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R-7 - SS-6 SAPWOOD
The R-7/SS-6 Sapwood, the first Soviet intercontinental ballistic missile developed and
programmed for operational deployment in the USSR, is a one and one-half stage,
cryogenic liquid-propellant missile. According to Western estimates it was capable of
delivering a 9000 lb reentry vehicle to a maximum operational range of 6500 nm with a
CEP of approximately 2 nm.
The R-7 missile became the first Soviet intercontinental ballistic missile. It was based on
plans laid out in the governmental order from February 13, 1953 to develop a two-stage
ballistic missile with a range of 7000-8000 km. The original design plans provided for a
total weight of the nose cone plus warhead of 3 tons. However, soon after the first tests in
October 1953 were carried out, the design was substantially changed. The total weight of
the nose cone was increased to carry a thermonuclear warhead of 3 tons. To preserve the
previous maximum range it was necessary to redesign the missile completely since the
launch weight was increased from 170 up to 280 ton. The development of this two-stage
ballistic missile was approved on May 20, 1954.
The R-7 missile employs a unique parallel division of stages, consisting of one central
sustainer and four strap-on boosters, all of which were started simultaneously at liftoff.
The strap-on boosters formed the first stage, and the central sustainer constituted the
second stage. This tandem structure allowed the start and control of all engines at normal
atmospheric pressure [the Atlas first-generation American ICBM employed a similar
principle, while using common propellant tanks for both booster and sustainer engines].
Each of the stages featured a four-chamber open-cycle rocket engine using liquid oxygen
and kerosene. Flight control was achieved by vernier engines located on the strapon
boosters and the core sustainer. Aerodynamic fins located on the aft bay of the strap-ons
also provided for flight control.
The missile had a combined command structure consisting of both an independent

autonomous system and a radio command system. The independent autonomous system
provided attitude control for the missile with respect to the vehicle's center of mass and
motion on the planned trajectory. It also controlled the synchronous draining of the
propellant tanks in all units of the first stage. The system of radio control carried out in-
flight trajectory corrections and provided for an increase of delivery accuracy.
The flight tests of the 8K71 missile began on 15 May 1957. The spectacular launch of the
first Sputnik satellite in October 1957 revealed a rocket with a thrust far in excess of
anything the United States could then produce. The Soviet feat caused the United States
to review its missile programs in order to narrow the rocket-booster gap. To sustain
morale, several small American satellites using the Jupiter and Vanguard boosters were
launched in 1958, but it would take considerable time to construct engines equaling those
already developed by the Russians.
The results of the first six tested R-7 (two of which were used in a modified version to
place the first two Sputnik satellites into orbit) led to a modification of the nose cone and
its mode of separation. During the first launches the nose cone collided after its'
separation with a missile body and was destroyed during atmospheric reentry. Between
29 March and 10 July 1958 the new design with a modified nose cone was successfully
tested and between 24 1958 and 27 November 1959 16 flight tests were conducted to
assure the reliability of the design. Following the completion of tests in December 1959
the first launch complexes were put on an alert, and on 20 January 1960 deployment of
the R-7 missile started..
During the test phase of the R-7 missile, on 02 July 1958, a ministerial decree was issued
for the development of an improved ICBM based on the R-7 design. The new R-7A
(8K74) included a modernized lighter warhead, more powerful engines and an increased
propellant volume. Thus maximum range was increased from 8000 up to 12000 km. A
newly developed gyroscopic inertial navigation system, replacing the previous radio-
command control system, improved the missile's accuracy. Flight tests of this variant
were conducted from December 1959 through July 1960. In January 1960 for the first
time a successful test of a long-range missile carried out with successful delivery of the
nose cone into the Pacific Ocean. Eight missile launches were carried out of which seven
were successful. In early 1960 theR-7A missile was put on active alert.
The 8K71 and 8K74 missiles were put on alert at test facilities at the Baikonur
cosmodrome and at "Angara" in the Arkhangelsk area (subsequently known as Plesetsk).
They were deployed at five sites that consisted of six launch facilities in total. The SS-6
ICBM system has had limited deployment in fixed soft sites in northwestern USSR. The
system reaction time in the normal readiness condition was approximately ten hours.
Because of the cryogenic oxidizer, the allowable hold time in the maximum alert
condition (reaction time equals five to ten minutes) was approximately one hour. By mid-
1968 the SS-6 ICBM had been phased out of the operational inventory. Use of the SS-6 is
now restricted to space applications.
Specifications
DIA SS-6 SS-6
NATO Sapwood Sapwood
Bilateral
Service R-7 R-7A, R-7M
OKB/Industry 8K71 8K74/8K710
Design OKB-1 (Acad. OKB-1 (Acad. S. P.
S. P. Korolev), Korolev),
Bureaus
NII-88 NII-88
Approved 5/20/1954 7/2/1958
Years of R&D 1954 -1959 1954 -1959
Engineering and 1957 - 59 1959 - 60
Testing
First Flight Test 5/15/57 12/23/59
IOC 1960 1960
Deployment Date 1/20/1960 9/12/1960
Type of Warhead Single Single
Warheads 1 1
Yield (Mt) 3-5 3-5
Payload (t) 5.3 -5.5 3.0 -3.7 or 2.2
Total length (m) 34.22 - 33 - 31.070
31.07
Total length w/o 28 28
warhead (m)
Missile Diameter (m) 2.95 core 2.95 core sustainer Total
sustainer Total = 10.3
= 10.3
Launch Weight (t) Total = 280 - 274.5 Total = 276
283
Fuel Weight (t) Total = 253 Total = 250
Range (km) 8,000-8,500- 9,000-9,500 or 12,000-
8,800 14,000
CEP (m) (Russian 2,500 -5,000 5,000
Sources)
CEP (m) (Western 3,700 3,000 -3,700
Sources)
Number of Stages 2
Canister length (m) N/A
Canister length w/o N/A
Front meters (m)

Canister diameter (m) N/A
Booster guidance system Autonomous inertial plus radio control
1st stage 2nd stage
four Strap-on's Sustainer Core
Length (m) 19.2 28.0
Body diameter (m) 2.68 tapered cone 2.15 -2.95 hammerhead shape
Fueled weight (t) 4 x 42.5=170.0 1st. 30.08+2nd. 79.92=110 total -5.5
warhead=104.5 or 5.5 + core
4 x 39.2=156.8 93.355 +11.145=110-5.5=104.5 or
95.400 + Payload Mass
Dry weight (t) ~22 -24.5 total + ~22 total + Payload Mass or 6.525
Payload Mass or + Payload Mass
3.784 x 4=15.1360
Engine Designation Four RD-107 's RD-108 (8D75)
(8D74)
Design bureau Acad. V. P. Glushko Acad. V. P. Glushko OKB-456
OKB-456
Years of R&D 1954-1957 1954-57
Propellants Liquid Liquid
Fuel Kerosene, (T-1) Kerosene, (T-1)
Oxidizer Liquid Oxygen Liquid Oxygen
Burning time (sec.) 120-118 + 10 start 310 - 320 + 10 start time
Verniers Thrust Sea 8 x ~ 3.9 = 31.2 4 x ~3.9 = 15.6 Vac. Total
Level/Vacuum (Tonnes) Vac. Total
Main engines Thrust Sea 4 x 83.77=334.8 / 4 1 x 75.90 / 90-93- 94.1-96 Vac.
Level/Vacuum (Tonnes) x 99-102=408
Total thrust launch 403.4/9 - 410.7 1st. shutdown thrust 497
(Tonnes)
Specific Impulse (sec.) 257-259 / 305-308 248 / 305-309-315-316
Basing Mode Ground Based
Launching Mode Hot launch
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites 5 launch pads -3 Plesetsk, 2 Baikonur
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant Yes
SL-1/A, Sputnik
SL-3, A-1, Lunik, Vostok
SL-4/A-2, Soyuz
SL-6/A-2-e, Molniya
SL-4/ A-2 / Soyuz-2
Historical Review - Western

Estimates
January 30,
First system flight test
1958
Operational training flights began October 1959
Initial operational capability Early 1960
Deployed missiles retrofitted with 9000 lb reentry vehicle
1960-Early 1961
Late
Maximum operational deployment (four missiles) reached 1962
Last missile test firing 1966
Phase-out completed 1968
R-9 - SS-8 SASIN
The R-9/SS-8 Sasin intercontinental ballistic missile is a two-stage, tandem, cryogenic
liquid-propellant missile. According to Western assessements it was capable of delivering
a 3500 lb reentry vehicle to a maximum operational range of 6000 nm with a CEP of
about 1.0 nm.
The R-9 was the last Soviet ICBM using cryogenic propellant. This two-stage ICBM had
sequential stages that were connected by a truss. The first stage was equipped with a
closed cycle engine with four combustion chambers that used a liquid cryogenic
propellant developed by NPO Energomash Imeni V.P. Glushko (OKB-456). For the
second stage an open-cycle four combustion chamber engine developed by KB
Khimavtomakiki (OKB-154) was employed. The flight control during the first stage
flight used a new system of gimbaled combustion chambers of the sustainer stage. The
flight control of the second stage was provided through control nozzles using exhaust gas
from the turbopump unit. As the separation of the first stage occurred at an altitude where
the influence of aerodynamic forces was still essential, the application of stabilizers was
necessary. To maintain aerodynamic stability during the first seconds of flight of the
second stage four aerodynamic fins were placed on its aft bay. They opened after the
separation from the first stage. Several seconds afterwards the aft bay of the second stage
was also separated. The R-9 was the first Soviet ICBM to incorporate pressurization of
the main propellant in the fuel tanks, which obviated the need for special bottles with a
pressuring gas.
The original missile had a combined command structure with a radio engineering
channels. The inertial system provided flight control during almost all the active
trajectory except for the last ten seconds which were controlled by a radio-correction-
system. Subsequently however, the use of a radio engineering channel was discarded, and
the command system of the missile allowed to execute autonomous monitoring of missile
flight parameters. .
The missile could be equipped with two different nose cones according to different
payloads: a light nose cone capable of containing a warhead with a yield of 1.7 MT and a
heavier one with a warhead of 2.09 MT.
The original missile was intended to be surface launched, but in 1960 the development of
a silo-launched version was begun. In total three different launch complexes were
developed: Two ground-launch complexes (Desna-N/Valley) and a silo-launch complex
("Desna-V").were developed. Two launchers, a command center, missile and propellant
depots and radio command guidance system formed part of the "Desna-N" launch
complex. The "Valley" complex had a similar structure, but was equipped with an
automatic system that could carry out a launch within 20 minutes. Within this time the
missile could be transported from the depot to the launch-complex, installed, fueled
prepared and targeted. The minimal interval for the next missile firing lasted from nine
minutes for the next launcher up to 2.5 hours for a repeat launch from one pad.
The silo-launch complex "Desna-V" consists of three silos, located in a straight line close
to each other an underground command center, underground depots of propellant
components and compressed gases and a radio control complex. The silos were 36 m
deep with a minimum diameter of 7.8 m and a canister diameter of 5.5 m. For the first
time a hot launch of a missile from the silo was accomplished through the use of oxygen
that was previously cooled to –186C. The missile could be held in readiness up to 1
year, and in the fueled condition up to 24 hours.
The proposals of the chief designers for the development of a new ICBM with an
oxygen-kerosene propellant and an initial weight of about 100 tons (i.e. almost three
times less than that of the R-7) were submitted to the government in April 1958. The
order of the ministerial council to build the R-9 missile was issued on 13 May 1959 and
the designated head developer was S. P. Korolev's OKB-1. The flight tests of a missile
were conducted at the Baikonur cosmodrome. They were first carried out on 09 April
1961 at a modified launch complex, then proceeded on an experimental ground-launch
launch complex "Desna-N" until 14 February 1963. The test of the ground-launched
version were finished on the "Valley" battle complexes and tests of the silo-launched
version were finished on 02 February 1964. Due to serious engine problems 15 of the
first 32 launches terminated in emergencies. In total 54 missile tests were carried out.
The SS-8 system was deployed at both soft and hard sites.On July 21, 1965 the
deployment of SS-8 missiles began. They were capable of ground and silo-launch from
the "Valley" and "Desna-V" launch complexes. The "Desna-N" complex was not
deployed, since launch preparation took at least 2 hours. According to Western
assessments, the reaction time for soft systems in the normal readiness condition was one
to three hours, and for hard systems from 30 to 45 minutes. Because of the cryogenic
oxidizer, the allowable hold time in the highest degree of pre-launch alert (reaction time
equals five to ten minutes) was assessed at about one hour.
According to Western intelligence, soft-site initial operational capability was achieved in

November, 1963, and hard-site IOC followed in April 1964. In fact, Russian sources
suggest that the first missile regiments equipped with missiles R-9A, were put on alert in
December 1964 (4 regiments with surface-based missiles and one regiment with missiles
of silo basing). The maximum operational launcher inventory of 23 was reached in 1963
and 1964. Soft-site phase out began in 1971, and in 1976 the R-9A missiles were phased
out entirely.
Specifications
DIA SS-8 SS-8 SS-8
NATO Sasin Sasin Sasin
Bilateral
Service R-9, R-9A, R-9B
OKB/Industry 8K75, 8K75A, 8K76
Design Bureau OKB -1 (Acad. OKB -1 (Acad. OKB -1 (Acad.
S. P. Korolev) S. P. Korolev) S. P. Korolev)
Approved 5/13/1959
Years of R&D
Engineering and 1959 - 1961 -
Testing 1965
First Flight Test 4/9/61 02-22-63
IOC Dec. 14
/15,1964,
Deployment 7/21/1965
Date
Type of Single Single Single
Warhead
Warheads 1 1 1
Yield (Mt) 1.65, 2.1-2.5 1.65 - 3.0 -5.0
Payload (t) 1.7- 2.2, 1.1,-1.65 -2.1
Total length (m) 24.18, 24.227
Total length w/o
warhead (m)
Missile 2.68 2.68 2.68
Diameter (m)
Launch Weight 81.0 - 82.0 81.0 - 82.0 81.0 - 82.0
(t)
Fuel Weight (t) 1st. 81.0 - 25.4 = 1st. 81.0 - 25.4 = 1st. 81.0 - 25.4 =
55.6, 2nd.18.2 - 55.6, 2nd.18.2 - 55.6, 2nd.18.2 -
15.3= 2.9 ? 15.3= 2.9 ? 15.3= 2.9 ?
Total (71.1) Total (71.1) Total (71.1)
Range (km) 12,000 -13,000 16,000 -12,500
CEP (m) 3,000 - 3,500
(Russian
Sources)
CEP (m) 1,800 - 2,000
Western
Sources)
Number of Stages 2
Front meters (m)

Booster guidance system Radio/Inertial autonomous
st
1 stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 14.79 9.40
Body diameter (m) 2.68 2.68
Fueled weight (t) (71.1) total
Dry weight (t) 7.2 3.1 9.3 - 9.9 total
Engine Designation RD-111, 8D716 RD-0106 (RO-9) 8D715
Design Bureau Glushko OKB-456 Kosberg OKB-154
Years of R&D 1959-1962 1959-1961
Fuel T-1, Kerosene T-1, Kerosene
Oxidizer Liquid Oxygen Liquid Oxygen
Burning time (sec.) 104-105 105 & 108 Verniers
Thrust Sea 141.24 -143.3 / 30.5 -30.62 -31.0 - 31.5 Vacuum
Level/Vacuum (Tonnes)
162.8 -163 -166
Specific Impulse Sea 270.4 - 274 -275 / 330 Vacuum
Level/vacuum (sec.)
310 -317
Basing Mode Ground and silo
Hardness
Launching Technique Hot launch
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant N/A
Deployment Sites
START Locale US-Designation

