchers, and a total of 384 warheads, or 40% of the warheads of ground-based nuclear forces.

To be honest, I haven’t heard that Yuzhmash (you mean it?) has anything to do with Topol. RT-2PM was developed by MIT on the basis of RT-2, which was previously created by Korolev OKB-1. There was fierce competition between the missile design bureaus, the general designers hated each other, there were set-ups and there was a desperate behind-the-scenes struggle for the right to make a new rocket. Therefore, I doubt that they would attract a competitor for a contract.

Ukrainian enterprises could participate at the production stage in separate units. After all, not only one missile was created, but a whole complex, which included both a tractor and the construction/reconstruction of a silo launcher. There, hundreds of enterprises took part in this matter.

Answer

Regarding "Topol", it seems that you are right. Yuzhmash did not participate. From Ukraine - only the Kiev Arsenal (and, naturally, not in the development of a rocket as such).

The following structures were involved in the development and production of combat and training equipment of the Topol complexes:

Missile targeting system - Central Design Bureau "Arsenal" (development) and PA "Plant "Arsenal", Kyiv, Ukrainian SSR (production);

As for Topol-M - together with Yuzhnoye Design Bureau. But this is the same Dnepropetrovsk (now Dnieper).

This development work was called “Universal”, the complex being developed was designated RT-2PM2. The development of the complex was carried out jointly by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering and the Dnepropetrovsk Yuzhnoye Design Bureau.

In March 1992, it was decided to develop the Topol-M complex based on developments under the Universal program (in April, Yuzhnoye ceased its participation in work on the complex).

Answer

Comment

USSR Government Decree No. 173-45 of February 9, 1987 prescribed the creation of the Albatross combat missile system, capable of penetrating the promising multi-echelon US missile defense system, the creation of which was announced by the administration of President R. Reagan. Three options for basing this complex were envisaged: mobile ground, stationary mine and mobile railway.

The Albatross three-stage solid-propellant missile was supposed to be equipped with a gliding winged warhead with a nuclear charge, capable of approaching targets at a sufficiently low altitude and maneuvering around the target. All elements of the missile, as well as the launcher, had to have increased protection from PFYVs and weapons based on new physical principles (primarily laser), in order to ensure a guaranteed retaliatory strike in the event of any opposition from a potential enemy. The development of the Albatross RK was entrusted to NPO Mashinostroeniya (General Designer G. A. Efremov) with launch at the LCI at the end of 1991. The resolution noted the special national importance of implementing this development. This was not surprising, since the government and military circles of our country were seriously concerned about the problem of overcoming the American missile defense system and were looking for ways to guarantee its solution, since the implementation of US plans created a real threat to the security of the USSR, disturbing the established military-strategic balance. In this regard, fending off a potential threat from the United States and maintaining strategic stability became the most important strategic task for the USSR. As is known, in response to the “star wars” concept, the USSR stated that the measures it was taking would be “asymmetrical” in nature, meet the concepts of “reasonable sufficiency”, “equal security” and would be significantly more economical. It was supposed to carry out qualitative improvements in strategic weapons, increasing their invulnerability to new means of attack and interception by US space forces. The solution to this complex problem proceeded mainly in two directions:

• creation of missiles capable of launching directly under conditions of nuclear impact in a positional area,
• development of mobile-based missiles, the survivability of which would be ensured due to mobility and location uncertainty.

For the sake of historical justice, it should be noted that, while tirelessly declaring, primarily for political reasons, a set of “asymmetrical” measures, the leadership of our country did not forget about the set of “symmetrical” measures. Evidence of this was the Resolution of the CPSU Central Committee and the USSR Council of Ministers “On the study of the possibility of creating weapons for combat operations in space and from space” of 1976. The basis of the Soviet “response” was to be a multi-echelon missile defense system, composed of three main elements - a combat space complex with laser weapons on board the 17F19 Skif, a combat space complex with missile weapons on board the 17F111 Cascade, and an orbital missile warning system. attack 71Х6 US-KMO (US-KMO was supposed to be supplemented by numerous ground-based early warning radars, as well as various means of monitoring outer space). The launch of all this equipment into space was planned using the latest launch vehicles - the heavy 11K25 Energia and the medium 11K77 Zenit. Servicing in orbit was supposed to be carried out using the 11F35 Buran reusable transport spacecraft, Soyuz-TM transport spacecraft and Progress-M automatic cargo spacecraft. True, due to technical and financial problems, the intensive consultative and contractual process with the United States and, finally, due to the collapse of the USSR after 1991, the project of the system as a whole “decided to live for a long time” and most of the programs (“Skif”, “Cascade” ", "Energia", "Buran" and a number of others) were closed.

