Charge power Topol m. RVSN: pgrk "Topol", "Topol-m" and "Yars" went on combat patrol routes

Intercontinental ballistic missile "Topol" (RS-12M)
At the end of 1993, Russia announced the development of a new domestic missile, designed to become the basis of a promising group of strategic missile forces. The development of the RS-12M2 missile, called Topol-M, is being carried out by a Russian cooperation of enterprises and design bureaus. The lead developer of the missile system is the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering.

The Topol-M missile is being created as a modernization of the RS-12M 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 stage of state flight testing of the Topol-M missile system took place at 1-GIK MO. In December 1994, the first launch took place from a silo launcher. On April 28, 2000, the State Commission approved an act on the adoption of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile into service by the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation.

The deployment of units is a regiment in Tatishchevo (Saratov region) (since November 12, 1998), military unit in Altai (near the village of Sibirsky, Pervomaisky district, Atai Territory). The first two Topol-M /RS-12M2/ missiles were put on experimental combat duty in Tatishchevo in December 1997 after four test launches, and on December 30, 1998, the first regiment of 10 missiles of this type began combat duty.

The manufacturer of Topol-M missiles is the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant State Enterprise. The nuclear warhead was created under the leadership of Georgy Dmitriev at Arzamas-16.

The RS-12M2 Topol-M missile is unified with the promising Bulava missiles, created to arm Project 955 strategic nuclear submarines.

In the west, the complex received the designation SS-X-27.

Compound

During combat duty, the Topol-M missile is located in a transport and launch container. It is operated as part of stationary (in silo launchers) and mobile complexes. In this case, the stationary version uses silo launchers (silos) of missiles removed from service or destroyed in accordance with the START-2 Treaty. The stationary grouping is created by re-equipping the 15A35 medium-class ICBM silos (developed by the Vympel Design Bureau) and the 15A18M heavy-class ICBMs (developed by the KBSM Design Bureau).

In accordance with the START-2 treaty, the conversion of 90 silo launchers of 15A18 missiles to the Topol-M missile is allowed, while guaranteeing the impossibility of installing heavy ICBMs in such a converted launcher. Refinement of these silos includes pouring a 5m layer of concrete at the bottom of the shaft, as well as installing a special restrictive ring at the top of the launcher. The internal dimensions of the heavy missile silo are excessive to accommodate the Topol-M missile, even taking into account the filling of the lower part of the launcher with concrete. The mass of the Topol-M rocket, its outer diameter and length are approximately 5, 1.5 and 1.5 times less than the mass-geometric dimensions of the 15A18M rocket, respectively. In order to preserve and use the heavy silo units and systems during conversion, it was necessary to carry out a number of comprehensive studies of the silo loading scheme during nuclear attack and launch, the maintenance system, the influence on the gas dynamics of the launch of the large internal free volume of the shaft, the restrictive ring and the massive and large-sized roof, issues of loading the TPK with a missile in a launcher, etc. In this case, the TPK with a missile must be unified for both types of silos.

Resource-saving technology when creating serial launchers provides for the preservation of the protective roof, barbette, drum, mine shaft with bottom directly at the site and the reuse of most of the equipment of the launcher 718 - protective roof drives, shock absorption systems, elevators and other equipment - after their dismantling and sending to manufacturing plants, carrying out RVR at factories with testing on stands. The problem of implementing resource-saving technology is closely related to the establishment of new warranty periods for reused equipment, including mine shafts. Placing Topol-M missiles in existing silos modified in this way can significantly reduce the costs of developing and deploying the complex.

The transport and installation unit of the complex (see photo), created at KB "Motor", combines the functions of an installer and a transport and loading machine.

Successful flight tests allowed the State Commission to recommend the adoption of a silo launcher, converted from a silo launcher for heavy missiles, into service as part of the missile complex, and already in the summer of 2000, such a complex was adopted for service by decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

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Download video of the Topol-M launch
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 also has improved camouflage means against both optical and other reconnaissance means.

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.