Kozel=sk Kozelsk
GR-1 / SS-X-10 SCRAG
The 1961 Global Rocket 1 (GR-1) requirement chartered a competition for the
development of a Fractional Orbital Bombardment System. Yangel offered the R-36.
Korolev proposed the 8K713, which was cancelled in 1964 prior to flight testing due to
engine delays. Chelomei proposed the UR-200, which was cancelled following the
October 1964 ouster of downfall of Khrushchev, who had been Chelomey's political
patron.
The GR-1 (8K713) Fractional Orbital Bombardment System [FOBS] intended to

overcome the ABM-system that the USA was about to deploy in order to protect selective
ICBM deployment sites from a Soviet nuclear strike. The GR-1 orbital missile was
supposed to be capable of placing a warhead in a low earth orbit of 150 km, braking
during its trajectory and targeting the warhead on the earth surface. Its target accuracy
was 5 km along range and 3 km on azimuth deviation at unlimited range.
The three-stage liquid cryogenic propellant missile had a launch weight of 117 tons and
carried a single warhead with a yield of 2.2 MT. Since the R-9A was reaching the end of
their service, it was planned that the GR-1 missile would use the same launching sites as
the R-9A missile.
The design of a missile that could serve both as a ballistic and an orbital missile began at
Korolev's OKB-1 in 1961. The development of the GR-1 missile was officially
authorized by the Ministerial Council on 24 September 1962. Further development of the
GR-1 missile was halted in 1964 in preference of the orbital R-36 missile (8K69).
Although the GR-1 missile had not been flight tested, it was paraded in Red Square and
did receive the US-designation SS-X-10 SCRAG. It was displayed in a 1965 parade,
where it was described as a sister to the manned spacecraft launch vehicles. This missile
was correctly identified as being a FOBS configuration, although open sources at the time
evidently assumed that the FOBS parading in Red Square and the FOBS undergoing
flight tests were the same system. In fact, the initial FOBS flight tests were conducted by
the competing UR-200 missile, and subsequent orgital tests by a variant of the R-36. It is
unclear when US intelligence understood that the parade missile and the test missile were
two different systems.
Specifications
DIA
NATO Scrag
Bilateral
Service GR-1
OKB/Industry 8K713
Design Bureau OKB-1 (Acad. S. P. Korolev)
Approved 9/24/1962
Years of R&D
Engineering and Testing
First Flight Test 10/20/64 One to eight flights
suggested. All missed through
1967 by U.S. Intelligence.
IOC Canceled 11/19/68
Deployment Date Not deployed
Type of Warhead Single/Orbital
Warheads 1
Yield 2.2
Payload 2.5
Total length 35.305
Total length w/o warhead 33.9
Missile Diameter (m) 2.85
Launch Weight (t) 116
Fuel Weight (t) 1st 116 -38.94, = 77.06
2nd 30.76 -10.24,= 20.52
3rd 7.44 -3.84 = 3.6
Total 101.18
Dry weight total (t) 14.82 - 2.5 payload mass = 12.32
Range (km) 12,000/40,000
CEP (m) (Russian Sources) 5,000/3,000
CEP (m) (Western Sources)
Number of Stages 3
front meters (m)

Booster guidance system Inertial autonomous
1st stage 2nd stage 3rd stage
Length (m) 18.0 7.7 6.4
Body diameter (m) 2.85 2.7 2.35
Fueled weight (t) 77.06 20.52 3.6
Dry weight (t) 8.18 2.8 1.34
Engine Designation NK-9 (8D717) NK-9V / Derivation of the
(NK-19) S1.5400, 8D726

Design Bureau Acad. N. D. Acad. N. D. Acad. A.M.
Kuznetsov, Kuznetsov,
OKB-276 OKB-276 Isayev,
OKB-2
Years of R &D 1959-1965 1959-1965 1962-1965
Propellants Liquid Liquid Liquid
Liquid Fuel RG-1, Kerosene RG-1, Kerosene RG-1,
Kerosene
Oxidizer Oxygen Oxygen Oxygen
Burning time (sec.)
Thrust Sea 4 x 36.5=147/ 4 44.6-45-46.1 6.87-8.5
Level/Vacuum (tonnes) x 38=152
Specific Impulse 285 - 327 330 - 341 344
Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Basing Mode Silo
Hardness
Launching Technique Hot Launch
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters 1-8?
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites 0
Training Launchers 0
Space Booster Variant Yes GR-1
R-16 / SS-7 SADDLER
The R-16/SS-7 intercontinental ballistic missile is a two-stage, tandem, storable liquid-
propellant missile capable of delivering a single 3500 lb reentry vehicle to a maximum
operational range of 7000 nm,or a 4200 lb reentry vehicle to a range of 6000 nm. The SS-
7 is about 100 feet long and 10 feet in diameter. The missile guidance system was inertial
with a CEP estimated by the West at 1.0-1.25 nm.
The propulsion system of the first stage consists of three motors with two combustion
chambers (similar to those used on the R-14 missile) and a four-chamber control engine.
The pivoted combustion chambers of the control engine were placed on an external
surface under fairings, which also served as aerodynamic stabilizers. The second stage
had a two combustion chamber engine with that had a greater nozzle as the first stage and
a four-chamber control engine. Dedicated retrorockets were used to separate the sustainer
stages and the warhead. A novel and more reliable autonomous guidance control system
that was protected from radio-jamming was designed for this missile.
Three versions of the R-16 missile were developed differing with regard to the number
and the yield of warheads and the ensuing maximum range. Four variants of the reentry
vehicle were detected by Western intelligence during the R&D program. Only the Mod 2
(ballistic coefficient equals 700 lb per sq ft; yield assesed by the West to be 2.0 to 3.5
MT) and the Mod 3 (ballistic coefficient equals 850 lb per sq ft; yield assessed by the
West to be 3.0 to 5.0 MT) were deployed extensively.
The order to build an intercontinental ballistic missile designated as R-16 (8K64) was
approved by the ministerial Council of the USSR on 17 December 1956. The developer
was Yangel's OKB-586.
Test flights were to be started on 24 October 1960 at the Baikonur cosmodrome.

However during preparation of a fueled rocket to resume a delayed launch there was an
accidental engine ignition of the second stage. As a consequence of the ensuing explosion
and fire about 100 people were killed, including Strategic Rocket Forces Marshal
Mitrofan Nedelin. The incident was shrouded in mystery, and was first described in [not
entirely correct] detail by James Oberg's books "Red Star in Orbit" and "Uncovering
Soviet Disasters." Initially it was thought in the West that the disaster was associated with
a failed attempt to launch a probe to Mars, and only subsequently was it understood to be
a test of a new ICBM.
Flight tests resumed on 02 February 1961, and the SS-7's first successful flight test
occurred on 02 April 1961. By late 1961 the first R-16 missile regiment was put on alert,
though the system was not believed by Western intelligence to be operational until
January 1962. The missile was fired from the surface launch complex "Desna-N", which
consisted of two open launchers, a command center and a fuel depot.
In May 1960 the development of a missile designated as R-16U and its corresponding
silo launch complex "Desna-V" began. The R-16U was to become the first silo launched
ICBM but it also had a surface-launch capability. The launch complex consisted of three
silos located in a straight line 60 meters away from each other, along with four
underground command centers and fuel depots. The silo launchers had a depth of 45.6 m,
a diameter of 8.3 m and a door diameter of 4.64 m.
The flight tests of the ground launched R-16U were conducted from 10 October 1961
through February 1962. The flight tests of the silo launched version began in January,
1962. The first surface-launched missile firing was conducted on 13 July1962, and this
version was initially deployed on 15 June 1963. The silo launched version became
operational on 15 July 1963 (simultaneously with the R-12U and R-14U missiles). The
first three ground based R-16 regiments were put on alert on 01 November 1961, while
the first regiment with silo based P-16U missiles was put on alert on 05 February 1963.
The system was deployed in both soft and hard sites. Between 1961 and 1965 a total of
186 mostly sufrace-based R-16 and R-16U were deployed. The SS-7 reaction time in the
normal readiness condition is one to three hours for soft sites and five to fifteen minutes
for hard sites. The allowable hold time in the highest alert condition (reaction time equals
three to five minutes) is many hours for soft sites and days for hard sites. Maximum
operational launcher inventory occurred in 1965 with some phase-out of both soft and
hard sites occurring in 1971. Both missiles were phased out in 1976.
Specifications
Mod-1 Mod-2 Mod-3
DIA SS-7 SS-7 SS-7
NATO Saddler Saddler Saddler
Bilateral R-16 R-16 R-16
Service R-16(U) 1 R-16(U)1 R-16(U)
OKB/Industry 8K64(U) 8K64(U) 8K64(U)
Design Bureau OKB-586 OKB-586 OKB-586
(Acad. M. K. (Acad. M. K. (Acad. M. K.

Yangel) Yangel) Yangel)
Approved 12/17/1956 05/30/1960, 04/27/1961
Years of R&D 1956-1961
Engineering 1961-1962 1961-1963
and Testing
First Flight Test 10/24/1960 10/10/1961 07/13/1962
failure 11/22/1963
02/02/1961
success
IOC 1961 1963
Deployment 11/__ /1961 02/05/1963,
Date 6/15/1963 2
Type of Single Single Single
Warhead
Warheads 1 1 1
Yield (Mt) 3, 5-6 3, 5-6 3, 5-6
Payload (t) 1.475-1.5 2.175-2.2 2.175-2.2
Total length 32.4 – 30.44/31 34.3
(m) 30.44/31
Total length
w/o warhead
(m)
Missile 3 3 3
Diameter (m)
Launch Weight 140.6, 141.2 146.6 148
(t)
Fuel Weight (t) 130 130 130
Range (km) 13,000, 11,000 -13,000 10,500
10,500 -
11,000
CEP (m) 2,700 2,700 2,700
(Russian
Sources)
CEP (m) 2,750-2,800 2,750-2,800 2,750-2,800
(Western
Sources)
Basing Mode Soft site Silo based Silo based
ground
based (12)
Number of Stages 2
Canister length w/o front meters (m) N/A
Canister diameter (m) Canister length (m)

1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 14.5, 16.8 10.8 ~12.7
Fueled weight (t) Total 130.0
Dry weight (t) Total 10.6
Engine Designation Acad. V. P. Glushko, Acad. V. P. Glushko,
RD-218 (8D712)
RD-219 (8D713)
Configuration Cluster of three engines One engine + Yuzhnoy
+ Yuzhnoy Vernier
engine Vernier engine
RD – 68 / RD-851 RD – 69 / RD-852
Design Bureau Acad. V. P. Glushko Acad. V. P. Glushko OKB-456
OKB-456
Years of R&D 1958-1961 1958-1961
Propellants Liquid Storable Liquid Storable
Fuel UDMH (heptyl) UDMH (heptyl)
Oxidizer AK-27 I, ,= 73%HNO3 AK-27 I,= 73%HNO3 + 27%
+ 27% N204 (NTO), N204 (NTO), Nitrogen Tetroxide
Nitrogen Tetroxide concentrated in Nitric Acid N02
concentrated in Nitric
Acid N02
Burning time (sec.) 90 125
Verniers Thrust Sea 28.850 / 38.7518 4.920 - 5.0173
Main engines Thrust 225.886 / 264.8379 90.1 Vacuum
Sea Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Total Thrust Sea 254.736 -255.4/ 95.02 – 95.1173 Vacuum
Level/Vacuum (Tonnes) 303.5897 Altitude
Specific Impulse Sea 246-247/266 altitude 293 Vacuum
Level/Vacuum (sec.) 290 Vacuum
Hardness
Launching Technique Soft site and silo
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Training Launchers
Deployment Sites

Bershet= Perm
Drovyanaya Drovyanaya
Itatka
Kostroma Kostroma
Kozel=sk Kozelsk
Krasnoyarsk Gladkaya
Nizhniy Tagil Verknnyaya Salda
Novosibirsk
Svobodny Svobodny
Teykovo Teykovo
Tyumen
Vypolzovo Yedrovo
Yasnaya Olovyannaya
Yoshkar Ola Yoshkar Ola
Yur=ya Yurya
1. The R-16U is almost identical to the R-16b ballistic missile except for its basing
mode. It was deployed on above ground soft sites as well as in silos.
2. This was the above ground soft site deployment date for the R-16U. The silo
based version of the R-16U was deployed one month later.

Estimates
Flight testing
First successful attempt April 2, 1961
First Mod 2 reentry vehicle October 11, 1962
First Mod 3 reentry vehicle November 22, 1962
First Mod 4 reentry vehicle August 30, 1963
Initial operational capability
Soft sites, Mod 1 reentry vehicle January 1962
Hard sites December 1962
Mod 2 reentry vehicle 1962
Mod 3 reentry vehicle 1963
Maximum operational launcher inventory 1965
Phase-out began 1971
R-26 / "SS-8 SASIN"
The R-26 (8K66) missile was one of the first strategic missiles of the second generation
with integrated fuel tanks. The development of this R-26 missile was approved on 23
May 1960 and KB Yuzhnoye (OKB-586) was the leading developer. The flight-design
tests were supposed to begin in December 1961, but development of the R-26 was halted
by governmental order on 09 July 1962. The reason for the suspension of the
development were partly technical and lay partly in design bureau rivalries concerning
the development of a light liquid propellant missile. NPO Mashinotroyeniya (OKB-52)
successfully proposed the development of the UR-100 missile known as SS-11 SEGO.
After it had been cancelled, examples of the R-26 were paraded in Red Square, and
identified in the West as the SS-8 SASIN. In fact, the entirely unrelated R-9A missile was
the deployed SS-8 SASIN. It is not apparent at what point Western intelligence
understood that the missile shown on parades in Red Square in Moscow and the missiles
actually deployed elsewhere in Russia were in fact different and entirely unrelated
missiles.
Specifications
DIA Mistaken for SS-8/R-9,R-9A
NATO Sasin mistaken for SS-8/R-9, R-
9A
Bilateral N/A
Service Not deployed
OKB/Industry R-26, 8K66
Design Bureau OKB-586 (Acad. M. K. Yangel)
Approved 5/23/1960
Years of R&D
Engineering and Testing 1960-1961
First Flight Test Project canceled 07/09/1962
IOC Not operational
Type of Warhead Single
Warheads 1
Yield (Mt) 5
Payload (t) 3-3.500
Total length (m) 24.38
Total length w/o warhead (m) 22
Launch Weight (t) 85-87
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 10,500-11,000-12,000
CEP (m) (Russian Sources) 1,500-2,000
CEP (m) Western Sources) ?
Number of Stages 2
front meters (m)