The preliminary design of the Albatross RK, developed at the end of 1987, caused dissatisfaction with the Customer, since the implementation of a number of technical solutions included in the EP seemed quite problematic. However, work on the project continued throughout the next year. However, at the beginning of 1989, it became clear that the creation of this DBK, both in terms of technical indicators and the timing of its implementation, was in danger of being disrupted. In addition, powerful political factors came into play. Beginning in the second half of the 1980s, intensive negotiations were conducted between the USSR and the United States on the limitation and reduction of strategic weapons, which ended on July 31, 1991 with the signing of the Treaty on the Reduction of Offensive Arms in Moscow, known as START-1. The American side insisted not only on a quantitative reduction in Soviet heavy ICBMs, but also on a ban on their modernization and the creation of new types of such missiles for any type of deployment. With regard to new strategic developments, the START I Treaty allowed only the modernization of only one type of light-class solid-fuel missile (and within extremely strict size and weight limits), provided that it was equipped with only one warhead. In this regard, and long before the actual signing of the Treaty, the need arose to adjust the general direction of development.

On September 9, 1989, in development of the government decree of February 9, 1987, the Military-Industrial Complex Decision No. 323 was issued, which prescribed the creation of two new missile launchers instead of the Albatros missile launcher: a mobile ground missile and a stationary mine launcher with a three-stage solid-fuel rocket, universal for both complexes, created as a modernization of the ICBM of the Republic of Tajikistan -2RM (15Zh58). The new theme was called “Universal”, and the rocket was named RT-2PM2 (15Zh65). The development of a mobile ground launch vehicle with the RT-2PM2 missile was entrusted to MIT, and a stationary mine missile launcher was entrusted to the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau. MIT was entrusted with the development of rocket units and connecting compartments of the second and third stages, an unguided warhead, a sealed instrument compartment, a platform for placing the warhead and missile defense control system, and interstage communications. Yuzhnoye Design Bureau was supposed to develop the first stage rocket unit, the missile defense control system, and the head aerodynamic fairing. The development of the missile control system was entrusted to NPO AP. Separate parts of the rocket were to be produced at the Southern Machine-Building Plant and the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant. Order No. 222 of the Ministry of General Engineering on the creation of a ballistic missile system with the RT-2PM2 (15Zh65) missile was issued on September 22, 1989.

Due to the uncertainty in the construction of the American missile defense system, in order to increase the effectiveness of the means to overcome it, it was decided to develop two SP missile defense systems, built on different physical, design and technological principles. Since these complexes had different mass-dimensional characteristics and differed in the breeding conditions of their elements, it was necessary to develop two variants of platforms for armored vehicles and two different combat stages with remote control, differing in power. The SP missile defense variant being developed by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau required somewhat higher energy costs to build battle formations, so it was decided to develop a high-energy liquid-propellant rocket launcher using the promising PRONIT monopropellant. The MIT version made do with a less powerful solid fuel propulsion system. By analogy with the RT-2PM missile, it was accepted that the operation of the RT-2PM2 missile in both mobile and stationary versions will be carried out using a TPK, the launch of both options will be mortar. Due to different operating conditions of missiles of mobile and stationary versions, as well as different requirements for protection from nuclear weapons, complete unification of missiles and TPK could not be realized. It required the development of structurally different transport and launch containers and even means of ejecting the rocket from the TPK at launch. So, for example, for the silo version of the rocket at launch, a pallet was used to protect the first stage remote control from the increased pressure of the gases of the PAD (powder pressure accumulator), but for the moving soil complex, due to the lower pressure, the pallet was not needed. The TPK for the mine version was made of metal, for the moving ground version - plastic. The operation of the missile launcher assumed an unregulated scheme with preventive maintenance of combat equipment combined with launcher maintenance.

Unfortunately, due to the collapse of the USSR, all work on the RT-2PM2 rocket by the KBU-MIT cooperation within the framework of the “Universal” theme was stopped, although in 1991 the first 1L rocket was already manufactured, intended for flight tests at the Plesetsk test site. However, according to the decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Strategic Missile Forces of the USSR, its dispatch to the training ground was delayed until the “clarification of the situation”, which dragged on... for three years!!! S. N. Konyukhov, who became the General Designer of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau in 1991, addressed the President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin. By order of the President, a meeting was held at which S. N. Konyukhov made a proposal, sanctioned by the Government of Ukraine, for the further participation of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau in the creation of the RT-2PM2 missile. However, a positive decision was not reached and already in April 1992. By the decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the CIS Armed Forces and the Ministry of Industry of Russia, the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau and the YuMZ Production Association were relieved of their functions as the lead developer and manufacturer of the universal RT-2PM2 (15Zh65) missile with their transfer to the organization Russia. With Ukraine's acceptance of the status of a nuclear-free state, with the permission of the Ukrainian government, the first 1L flight rocket manufactured was transferred to the Russian Federation on January 14, 1995. It was the last strategic ICBM developed by the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau. But the history of the missile system did not end there...