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 weight of the launcher is 120 tons, length - 22 meters, width - 3.4 meters. Six pairs of eight wheels are swivel, providing a turning radius of 16 meters. The ground pressure of the installation is half that of a conventional truck, and the engine power of 800 horsepower allows you to overcome snow and water obstacles up to a meter deep

Unlike its predecessor “Topol”, the RS-12M2 “Topol-M” does not have lattice stabilizers and rudders, and the power of the mixed solid propellant charge is much higher. The missiles are equipped with monoblock warheads, but, unlike all other strategic missiles, they can be re-equipped with multiple independently targetable warheads in the shortest possible time.

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. In addition, the RS-12M2 missile carries a whole range of missile defense breakthrough weapons more than the American MX with 10 warheads.

A maneuvering warhead has been created for the Topol-M, which does not allow it to be intercepted and destroyed by existing and future missile defense systems. Equipping regular units with mobile Topol-M with new warheads begins in 2006. In the future, up to nine launchers should be supplied to the troops annually. In parallel, it is planned to install new warheads on the already deployed 40 silo Topolya-M missiles and the promising Bulava naval missiles, created to arm nuclear submarines.

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.

Maximum firing range, km 11000

Number of stages 3

Launch weight, t 47.1

Throwing mass, t 1.2

Rocket length without warhead, m 17.5 (17.9)

Rocket length, m 22.7

Maximum diameter, m 1.86

Head type monoblock, nuclear

Solid fuel, mixed

Type of control system: autonomous, inertial based on on-line control system.

Warhead equivalent, mt 0.55

Circular probable deviation, km 0.9

Testing and operation

February 9, 2000 At 15:59 Moscow time, the combat crew of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation (RVSN) from the 1st State Test Cosmodrome "Plesetsk" carried out a successful test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile "Topol-M". The Topol-M (RS-12M2) ICBM was launched on the Kura battlefield, located in Kamchatka. The missile hit a training target in a given area.

April 20, 2004 at 21:30 Moscow time, joint combat crews of the Strategic Missile Forces and the Russian Space Forces from the Plesetsk cosmodrome carried out the next test launch of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a self-propelled launcher according to the flight test plan in the interests of the Strategic Missile Forces. This was the first launch in the last 15 years into the waters of the Hawaiian Islands with a range of more than 11 thousand kilometers.

December 24, 2004 A successful test launch of the Topol-M missile was carried out from a mobile launcher. The launch took place at 12:39 Moscow time from the Plesetsk test site. The warhead of the missile reached its designated target at the Kura training ground in Kamchatka at 13:03 Moscow time. The launch was the fourth and final launch of a rocket of a mobile version of the Topol-M complex, carried out as part of testing the complex.

November 1, 2005 A successful test launch of the RS-12M1 Topol-M missile with a maneuvering warhead was carried out from the Kapustin Yar test site in the Astrakhan region. This launch was the sixth to test a system being created to overcome American missile defenses. The launch took place at the tenth test site, Balkhash (Priozersk), located in Kazakhstan.

July 23, 2010 marks 25 years since the Topol ground-based mobile intercontinental missiles were put on combat duty.

RT-2PM "Topol" (index of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation (GRAU) - 15Zh58, START code RS-12M, according to NATO classification - "Sickle", SS-25 "Sickle") - a strategic mobile complex with a three-stage solid fuel intercontinental ballistic missile RT-2PM, the first Soviet mobile system with an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The development of a project for a 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 Nadiradze's death, work was continued under the leadership of Boris Lagutin.

The mobile complex was supposed to be a response to increasing the accuracy of American ICBMs. It was necessary to create a missile that was achieved not by building reliable shelters, but by creating vague ideas among the enemy about the location of the missile.

The conditions for modernization were strictly limited by the provisions of the SALT-2 Treaty, which determined a modest improvement in the basic combat characteristics of the missile. The first test launch of the missile, designated RT-2PM, took place at the Plesetsk test site on February 8, 1983. The launch was carried out from a converted RT-2P stationary missile silo.

By the end of autumn 1983, an experimental series of new missiles 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. The combat units of the entire combat missile system (BMK) were also tested there. In December 1984, the main series of tests was completed and a decision was made to begin mass production of the complexes. However, the full testing of the mobile complex, called “Topol”, ended only in December 1988.