Booster guidance system Inertial
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 11.4 10.05
Fueled weight (t)
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation RD-216 (11D614) Z-RD-?
configuration two engine cluster 1 engine
Design Bureau Acad. V. P. Glushko Yuzhnoy?
OKB-456
Years of R & D 1958-1960
Fuel UDMH UDMH
Oxidizer AT=AK-27P,= Nitrogen AT=AK-27P,= Nitrogen
tetroxide, N204 in N02 tetroxide, N204 in N02
Thrust Sea 151.499/177.9115 43.65 vacuum
Specific Impulse Sea 248/291.3
Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Basing Mode Soft site and Silo
Hardness
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites
Training Launchers
R-36 / SS-9 SCARP
The R-36 (8K67) ballistic missile, known in the west as the SS-9 SCARP, was a a two-
stage, tandem, storable liquid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile-
uses an all-inertial guidance system and according to Western estimates had a CEP of 0.4
to 0.5 nm.
The R-36 missile was derived from the experience gained during the development of the
R-16 missile, and the first stage of the two missiles are very similar. The propulsion
system of the first stage R-36 consisted of three open-cycle rocket engines with two
combustion chambers and a four-chambered control engine. The second stage comprised
a single engine with two combustion chambers. The oxidizer and fuel tanks of the second
stage was the first Soviet ICBM to incorporated a common bulkhead, all propellant tanks
were synchronously drained. Asymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide
were used as propellants, and during flight gaseous combustion products were used to
pressurize the fuel tanks. In order to increase accuracy the guidance system was
originally planned to encompass a combination of an autonomous inertial system and
radio-control. However, the deployed missile only disposed of an autonomous, inertial
guidance/control system that provided the required accuracy.
The SS-9's combination of high accuracy and yield constituted a convincing threat for the
American ICBMs for the first time. The SS-9 was viewed in the United States as
specifically designed to attack American Minuteman ICBM Launch Control Centers
(LCCs), which initially were the "Achilles heel" of the Minuteman system, as 100 LCCs
controlled all 1,000 Minuteman missiles. However, by 1969, as a result of redundant
internetting of Minuteman silos and a backup airborne launch control system, the LCCs
no longer were the "achilles heel" of Minuteman, so building one SS-9 for each
Minuteman silo required MIRVed systems.
Four payload variants were tested and deployed.
 The Mod 1 featured a single reentry vehicle with a warhead with a yield estimated
by Western intelligence at 12 to 18 MT [this light version carried a warhead with
a yield of 5 MT according to Russian sources]. This variant was assesed by
Western intelligence as being capable of capable of delivering a payload of
12,500 lb to a range of 5500 nm.
 The Mod 2 featured a single reentry vehicle with a warhead with a yield estimated
by Western intelligence at 18 to 25 MT, although this heavy version carried a
warhead with a yield of 10MT according to Russian sources. This variant was
assesed by Western intelligence as being capable of capable of delivering a
13,500 lb reentry vehicle a maximum operational range of 5300 nm. The large
yield, single warhead Mod 2 variant was the most extensively deployed.
 The Mod 3 was a fractional-orbit, depressed-ICBM variant which combines the
SS-9 first and second stages with an upper stage.
 The Mod 4 variant was a three-warhead MRV which probably began as an
attempt to achieve a true MIRV capability. The large throw-weight of the 8K67
missiles (up to 5.8 tons) made them suitable for carrying multiple warheads. The
design for the R-36P missile carrying three warheads (8K67P) were conducted by
the KB Yuzhnoye (OKB-586) in November 1967. The flight-design tests were
started in August 1968. American intelligence remained divided over whether
these warheads were independently targetable [MIRV], or merely flying parallel
trajectories [MRV], and the issue assumed considerable importance in the context
of the debate over the deployment of the American anti-missile program.
The development of the R-36 missile in its heavy, light and orbital version began after its
approval by the Soviet government on 16 April 1962. The leading developer was KB
Yuzhnoye (OKB-586). The flight-design tests of the ballistic missiles (8K67) began on
28 September 1963, though the first Mod 1 flight test was not detected by Western
intelligence until 03 December 1963. The flight-design tests of the R-36 missile were
conducted at the Baikonur cosmodrome. The tests of the 8K67 ballistic missiles lasted
from 28 September 1963 though May 1966.
The missile was placed in a silo of 41.5 meters deep with a shaft diameter of 8.3 meters
and a door-diameter of 4.64 meters. Unlike the silo of the R-16U missile, the launch
platform was not rotary, and the missile was directed to its trajectory (azimuthal
guidance) through an onboard command structure after it left the silo. The SS-9 was
deployed in individual, dispersed silos hardened to withstand 500-psi overpressure from a
1-MT weapon. The reaction time in the normal readiness condition is three to five
minutes, with an unlimited hold time in that condition.
According to Western estimates, the initial operational capability for the SS-9 system,
with both the Mod 1 and Mod 2 single reentry vehicle variants was reached in early 1966.
According to Russian sources, the first regiment equipped with R-36 missiles was placed
on alert on 05 November 1966, deployment of the 8K67 ballistic missiles began on 21
July 1967, and on 26 October 1970 deployment of the multiple-warhead variant began.
Between 1965 and 1973 a total of 268 launchers for the R-36 missiles were constructed.
Their replacement by the MIRVed R-36P began in 1975. The R-36 ballistic missile was
phased out in 1978. The missile was ready for launch during its whole period of service
that was originally fixed at five years but subsequently extended to 7.5 years.
Specifications
Mod-1 Mod-2 Mod-3 Mod-4
DIA SS-9 SS-9 SS-9 SS-9
NATO Scarp Scarp Scarp/ Scarp/ MRV
FOBS
Bilateral
Service R-36 R-36 R-36O R-36P
OKB/Industry 8K67 8K67 8K69 8K67P
Design Bureau OKB-586 OKB-586 OKB-586 OKB-586
(Acad. M. (Acad. M. K. (Acad. M. (Acad. M. K.
K. Yangel) Yangel) K. Yangel) Yangel)
Approved 4/16/1962 4/16/1962 1/12/1965
Years of R&D 1962- 1967- 1968
1966
Engineering and 1963-1966 1963-1966 1965- 1968-1970
Testing 1969
First Flight Test 9/23/1963 10/10/1964 12/16/65 8/23/1968
IOC 11/05/1966 1966 08/25/66 1970
Deployment Date 7/21/1967 7/21/1967 11/19/68 10/26/1970
&
Type of Warhead Single Single Orbital Multiple
Warheads 1 1 1 3
Yield (Mt) 5 10 5 2.0-3.5
(Russian Sources)
Yield (Mt) 12-18 18-25 1-3
(Western Sources)
Payload (t) 5.825 3.95 1.7 6
Total length (m) 32.2 31.7 32.6-34.5 32.2
Total length w/o
warhead (m)
Missile Diameter 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
(m)
Launch Weight (t) 183.9 179 -183.89 180 183.9
Fuel Weight (t) 166.9- 166.2 166.2 166.2
170.2
Range(km) 10,200 15,200- 40,000 10,200-
15,500 12,000
CEP (m) 1,300- 1,300-1,900 1,100 1,340-1,970
(Russian Sources) 1,900
CEP (m) 900-920 920 1,800- 1,850
(Western Sources) 5,500
Number of Stages 2
Canister length (m)
Canister length w/o
front meters (m)
Canister diameter (m)
Booster guidance system Inertial, autonomous
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 18.9 9.4
Body diameter (m) 3 3
Fueled weight (t) 121.7 -122.3 (118.7) 48.5 - 49.3
Dry weight (t) 6.4 3.7 Total =17.737
Engine Designation RD-251 (8D723) RD-252
Design Bureau Acad. V. P.Glushko Acad. V. P. Glushko

(OKB-456) (OKB-456)
Configuration Cluster of three main One engine 2

engines, 6 chambers chambers
Configuration Yuzhnoy Yuzhnoy
RD-68M / RD-855 RD-854
One engine 4 chambers One engine 4

chambers
Fuel UDMH UDMH
Oxidizer AT =Nitrogen tetroxide AT=Nitrogen

tetroxide = NTO
Main Engines Burning time (sec.) 120, 160
Verniers Burning time (sec.) 127 163
Verniers Thrust Sea Level/Vacuum Yuzhnoy RD-68M / Yuzhnoy RD-69M /

(Tonnes)
RD-855 RD-856
29.1 5.53
Main engines Thrust Sea 241 / 270.4 96 Vacuum

Total Thrust Sea Level/Vacuum 270.1 / 303 101.53 B 102.9982

(Tonnes)
Vernier Engine Specific Impulse Vernier Engine Vernier Engine

Sea Level/Vacuum (sec.)
254 / 292 280.5 Vacuum
Main Engines Specific Impulse Sea Main Engines Main Engine

Level/Vacuum (sec.)
269 -270 /301 317.6 Vacuum

Basing Mode Silo
Hardness
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant Yes - SL-10 / F-1-r, Mod-3, FOBS
SL-11 / F-1-m, Tsyklon - 2
SL-14 / F-2, Tsyklon - 3
Deployment Sites
Aleysk Aleysk
Derzhavinsk Imeni Gastello
Dombarovskiy Dombarovskiy
Kartaly Kartaly
Uzhur Uzhur
Zhangiz Tobe Zhangiz Tobe

Estimates
First flight test, Mod 1 RV December 3, 1963
First flight test, Mod 2 RV prototype October 10, 1964
First flight test, Mod 3 RV 1965
Initial operational capability
Mod 1 and 2 Early 1966
Mod 4 subsystem design began Early 1967
First flight test, Mod 4 RV August 23, 1968
Initial operational capability Mod 4 RV 1971
Maximum operational launcher inventory achieved 1971
R-36O / SL-X-? FOBS
In the early 1960s, the Soviets needed a way to overcome the West's geographic
advantages (forward bases in Turkey, Europe, and Asia from which shorter range
missiles and bombers could attack the USSR). The Soviet attempt to place missiles in
Cuba would have been a partial remedy. When the Cuban venture did not go as planned,
they moved to other technological possibilities. The Soviets demonstrated the technology
necessary to orbit a space vehicle and then land it in a specific place with the Vostok
launches. It was thus logical to assume they could place nuclear weapons in orbit and
return them to Earth at any time and place. Khrushchev made this suggestion in 1961, but
on 15 March 1962, as part of the rhetoric proceeding the Cuban crisis, he made yet
another, more ominous suggestion.
We can launch missiles not only over the North Pole, but in the opposite direction, too. . .
. Global rockets can fly from the oceans or other directions where warning facilities
cannot be installed. Given global missiles, the warning system in general has lost its
importance. Global missiles cannot be spotted in time to prepare any measures against
them.
This statement was the first hint of a new concept called the fractional orbit bombardment
system (FOBS).
development of a Fractional Orbital Bombardment System. Yangel offered the R-36O.
patron.
The R-36O SS-9 Mod 3 SCARP with a modified upper stage was equipped with an
orbital nose cone, which contained an instrumentation section, a single-chambered liquid
propellant retrorocket motor and a nuclear warhead. The orbital missile carried a one- to
three-megaton warhead according to Western estimates [and five megatons according to
some published Russian estimates -- about the only instance in which published Russian
yield estimates are higher than published Western estimates]. Flying into low-Earth orbit
gave the ICBM unlimited range and allowing it to approach the US from any direction,
avoiding US northern-looking detection radars and, therefore, giving little or no warning.
The reentry vehicle came down in less than one revolution, hence the "fractional" orbit.
After the failure of their first two tests in 1966, the Soviets tested their FOBS with nine
launches between 25 January and 28 October 1967. All missions followed the same
distinct flight profile--launching in the late afternoon into an elliptical, near-polar low-
Earth orbit and deorbiting over the Soviet landmass before one complete orbit. This
profile allowed the Soviets to monitor the deorbit, reentry, and impact. US planners
viewed FOBS as a pathfinder system intended to precede a conventional ICBM attack.
The FOBS would circumvent the existing US ballistic missile early warning radars and
hit SAC airfields before the bombers could take off. FOBS could destroy ABM radars,
disrupt US retaliatory capability, destroy command posts, the White House, and the
command and control network. But, due to its limited accuracy and payload, FOBS was
ineffective against hardened targets.
Under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, the Soviets could orbit everything but the nuclear
warhead. Some US Senators were concerned with the Soviet FOBS development which
followed on ratification of the Outer Space Treaty. The Soviets could, without treaty
violation, deploy the weapons system minus the warheads.
By 1968 the Soviets' FOBS program settled into a two-flight-per-year pattern which
indicated an operational status, although they only deployed FOBS in 18 silos. Little
attention was paid to these events in the United States, because they occurred during the
national election and at a time when Vietnam had all the headlines. At that time it
remained unclear to US intelligence whether the Soviets were developing FOBS, or
ballistic missiles with depressed trajectories and deboost capabilities.
The orbital missile 8K69 was initially deployed on 19 November 1968, and the first
regiment with the R-36 orbital missiles was put on alert on 25 August 1969. The orbital
missile was phased out in January 1983 in compliance with the SALT-2 treaty, which
prohibited the deployment of these missiles.
Specifications
Mod-3
DIA SS-9
NATO Scarp/ FOBS
Bilateral 16935
Service R-36O
OKB/Industry 8K69
Approved 1/12/1965
First Flight Test 12/16/65
IOC 08/25/66
Deployment Date 11/19/68
Type of Warhead Orbital
Warheads 1
Yield (Mt) 5
(Russian Sources)
Yield (Mt) 1-3
(Western Sources)
Payload (t) 1.7
Total length (m) 32.6-34.5
Total length w/o warhead (m) 21543
Missile Diameter (m) 3
Fuel Weight (t) 166.2
Range(km) 40,000
CEP (m) 1,100
(Russian Sources)
CEP (m) 1,800-5,500
(Western Sources)
1st stage 2nd stage 3rd.Stage FOBS/OR-
36
Length (m) 18.9 9.4 8.3
Body diameter 3.0 3.0 4.64

(m)
Fueled weight 121.7 -122.3 48.5 - 49.3

(t) (118.7)
Dry weight (t) 6.4 3.7 Total =17.737
Engine RD-251 RD-252

Designation (8D723)
Design Bureau Acad. V. Acad. V. P. Glushko Yuzhnoy

P.Glushko
(OKB-456) (OKB-456)
Configuration Cluster of One engine One engine

three main
engines, 6 2 chambers 1 chamber
chambers
Configuration Yuzhnoy Yuzhnoy
RD-68M / RD-
855 RD-854
One engine 4 One engine 4

chambers
chambers
Propellants Liquid Liquid Storable Liquid Storable

Storable
Fuel UDMH UDMH UDMH
Oxidizer AT =Nitrogen AT=Nitrogen tetroxide AT= NTO

tetroxide = NTO
Main Engines 120, 160 70 sec.

Burning time
(sec.)
Verniers 127 163

Burning time
(sec.)
Verniers Thrust Yuzhnoy RD- Yuzhnoy RD-69M /

Sea 68M /
Level/Vacuum RD-856
(Tonnes) RD-855
5.53
29.1
Main engines 241 / 270.4 96 Vacuum 7.7 Vac.

Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Total Thrust 270.1 / 303 101.53 102.9982

Sea
Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Vernier Engine Vernier Vernier Engine

Specific Engine
Impulse Sea 280.5 Vacuum
Level/Vacuum 254 / 292
(sec.)
Main Engines Main Engines Main Engine