In March 1992, a decision was made to develop a new, completely domestic missile, designed to become the basis of a promising group of strategic missile forces. Decree of the President of the Russian Federation B.N. Yeltsin on February 27, 1993 paved the way for full-scale development of the missile system. In order to reduce time and financial costs, the new missile system was created with maximum use of the developments obtained on the "Universal" topic. It was decided to make every possible effort to maximize the unification of the stationary silo and mobile ground-based types of missiles, while maintaining the combat effectiveness of both types of missile systems to the maximum extent possible. The problem of unification was solved, among other things, by abandoning two types of missile defense missile defense systems, platforms for warheads and combat stages, the creation of which was originally envisaged within the framework of the “Universal” theme. The development of the RT-2PM2 missile (15Zh65, indices “inherited” from the “Universal” theme), called “Topol-M,” was carried out by Russian cooperation of enterprises and design bureaus in difficult political and economic conditions. In order to generally reduce financial costs, and based on the principle of expediency, it was decided to test and put into service first the stationary silo version, and then the ground mobile version of the missile. The lead developer of the missile system is the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering under the leadership of Yuri Solomonov. The developer of the control system is the Research and Production Association of Automation and Instrumentation under the leadership of Vladimir Lapygin and Yuri Trunov. Solid fuel for the rocket was created at the Federal Center for Dual Technologies "Soyuz" under the leadership of Zinovy ​​Pak and Yuri Milekhin. The thermonuclear warhead was developed at the Russian Federal Nuclear Center - the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics under the leadership of Yuri Faykov and Georgy Dmitriev. The organic materials used to create the DBK were developed at the Spetsmash Central Research Institute.

The Topol-M missile was created as a deep modernization of the RT-2PM Topol ICBM. The conditions for modernization are determined by the START-1 Treaty, according to which a missile is considered new if it differs from the existing one (analogue) in one of the following ways:

• number of steps;
• type of fuel of any stage;
• starting weight by more than 10%;
• the length of either the assembled rocket without the warhead, or the length of the first stage of the rocket by more than 10%;
• the diameter of the first stage by more than 5%;
• throw weight of more than 21% combined with a change in first stage length of 5% or more.

Thus, the mass-dimensional characteristics and some design features of the Topol-M ICBM are strictly limited.

The 15P065 combat stationary silo missile system with the RT-2PM2 ICBM, located in the Tatishchev division, includes 10 15Zh65 missiles in silo launchers 15P765-35, one unified command post of the 15V222 type with high security (located on a suspension in the silo using special shock absorption). By placing a missile in the TPK in the silo and using the “mortar launch” method, it became possible to significantly increase the resistance of existing launchers to PFYAV by removing all the elements of the SC necessary for the gas-dynamic launch of 15A35 missiles, and filling the released volume with heavy reinforced concrete of special grades, as well as through the use of an improved shock-absorbing system. Some of the division's missiles are located in OS 15P765-60 silos, which previously housed the RT-23 UTTH ICBMs. Work on the conversion of silo launchers of ICBMs 15A35 and 15Zh60 to accommodate Topol-M missiles was carried out by the Vympel Experimental Design Bureau under the leadership of Dmitry Dragun. When deploying the ballistic missile system in the Uzhur division, TPKs with ICBMs will also be placed in modified silo launchers 15P765-18/18M of R-36M UTTH (15A18) / R-36M2 (15A18M) missiles. Each regiment will include 8 OS silos and one command post.

DBK 15P065 with a light-class solid-propellant ICBM 15Zh65, which has increased resistance to PFYV and delivers the warhead of the second level of resistance to the designated target, ensures the launch of a missile without delay for the normalization of the external situation during repeated nuclear impacts on neighboring DBK facilities and when the position area is blocked by high-altitude nuclear explosions , as well as with minimal delay during non-destructive nuclear impact directly on the launcher. The stability of the launcher and the mine command post to PFYV has been significantly increased; it is possible to launch from the constant combat readiness mode according to one of the planned target designations, as well as prompt retargeting and launch according to any unscheduled target designation transmitted from the highest level of management. The likelihood of launch commands being transmitted to the control panel and silos has been increased. 15Zh65 is the first strategic missile of the new, fifth generation, which has absorbed all the many years of experience in cooperation between enterprises in the creation of solid fuel missiles. State tests took place at the 1st State Test Cosmodrome "Plesetsk". Also, test launches as part of the program to create a missile system (primarily to test promising combat equipment) were carried out by other carriers and from the 4th State Central Test Site "Kapustin Yar".