Without waiting for the full completion of the joint testing program, in order to gain experience in operating the new complex in military units, on July 23, 1985, near the city of Yoshkar-Ola, the first regiment of mobile Topols was deployed at the site of the deployment of RT-2P missiles.

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 first stage of the rocket consists of a solid propellant rocket motor (solid propellant rocket motor) and a tail section. The mass of the fully equipped stage is 27.8 tons. Its length is 8.1 m and its diameter is 1.8 m. The first stage propulsion solid propellant rocket engine has one fixed, centrally located nozzle. The tail section is cylindrical in shape, on the outer surface of which aerodynamic control surfaces and stabilizers are located.

The rocket flight control in the first stage operation area is carried out using rotary gas-jet and aerodynamic rudders.

The second stage consists of a conical-shaped connecting compartment and a sustainer solid propellant rocket engine. The case diameter is 1.55 m.

The third stage includes connecting and transition sections of a conical shape and a sustainer solid propellant rocket engine. Case diameter - 1.34 m.

The head of the rocket consists of one warhead (nuclear) and a compartment with a propulsion system and control system.

The Topol control system is of an inertial type, built using an on-board computer, microcircuits with a high degree of integration, a new set of command instruments with float sensitive elements. The computer complex of the control system allows for the implementation of autonomous combat use of a self-propelled launcher.

The control system provides missile flight control, routine maintenance on the missile and launcher, pre-launch preparation and launch of the missile, as well as solving other problems.

During operation, the RT-2PM missile is located in a transport and launch container located on a mobile launcher. The container is 22.3 m long and 2.0 m in diameter.

The launcher is mounted on the basis of a seven-axle chassis of a MAZ vehicle and is equipped with units and systems that ensure transportation, maintenance of combat readiness at the established level, preparation and launch of the rocket.

A missile can be launched both when the launcher is located in a stationary shelter with a retractable roof, and from unequipped positions, if the terrain allows it. To launch a rocket, the launcher is hung on jacks and leveled. The rocket is launched after the container is lifted into a vertical position using a powder pressure accumulator placed in the transport and launch container ("mortar launch").

After shooting off the protective cap of the container, the rocket is ejected from it by powder starting engines several meters upward, where the first-stage propulsion engine is turned on.

The maximum firing range is 10,500 km. Rocket length - 21.5 m. Launch weight 45.1 tons. Weight of the warhead - 1 ton. Nuclear warhead power - 0.55 Mt. Firing accuracy (maximum deviation) - 0.9 km. The combat patrol area of ​​the complex is 125 thousand square meters. km.

The mass of the launcher with the missile is about 100 tons. Despite this, the complex has good mobility and maneuverability.

Combat readiness (time to prepare for launch) from the moment the order was received until the missile was launched was brought to two minutes.

The missile system also includes a mobile combat control command post on a four-axle MAZ-543M chassis. To control the fire, mobile command posts "Granit" and "Barrier" were used, armed with a missile that had a radio transmitter instead of a combat load. After the rocket was launched, he duplicated the launch commands for launchers located at remote positions.

Serial production of the RT-2PM missile began in 1985 at a plant in Votkinsk (Udmurtia), and its mobile launcher was manufactured at the Volgograd Barrikady plant.

On December 1, 1988, the new missile system was officially adopted by the Strategic Missile Forces (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. By mid-1991, 288 missiles of this type had been deployed.

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. Some of the Topols that remained on the territory of Belarus after the collapse of the USSR were withdrawn from it by November 27, 1996.

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.

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

The material was prepared based on information from open sources

​ When designing the Topol missile launcher, fundamentally new technical solutions were used. Designers and engineers from many Russian industrial associations worked on this task. Their research and development brought this type of weapon into the ranks of ultra-modern technology, practically unparalleled and ahead of its time. It is precisely such devices that can protect the state from external aggression and, if necessary, become a weapon of retaliation.

History of creation

It is known that the first developments of the new special complex began in the mid-80s. last century. However, the official decree on the start of work on this project was dated September 1989. An order was received from the state commission to create two types of weapons at once: stationary and mobile. As well as an intercontinental ballistic missile, consisting of three stages, running on solid and liquid fuel.