Specific
Impulse Sea 269 -270 317.6 Vacuum
Level/Vacuum /301
(sec.)
R-36M / SS-18 SATAN
The R-36m / SS-18 intercontinental ballistic missile is a large, two-stage, tandem,
storable liquid-propellant inertial guided missile developed to replace the SS-9 ICBM.
Housed in hard silos, the highly accurate fourth generation SS-18 ICBM is larger than the
Peacekeeper, the most modern deployed US ICBM. The SS-18 opened a "window of
vulnerability" of Minuteman silos (at 300 psi) by 1975, so that some analysts aregued that
few Minuteman could be expected to survive a Soviet attack by 1980. The "window of
vulnerability" of U.S. land based strategic missiles opened on schedule, and became one
of the major issues in U.S. strategic debates in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The R-36M (15A14) was a two-stage missile capable of carrying several different
warheads. The basic design is similar to the R-36 missile modified to include advanced
technologies and more powerful engines. This missile, using dinitrogen tetroxide (N2O4)
and heptyl (a UDMH [unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine] compound) has a first stage
powered by a 460-ton-thrust motor with four combustion chambers, and the second by a
single-chamber 77-ton-thrust motor. The first stage uses four closed-cycle single
chambered rocket motors. The second stage was equipped with a closed-cycle single
chambered sustainer motor and an open-cycle four chambered control motor. The second
stage sustainer is built into the fuel tank's toroidal cavity. The flight control of the first
stage was conducted through gimbaled sustainers. The sustainers used asymmetrical
dimethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetraoxide. The missile was equipped with an
autonomous inertial command structure and an onboard digital computer.
The R-36M used a gas-dynamic method for the first and second stages whereby special
ports are opened through which the propellant tanks are pressurized. This obviated the
need for the use of pressurant gases from tanks and the so-called chemical tanks
pressurization (by injecting small amounts of fuel in the oxidizer tank and oxidizer into
the fuel tank). The improved design and more effective engines allowed an increase in
the total liftoff weight from 183 tons to 209.6 ton and the throw weight from 5.8 tons to
8.8 tons, while maintaining the overall dimensions of its predecessor missile.
The SS-18 was deployed in modified SS-9 silos, and employed a cold-launch technique
with the missile being ejected from the silo prior to main engine ignition. The rocket was
placed in a transport-launch canister made of fiberglass composites. The container was
placed into an adapted R-36 silo. The specially hardened silo was 39 meters deep and had
a diameter of 5.9 m. Prior to main engine ignition the missile was ejected from the
container with the help of a solid-propellant gas generator located in the lower unit of the
transport-launch canister. According to Western estimates, the SS-18 was deployed in a
silo with a hardness of at least 4,000 psi (281 kg/sq. cm; 287 bar), and possibly as high as
6,000 psi (422 kg/sq. cm; 430 bar).
The development of the two stage heavy liquid-propellant ICBM R-36M intended to
replace the R-36 SS-9 Scarp was accepted on 02 September 1969. The preliminary design
was completed in December 1969 by the design bureau was KB Yuzhnoye. The system
was designed by the M. K. Yangel OKB Yuzhnoye at Dnepropetrovsk (Ukraine) during
1966-1972, with testing beginning in November 1972. It was deployed in January 1975,
and integrated with the weapons arsenal in December 1975.
There are six variants that have been deployed, while others were tested but not
deployed:
 SS-18 Mod 1 - R-36M The SS-18 Mod 1 carried a single large reentry vehicle,
with a warhead yield of 18 to 25 MT, a distance of about 6,000 nm. In January
1971 pop-up tests, began during which the mortar launch was perfected. The
actual flight tests for the single-RV Mod-1 began on 21 February 1973, though
some sources suggest that testing began in October 1972. The testing phase of the
R-36M with various different types of warheads was finished in October 1975 and
on 30 December 1975 deployment began [though some Western sources suggest
that an initial operational capability was reached in early 1975]. A total of 56
were deployed by 1977, though all were replaced by Mod 3 or Mod 4 missiles by
1984. These high-yield weapons were assessed in the West as possibly developed
to attack American Minuteman ICBM launch control centers.
 SS-18 Mod 2 - R-36M The SS-18 Mod 2 included a post-boost vehicle and up to
eight reentry vehicles, each with a warhead yield estimated at between 0.5 to 1.5
MT, with a range capability of about 5,500 nm. The MIRVs were placed in pairs,
and a post boost vehicle with a command structure and a propulsion system were
contained in the nose cone of the R-36M. The flight tests of the MIRVed Mod-2
began in September 1973 [though some Western sources suggest that the initial
flight test of the Mod 2 MIRV version occurred in August 1973], with IOC in
1975. Approximately 132 were deployed by 1978, but the post-boost vehicle
design was seriously flawed, and the Mod 2 missiles were all replaced by the Mod
4 variant by 1983.
 SS-18 Mod 2x - R-36M Between July 1978 and August 1980 a MIRVed missile
with an improved nose cone was tested but not deployed. The fact of the existence
of this system is reported by Russian sources, but not attested by unclassified
Western literature.
 SS-18 Mod 3 - R-36UTTh The SS-18 Mod 3 carried a single large reentry
vehicle that was an improved version of the SS-18 Mod-1. On 16 August 1976, a
few months after the R-36M entered service, the development of an improved
modification of the R-36M (15A14) and MR UR-100 (15A15) was approved.
This missile subsequently received the designation R-36M UTTh (15A18) and
was developed by KB Yuzhnoye (OKB-586) through December 1976. Its
increasing accuracy made it possible to reduce the yield of the warheads. The R-
36M UTTh was capable of carrying two different nose cones. The version with a
divided nose cone [Mod-4] allowed an increase the numbers of warheads from 8
up to 10 and the single-RV version [Mod-3] had a maximum range of up to
16,000 km. The flight-design tests of the R-36M UTTh began on 31 October
1977. On 29 November 1979 deployment of the SS-18 Mod-3 with a single
reentry vehicle carrying a warhead with a yield of 24-25 MT began. The P-
36MUTTh was introduced into the inventory on 17 December 1979. A total of 24
were deployed in 1977, and all were replaced by the Mod 4 variant by 1984.
 SS-18 Mod 4 - R-36UTTh The SS-18 Mod 4 carries at least 10 MIRVs and was
probably designed to attack and destroy ICBMs and other hardened targets in the
US. According to some Western estimates, evidence suggested that the Mod 4
may be capable of carrying as many as 14 RVs [this may reflect observation of
the deployment of countermeasures intended to overcome a ballistic missile
defense, or to confuse American attack characterization systems]. In November
1979 the flight tests of the MIRVed missile were completed. The first three
regiments were put on alert on 18 September 1979. During 1980 a total of 120
SS-18 Mod 4 missiles were deployed, replacing the last remaining R-36 missiles.
In 1982-1983 the remaining R-36M missiles were also replaced with the new R-
36M UTTh and the total number of deployed missiles reached a maximum
operational launcher reached 308, ceiling established in the SALT-1 treaty. The
SS-18 Mod 4 force had the estimated capability to destroy 65 to 80 percent of US
ICBM silos using two nuclear warheads against each. Even after this type of
attack, it was estimated that more than 1,000 SS-18 warheads would be available
for further strikes against targets in the US. After 1988 the SS-18 Mod 4s were
partially replaced by the new R-36M2 "Voivode".
 SS-18 Mod 5 - R-36M2 "Voivode" The newer, more accurate version (the SS-18
Mod 5) placed in converted silos allowed the SS-18 to remain the bulwark of the
SRF's hard-target-kill capability. The Mod 5 carries 10 MIRVs, each having a
higher yield than the Mod 4 warheads. The Mod-5 warheads have nearly twice the
yield of the Mod-4 (approximately 750 kt to 1 megaton) according to Western
estimates, though Russian sources suggest a yield of 550-750 Kt each. The
increase in the Mod 5's warhead yield, along with improved accuracy, would,
under the START treaty, help allow the Russians to maintain their hard-target-kill
wartime requirements even with the 50 percent cut in heavy ICBMs the START
agreement required. The technical proposals to build a modernized heavy ICBM
were made in June 1979. The missile subsequently received the designation R-
36M2 "Voivode" and the industrial index number 15A18M. The design of the R-
36 M2 "Voivode" was completed in June 1982. The R-36M2 disposed of a series
of new engineering features. The engine of the second stage is completely built in
the fuel tank (earlier this was only used on SLBMs) and the design of the
transport-launching canister was altered. Unlike the R-36M, the 10 warheads on
the post-boost vehicle are located on a special frame in two circles. The flight
tests of the R-36M2 equipped with 10 MIRVs began in March 1986 and were
completed in March 1988. The first regiment with these missiles was put on alert
on 30 July 1988 and was deployed on 11 August 1988.
 SS-18 Mod 6 - R-36M2 "Voivode" The flight tests of a the R-36M2 missile
(Mod-6) carrying a single warhead with a yield of 20 MT were completed in
September 1989 and deployment began in August 1991.
The only deployed versions of the SS-18 are the R-36M UTTh and R-36M2. In 1997
there were 186 deployed launchers for of these missiles in Russia. The dismantling of
104 launchers located in Kazakhstan was completed in September 1996.
The Reagan and Bush administrations respected the SS-18 to such a degree that they
made it the main focus of their arms control initiatives. The START II Treaty specifically
banned land-based MIRV systems, in part, because of the threat the SS-18 posed to the
balance of power. It was seen as a first-strike weapon and a very destabilizing presence in
the bilateral relationship.
US negotiators allowed the Russian Federation to retain 90 of the SS-18 silos. After
complying with the START II silo conversion protocol, the Russian Rocket Forces will
be permitted to replace 90 of the SS-18s with a smaller, single-warhead missile. The
protocol requires Russia to place a 2.9-meter restrictive ring near the top of the retained
SS-18 silos and to fill the bottom five meters of the silos with concrete. These measures
make the silos too small to hold an SS-18.
The Nunn-Lugar program is assisting in the reduction of the SS-18 missile threat to the
United States. The Russian Federation must eliminate 100 SS-18s by December 2001 and
an additional 154 SS-18s by January 2003. In recent years, Nunn-Lugar has played a role
in SS-18 dismantlement. It provided the equipment necessary to help destroy the missiles.
A total of 204 of these missiles were deployed on Russian territory and 104 in
Kazakhstan. The elimination base at Surovatikha, near Nijny-Novgorod, destroyed 32
missiles in 1993 with the remaining 44 destroyed in 1994.
The SS-18 was manufactured in Ukraine, while Russian enterprises provide maintenance
for SS-18s which are currently in inventory. Manufacturing of SS-18s in Russia would be
expensive, and could require 5 to 7 years of design work to begin at least tests at a cost of
8-10 billion rubles.
Specifications
Mod Mod-1 Mod-2 Mod-3 Mod-4 Mod-5 Mod-6
DIA SS-18 SS-18 SS-18 SS-18 SS-18 SS-18
NATO Satan Satan Satan Satan Satan Satan
Bilateral RS-20A RS-20A RS-20A RS-20B RS-20V RS-20V
Service R-36M R-36M R-36M R-36MU R-36M2 R-36M2
UTTkh UTTkh
OKB/Industry 15A14 15A14 15A14 15A18 15A18M 15A18M
Design OKB-586 OKB-586 OKB- OKB-586 OKB- OKB-
Acad. V. 586 586 586
Bureau Acad. V. F. Utkin Acad. V. Acad. Acad.
F. Utkin Acad. V. F. Utkin V. F. V. F.
F. Utkin Utkin Utkin
Approved 9/2/1969 9/2/1969 9/2/1969 8/16/1977 8/9/83 6/1979
?12/17/
1980 ?
Years of 1969- 1969- 12/ 76 - 1983- 1979-
R&D 1973 1973 78 1988 1982
Engineering 1973- 1973- 1978- 1977- 1986-88 1986-
and Testing 1974 1975 1980 1979 1990
First Flight 1 / / 72 9/ /73, 7/ /1978 7/31/1977 3/21/86 1986
Test 1St .
failure 08/ /73 & or 10-31- two
another 1977 failures
2/21/1973 derivation in the
success 1 flight
& another 07/ /78 test
derivation program
11-29-79
IOC 12 /25 / 1975 1980 9/1979 ? 12/1988 1990
1974 11-27-
1979?
Deployment 12/30/ 12/30/ 11/29/ 12/17/ 12/1988 9/1991
Date
1975 1975 or 1979 1979, or
11/20/78 1980?
Type of Single MIRV Single MIRV MIRV Single
Warhead
Warheads 1 8 1 10 10 1
Yield (Mt) 18-20 0.5-1.3 24-25 0.55 0.55- 20
Russian 0.75
sources
Yield (Mt) 18-25 0.6-1.5 18-25 0.75-1.0
Western
sources
Payload (t) 7.2 7.2 - 8.8 7.2 - 8.8 8.8 8.8 8.8
Total length 33.6 33.6 33.6 34.3 37.25 36.3
(m)
Total length 28.5 28.5 28.5 28.5 - 29.25 29.25
w/o warhead 29.25
(m)
Missile 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Diameter (m)
Launch 209.6 - 209.6 - 209.6 - 211.1 211.1 211.1
Weight (t) 210 210 210
Fuel Weight 188 188 188 188 188 188
(t)
Range (km) 11200 9250- 16.000 16000 11000 16000
10200
11500 15,000
CEP (m) 1000 1000 1000 920 500 500
Russian
Sources
CEP (m) 400-550 400-500 350 220-320 250 ?250
Western
Sources
Number of Stages 2
Canister length (m) 27.9
Canister diameter (m) 3.5
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 22.3 7.0
Fueled weight (t) Total 161.5
Dry weight (t) Total 48.1 ? 48.5
Engine Designation RD-263 x 4 = RD-264 RD-0228 = RD-0229 one main

(11D119) for the engine and RD-0230 four
verniers for the R-36M
R-36M
Engine Designation RD-273 / RD-274 for RD-0230 verniers for the R-36M
the R-36MU
Engine Designation N/A RD-0255 = RD-0256 one main

engine & RD-0257 four verniers
for the R-36M2.
Design Bureau Acad. V. P. Glushko Acad. S. A. Kosberg
(OKB-456)
(OKB-154)
Configuration Four RD-263?s 1 Main Engine + 4 Verniers

Engines = RD-264
Years Of R & D 1969-1973 = RD-263 1967-1975 = RD-0228 / RD-

x 4=RD-264 0229
Years Of R & D 1975-1980 = RD-273 1967-1975 = RD-0230
Years Of R & D 1983-1989 = RD-0255
1983-1987 = RD-0256
1983-1987 = RD-0257
Fuel UDMH UDMH
Oxidizer Nitrogen Tetraoxide Nitrogen Tetraoxide
Burn Time (sec.)
Main Engines Thrust 424 / 450-461 77

Sea Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Verniers Engine Thrust N/A ?

Sea Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Main Engines Specific 293 / 312-318

Impulse Sea Level/
Vacuum (sec.)
MIRV Bus Third Stage RD-869

Engine Designation for
the R-36M2
Design Bureau (Bus) Yuzhnoy SKB
Years Of R & D (Bus) 1983-1985
Propellants (Bus) Liquid Storable

Fuel (Bus) UDMH
Oxidizer (Bus) Nitrogen Tetraoxide
Thrust Vacuum 2.087- 0.875

(Tonnes)
Engines Specific 313 ? 302.3

Impulse (sec.)
Burn Time (sec.) 700

Basing Mode Silo
Hardness
Launching Technique Cold and Solid motor
Deployed boosters
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant Yes- SL-21?/Dnipr SS-18 derivation
Deployment Sites
Aleysk in Altai (30) Aleysk
Derzhavinsk near Akmolinsk (52) Imeni Gastello
Dombarovsky-3 near Orenbourg (64) Dombarovskiy
Kartaly-6 near Chelyabinsk (46) Kartaly
Uzhur-4 near Krasnoyarsk (64) Uzhur
Zhangiz-Tobe near Seminpalatinsk Zhangiz Tobe

(52)
SS-18/RS-20 in Launch Canister SS-18/RS-20, Stage 1 SS-18/RS-20 Missile
SS-18/RS-20
Emplacement
Equipment
R-46
On 09 August 1961, Premier Nikita Khrushchev openly threatened the West with a new
and terrifying weapon, the orbital H-bomb. "You do not have 50- or 100-megaton bombs,
we have bombs more powerful than 100 megatons. We placed Gagarin and Titov in
space, and we can replace them with other loads that can be directed to any place on
Earth." Although the US had hypothesized orbital bombs, this was the first public
indication that the Soviets were actively pursuing this course of action. Within a few
months, however, American analysis of the threat diminished its proportions.
Specifications
SHB2 SHB3
Mod-1 = 2 Mod-2 = 3
Stages Stages
DIA SS-LX-? " SS-LX-?
City FOBS
Buster"
ICBM
NATO N/A N/A
Bilateral N/A N/A
Service
OKB/Industry (8K68) (8K68)
Design Bureau OKB-586, OKB-586,
(Acad. M. (Acad. M. K.
K. Yangel Yangel )
)
Approved 4/16/1962 4/16/1962
Years of R&D 1962- 1962-1964
1964
Engineering and Testing Model Model
Dynamic Dynamic
Testing Testing Only
Only
First Flight Test N/A N/A
Canceled Canceled
6/19/1964 6/19/1964
IOC N/A N/A
Deployment Date N/A N/A
Type of Warhead 1 1
Warheads Single Single
Yield (Mt) 50 – 100 30 – 50
– 150
Payload (t) 9,535 – Orbital
12,264 10,960 –
11,220
Total length (m) ~56 ~65
Total length ~49.87 ~59.87
w/o warhead (m)

Missile Diameter (m) 3.9 3.9
Launch Weight (t) 383,096 - 383,735.8350
390,400 + - 392,270 +
12,764 12,764 or
9,535
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 12,000 – 12,000 –
16,000 16,000
CEP (m) (Russian Sources) N/A N/A
CEP (m) (Western Sources) N/A N/A
Basing Mode Hardened Hardened
launch launch
complex complex
Number of Stages 2 3
Canister length w/o front N/A
meters (m)

1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 24 or (32.94 - 39.46) 10 – 10.41 ~10
Body diameter (m) 4.0 - 3.9 4.0 - 3.9 ~4.0 - 3.9
Fueled weight (t) 200,334 +77,052 = 62,477 1,639 + 0.603
277,386 +24,039 = = 1639.603
86,516
Dry weight (t) 13,869 4,325 0.232
Engine Designation RD-253 RD-254 KTDU-5A
(11D48)(11D43)
Configuration Cluster of Four One Engine One Engine
Engines
Design Bureau OKB-456, Acad. V. P. OKB-456, OKB-2, Acad.
Glushko Acad. V. P. A. M. Isayev
Glushko
Years of R&D 1961-1965 1962-1964 1961 – 1965
Fuel UDMH UDMH TG-02 = A
Amine based
fuel
Oxidizer Nitrogen Tetroxide Nitrogen AK-27I = 73%
Tetroxide HNO3 +
27%N204 =
Nitrogen
Tetroxide
concentrated in
Nitric Acid
Burning time (sec.) 130 159.7 100.3
+11.6+22.5=
134.4 total
Verniers Thrust Sea N/A ? ?
Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Main engines Thrust 148.8884 - 150.25 / 174.7 4.638
Sea Level/Vacuum 166.7347
(Tonnes)
Total Thrust Sea 4 x 150.25 = 601.0 174.7 4.638
Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Specific Impulse Sea 284.9/310.0 329.89 277.78
Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Hardness N/A
Deployed boosters N/A
Test Boosters N/A
Warheads Deployed N/A
Training Launchers N/A
Space Booster Variant SL-LX-? SHB-2 & SHB-3 not developed
Deployment Sites