The high characteristics of the 15Zh65 missile in ensuring a high level of resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion were achieved through the use of a set of measures that had proven themselves well during the creation of the R-36M2 (15A18M), RT-23UTTH (15Zh60) and RT-2PM (15Zh58) ICBMs:

• the use of a newly developed protective coating applied to the outer surface of the rocket body and providing comprehensive protection against nuclear attack;
• application of a control system developed on an element base with increased durability and reliability;
• applying a special coating with a high content of rare earth elements to the body of the sealed instrument compartment, which housed the control system equipment;
• the use of shielding and special methods for laying the onboard cable network of the rocket;
• introducing a special program maneuver for a missile when passing through the cloud of a ground-based nuclear explosion, etc.

The missiles of the 15P065 stationary silo missile system are placed in single-launch silo launchers with high resistance to damaging factors of nuclear influence, converted in accordance with the START-2 treaty, in a metal transport and launch container. Mobile-based ICBMs have also been deployed - in a high-strength fiberglass TPK on an eight-axle cross-country chassis; The missile of the mobile mobile ground complex 15P165 also has a design index 15Zh65 and is structurally practically no different from the silo version 15Zh65 despite the peculiarities of the operation and combat use of complexes of various types of basing, which imposes different requirements for the necessary resistance to PFYV for missiles launched from mobile and silo launchers , and determines the need and feasibility of developing modifications of a single rocket with certain circuit design differences.

Type of warhead: detachable monoblock (higher power class) thermonuclear, second (upper) level of resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion with a high-speed warhead with a power (according to foreign experts) of the order of 0.8 - 1.0 Mt. Taking into account the accuracy of the new missile (according to various estimates, the COE is “about 150-200 m”), the warhead allows you to confidently hit any small, high-strength strategic targets. In the future, it is possible to equip a missile with a maneuvering warhead or a multiple warhead with a number of warheads from 3 to 6 (it is possible that promising warheads for MIRV IN will be unified with a low-power class warhead for a complex with the R-30 Bulava SLBM, the power of the thermonuclear warhead of a promising warhead - "about 150 kt"). The first test launch of a mobile version of the Topol-M ICBM, equipped with a MIRV with individually targeted warheads (officially the name of the new missile was announced as RS-24), took place on May 29, 2007 from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.

Complex of means for breaking through advanced missile defense: to overcome the advanced missile defense of a potential enemy, the RT-2PM2 missile is equipped with a complex of means for breaking through missile defense of a new development, created using elements of the complex of means for breaking through missile defense "Sura" (which, in turn, was created during work on the topic "Universal"), and consisting of 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 in almost all selection characteristics in the extra-atmospheric, transitional and significant part of the atmospheric section of the descending branch of the flight path of missile warheads, and are resistant to damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and radiation from a super-powerful nuclear-pumped laser, etc. For the first time, LCs capable of withstanding super-resolution radars have been designed. Means for distorting the characteristics of the warhead consist of a radio-absorbing (combined with heat-shielding) coating of the warhead, active radio interference generators, aerosol sources of infrared radiation, etc. The missile defense system is designed to significantly increase the time required for a potential enemy's advanced missile defense system to detect a warhead among many false targets and interference, thus significantly reducing the likelihood of interception of a warhead. According to some data, the mass of the Topol-M ICBM missile defense system exceeds the mass of the American Peacekeeper ICBM missile defense system. In the future, when a missile is equipped with a maneuvering warhead (or a multiple warhead with individually targeted warheads), the missile defense capabilities of a potential enemy to intercept warheads will, according to Russian experts, be reduced to almost zero.