The project received the special name “Universal”, and in the documents the complex weapon was listed under the code name RT-2PM2.

First developments

The solution to this problem was entrusted to two engineering and production organizations - Yuzhnoye Design Bureau in Dnepropetrovsk and the Institute of Thermal Engineering in Moscow (MIT). It was assumed that, despite the required high degree of unification, the missile mechanisms for mobile and silo-type weapons would still have some differences:

• Weapons marked 15Zh65, stationary, were to be powered by a liquid-fuel jet engine running on the innovative Pronit fuel.
• The mobile special complex was equipped with a rocket (15Zh55) with a solid fuel installation.

The transport and launch container for both types also had to be different. For the first type - a metal structure with special devices for securing various elements of ground systems. For a mobile device - made of fiberglass.

Topol M

In April 1992, the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau interrupted its participation in joint developments, which is why MIT became the main design bureau of the project. Based on the results already obtained, it was decided to continue the creation of a special missile complex, which received the new name Topol-M. It was planned to equip the completely unified weapon with a device operating on solid fuel.

Testing of the new model began in the winter of 1994. For this purpose, an installation located in a shaft at the Plesetsk cosmodrome was used.

After which, the development of a mobile type of weapon (mobile ground-based missile system - PGRK) was continued, the first tests of which took place in the fall of 2000.

Interesting. It is believed that the operating life of Topol-M is 15 years. However, in the fall of 2005, it was decided to carry out a combat training launch of weapons that had been in use for more than 20 years. It was necessary to check the reliability and security of all systems and devices.

The launch took place at the space airfield in Plesetsk, in the direction of the test site in Kamchatka (Kura). The intercontinental ballistic missile was able to hit a conditional target located at the test site with the required accuracy. This was the first time that this type of weapon had been used for such a long time.

Production

After successful tests (four launches of ballistic weapons were carried out), in 1997 the missile system for silo use was put into production. And in 2000, after approval by the State Commission, an order was signed to accept Topol-M for service.

• The production of the head part, as well as combat mechanisms, was carried out by the Russian Federal Nuclear Center in the city of Sarov. Topol-M control systems were created by the St. Petersburg Optical-Mechanical Association "Lomo" and the Research and Production Center for Automation and Instrumentation named after Academician N. A. Pilyugin in Moscow.
• The development of drives was entrusted to the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute "Signal" in Kovrov, as well as the Lyubertsy plant named after. A.V. Ukhtomsky.
• The design of the launch rocket launcher and basic structures was carried out by the Federal Center for Dual Technologies "Soyuz".
• The development of starting mechanisms and support vehicles was carried out by the Federal Research and Production Center "Titan-Barricades", and their production was carried out by the production association "Barricades".
• The creation and re-equipment of ready-made launchers in the mines was entrusted to the Vympel Design Bureau in Moscow together with the Obukhov Plant in St. Petersburg.

The Moscow Central Research Institute of Special Machine Building was involved in the production of composite containers.

Accommodation

In the winter of 1997, two 15Zh65 warheads for a stationary type complex (15P065-35) were delivered to the 140th regiment of the Strategic Missile Forces of the 60th missile division, located in the town of Tatishchevo. And twelve months later, this regiment, with ten launchers (silos), armed with surface-to-surface ballistic weapons (ICBMs), became a combat guard. From 1999 to 2005, four more regiments with silos entered the base.

The deployment of mobile radio stations began in the fall of 2005. Such devices were delivered to the 321st missile regiment. And in 2006, the President of the Russian Federation signed a new program, including the rearmament of some units, for the period until 2015. This plan provided for the acquisition of 69 mobile Topol-M units.

Loading the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile into the silo

Interesting. The RT-2PM2 intercontinental ballistic complex served as a prototype for the creation of a space launch vehicle of the Start conversion type. Its launch takes place at the Svobodny and Plesetsk space airfields.

Refurbishment

The silo modification of the Topol-M special missile complex includes ten missiles (15Zh65) with launchers, as well as a command post, which is equipped with increased protection. It is located inside a special shaft and is located using shock absorbers, which significantly reduces vulnerability.