N/A N/A
UR-100 / SS-11 SEGO
The development of the massively deployed UR-100/SS-11 liquid propellant light ICBM
was the centerpiece of a major Soviet effort to reach numerical strategic parity with the
USA. The SS-ll was the Soviet counterpart of the US Minuteman system in quantity, size
and purpose. Initially deployed with a single warhead [with a yield of 1.1 MT according
to Russian sources, or 0.6 to 1.2 MT according to Western reports] and a low accuracy [a
CEP of 1.4 km according to Russian sources], the missile could be used only against soft
targets.
The UR-100 intercontinental ballistic missile is a two-stage, tandem, storable liquid-

propellant missile. It is about 64 feet long and 8 feet in diameter. In both stages the
oxidizer and fuel tanks had a common bottom which reduced overall dimensions and
launch weight of the missile. The bottom of the oxidizer tank of the first stage was placed
inside the tank like an inverted truncated cone. The nozzle of the sustainer of the second
stage was included in the formed upper volume. The first stage used a new set of four
closed-cycle single-chambered rocket motors, while the second stage incorporated a
single-chambered sustainer and a four-chambered control motor. Asymmetrical
dimethylhidrazine and nitrogen tetraoxide were used as propellants. The missile uses an
inertial guidance system consisting of an autonomous guidance/control system with a
gyro-stabilized platform of floating gyros. The command structure also provided an
automatic checkout of all systems during flight and automatic preparation of launch.
The development of the UR-100 was approved by the government on 30 March 1963.
The developer was NPO Mashinostroyenia (OKB-52). The missile was deployed in at
least four variants, and was probably tested in several additional configurations. There is
some confusion among these variants between recent published Russian sources, which
focus on the physical configuration of the rocket, and contemporaneous Western sources,
which were limited to intelligence derived from observing flight tests. In the middle of
the 1970's the UR-100 was replaced by two modernized versions that received the
designations UR-100K (15A20) and UR-100U (15A20U).
 SS-11 Mod-1 UR-100 The flight-design tests were conducted at the Baikonur
cosmodrome between 19 April 1965 and 27 October 1966. The first silo-launch
was conducted on 17 July 1965. The Mod 1 reentry vehicle had a ballistic
coefficient of 310 lb per sq ft and a CEP assessed by Western intelligence at 1.0
nm. Western intelligence assessed that an initial operational capability was
reached in early 1966. According to Russian sources the first three regiments with
UR-100 missiles were put on alert on 24 November 1966, and operational
employment began on 21 July 1967. According to Russian sources, initially the
missile was equipped with two different types of warheads: a light one for
intercontinental targets in North America, and a heavier one for medium range
targets in Eurasia.
 SS-11 Mod-1 UR-100UTTh Upgrades to the UR-100 missile provided a different
nose cone that allowed improved flight characteristics and a modified command
structure that reduced the time for pre-launch operations. The modified version
received the designation UR-100UTTh (8K84UTTh). It differed from former
missiles by improved warhead technology, improved launching equipment, and
an autonomous power supply system, ensuring extended storage in fueled
conditions. The flight-design tests of the UR-100UTTh missile were conducted
between 23 July 1969 and 15 March 1971.
 SS-11 Mod-2 UR-100K The development of the UR-100K (15A20) missile
[known in the West as the SS-11 Mod-2] began in the middle of the 1960s. The
main design changes concerned lengthening of the first stage to increase the
amount of propellant and modifications to the propulsion systems of both stages.
These measures allowed an increase of launching weight of 8 tons and a 60
percent increase of throw weight. The maximum range of the UR-100K was
increased up to 12,000 km, and through the use of improved sensors the accuracy
was increased by a factor of 1.5 to a CEP of 1 Km. The Mod 2 reentry vehicle had
a ballistic coefficient of 900 lb per sq ft and a CEP assessed by Western
intelligence at 0.6 nm. The missile also dispensed decoys at the end of the boost
phase of the trajectory before the separation of the reentry vehicle. The reentry
vehicle itself had radio-reflecting properties. The sophisticated control system
allowed an increase of combat readiness of a missile through the use of boosted
spin-ups of gyros. The silo had its own system of power supply allowing remote
changes of its mission and launch. The flight-design tests of the UR-100K missile
were conducted from 02 February 1971 through 24 November 1971. According to
Russian sources the missile was initially deployed on 28 December 1971. Western
intelligence assessed that an initial operational capability was reached in 1973.
 SS-11 Mod-3 UR-100U The UR-100U (15A20U) missile differed from the UR-
100K missile by the number of warheads. Instead of a single warhead it carried
three warheads, though with a reduced maximum range. The tests of the UP-100U
were conducted from July 1971 through January 1973, and its deployment started
on 26 September 1974 according to Russian sources. According to Western
sources, the first Mod 3 flight test was on 12 September 1969, and Western
intelligence assessed that an initial operational capability was reached in 1973.
During development of this missile efforts centered on increasing its survivability.
The silos were hardened and the shock-absorption of the transport-launch canister
was improved. The silo consists of a monolithic ferro-concrete trunk with a steel
hardware compartment, rigidly attached to it. The trunk was covered with an
accident protection device in the form of a sliding roof.
 SS-11 Mod-4 The Mod-4 missile differed from the Mod-3 missile by the number
of warheads -- instead of three warheads it carried six. This variant was tested but
not deployed.
The missile was deployed in a silo launcher, with a design that was substantially
simplified in comparison with earlier complexes. The silo could be closed for protection
with the help of a pneumatic driven sliding roof. This was the first Soviet ICBM to be
deployed with a pressurized transport launch canister in which the missile was delivered
to the launch complex and from which it was fired. During the storage of the missile the
engines were isolated from the propellant components by membrane-valves that provided
their safety during extended times of being in a fueled condition.
The SS-11 deployment was assessed by Western intelligence to be similar in concept to

the US Minuteman, where a large force was deployed in hardened silos requiring a
minimum of support facilities. Silo and launch control center hardness was estimated at
700 and 400 psi overpressure, respectively, from a 1-MT weapon. The sites were
deployed in groups of ten unmanned silos with a single launch control center for each
group. Reaction time in the normal readiness condition was assessed by the West as 0.5
to 3.0 min. with an unlimited hold time in this alert condition.
The UR-100 missile was the most extensively deployed ICBM within the Strategic
Rocket Forces. Between 1966 and 1972 a total of 990 of these missiles were deployed.
Between 1973 and 1977 some 420 launchers of the UR-100K/UR-100U missiles were
deployed while the UR-100 missiles were phased out. As of 1991 some 326 remained in
service, while by the end of 1994 all but 10 of the UR-100 and UR-100U missiles had
been removed from combat duty in compliance with the START-1 treaty. By the end of
1996 all SS-11 missiles had been dismantled.
Specifications
Mod-1 Mod-2 Mod-3 Mod-4
DIA SS-11 SS-11 SS-11 SS-11
NATO Sego Sego Sego Sego
Bilateral RS-10 RS-10 RS-10M RS-10M
Service UR-100/ UR-100K UR-100U
UR-100M
OKB/Industry 8K84 8K84K 8K84UTTkh
8K84UTTkh 8K84M
15A20U
Design Bureau OKB-52 OKB-52 OKB-52 OKB-52
Chelomey Chelomey Chelomey Chelomey
Approved 3/30/1963
Engineering and 1962-66 1969- 1971-1973 1971-1973
Testing 1971
First Flight Test 4/19/65 7/23/1969 2/2/71 & 6/16/71
9/2/69
IOC 11/24/966 3/1/1970 1973 - 74 [not
deployed]
Deployment Date 7/21/1967 12/28/72 9/26/1974 [not
deployed]
Type of Warhead Single Single MRV MRV
Warheads 1 1 3 6
Yield per Warhead 0.5 or 1.2 0.35 0.35-1.3
(Mt) 1.0 -1.1
(Russian Sources)
Yield per Warhead 0.6 to 1.2 0.6 to 1.2 0.2 to 0.8
(Mt)
(Western Sources)
Payload (t) 0.76 - .08 0.9-1.2 1.208 1.2
Total length (m) 16.925 18.9 - 18.9 19.1 - 19.8
19.0
Total length w/o 16.45- 16.5 17 17
Warhead (m) 16.69
Missile Diameter 2 2. 2 2
(m)
Launch Weight (t) 39.4 - 42.3 50.1 50.09 - 50.1 50.1 -
51.24
Fuel Weight (t) 40.4? 45.3 45.3 45.3
Range (km) 11,000- 11,000- 10,600- 10,600-
12,000 or 13,000 12,000 12,000
5,000
CEP (m) 1,400 1,400 900-1,350 900-1,350
(Russian Sources)
CEP (m) 1,400- 1,100- 1,000-
(Western Sources) 1,500 1,400 1,100
Number of Stages 2
Canister length w/o

Front meters (m)
1st stage (8S816) 2nd stage (8S817)

Mod- Mod-2 Mod-3/4 Mod-1 Mod-2 Mod-3/4
1
Length (m) 12.5 13.3 13.4 2.9 3.2 3.8
Body diameter (m) 2 2
Fueled weight (t) 34 38-40 40
Dry weight (t)
Engine RD-0216 / RD-0217 RD-0235 / RD-0236

(15D2) (8D13, 8D419, 15D14)
Designation
Design Bureau OKB-154, Acad. S. A. OKB-117, Acad. V. Klimov

Kosberg
Configuration Cluster of four engines One engine
Years of R & D 1963-1966
Fuel UDMH UDMH
Oxidizer Nitrogen Tetroxide Nitrogen Tetroxide
Burning time (sec) 103? 164?
Verniers Thrust N/A 1.565 ?1.6

Sea Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Main Engines 79.95/86.275 - 89.33 13.665 - 15.195 - 24.5 Vacuum

Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Total Thrust Sea 319.8/357.6 20.0651 - 22.3 - 30.9 Vacuum

Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Main engine 262/313 Vacuum 320 Vacuum

Specific Impulse
Sea Level/Vacuum
(sec.)
Verniers Specific N/A 293 Vacuum

Impulse Sera
Level/Vacuum
(sec.)
Basing Mode Silo
Hardness Silo at 700-750 psi
LCC at 360-400 psi
Launching Technique Hot
Deployed boosters
Test Boosters
Deployment Sites
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant No
Deployment Sites
Bershet? Perm
Drovyanaya Drovyanaya
Itatka
Kostroma Kostroma
Kozelsk Kozelsk
Pervomaysk Pervomaysk
Shadrinsk
Svobodny Svobodny
Teykovo Teykovo
Tyumen
Yasnaya Olovyannaya

Estimates
First flight test
Mod 1 April 19, 1965
Mod 2 July 23, 1969
Mod 3 September 12, 1969
Operational system production probably began
Mod 1 1965
Mod 2 ?
Mod 3 1971
First penaids flight testing September 20, 1967
Short-range flight testing . began July 1968
First launch from operational site November 11, 1970
Maximum operational launcher deployment 1971
SS-11/RS-10 Outside Launch SS-11/RS-10 Stage 1

SS-11/RS-10 in Launch Canister Cannister
SS-11/RS-10
SS-11/RS-10 Emplacement
Emplacement Equipment 2
Equipment
UR-100MR / SS-17 SPANKER
The UR-100MR / SS-17 intercontinental ballistic missile is a two-stage, tandem, storable
liquid-propellant missile intended to replace the light UR-100 SS-11 missile. It was a
competing design with the SS-19 Stiletto, though in fact both were deployed. It was the
first Soviet ICBM to have a Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV)
and the first to use a cold launch system. The UR-100MR / SS-17 intercontinental
ballistic missile was assessed as being capable of delivering a throw-weight of 6,000 lb to
a range of 5,500 nm. The throw-weight consists of a post-boost vehicle and either one or
four reentry vehicles.
The overall dimensions of the SS-17 were determined by the characteristics of the SS-11
UR-100 silos in which the UR-100MR missile was planned for deployment. The
diameter of both stages was increased in relative to that of the UR-100, and is 2.25 m for
the first and 2.1m for the second stage. The UR-100MR uses asymmetrical
dimethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetraoxide propellants. The first stage uses a closed-cycle
single-chambered sustainer engine and a four-chambered open-cycle control motor. The
second stage is equipped with a single-chamber open-cycle sustainer, placed inside the
lower part of the fuel tank. The flight control during the first stage uses deflecting the
control motor chambers, while the second stage uses gas injected into the diverging part
of the nozzles. Solid propellant retrorockets are used to separate the stages.
The rocket MR UR-100 was placed in previously hardened SS-11 UR-100 silos. The
missiles in their transport-launch canister were inserted into the silo with the use of two
shock-absorption belts. The SS-17 uses a sabot cold launch or pop-up launch system that
facilitated modifying existing SS-11 facilities.
 SS-17 Mod-1 - This initial version of the SS-17 carried 4 MIRV warhead with a
yield of 0.3-0.75 Mt each, an instrument module with a command structure and
solid-propellant rocket motor comprise the post-boost vehicle. According to
Western estimates each RV weighed about 900 lbs. The missile had an inertial
guidance system with an estimated CEP of 0.34 nm for 1975 and a potential CEP
of 0.28 nm in 1980. Its development was approved in September 1970 and
conducted by KB Yuzhnoye (OKB-586) which was headed by V. F. Utkin. Pop-
up tests which improved the mortar launch technique began in May 1971. The full
scale flight-design tests of Mod1 and 2 were conducted at the Baikonur
cosmodrome test site from 26 December 1971 and 17 December1974. Flight
testing was first detected by the West on 15 September 1972. The first regiment
with MR UR-100 missiles was put on alert on 06 May 1975 and its deployment
began on 30 December 1975.
 SS-17 Mod-2 - The Mod-2 missile carries only a single warhead with a yield of 4-
6 MT.
 SS-17 Mod-3 - On 16 August 1976 a governmental order to improve the UR-
100MR performance characteristics was issued. The preliminary design of this
MR UR-100UTTh missile known as SS-17 Mod3 was completed by KB
Yuzhnoye (OKB-586) in December 1976, receivingthe industrial index number
15A16. Like the SS-17 Mod-1 it carries four MIRV warheads, but it incorporated
enhanced survivability and was equipped with an improved commando system
and a modernized nose cone. The flight-design tests began on 25 October 1977
and were finished on 15 December 1979. The Mod-3 reached its IOC in 1978 and
its deployment started on 17 December 1980 (simultaneously with the R-
36MUTTh).
In 1979 130 missiles were deployed in two missile fields near Yedrovo and Kostroma.
From 1979 till 1980 all single warheaded missiles were replace by MIRVed missiles. In
the years 1982-1983 all MR UR-100 missiles as well as 20 UR-100 missiles were
replaced by the MR UR-100UTTh missiles which reached their maximum operational
inventory of 150 in 1983. When the START-1 treaty was signed in 1991 the Soviet
Union had 47 launchers for the MR UR-100UTTh which were all subject to dismantling.
Specifications
Mod-1 Mod-2 Mod-3
DIA SS-17 SS-17 SS-17
NATO Spanker Spanker Spanker
Bilateral RS-16A RS-16A RS-16B
Service MR-UR-100 MR-UR-100 MR-UR-100
UTTKh or MR-
UR-100U
OKB/Industry 15A15 15A15 15A16
Design Bureau OKB-586 OKB-586 OKB-586 Acad.
Acad. V. F. Acad. V. F. V. F. Utkin
Utkin Utkin
Approved 9/1970 9/1969 8/16/1976
Years of R&D 1964-70 1964-70
Engineering and 1971-74 1970-75 1977-79
Testing
failure
12/26/71
success
IOC 05/06/1975 1975 10/17/1978
Deployment Date 12/30/1975 12/30/1975 12/17/1980
Type of Warhead MIRV Single MIRV
Warheads 4 1 4
Yield (Mt) 0.350-0.750 3.5-6.0 0.550 - 0.750
Payload (t) 2.550 2.550 2.550
Total length (m) 22.52 21.6 ? 22.52 23.9
Total length w/o 20.9 20.9 20.9
Warhead (m)
Missile Diameter 2.25 2.25 2.25
(m)
Launch Weight (t) 71.1 71.1 71.1 - 72
Fuel Weight (t) 63.2 63.2 63.2
Range (km) 10,200 - 10,100 - 10,200 -11,000
10,320 10,320
CEP (m) 1,080 1,080 920
(Russian Sources)
CEP (m) 440-500 420-450 220-400
(Western Sources)
Number of Stages 2
Canister length w/o
Front meters (m)
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 14.3, 14.9 3.2
Fueled weight (t) 59.0
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation RD-268 Main Engine RD-262 (15D169)
Engine Designation RD-263 Vernier N/A

Engine
Design Bureau Acad. V. P. Glushko Yuzhnoye
(OKB-456) (OKB- 586)
Configuration One Main Engine, One One Chamber

Four Chamber
Verniers Engine
Year of R & D main 1969-1973 1969-1972

engines
Year of R & D Vernier 1970-1973 N/A

engine
Fuel UDMH UDMH
Oxidizer Nitrogen Tetroxide Nitrogen Tetroxide
Main Engine Thrust 117/126 14.5 44 Vacuum

Sea Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Verniers Thrust Sea 28.230 /? N/A

Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Main Engine Specific ?/319 331 Vacuum

Impulse Sea
Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Vernier engine 259/301 N/A

Specific Impulse Sea
Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Basing Mode Silo
Hardness
Launching Technique Mortar Launch
Deployed boosters
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed
Training Launchers
Deployment Sites
Kostroma Kostroma
Vypolzovo Yedrovo
SS-17/RS-16 in Launch Canister SS-17/RS-16 SS-17/RS-16