In addition, in the process of creating ICBMs, technical solutions (special grades of fuel, structural materials, multifunctional coatings, special circuit-algorithmic protection of equipment) were incorporated into the design of the hull components, propulsion system, control system and warhead, providing the missile with high energy characteristics and the required resistance to damaging factors of both nuclear influence and advanced weapons based on new physical principles. It should be noted that the warhead and warhead of the new ICBM were created with maximum use of developments and technologies obtained earlier during the creation of warheads for ICBMs that entered service in the second half of the 1980s, which made it possible to reduce development time and reduce cost, which was important in new complex political and economic conditions. Despite this, the new warheads and warheads are much more resistant to PFYVs and the effects of weapons based on new physical principles than their predecessors, have a lower specific gravity, and have improved safety mechanisms during storage, transportation and being on combat duty. The new warhead has an increased efficiency of fissile materials compared to prototypes and is historically the first domestic warhead for ICBMs, the creation of which took place without testing parts and assemblies during full-scale nuclear explosions, although some developments “for the future” may have been made even before the USSR stopped nuclear testing in September 1989, followed by the announcement of a moratorium in October 1991 (it should be noted that the “nuclear” countries included in the NATO bloc were less scrupulous in this regard: the last nuclear test of Great Britain - November 1991 ., USA - September 1992, France - January 1996).

Successful measures were taken to reduce the flight duration and reduce the altitude of the end point of the active part of the rocket's flight path. The ICBM also received the possibility of limited maneuver on the active part of the trajectory (according to some data, due to the operation of auxiliary maneuvering engines, instruments and control mechanisms, and high-strength hull components), which can significantly reduce the likelihood of its destruction in the most vulnerable, initial phase of the flight. According to the developers, the active flight phase (launch, operation of the sustainer stages, disengagement of combat equipment) of the Topol-M ICBM is reduced by “3-4 times” compared to liquid-fueled ICBMs, for which it is approximately 10 minutes.

The 15P065 complex was put on experimental combat duty (2 missiles) in the 60th Missile Division of the Strategic Missile Forces of the 27th Guards Missile Army (Tatishchevo, Saratov Region, Svetly garrison) in December 1997. The first regiment (10 missiles) in full force went on combat duty on December 30, 1998, the second - in 1999. The State Commission approved the act on the adoption of an intercontinental ballistic missile based in the silo launcher OS "Topol-M" into service with the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation on April 28, 2000. The adoption of the DBK with the Topol-M ICBM based in the silo took place on July 13, 2000 with the signing of the corresponding Decree of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin No. 13-14. The third, fourth and fifth regiments with the DBK entered full combat duty in 2000, 2003 and 2005, respectively. It was planned that the sixth and last regiment of the Tatishchev division, re-equipped with the new ballistic missile system, would go on combat duty by the end of 2008, but this event occurred only in December 2010, when the regiment command post and 2 OS silos with ICBMs went on combat duty (it is planned that the entire regiment will be on combat duty by the end of 2012). The total number of Topol-M ICBMs based in OS silos by January 2011 reached, according to some estimates, 52 units. According to the announced plans of the Ministry of Defense, by the end of 2012, the sixth regiment will be deployed in its entirety of 10 missiles in the Tatishchevo garrison, thus bringing the total number of ICBMs of this type in Tatishchevo to 60 units. After the completion of the deployment of the sixth regiment in Tatishchevo, the deployment of Topol-M silo missiles is planned to continue in other divisions - the 62nd Missile Division (Uzhur, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Solnechny garrison) and the 28th Guards Missile Division ( Kozelsk, Kaluga region). According to statements by responsible officials from the Ministry of Defense, OS silo divisions will continue to be equipped with Topol-M monoblock ICBMs.

During 1994 - 2001 From the Plesetsk cosmodrome, 10 launches of the silo version of the Topol-M ICBM were carried out under the flight test program (of which one launch in 1998 was unsuccessful), and two combat training launches.

After the creation and testing of a stationary silo version of the rocket, development of a mobile ground-based missile system began, which received the index 15P165. When creating systems and units of the mobile launcher of the Topol-M complex, fundamentally new technical solutions were used in comparison with the Topol BGRK. 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 against both 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 somewhat reduce radar signature of the complex). The re-equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces units is carried out using existing infrastructure. Mobile (as well as stationary) versions of the missile system are fully compatible with the existing combat control and communications system. 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 aiming accuracy has been almost doubled, the accuracy of determining geodetic data has been increased by one and a half times, and the preparation time for launch has been halved. The launcher of the mobile complex (placed on an eight-wheeled chassis MZKT-79221 produced by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant) was developed at the Titan Central Design Bureau under the leadership of Viktor Shurygin. Serial production of launchers for the mobile complex is carried out by the Volgograd Production Association "Barricades". The rocket for the BGRK entered flight tests in 2000. During 2000 - 2004 4 launches were carried out under the flight test program, all launches were successful. In 2006, it was decided to begin deploying the BGRK with the Topol-M ICBM, and at the end of that year the first 3 ICBMs (one division) went on combat duty. By December 2009, the number of Topol-M ICBMs in the mobile ground version in service with the 54th Guards Missile Division (Teykovo, Ivanovo Region, Krasnye Sosenki garrison) of the 27th Guards Missile Army reached 18, i.e. 2 missile regiments. In 2010, the Ministry of Defense announced that there would be no further deployment of the Topol-M ICBM in a mobile version: then only a deep modification of this missile - the RS-24 ICBM with a MIRV (according to some data, this missile has proper name "Yars" and NATO designation SS-X-29). According to MIT representatives, there are no plans to create a railway version of the RS-24 ICBM.