The mobile version of the weapon consists of nine ICBMs (15Zh55), which are installed on autonomous launchers.

To construct a stationary complex, ready-made silo mechanisms for heavy intercontinental ballistic weapons were used. To do this, it was additionally necessary to pour a concrete mixture five meters high. Such re-equipment significantly speeded up work, reduced re-equipment costs, and also saved time.

Since the Topol-M is a modification of the previous Topol model, its re-equipment had to be carried out taking into account the START-1 Treaty. At the same time, the document determined which characteristics could be considered modernized and what should be changed.

The new version of the ballistic weapon had to differ in at least one of the following points:

• thrown weight;
• mass at the start;
• overall length or size and diameter of the first stage;
• number of separated parts;
• type of fuel.

Fact. As of the end of 2017, 78 missile systems are in service. Of these, 60 are stationary and 18 are mobile.

Description of the complex

The Topol-M installation is a unique special missile complex built exclusively by Russian enterprises. Its combat and technical characteristics are almost one and a half times superior to all weapons of the previous generation.

• The energy features of the warhead made it possible to reduce the height of the active trajectory space, increase the throwable mass, and significantly increase the efficiency of overcoming air defense defenses.
• Thanks to the research work of many Russian enterprises, it has become possible to create a unified ballistic weapon that can be launched from both highly protected silo launchers and mobile launchers. Complete unification made it possible to significantly reduce the costs of development, testing and production of weapons, without reducing its combat qualities and reliability.

"Topol-M" is a strategic complex with a solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile, which is located in a special transport and launch container. Converting launchers from the previous type of weapon (Topol) will not require significant costs. During the conversion process, it is only necessary to change the fastening elements of the container. This is due to the design features of the modernized weapon.

Interesting. Especially for a ballistic intercontinental missile, the designers created a warhead that has the ability to maneuver. This allows you to avoid interception and destruction by all currently existing air defense systems.

Peculiarities

• High precision guidance and control system.
• Immunity to the effects of an electromagnetic pulse, as well as the presence of a program maneuver during the passage of a cloud from a nuclear explosion.
• System for creating and launching decoys.
• Ability to maneuver during flight.
• Possibility of deployment on soft ground.
• Increased cross-country ability and maneuverability of the special complex.
• Special composition of the body coating.
• Sealed compartment for control systems.
• Increased target firing range with minimal deviation.
• Availability of a system for overcoming missile defense.
• Thanks to the use of solid fuel, the firing range of all stages is significantly increased.
• The inertial control device is equipped with an on-board digital computer (OND), which significantly increases the accuracy of the shot.

Interesting. In 2013, the first twelve MIOM vehicles were included in the missile systems. These vehicles provide engineering support and camouflage for PGRKs on combat duty. They also create, clearly visible from satellites, false trails to the combat position.

Complex structure

The intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is the basis for the Topol-M mobile and silo complex.

It consists of three stages, as well as a stage that distributes the warheads. Each of these units is located inside a single-piece housing (“cocoon” type). The body, as well as the nozzles of the rocket power plants, are made using carbon composite materials.

The launch of the mobile and mine complex is carried out using a mortar launch.

The warheads are coated with a special composition, which can significantly reduce their visibility on air defense radar screens.

The ICBM consists of:

• warhead (high power class, thermonuclear);
• transition compartment;
• sustainer propulsion unit (3rd stage);
• connecting compartment (2);
• main engine (2);
• connecting compartment (1);
• propulsion type engine (1);
• tail section (1st stage).

Layout and composition of stages:

• The design of the first stage includes a propulsion type power plant, operating on solid fuel, and a tail compartment. Its body houses stabilizing devices and an aerodynamic control system. The solid propellant rocket engine is equipped with one fixed nozzle.
• The second stage consists of a similar engine and a connecting compartment.
• The third stage circuit includes the head part, the engine and the connecting compartment. In the front part of the bottom of the third stage there is a thrust cut-off unit equipped with 8 reversible extensions and windows, which are cut through by detonating extended charges (EDC).

Pre-launch preparation, launch and further flight are fully automated, they are controlled by a special tracking system.