Missile Stage 1
SS-17/RS-16 and SS-19/RS-18

Emplacement Equipment
UR-100N / SS-19 STILLETO
Once regarded by some as the "backbone" of the Soviet ICBM force, the fourth
generation UR-100N / SS-19 intercontinental ballistic missile is a two-stage, tandem,
storable liquid-propellant missile. The SS-19 is approxiamately 80 feet long and 8 1/2
feet in diameter. It was a competing design with the SS-17 Spanker, though in fact both
were deployed to partially replace the SS-11 force.
The UR-100N is similar to the UR-100, but with an increased diameter and longer
propellant tanks its launch weight was more than doubled and the throw-weight was
increased over three-fold. The UR-100N uses asymmetrical dimethylhidrazine and
nitrogen tetraoxide propellants. The first stage consists of four autonomous closed-cycle
single-chambered rocket motors. The second stage has a closed-cycle single chambered
sustainer and a four chambered open cycle control motor with four rotating nozzles. The
guidance and control system of the SS-19 is identical to that of the SS-18, and permits
remote monitoring of missile status while on alert, as well as automatic pre-launch
preparation, remote missile targeting before launch and in-flight control of the missile via
a flexible pitch control program. The UR-100N silos were constructed at the same sites as
the UR-100U silos but were completely dismantled and rebuilt to increase the
survivability of the new missiles. The UR-100N was launched in the hot mode through
the thrust of the first stage sustainer engine.
The SS-19 has been deployed in three configurations.
 SS-19 Mod-1 - Through the increase of throw-weight and reduction of the size of
the warheads relative to the UR-100 the UR-100N carries six MIRV warheads
with a yield of 550 KT each according to Russian sources [Western estimates
suggested a yield of one- to two-megatons]. According to Western estimates the
booster alone was limited to a range of 4900 nm but the total system, booster plus
PBV, was assessed as being capable of delivering all six RVs to a maximum
range of 5200 nm. Development was approved on 19 August 1970 and developed
by V. N. Chelomey. The flight tests of the UR-100N were conducted at the
Baikonur cosmodrome from 09 April 1973 through October 1975. The missile
was initially deployed on 30 December 1975, though according to Western
estimates it achieved an initial operational capability in 1974. The first regiment
with UR-100N missiles was put on alert on 26 April 1975 and by the end of 1975
a total of 60 launchers were deployed. The missile employed an inertial guidance
system that was is estimated by some Western sources to have an operational CEP
of 0.3 nm in 1975 with a potential CEP of 0.25 nm by 1980. However, due to the
hasty deployment of the UR-100N a major design flaw was overlooked. Training
launches that took place after its deployment revealed a significant reduction of
accuracy due to resonant oscillations of the missile. Subsequently all deployed
missiles were modified to eliminate the problems.
 SS-19 Mod-2 - Otherwise similar to the Mod-1, this variant carries a single
warhead with a yield reported by Russian sources of between 2.5 and 5 MT.
Between 1976 and 1978 the UR-100N reached its maximum operational
inventory of 180 missiles, of which 60 carried a single warhead. Both of these SS-
19 Mods were attributed "hard target kill" capabilities by the West.
 SS-19 Mod-3 -The development of an improved version was authorized on 16
August 1976. The upgrades to the missile involved the development of improved
engines and modification of the command system. The extent of protection from a
nuclear strike at their silos was considerably improved. The flight-design tests of
the improved version that received the designation UR-100NUTTH were
conducted between 26 June 1979 and 26 October 1979. Its deployment began on
05 November 1979.
The first regiment with the UR-100NUTTH was put on alert on 06 November 1979.
Between 1980-1982 UR-100N missiles with a single warhead (SS-19 Mod 2) were
replaced by the UR-100NUTTH (SS-19 Mod 3). The replacement of all UR-100N
missiles was completed in 1983. In 1984 the UR-100NUTTH reached its maximum
operational inventory of 360 missiles. From 1987 on they were gradually replaced by
new missiles. The silo-based version of the SS-24 replaced some SS-19s.
When the START-1 treaty was signed in 1991 the Soviet Union had a total of 300 UR-
100NUTTH missile stationed in Russia and Ukraine. After the dissolution of the Soviet
Union Ukraine claimed ownersip of the missiles located on its territory. In compliance
with the START treaty provisions Ukraine is in charge of the dismantling the launchers
for the SS-19 missiles. However, all nuclear warheads that were deployed in Ukraine
were dismantled by Russia.
Some 170 launchers remain in Russian territory, of which 10 were deactivated but not
dismantled. In December 1995 Strategic Rocket Forces Commander Colonel General
Igor Sergeyev announced a policy under which the service life of the SS-19 would be
extended from 10 years to 25 years. The missiles will remain on alert at least through
2005, and the missiles that were deployed in the early 1980s will serve beoynd this.
Following the ratification of the START-II treaty by the Duma, Russia is obliged to
dismantle all ground-based ICBMs with multiple warheads. Under the treaty provisions a
total of 105 of the UR-100NUTTH missiles can be retained provided they are
downloaded to carry only one warhead instead of six.
Specifications
Mod-1 Mod-2 Mod-3
NATO Stiletto Stiletto Stiletto
Bilateral RS-18A RS-18A RS-18B
UTTKh
Service UR-100N UR-100N UR-100NU
OKB/Industry 15A30 15A30 15A35
Design Bureau OKB-52, OKB-52, KB OKB-52, KB
KB Salyut, Salyut, Salyut,
Acad. V. Acad. V. N. Acad. V. N.

N. Chelomey Chelomey
Chelomey
Approved 8/19/1970 8/19/1970 8/16/1976
Years of R&D 1964-73 1964-1973
Engineering and 1973-75 1973-75 1977-79
Testing
failure &
12/28/1973
success
IOC 4/26/1975 1975 1979
Deployment Date 12/301975 12/30/1975 11/5/1979
Type of Warhead MIRV Single MIRV
Warheads 6 1 6
Yield per Warhead 0.5 0.55 2.5 - 5.0 0.5-0.75
(Mt) 0.750
Payload (t) 4.350 4.350 4.350
Total length (m) 24.0 24.0 24.3
Total length w/o 21.1 21.1 21.1
Warhead (m)
Missile Diameter 2.50 2.50 2.50
(m)
Launch Weight (t) 103 - 105.6 103.4 - 105.6
105.6
Fuel Weight (t) 93.1 93.1 93.1
Range (km) 9,650 10,000 10,000
CEP (m) ? ? 920
(Russian Sources)
CEP (m) 350-550 250-400 220-380
(Western Sources)
Number of Stages 2
Canister length w/o
front meters (m)
1st stage 2nd stage 3rd. Stage
Length (m) 17.2 2.8
Fueled weight (t) 86.3 86.3
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation RD-0233 / RD-0234 RD-0235 N/A

(14/15D113)
Vernier Engine N/A RD-0236 N/A

Designation (15D114)
Bus Engine N/A N/A RD-0237

Designation Third
Stage
Design Bureau Main OKB-154, Acad. S. OKB-154, N/A

Engines A. Kosberg Acad. S. A.
Kosberg
Design Bureau Vernier N/A OKB-154, N/A

Engine Acad. S. A.
Kosberg
Design Bureau Bus N/A N/A OKB-154,

Engine Third Stage Acad. S. A.
Kosberg
Configuration Cluster of four One engine N/A

engines
Configuration Vernier N/A Four vernier N/A
Engine chambers
Configuration Bus N/A N/A Four chambers

engine Third Stage
Years of R & D 1969 1974 1969 - 1974 N/A
Years of R & D Vernier N/A 1969 - 1974 N/A

Engine
Years of R & D Bus N/A N/A 1969 - 1974

Engine Third Stage
Fuel UHMH UDMH UDMH
Oxidizer Nitrogen Tetroxide Nitrogen Nitrogen

Tetroxide Tetroxide
Burning time (sec.)
Main Engine Thrust 46.961/52.958 - 53.1 24.5 Vacuum N/A

Sea Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Verniers Thrust Sea N/A 1.6 Vacuum N/A

Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Third Stage Bus N/A N/A 0.5 Vacuum

Engine Thrust Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Total Thrust Sea 187.8442/207.8319 30.9 Vacuum 2.0 Vacuum

Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Main Engine Specific 291 / 310 320 Vacuum N/A

Impulse Sea Level/
Vacuum (sec.)
Vernier Engine N/A 293 Vacuum N/A

Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Bus Third Stage N/A N/A ?

Engine Specific
Impulse Vacuum (sec.)
Basing Mode Silo
Hardness
Deployed boosters
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant Yes SL-X- ? , Rockot
Deployment Sites
Khmel?Nitskiy Derazhnaya
Kozel?sk Kozelsk
Pervomaysk Permovaysk
Tatishchevo Tatishchevo
SS-19/RS-18 in Launch Canister SS-19/RS-18 SS-19/RS-18

Missile Stage 1
SS-17/RS-16 and SS-19/RS-18
UR-200 / SS-X-10 SCRAG
development of a Fractional Orbital Bombardment System. Yangel offered the R-36.
patron.
The UR-200 intercontinental ballistic missile was a two-stage, tandem, cryogenic liquid-
propellant missile with a nominal payload of approximately 7000 lb. With approximately
the same launching weight as the R-16 missile (138.0 T), the UR-200 was designed to
carry a very large payload (3.3 T or 2.7 T depending on the nose cone]. The UR-200 was
unique in that it was the first and only Soviet ICBM for which attitude control during
first-stage flight was provided by hinged/gimbaled engines. The missile was to be surface
and silo launched from former R-16U silos.
Development of the UR-200 was approved on 16 March 1961, to serve simultaneously as

an ICBM and as a space launch vehicle. The UR-200 missile was the first missile to be
developed by the NPO Mashinostroyeniya (OKB-52) under designer V. N. Chelomey. In
November 1963 flight-design tests began at the Baikonur cosmodrome, and a total of
nine launches were conducted, after which the program was terminated. The last flight
test on 20 October 1964, was the only one to the 6,500 nm Pacific test range, and was
apparently successful.
The UR-200 was not deployed operationally. The UR-200 was initiated as a
technologically conservative alternative to the SS-9 SCARP, and used cryogenic liquid
fuel (Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene). The successful development of the storable
hypergolic propellants on the SS-9 rendered this approach obsolete, and in 1965 the
development of the UR-200 missile was cancelled. The exact reasons for terminating the
SS-10 weapon system program are unknown, but are believed to be related to the
probable use of a cryogenic propellant combination and the success of the SS-9 weapon
system.
The UR-200 flight tests were associated with the designation SS-X-10, although Western
intelligence mistakenly associated these flights with the GR-1 missile that was displayed
in parades in Red Square. Although the GR-1 missile had not been flight tested, it was
paraded in Red Square and did receive the US-designation SS-X-10 SCRAG. The GR-1
missile was correctly identified as being a FOBS configuration, although open sources at
the time evidently assumed that the FOBS parading in Red Square and the FOBS
undergoing flight tests were the same system. In fact, the initial FOBS flight tests were
conducted by the competing UR-200 missile. It is unclear when US intelligence
understood that the parade missile and the test missile were two different systems.
Specifications
DIA SS-X-10
NATO N/A
Bilateral N/A
Service UR-200/UR-200B
OKB/Industry 8K81/8K83
Design Bureau OKB-52 , KB Salyut, Acad V.
N. Chelomey
Approved 3/16/1961 & 8/1/1961
IOC Not operational
Deployment Date Not deployed, terminated
1964/1965
Type of Warhead 1
Warheads Single
Yield (Mt) 5 & 15
Payload (t) 2.690 - 3.9 - 4.0
Total length 34.65
Total length w/o warhead 30 – 32
Missile Diameter 3
Diameter of Stabilizers 4.2
Launch Weight (t) 136 -138
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 12000 & 14000
CEP (m) (Russian Sources)
CEP (m) (Western Sources) 1800-5500
Number of Stages 2
Canister length (m)
Canister length w/o
Front meters (m)

Booster guidance system Inertial autonomous with radio
correction
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 16.9 – 19.4 12.9
Body diameter (m) 3 2.2
Fueled weight (t)
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation RD-0203/RD-0204 RD-0206/RD-0207 (8D46)
Main Engines
(8D44/8D45)
Vernier Engine N/A Four Verniers
Designation
Design Bureau OKB-154, Acad. S, OKB-154, Acad. S, A, Kosberg
A, Kosberg
Configuration Cluster of Four One Main Engine and Four
Engine Verniers
Years Of R & D 1961-1964 1961-1964

Fuel UDMH UDMH
Oxidizer (AT) Nitrogen (AT) Nitrogen Tetroxide
Tetroxide
Burning time (sec.)
Main Engine Thrust 50.0/57.0 58.7 Vacuum
Sea Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Vernier Engine Thrust N/A 3.1 Vacuum
Sea Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Total Thrust Sea 200 62.5 - 71.1 Vacuum
Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Specific Impulse Main 278/311 297
Engines (sec.)
Specific Impulse N/A 322 - 326
Vernier engine (sec.)
Basing Mode Soft Site Land Based
Hardness N/.A
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed
Deployment Sites N/A
UR-500 / [PROTON]
On 09 August 1961, Premier Nikita Khrushchev openly threatened the West with a new
and terrifying weapon, the orbital H-bomb. "You do not have 50- or 100-megaton bombs,
we have bombs more powerful than 100 megatons. We placed Gagarin and Titov in
space, and we can replace them with other loads that can be directed to any place on
Earth." Although the US had hypothesized orbital bombs, this was the first public
indication that the Soviets were actively pursuing this course of action. Within a few
months, however, American analysis of the threat diminished its proportions.
Specifications
Mod-1 = 2 Mod-2 = 3 Stages
Stages
DIA SS-LX-? " SS-LX-? FOBS
City Buster"
ICBM
NATO N/A N/A
Bilateral N/A N/A
Service UR-500 UR-500, UR-
500K
OKB/Industry (8K82) (8K82)/(8K82K)
Design Bureau OKB-52 OKB-52 Acad.
Acad. V.N. V.N. Chelomey
Chelomey
Approved 4/24- 4/24- 29/1962
29/1962
Cancellation ICBM ICBM 5/15/1964
5/15/1964
Years of R&D 1961-1965 1961-1967
Engineering 1962-1965 1962-1970
and Testing
First Flight 7/16/1965 11/22/67
Test
IOC N/A N/A
Deployment N/A N/A
Date
Type of 1 1
Warhead
Warheads Single Single
Yield (Mt) 50 – 100 – 30 – 50 (45 –55)
150
(35-45)
Payload (t) 12.2 - 14 14.0 –17.0
Total length 37 – 46.28
(m)
Total length 30.68 44.3
w/o warhead
(m)
Missile 7.4 with 1.6 7.4 with 1.6 strap-
Diameter (m) strap-on on tanks, 4.1 core
tanks, 4.1 tank
core tank
Launch Weight 600 620 - 621.9
(t)
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 10,000 12,000
CEP (m) N/A N/A
(Russian
Sources)
CEP (m) N/A N/A
(Western
Sources)
Basing Mode Hardened Hardened launch
launch complex
complex
Canister length w/o front meters (m) N/A N/A
N/A N/A
Canister diameter (m) N.A N/A
Booster guidance system Inertial Inertial

autonomous autonomous
st
1 stage 2nd stage 3rd. Stage
Length (m) 21.07 – 21.18 Strap-on 14.56 6.857
Tanks 19.9
Body diameter (m) 7.4 With 1.6 Strap-on 4.1 4.1
Tanks, 4.1 Core Tank
Fueled weight (t) 449.8 172.1 46.562
Dry weight (t) 32.5 – 34.5 12.1 4.185
Main Engine RD-253 RD-0208/RD- RD-0210/RD-
Designation (11D48)(11D43) 0209 or 0211 or RD-
(three)RD- 0213/RD-0214
0210/(one)RD-
0211
Vernier Engine N/A N/A RD-0214 Four
Designation Chamber
Vernier Engine
Configuration Cluster of Six Engines Four Engine One Engine
Design Bureau OKB-456, Acad. V. P. OKB- 154 OKB-154,
Glushko Acad. S. A. Acad. S. A.
Kosberg Kosberg
Years of R&D 1961-1965 1961-1964 1961 – 1967
Fuel UDMH UDMH UDMH
Oxidizer N204 = Nitrogen N204 = N204 =
Tetroxide Nitrogen Nitrogen
Tetroxide Tetroxide
Burning time (sec.) 127 - 130 210-230 240
Verniers Thrust Sea N/A ? 3.21 x 4 =
Level/Vacuum 12.8493
(Tonnes) Vacuum
Main engines Thrust 147 – 148.8884 – 233.6 Vacuum 58.4 Vacuum
Sea Level/Vacuum 150.25 / 166.7347
(Tonnes)
Total Thrust Sea 6 x 147 - 150.25 = 4 x 58.4 – 59.4 58.4 – 59.4 +
Level/Vacuum 901.5 = 233.6 12.8493 =
(Tonnes) Vacuum 71.2493
Vacuum
Main Engines Specific 284.9/310.0 326.5 326.5
Impulse Sea
Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Vernier Engine N/A N/A ?
Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Hardness N/A
Test Boosters N/A
Warheads Deployed N/A
Space Booster Variant SL-LX-?,
SL-9/Proton/D, Proton 1-3B
SL-12/Proton K, Zond, (UR-500L1),
Lunar, Venera, Mars,
SL-13/Proton K, Proton-4, Salyut, Mir,