Currently, Russia’s main efforts in the situation emerging after the deployment of advanced missile defense work in the United States are aimed at completing the long-term work already underway to qualitatively improve the combat equipment of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as methods and means of countering promising missile defense in the United States and other regions. This work is being carried out in the context of the implementation of accepted restrictions on various international obligations and the active reduction of domestic strategic nuclear forces. A significant number of enterprises and scientific and production organizations of industry, higher education and research institutions of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation have been involved in the implementation of this work. The scientific and technical foundations created during the years of opposition to the American “Strategic Defense Initiative” are being updated. In addition, new technologies are being created based on the modern capabilities of Russian cooperation enterprises. One of the essential parts of the new program is the creation of significantly modified missile launchers with ICBMs on the basis of significant unification with both existing missile launchers of various bases and those just being created. An example is the program to create an improved mobile ground-based ICBM, called RS-24 (see the proposed diagram). In May 2007, this rocket entered flight tests. It is assumed that the RS-24 is a deep modification of the Topol-M mobile ground-based ICBM (according to General Designer Yu. Solomonov, “50% of the missile design is new”). Experts express the opinion (confirmed by statements from representatives of the MIT and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation) that in a number of fundamental structural components and assemblies the RS-24 is also significantly unified with the promising R-30 Bulava SLBM (3M30, R-30, RSM-56, SS- NX-30 Mace), created by almost the same cooperation of manufacturers and currently undergoing testing. The deployment of the modified ICBM began after the completion of one of the stages of flight tests (flight tests have not yet been fully completed; previously it was assumed that the tests would take at least three years, carrying out at least 4 test launches, including three launches successfully carried out in May and December 2007 year, as well as in November 2008 - now it has been announced that three more test launches will be carried out during 2011). Initially, it was announced that the deployment of the new complex would begin no earlier than the end of 2010 - beginning of 2011. , however, already in July 2010, First Deputy Minister of Defense V. Popovkin announced that in the Teikovsky division 3 complexes (division) had already been deployed by the end of 2009, having gone on experimental combat duty. Another division of 3 complexes was deployed by the end of 2010, thus bringing the number of deployed RS-24 ICBMs to 6 units. The number of RS-24 missiles intended for deployment in 2011 has not been announced, but based on the experience of past years, it can be assumed that at least 3 more missiles will be deployed before the end of the year, which will make it possible to form the first regiment in the army fully equipped with this ICBM. According to various sources, the MIRV IN of the new missile is equipped with “no less than 4 new middle-class warheads and a modern missile defense control system.” According to analysts' forecasts, in this case it is assumed that the "middle-class warheads" are high-speed warheads of a new generation with a power of about 300-500 kt, with reduced visibility in various ranges of electromagnetic radiation and high accuracy. According to some publications in open sources, the increase in the throwable mass of the new ICBM, despite the possible increase in the energy potential of the missile itself during the creation process, had to be paid for by some reduction in the missile's firing range - to approximately 10,000 km compared to 11,000 km for the Topol-M ICBM. . A number of experts also express surprise at the relatively small volume of flight tests of the new ICBM before transferring the complex to the troops, compared to what was accepted in the Soviet years (only 3 launches in 2007-2008, all carried out successfully). The leadership of MIT and the Ministry of Defense in response to this indicate that a different testing methodology has now been adopted for the latest ICBMs and SLBMs - with much more intensive and productive computer modeling and a much larger volume of ground-based experimental testing than before. This approach, now considered more economical, during the USSR period was used primarily in the creation of the most complex and heavy new missiles (for example, RN 11K77 Zenit and especially 11K25 Energia), which made it possible to get by with a minimum number of extremely expensive heavy missiles destroyed during test launches. carriers and their payload. however, after the collapse of the USSR, due to a sharp reduction in funding for defense tasks, it was decided to fully use this approach when creating light-class missiles, primarily ICBMs and SLBMs. As for the new RS-24 missile, the amount of flight testing required for it is relatively small and, apparently, due to the significant unification of the new missile with its predecessor - the 15Zh65 Topol-M ICBM. It was stated that the Topol-M rocket (as a carrier) was initially designed (back in the late 1980s as part of the Universal theme) for several types of warheads, including MIRVs. The fact that the missile was initially put into service with a light-class monoblock warhead is nothing more than a tribute to the negotiating politicking of the authorities of our country at that time. In addition, information was voiced that a number of systems of the new RS-24 missile, primarily the control system, AP and missile defense control system, have already been tested during launches using other types of launch vehicles and ICBMs (UR-100N UTTH, “Topol”, K65M-R, etc.). There were also references to the experience of testing the Topol-M ICBM - the complex was transferred to the troops for experimental combat duty after 4 successful launches.