The complex is brought to full combat readiness within two minutes. The ICBM can be launched both while moving and in parking mode. In this case, the launcher must be hung using jacks.

"Topol-M" is equipped with special equipment that allows it to overcome the enemy's air defense system. For this purpose, false warheads are generated that are completely identical to the missile. The created targets are practically no different from it, neither in the radar, nor in the optical, infrared and laser ranges. These pseudo-missiles can withstand the damaging effects of a nuclear charge and laser radiation, and also move in a similar manner to the warhead itself, which makes them very difficult to identify.

On a note! The ICBM has gained the ability to maneuver, which significantly reduces the possibility of its hull being hit by anti-missile weapons.

The warheads are coated with a special compound that makes them invisible to radar. In addition to this, it is possible to spray special aerosols that are visible in the infrared and make it difficult to find the warhead itself.

Performance characteristics (TTX)

Overall dimensions, m:

• the total length of the rocket is 21.5;
• diameter of the transport and launch container - 2;
• head size - 2.1;
• first stage - 8.1, body diameter - 1.8;
• second stage - 4.6, body diameter -1.55;
• third stage - 3.9, body diameter - 1.34.

During combat patrols, the special missile complex covers an area of ​​125,000 square kilometers. The maximum firing range of the Topol-M is about twelve thousand kilometers. At launch, the rocket has a total mass of 45 tons, while the weight of the warhead is one ton, and the loaded first stage of the ballistic missile weighs 27.8 tons.

The power of a single charge is 0.55 megatons, the range of the gun is from 150 to 200 meters. The eight-axis MZKT-79221 base is used as a mobile type launcher.

Classification

Topol-M is an intercontinental ballistic missile. It has the index 15Zh65 (code name START RS-12M2). Based on NATO classification, it belongs to the SS-27 Sickle B1 weapon class.

Despite their massive appearance, ICBMs are classified as light weapons.

Tests

Between December 1994 and January 2017, 16 successful launches were carried out. At the same time, the ICBMs took off both from silo launchers and from mobile launchers located on the territory of the Plesetsk cosmodrome. In most cases, the training target was located at the Kura training ground (Kamchatka Peninsula). A test launch in April 2004 was carried out to determine the maximum flight range and was successful.

Of all the test shots, only one failed. This happened in October 2009 with the Topol-M prototype. The ICBM deviated from the main course and was destroyed.

Launch of the Topol-M rocket

Conclusion

The terms of the START I treaty significantly limited the possibility of converting the Topol ballistic missile. That is why the tactical and technical characteristics of the new version of the weapon do not differ significantly from the previous model. The main differences between ballistic devices are the ability to overcome enemy missile defenses.

The improvement of solid propellant rocket devices has made it possible to significantly reduce the duration of the segment of the trajectory of an aircraft weapon on which the sustainer rocket engine operates. This made it possible to reduce the likelihood of ICBMs being intercepted and destroyed by enemy missile defense systems. The ability to maneuver the head compartment also reduces the possibility of being hit by a missile defense system.

The guidance control system has become less dependent on possible electromagnetic pulses and other factors caused by a nuclear explosion.

Summing up, we can safely say that the first intercontinental ballistic missile produced by Russian designers is in many ways superior to its world counterparts. "Topol-M" has absorbed most of the innovative technologies being developed and is the main and unique component of the Strategic Missile Forces.

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.

Location: 60th Taman Order of the October Revolution Red Banner Missile Division

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. The maximum range is 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 tasks of delivering a nuclear strike on enemy territory in the face of counteraction from existing and future missile defense systems, with multiple nuclear impacts on a positional area, when blocking a positional area with 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:

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

Head type - monoblock, nuclear, detachable

Number of combat units - 1 + about 20 dummies

Charge power - 550 Kt

Control system - autonomous, inertial based on BTsVK

Method of basing - mine and mobile

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 missileconsists 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 transatmospheric 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 the nuclear warhead, the Topol-M missile, unlike the 15A18 Voevoda missile (the power of the monoblock warhead of which was 20-25 MGt), has limitations in carrying out destructive effects 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.

The Topol-M missile is unified with the " 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 sophistication, 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.