Proton-K
N/A N/A
RT-1 ICBM
Specifications
DIA
NATO
Bilateral
Service RT-1 RT-1-63
OKB/Industry (8k95-63) (8K95-1963)
Design Bureau OKB-1, Acad. OKB-1, Acad.
S. P. Korolev S. P. Korolev
Approved 11-20-59 11-20-59
Years of R&D 1958/59 -1962 1962,-
1963/1964
Engineering and Testing 1960 –1963 1962 -1963
First Flight Test 04/28/1962 9-11/ /1965, 2
failure failures one
3/18/1963 success
success cancelled
cancelled
IOC N/A N/A
Deployment Date N/A N/A
Warheads 1 1
Yield (Mt) 0.5 -1.0 0.6 -1.0
Payload (t) 0.5 - 0.8 0.8
Total length (m) 18.0 18.3
Total length w/o warhead (m)
Missile Diameter (m) 2.0 2.0
Launch Weight (t) 35.5-36.0 (34) 34 –35.5
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 1,850-2,000 2,400-2,500
CEP (m) Western Sources)
Canister length (m)
Canister length w/o
front meters (m)

Booster guidance system Inertial Inertial
st
1 stage 2 stage 3rd Stage
nd
Length (m) 4.6-4.8 3.9-4.0 2.8

Body diameter (m) 1.6 x 4 1.5 x 4 1.4
Fueled weight (t)
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation
configuration
Design Bureau
Years of R & D
Propellants Solid Propellant Solid Solid
Propellant Propellant
Fuel Solid Propellant Solid Solid
Oxidizer Solid Propellant Solid Solid
Burning time (sec.) 30 17.5 -30 30 - 42
-
32
Thrust Sea Level/Vacuum 100 51 25
(Tonnes)
Specific Impulse Sea 204 223
Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Basing Mode N/A
Hardness
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites 0
RT-2 - SS-13 SAVAGE
The RT-2 is a three-stage missile with sequentially arranged stages and a single reentry
vehicle. According to Western estimates, the missile was capable of delivering a 1200 lb
reentry vehicle to a maximum operational range of 5500 nm with a CEP in the range of
0.7 to 1.0 nm. The three sustainer stages, using solid-propellant motors, were connected
by trellised trusses. Four trellised aerodynamic stabilizers were used to stabilize the
missile during the active trajectory leg. The flight control was implemented with the help
of four split nozzles. With a nose cone of 500 kg it had a maximum range of 10,000-
12,000 km, which was reduced to 4,000-5,000 km when employing a heavier nose cone
of 1,400 kg. The guidance/control system incorporated a gyro-stabilized platform with
floating gyros and pendulous accelerometers.
Three variants of the SS-13 reentry vehicle have been identified. The Mod 1 variant had a
ballistic coefficient of approximately 300 lb per sq ft and a CEP assessed in the West of
about 1.0 nm. The Mod 2 has a ballistic coefficient of approximately 730 lb per sq ft and
a CEP assessed at about 0.7 nm. Both had a yield in the range 0.6 to 1.5 MT, according to
Western sources.
The system was deployed in hardened and dispersed unmanned silos. Silo and launch
control hardness was estimated by Western sources at 1300 psi overpressure. Because of
the heavy weight of the missile it was transported in parts. The first stage was separated
from the second and third stage. The assembly of a missile was directly carried out in the
silo. The silo door was sealed and the ensuing special climate conditions in the silo
guaranteed an extended storage of the solid-propellant. The missile launch was effected
through a new technique that was essentially the breadboard of a subsequently used
method called "mortar launch". Water was poured into the bottom of the launch canister,
while in the tail unit of the missile a shroud provided for isolation. During the ignition of
the first sustainer stage the steam that formed underneath the missile popped the missile
out of the silo. The readiness for missile firing was 3-5 minutes.
A railway based version of the RT-2 missile was also studied, but the project never
advanced beyond the preliminary design phase.
The task of developing a solid-fuel missiles with a range of 10-12 thousand kilometers
was approved by the ministerial Council on 20 November 1959, with Korolev's OKB-1
in charge of carrying out the design.
The development of this ICBM was scheduled to be conducted in two separate phases.
The first phase provided for the development of a missile designated as RT-1 with a
range of 2500-3000 kms using solid fuel. The RT-1 missile was developed and
underwent flight test but was not deployed. With a launch weight of 35.5 T and a payload
of 800 kg it had a limited range of only 2,000 km, the same as the R-12.
The preliminary design of the RT-2 missile was finished in 1963. The flight tests were
conducted in two phases from February 1966 through November 1968. It was first
detected by Western intelligence during a 1,050 nm short-range flight test on 26 February
1966. During the first phase of tests, from February through July 1966, seven successful
launches from the test site in Kapustin Yar were carried out. The missiles were launched
from adapted silos and the nose cones were successfully deployed. During the second test
phase between 03 October 1966 and 04 November 4, a total of 16 successful missile
firings out of a total of 25 launches took place on the test site in Plesetsk. A total of 21 of
the 25 missiles were tested on an intermediate range basis with the nose cone falling on a
training site on Kamchatka and four were tested on maximum range with the nose cone
falling into the Pacific Ocean.
On 18 December 1968 deployment of the RT-2 missile began. According to Western

estimates, the initial operational capability was probably achieved in 1969. Maximum
deployment was reached in 1972. The missile deployment areas of missiles RT-2 were
organized in area of Yoshkar Ola. Despite the hardness of the silos and the relative
simplicity of operation, the operational capabilities of the RT-2 were limited due to a
small throw-weight and the short operational lifetime of the solid-propellant motors.
These characteristics limited the deployment to only 60 RT-2 missiles.
In 1968 the development of a modernized version with a sophisticated control system and
countermeasures for overcoming an ABM system was undertaken by KB Arsenal. The
missile received the designation RT-2P. The flight tests RT-2P were conducted from
December 1969 tthrough January 1972, and on 28 December 1972 the first missiles were
deployed.
In 1974 the RT-2M variant was deployed. This system was developed by Nadiradize,
which finally took over the program in 1973.
The expected service time of the RT-2 and RT-2Ps were estimated to be 10 years.
Periodic static tests of motors on firing stands which were carried out after extended
storage allowed an extension of the time the missiles could remain in service. The
missiles remained in service for more than twenty years, and were phased out by the
middle of 1996. Some have been replaced by the "Topol" missile.
Specifications
Mod-1 Mod-2 Mod-3
NATO Savage Savage Savage
Bilateral RS-12 RS-12 RS-12
Service RT-2 RT-2P RT-2M
OKB/Industry 8K98 8K98P 8K98M
Design Bureau OKB-1, Acad. OKB-1 Acad. TsKB-7,
S. P. Korolev S. P. Korolev Arsenal,
& TsKB-7, Acad. A. D.
Arsenal, Acad. Nadiradize
A. D. which finally
Nadiradize took over in
which finally 1973
took over in
1973
Approved 04/04/1961 12/18/1968
Years of R&D 1958-68 1969-72
Engineering and 1966-68 1969-72
Testing
IRBM &
11/4/1966
ICBM
IOC 7-1-1969 1972
Deployment Date 12/18/1968 12/28/1972 1974
Type of Warhead Single Single Single
Warheads 1 1 1
Yield (Mt) 0.75-1.0 0.75-1.65 .466-.467
Russian Sources
Yield (Mt) 0.6-1.5 0.6-1.5
Western Sources
Payload (t) 0.545 0.6-1.4 0.5- 1.0
Total length (m) 21.27 21.265 21.13
Total length w/o 19.7 19.66 ? 19.7 19.8
warhead (m)
Missile Diameter (m) 1.95 1.95, 2.0
Diameter of Stabilizers 3.618 3.618 3.618
(m)
Launch Weight (t) 46.1 ? 51 51.6 ? 51.9 50
Fuel Weight (t) 43.9 43.9
Range (km) 9,400 ? 9,500 10,000-10,200 10,000
CEP (m) (Russian 1,800 - 2,000 1,300 ?1,500 1,500 - 1,800
Sources)
CEP (m) (Western 1,850 - 2,000 1,500 ?1800
Sources)
Number of Stages 3
Canister length w/o front meters (m) N/A
Mod1 Mod2 Mod3 Mod1 Mod2 Mod3 Mod1 Mod2 Mod3
Length (m) 8.7 9.2 9.2- 4.74 5.08 4.8 3.827 5.45 4.5-4.7
9.5
Body diameter (m) 1.84 1.84 1.9 1.49 1.49 1.5 0.98- 0.98- 1.0
1.06 1.06
Fueled weight (t) 34.55 34.55 35 9.6 11.28 3,5 4.64 ?
Dry weight (t) 30.67- 30.8 9.78 3.6 ?

30.8
Solid Motor 15D23 15D23P 15D24 15D24P1 15D25 15D94 15D31/94

Designation
Propellants- Solid Solid Solid Solid Solid Solid Solid Solid Solid Solid
Propellants
Burning time 75.37 75.37 59 60.6 45-46 49
Solid Motor Thrust 91 100 44 44.6 - 22 18

Sea 44.77
Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Specific Impulse 237 / 269.5 271

(sec) 263
Basing Mode Silo
Hardness 1290 psi/LCC at 1430 psi
Launching Mode Hot
Deployed boosters 40
Test Boosters 8
Warheads Deployed 40
Deployment Sites
SS-13/RS-12 Emplacement SS-13/RS-12, Stage 1 SS-13/RS-12, Stages 2 and 3 as a

Equipment Unit
RT-20P / SS-15 SCROOGE
The RT-20P missile was the first Soviet mobile ICBM, although Western sources
generally viewed the SS-X-15 as a theater-range ballistic missile. Western intelligence
correctly determined that the missile had a storable liquid-propellant second stage, but
uncertainty remained as to whether the first stage used either a liquid or solid propellants.
Western sources were also puzzled as to whether the missile was a two- or three-stage
system.
The RT-20P was a two-stage missile which was unique in using dis-similar solid and
liquid propellants in the first and second stages -- the first stage used solid propellant
while the second stage used liquid propellants. The engine of the first stage featured four
rotating nozzles to conduct flight control. The second stage had a single chambered
sustainer using asymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetraoxide. The flight
control of the missile was attained by injecting spent turbine gas into the diverging part of
the four sustainer nozzle.
With a launch weight of 30.2 tons, according to Russian sources the missile could either
carry a payload of 545 kg delivering a single warhead with a yield of 550 Kt up to 11,000
km, or a payload of 1410 kg and a 1.5 Mt warhead up to 8,000 km. Western sources
believed that the missile was capable of delivering a 1000-lb reentry vehicle to a range of
5,300 nm with a CEP of 1.0 to 1.5 nm.
During the development of the RT-20P three different basing modes were considered:
road-mobile, railway and silo, but only the road-mobile basing mode was actually
developed realized. The missile was placed in a transport-launch canister and fired from a
automotive launcher created on the basis of a heavy T-YUM tank. The launch from the
container was conducted using the mortar launch technique.
A new command structure substantially increased the time the missile could be
maintained in an operational mode. The missile had an inertial guidance system, and the
application of new high-precision gyroscopic devices allowed improved accuracy.
Additionally, an improved capability for remote input of mission data implemented.
The missile was designed by KB Yuzhnoye (OKB-586) which finished the design in
December 1964. On 24 August 1965 its development was officially approved. Although
the missile was first displayed in the Moscow parade of November 1965, the flight test
program did not begin until October 1967. Apparently the first test associated by Western
intelligence with this program was detected on 12 February 1968. This test was a failure.
A total of nine test launches were conducted from the Plesetsk test site. After a total of
eight detected flight tests, the program apparently was abandoned following a successful
flight on 07 August 1967. The development of the RT-20P missile was officially halted
in October 1969, and the SS-X-15 was not deployed operationally.
Specifications
DIA SS-X-15 (SS-XZ-15)
NATO Scrooge
Bilateral
Service RT-20P
RT-20PII - silo version
OKB/Industry 8K99 (15II696)
Approved 8/24/1965
Engineering and Testing 1963-1967/69
First Flight Test 10/1967
IOC 1969
Deployment Date Not deployed 10/__/1969
Warheads 1
Yield (Mt) 0.5 or 1.5
Payload (t) 0.545 or 1.410
(m)
Launch Weight (t) 30-30.2
Range (km) 11000 or 7000-8000
CEP (m) (Russian 2000-4000
Sources)
CEP (m) (Western 600-1800
Sources)
Number of Stages 2
Canister length w/o front meters (m) NA
Canister diameter (m) 2
Booster guidance system
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 6.12 8.4
Fueled weight (t) 16.7 8.9
Dry weight (t)
Liquid Engine N/A RD-857 (15D12) (8K94)
Designation
Solid Motor RDTT 15D15 N/A
Designation
Design Bureau Acad. M. K. Yangel
Years of R&D 1963-1967 terminated
Propellants Solid Liquid Storable
Fuel N/A UDMH
Oxidizer N/A AT=AK-27P, N204, Nitrogen
Tetrioxide
Burning time (sec.) 210 + 5
Thrust Sea Level / 60 114-115
Vacuum (Tonnes)
Specific Impulse Sea ? 329.5 vacuum
Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Basing Mode Ground mobile & silo concept (SLBM?)
Hardness
Launching Technique Cold
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant NA
RT-21 / SS-16 SINNER
The "Temp-2S" missile was the first attempt to develop a mobile ICBM. that received the
western designations SS-X-16 Sinner, According to Western assessments, the SS-16
probably was intended originally for both silo and mobile deployment, using equipment
and a basing arrangement comparable to that used with the SS-20. The RT-21/SS-16
intercontinental ballistic missile is a three-stage, tandem, solid-propellant missile with a
post-boost vehicle (PBV) operating after third-stage burnout. The SS-16 is 65 feet long
and 6 1/2 feet in diameter. Although equipped with the same bus system as the SS-20
mobile missile, the SS-16 was never tested in a MIRV configuration.
The Temp-2S was a three-stage solid-propellant missile with an autonomous inertial

guidance/control system. It was started from a transport launch canister. The container
was installed on the mobile launcher on a wheel landing gear. With a launching weight of
44 tons the rocket could deliver a payload of 940 kg to a maximum range of 9,000 km
according to Russian sources. It carried a single warhead with a yield of 0.65-1.5 Mt and
a CEP of 450 m to 1640 m according to Russian sources. The missile was assessed by
Western intelligence to be capable of delivering a throw-weight of about 2,100 lb to a
range of 5,000 nm, with the PBV providing the capability for an additional range
increment of about 500 nm for the 1,000-lb class reentry vehicle known to have been
tested. The missile used an inertial guidance system providing a CEP assessed by
Western intelligence to be about 0.4 nm.
The development of the missile began with a decree of the Ministerial Council on 10 July
1969. The main developer was the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology under its
chief designer A. D. Nadiradzye. The flight tests of the "Temp- 2S" began on 14 March
1972, which was detected by Western intelligence. Through the end of1974 a total of 26
missile launches were conducted on the training site in Plesetsk. The last missile firing
that took place in April 1976 ended in failure.
According to Russian sources the SS-16 Temp-2S was not introduced into the operational
inventory, although Russian sources affirm that the first two rocket regiments equipped
with the "Temp-2S" were put on alert on 21 February 1976. According to Western
estimates, the SS-16 was deployed beginning in 1978. According to Western sources, at
the time of the signing of the SALT II Treaty in June 1979 as many as 200 missiles had
been built, of which as many as 60 were stored on the test training site in Plesetsk.
According to Western data by the middle of 1978 as many as 50 missiles could have been
deployed in Plesetsk. As of 1983 the American assessment was that available information
did not allow a conclusive judgment on whether the Soviets deployed the SS-16, but did
indicate probable deployment.
The Soviet Union agreed in SALT II not to produce, test, or deploy ICBMs of the SS-16
type and, in particular, not to produce the SS-16 third stage, the RV or the appropriate
device for targeting the RV of that missile. The missile appeared to share a number of
components with the Soviet SS-20, an intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM). As
the Parties had agreed that land-based launchers of ballistic missiles which are not
ICBMs should not be converted into launchers of ICBMs, the United States sought this
ban on the SS-16 in order to prevent verification problems which might have arisen if the
SS-16 program had gone forward, since in that case distinguishing between SS-16 and
SS-20 deployments would have been very difficult. In 1985 the US government
determined that somewhat ambiguous evidence indicated that the SS-16 activities at
Plesetsk were a probable violation of SALT II, which banned SS-16 deployment.
By 1985 all supporting equipment had been removed from the training sites and the INF-
Treaty finally ruled out the deployment of the SS-X-16.
Specifications
DIA SS-16
NATO Sinner
Bilateral RS-14
Service RS-14/Temp-2S
OKB/Industry 15Zh42
Design Bureau (MIT) Moscow Institute of Thermal
Technology, NII-1, Acad. A. D.
Nadiradze
Approved 3/6/1966 - 3/ 4/1966 IRBM, 7/10/1969
officially
IOC 2/21/1976, Halted in 1977
Late 1975 - US Estimate
Warheads 1
Yield (Mt) 0.65-1.500
Payload (t) 0.940
(m)
Launch Weight (t) 41.5 - 44.2
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 9,200-10,500
CEP (m) (Russian 450-1,640
Sources)
CEP (m) (Western 360-480
Sources)
Number of Stages 3
Canister length w/o
front meters (m)
1st stage 2nd stage 3rd stage Bus