In addition, priority measures based on the completion of the implementation of achieved technologies in the field of creating maneuvering hypersonic warheads, advanced MIRVs, as well as a significant reduction in the radio and optical signature of both standard and advanced ICBM and SLBM warheads in all segments of their flight to targets. At the same time, improvement of these characteristics is planned in combination with the use of qualitatively new small-sized atmospheric decoys.

Achieved technologies and created domestic radar-absorbing materials make it possible to reduce the radar signature of warheads in the extra-atmospheric part of the trajectory by several orders of magnitude. This is achieved by implementing a whole set of measures: optimizing the shape of the warhead body - a sharp, elongated cone with a rounded bottom; the rational direction for separating the block from the breeding stage is in the direction of the toe towards the radar station; the use of light and effective materials for radio-absorbing coatings applied to the body of the unit - their mass is 0.05-0.2 kg per m2 of surface, and the reflection coefficient in the centimeter frequency range 0.3-10cm is no more than -23...- 10dB or better. There are materials with screen attenuation coefficients in the frequency range from 0.1 to 30 MHz: for the magnetic component - 2...40 dB; in terms of the electrical component - less than 80 dB. In this case, the effective reflective surface of the warhead can be less than 10-4 m2, and the detection range can be no more than 100...200 km, which will not allow the unit to be intercepted by long-range anti-missiles and significantly complicates the operation of medium-range anti-missiles.

Taking into account the fact that a significant share of future missile defense information systems will be detection means in the visible and infrared ranges, efforts have been made and are being implemented to significantly reduce the optical signature of warheads, both in the extra-atmospheric section and during their descent into the atmosphere. In the first case, a radical solution is to cool the surface of the block to such temperature levels when its thermal radiation will amount to fractions of a watt per steradian and such a block will be “invisible” for optical information and reconnaissance equipment such as STSS. In the atmosphere, the luminosity of its wake has a decisive influence on the optical visibility of a block. The achieved results and implemented developments make it possible, on the one hand, to optimize the composition of the heat-protective coating of the block, removing from it the materials that most contribute to the formation of marks. On the other hand, special liquid products are forcibly injected into the trace area in order to reduce the radiation intensity. The listed measures make it possible to ensure the probability of overcoming the extra- and high-atmospheric boundaries of the missile defense system with a probability of 0.99.

However, in the lower layers of the atmosphere, the considered measures to reduce visibility no longer play a significant role, since, on the one hand, the distances from the warhead to the missile defense information equipment are quite small, and on the other, the intensity of the unit’s braking in the atmosphere is such that it is no longer possible to compensate for it . In this regard, another method and its corresponding countermeasures come to the fore - small-sized atmospheric decoys with an operational altitude of 2-5 km and a relative mass of 5-7% of the mass of the warhead. The implementation of this method becomes possible as a result of solving a dual problem - a significant reduction in the visibility of the warhead and the development of qualitatively new atmospheric decoys of the "waveship" class, with a corresponding reduction in their mass and dimensions. This will make it possible to replace one warhead from a multi-charge missile warhead with up to 15...20 effective atmospheric decoys, which will increase the probability of overcoming the atmospheric missile defense line to a level of 0.93-0.95. Thus, the overall probability of Russian ICBMs and, above all, modified (through the use of improved electronics and CSP missile defense, MIRVs and maneuvering warheads with new generation warheads) Topol-M ICBMs overcoming 3 frontiers of a promising missile defense system, according to experts , will be 0.93-0.94. Thus, the Topol-M missile can hit well-protected strategic targets in the conditions of a counter, counter-counter and retaliatory nuclear strike, if the enemy has a multi-echelon missile defense system with space-based elements.

Conclusion

Assessing the Topol-M ballistic missile system as a whole, it can be noted that the designers managed to solve almost all the problems that faced them back in the framework of the “Universal” theme - a lightweight monoblock, PFYV-resistant, high-precision solid-propellant ICBM of a new generation was created for two deployment options , with high flight performance and potential for further modernization (primarily due to the replacement of a monoblock warhead with a MIRV IN with the number of warheads from 3 to 7 depending on the class of warhead, - medium or small class, respectively, - or with a maneuvering monoblock warhead; in addition, it is possible to improve the characteristics of the electronic “filling” of the complex and use a more advanced new-generation missile defense system). It is worth saying that the creation of the complex was carried out in a fairly short time, during a difficult period of political and economic upheavals for the country and society, such as the collapse of the USSR, the destruction of the usual long-term cooperation of producers, a number of whom remained “abroad,” and financial difficulties.

However, the very high hopes placed on the Topol-M ballistic missile system by the leadership of our country in the 90s generally did not come true - this missile has not become the “main missile” for the Strategic Missile Forces until today. In the period from December 1997 to December 2010 inclusive, a total of 76 ICBMs were put on combat duty - 52 in stationary silo-based and 24 in mobile ground-based (6 of them in the RS-24 modification) deployment options. As of July 2009, for example, Topol-M ICBMs quantitatively accounted for 17.4% of the total number of ICBMs of the Strategic Missile Forces, and their warheads accounted for 5.1% of the total number of warheads on Strategic Missile Forces missiles. For comparison, as of January 2008, Topol-M ICBMs quantitatively accounted for about 12% of the total number of ICBMs of the Strategic Missile Forces, and their warheads accounted for slightly more than 3% of the total number of warheads on Strategic Missile Forces missiles. Moreover, the gradual increase in the relative contribution of the Topol-M ICBMs to the overall picture is also noticeable due to the gradual and obvious reduction in the number of old ICBMs that have served their term (the number of deployed ICBMs as of July 2009 is given in parentheses): R-36M2 "Voevoda" / R-36M UTTH (59 pieces), UR-100N UTTH (70 pieces), RT-2PM "Topol" (174 pieces). In general, the general trend is disappointing - the vast majority of currently available ICBMs were deployed under the USSR and, therefore, are physically outdated, having now had a many times extended warranty period - from 23 (RT-2PM "Topol"; the original warranty period - 10 years) up to 33 (UR-100N UTTH; initial warranty period - 10 years) years. As of the beginning of 2011, the total share of Topol-M and RS-24 missiles in the troops will undoubtedly continue to increase, exceeding, according to estimates of foreign observers, by the end of 2010 the milestone of 20% of the number of all missiles in the Strategic Missile Forces - as due to a slight increase in the number of new missiles themselves, and due to a reduction in old ones.

The reasons for such a slow rearmament of the Strategic Missile Forces with modern missiles are said to be: chronic underfunding, the loss by the state of a number of effective levers of influence on military-industrial complex enterprises, the loss of some critical technologies (scandals arose repeatedly, during which information surfaced that a number of parts, primarily electronic, for these ICBMs are produced abroad, including in countries (former republics of the USSR) that are new members of the North Atlantic Alliance or friendly to it), a personnel pit. Despite a certain “renaissance” of the domestic military-industrial complex in recent years, it becomes clear that there will be no sharp and large-scale increase in the number of Topol-M ICBMs in the coming years - according to the State Program for the rearmament of the RF Armed Forces adopted in 2006, until 2015 in the Strategic Missile Forces About 70 Topol-M ICBMs will be put on combat duty, thus bringing the total number of such missiles to approximately 120. However, their “specific gravity” is planned to be somewhat increased by re-equipping the missiles with MIRVs, most likely after 2010.

However, taking into account the likely and planned reduction in the future after 2012, the number of warheads deployed on all Russian carriers (ICBMs, SLBMs and heavy tanks) to a “ceiling” of 1700-2200 pieces, which is consistent with bilateral Russian-American agreements, taking into account the mass removal by 2015, the vast majority of Soviet-made ICBMs will no longer be on duty (due to their “advanced age”; after that, until 2020 and somewhat further, a total of no more than 60-70 ICBMs R-36M2 “Voevoda” and UR- 100N UTTH), and also taking into account the planned equipping of the Topol-M MIRV ICBM (in the RS-24 version), it is quite possible that by the middle of the coming decade this ICBM will nevertheless become the basis of ground-based missile strategic nuclear forces, but this time it will be forced. It is planned that with a guaranteed service life of 15 years with the prospect of its extension to 20-25 years (example: the initial warranty service life of the RT-2PM Topol ICBM was 10 years, as a result of R&D, this period has now been extended to 23 years with the prospect of a further extension to 24 years) the Topol-M ICBMs will remain on combat duty until 2040.