Stage
Length (m) 8.58 4.4 3.9
Fueled weight (t) 26.63 8.7 8.7
Dry weight (t)
Solid Motor
Designation
Propellants Solid Solid Propellant Solid

Burning time (sec.)
Solid Motor Thrust Sea

Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Specific Impulse Sea Vacuum Vacuum

Level/Vacuum (Sec.)
Basing Mode Ground mobile
Hardness
Launching Technique Mortar Cold Launch
Deployed boosters
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed
Deployment Sites
Training Launchers
RT-2PM - SS-25 SICKLE
Approximately the size of the U.S. Minuteman ICBM, the SS-25 carries a single-warhead
atop a three stage system. The SS-25 is road mobile, making the missile inherently
survivable and capable of reload/refire operations. It can fire from field deployment sites
or through the sliding roof garage it occupies at its base. The SS-25 joined operational
Soviet SRF regiments in 1985. A total area of approximately 190,000 square kilometers
could be required to deploy a force consisting of 500 road-mobile SS-25 ICBMs. A much
higher number of personnel for the maintenance of the mobile versions than for the fixed
missiles, and the maintenance and operation of mobile ICBMs are significantly more
expensive.
The three stage solid propellant RT-2PM Topol became the first Soviet mobile ICBM. It
was deployed after almost two decades of unsuccessful attempts undertaken by different
design bureaus. It emerged from the line of development of mobile missiles such as the
SS-X-16 Temp-2S and the 'SS-20 Pioneer, and was deployed as a replacement for the
widely deployed SS-11 SEGO.
All three stages are made of composite materials. During the first stage operation the
flight control is implemented through four aerodynamic and four jet vanes. Four similar
trellised aerodynamic surfaces serve for stabilization. During the second and third stage
of flight gas is injected into the diverging part of the nozzle.With a throw-weight of 1000
kg the "Topol" carries a single warhead with a yield of 550 Kt and an accuracy (CEP) of
900m according to Russian sources [or 300m according to Western sources].
The missile is deployed in a transport-launch canister stationed on a mobile launch

vehicle. The Transporter Erector Launcher is mounted on cross-country 7-axle chassis
which incorprates jacks, gas and hydraulic drives and cylinders, with a power of several
hundred tons, for jacking and leveling of the launcher, speeded up (combat) and slowed
down (maintenance) elevation of the container with the missile to the vertical position.
The TEL is accompanied by a Mobile command post, which carries support facilities
mounted on cross-country 4-axle chassis with unified vans. The complex is equipped
with an onboard inertial navigation system which provides a capability to conduct the
launch independently from its field deployment sites. This topo-geodesic support and
navigation subsystem, created by the “Signal” Research Institute, provides a quick and
highly precise tie-in of the launcher in a field position and enables its crew to carry out
missile launches from any combat patrol route point. The launch can also be carried out
at regimental bases from the garrison garage, which has a sliding roof.
The order to begin the development of this missile was approved on July 19, 1977 and
carried out by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology headed by A. D. Nadiradzye.
The flight tests were conducted on the Plesetsk test site from 08 February through 23
December 1985. During this period the battle management system constituted the main
problem that had to be resolved. After the first test series was successfully conducted in
April 1985, the first regiment with Topol missiles was put on 23 July 1985. Through this
time work on improving the battle management system continued. The first regiment
with "Topol"-missiles employing a modernized mobile command center (in area the of
Irkutsk) were put on alert on 27 May 1988. The test missile firings were finally
completed on 23 December 1987.
At the time of the signing of the Start-1 treaty in 1991 the Soviet Union had deployed
some 288 Topol missiles. Deployment continued, and at the end of 1996 a total of 360
Topol missiles were deployed.
The Topol missile was deployed at previously developed deployment sites. After the
INF-Treaty was signed in 1987 several SS-20 Pioneer deployment sites were adapted for
the SS-25 Topol missiles. The United States expressed specific concerns during the INF
treaty negotiations. When the SS-25 missile system was deployed in the field, with its
missile inside the canister and mounted on the launcher, the US contended that the
canister might conceal an SS-20 missile. The one distinguishing characteristic between
the two systems, US treaty negotiators argued, was that the SS-25 had a single nuclear
warhead, while the SS-20 had three warheads. After considerable discussion, the Soviet
Union agreed to a provision in the treaty allowing the inspecting party the right to use
radiation detection equipment to measure the fast neutron intensity flux emanating from
the launch canister. A launch canister with a missile inside containing a single warhead
(SS-25) emitted a different pattern of fast neutrons than did one with a missile having
three warheads (SS-20). In the Memorandum of Agreement of 21 December 1989, the
USSR and the U.S. agreed on procedures on how measurements would be taken during
an on-site inspection.
As the provisions of the SALT-2 agreement prohibited the deployment of more than one
new missile (which became RT-23UTTh), it was officially declared by the Soviet Union
that the SS-25 Topol was developed to upgrade the silo based SS-13 RT-2P. The US
government disputed this view, contending that the missile was clearly more than 5%
larger and had twice the throw-weight as the SS-13.
An SS-25 with two MIRVs may have been tested in 1991, and the missile was tested at
least once with four MIRV warheads, but no further development of a mutiple warhead
version was carried out. This became an issue during the conclusion of the 1991 START
negotiations, at which time the US pressed for a definition of "downloading" (removing
warheads from missiles) that would complicate any Soviet attempt suddenly to deploy
multiple warheads on the SS-25.
Russia plans to to reequip approximately 400 silos in which obsolete SS-11, SS-13 and
SS-17 missiles are located. Under the START-II Treaty Russia is permitted to place 90
single- warhead solid fuel missiles in reequipped SS-18 ICBM silos. On-site inspection
of SS-18 heavy ICBM silo conversions, to guard against a break-out scenario involving
speedy reconversion of SS-18 silos, is one particularly important aspect of START II
verification in accordance with the Protocol on Procedures Governing Elimination of
Heavy ICBMs and on Procedures Governing Conversion of Silo Launchers of Heavy
ICBMs. US inspectors could either physically witness the pouring of the five meters of
concrete in the bottom of the silo or measure silo depth before and after the concrete was
poured. Although the Treaty prohibits emplacement in such converted silos of a missile
with a launch canister greater than 2.5 meters in diameter, and the Russians have
undertaken a political commitment to deploy in these converted launchers only a single-
warhead ICBMs of the SS-25 type, the possibility exists that Russia could further modify
the converted SS-18 silos to enable them to launch a different missile than the one
declared.
The breakup of the Soviet Union had a significant impact on the Topol program. The
Minsk Wheeled Truck-Tractor Manufacturing Plant [MAZ] in Belarus manufactured the
missiles' transporter launchers, and some 90% of the components of the guidance system
were manufactured in Ukraine.
In Belarus, as of December 1995, 63 SS-25 ICBMs originally deployed there had been
returned to Russia. As of December 1995, Belarus had two operational SS-25 mobile
ICBM regiments remaining on its territory, with a total of 18 nuclear warheads. In July
1992, Belarus signed an agreement with Russia placing the regiments under exclusive
Russian control. In September 1993, Moscow and Minsk signed an agreement requiring
the return of these nuclear missiles and all related missile support equipment to Russia by
the end of 1996. A total of 81 SS-25 ICBMs and associated warheads were returned to
Russia from Belarus.
By the late 1990s the lack of resources and qualified personnel forced the Russian Navy
to cut back operations considerably, with no more than one or two regiments of the
mobile SS-25 missiles dispersed in the field. The remaining 40 or so regiments, each with
nine single-warhead missiles, remain in garrison.
Specifications
DIA PL-5 & SS-25
NATO Sickle
Bilateral RS-12M
Service RT-2PM/Topol
OKB/Industry 15Zh58
Design Bureau (MIT) Moscow Institute of Thermal
Technology, Acad. A. D.
Nadiradze
Approved 7/19/1977
First Flight test 10/27/1982 failure, 2/8/1983
success
IOC 7/23/1985 authorized, 8/2/1985
operational
Warheads 1
Yield (Mt) 0.550
Payload (kg) 1,000 ? 1,200
Total length (m) 20.5 - 21.5
Total length w/o warhead (m) 18.5
Launch Weight (t) 45.1
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 10,500
CEP (m) (Russian Sources) 900
Number of Stages 3
Canister length w/o front 20.0
Meters (m)
1st stage 2nd stage 3rd stage 4th.

Stage
Bus
Length (m) 8.1 4.6 3.9 2.1
Body diameter (m) 1.86 1.55 1.34 0.8
Dry weight (t)
Solid Motor
Designation

Propellant
Burning time (sec.)

Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)

Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Basing Mode Road-Mobile/Silo

Launch Technique Mortor/Cold
Test Boosters 5
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant START-1
Deployment Sites
Irkutsk
Kansk
Lida
Mozyr?
Nizhniy Tagil Verknyaya Salda
Teykovo Teykovo
Yur?ya Yurya
SS-25/RS-12M Launch- SS-25/RS-12M
in Launch Associated Road-Mobile
Canister Support Launcher
Vehicle Version A
SS-25/RS-12M
Road-Mobile SS-25/RS-12M SS-25/RS-12M Road-Mobile
Launcher Road-Mobile Launcher
Version B Launcher Version B
Version A with Missile
with Missile
SS-25/RS-12M, Stage 1 Driver Training Vehicle 1.0 Driver Training Vehicle 1.1
Fixed Structure for Road-Mobile

Launchers
RT-2UTTH - Topol-M
SS-27
The single-warhead RT-2UTTH Topol-M is an advanced version of
the silo-based and mobile Topol intercontinental ballistic missile.
The SS-25 Topol is generally similar to the American Minuteman-2,
while the more sophisticated SS-27 Topol-M is comparable to the
American Minuteman-3. The Topol-M is 22.7 meters (75 feet) long
and has a diameter of 1.95 meters (6 feet 3 inches). The missile
weighs 47.2 metric tons and has a range of 11,000 kilometers (6,900
miles). The solid-propellant three-stage Topol-M missile complex,
with a standardized (silo and mobile) missile, is to become the
foundation of the Russian strategic nuclear forces in the 21st
century. It is planned to accommodate Topol-M both on self-
propelled launchers as well as in silos. High survivability of the
mobile complex is achieved by the capability of offroad movement,
of a continuous change in location and of a missile launch from any
point along the movement route.
The Moscow Institute of Heat Engineering (MIT) State Enterprise is
the only plant in Russia building such missiles today. The
modernized 45-ton Topol-M is the first strategic missile to be built
by Russia without the participation of Ukraine and CIS countries.
The first test firing of a Topol-M took place on December 20, 1994.
The flight and design testing of the Topol-M was successfully
completed in 1995, and joint flight-testing is continuing, leading to a
decision to commence series production. All the launches have been a success, but large-
scale serial production has not started due to a shortage of funds. On 08 July 1997 the
fourth launch of a Topol-M ICBM was successfully made from the Strategic Missile
Forces' Plesetsk State Test Site within the framework of joint flight-testing. The eighth
test of the Topol-M missile was conducted on 03 September 1999. The missile was
launched from Plesetsk, north of Moscow, and landed at the Kura testing site on
Kamchatka. On 10 February 2000 Russia successfully completed the tenth test flight of
the Topol-M. The missile was launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome to a target at the
military base in Kura, on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian far east, 8,000
kilometers away. On 27 September 2000 Russia test-fired another Topol-M, sending the
SS-27 on a 4,000-mile flight from the Arctic base of Plesetsk in northern Russia to its
intended target in the Russian Far East. In this 12th test, the missile was fired from a
mobile launcher, rather than from a silo. It was the second SS-27 missile test in two days.
Topol-M silo lid
Work on the new Topol-M ICBM is lagging seriously behind the initial timetable.
Defense state order financing for the next decade provides that by 2003 there will be on
the order of 250-300 Topol-M missiles in service. A total of 1.5 trillion [old] rubles were
included in the 1997 budget for the development of the Topol-M missile complex. The
Russian Missile Troops are permitted to have 300 Topol RS-12M mobile missiles under
the START II Treaty, and the RVSN must acquire two Topol-M regiments annually up to
2001, which will cost 3.7 billion new rubles. The Strategic Missile Force plans to deploy
mobile Topol-M missile systems at the end of 2002 or early in 2003. A total of R700
billion would be required to place 450 Topol-M missiles in service by 2005 to maintain
parity under START II. But the present 55 percent funding will permit production of at
the very most 10-15 missiles at this facility each year year. As a result the Strategic
Missile Troops would have a total of approximately 350-400 ICBM warheads, not the
800-900 which are permited within the framework of the START II Treaty. On 15 April
1998 Acting Prime Minister Sergey Kiriyenko approved a schedule of monthly budget
appropriations for the Topol-M, which he noted would make up the core of Russia's
strategic nuclear forces.
In December 1997 after four test launches, the first two Topol-M systems were put on
alert for a trial period with the Taman Division at Tatischevo in the Saratov region. As of
late July 1998 two more Topol-M launch sites were completed and were awaiting
acceptance trials. Russia put a regiment of 10 Topol-M missiles on duty in 1998. By that
time the Strategic Rocket Forces had carried out 6 successful test launches. A second
regiment of another 10 missiles entered service in December 1999. A third regiment, of
10 Topol-M missiles will be deployed in 2000.
The Topol-M missile system is being commissioned in the Russian strategic nuclear
forces' grouping regardless of whether heavy missiles are stood down from combat alert
duty or not. It is intended that the Topol-M ICBM grouping will comprise an equal
number of mobile and silo-launched missiles. Some 90 of the 360 launch silos vacated by
the RS-20 ICBM's, which are being stood down from combat alert duty, need to be
converted for the latter. Apart from Saratov Oblast the Topol-M systems will be deployed
in Valday, the southern Urals, and the Altay.
The START II strategic arms reduction treaty, signed with the United States in 1993 but
not yet ratified by Russia's parliament, calls for Russia to replace its SS-18 missiles,
which have multiple warheads, with single warhead missiles such as the Topol-M.
Although deployed with a single warhead, the Topol-M could be converted into a
multiple-warhead missile, which was prohibited by the START II treaty. Topol-M could
carry at least three and perhaps as many as six warheads. The Topol-M missiles could be
transformed into missiles with multiple reentry vehicles [MIRV's], since their throw
weight allows accommodating 3-4 warheads on a missile. The warheads could be taken
from some of those ground-based and naval missiles which will be withdrawn from the
order of battle in coming years. The Topol-M can carry a maneuverable warhead, which
was tested in the summer of 1998. Topol-M also has a shorter engine-burn time, to
minimize satellite detection on launch.
Specifications
DIA SS-27, SS-X-29, SS-25B
NATO
Bilateral RS-12M2
Service RT-2PM2, RT-2PM-OS
OKB/Industry 15Zh??
Design Bureau (MIT)Moscow Institute of Thermal
Technology
Approved 2/ /1993
Years of R&D 1993 - 1997
Engineering and Testing 1994 - 1997
IOC 1997
Warheads 1
Yield (Mt)
Payload (kg) 1,000 - 1,200
Missile Diameter (m) 1.86 - 1.95
Launch Weight (t) 47.2 - 47.21
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 10,000 -10,500
CEP (m) (Western Sources) 350+
Number of Stages 3
Canister length (m) 21,2 - 23.0
Canister length w/o 19.44
front meters (m)
1st stage 2nd stage 3rd stage 4th.

BUS
Length (m) 8.04?
Body diameter (m) 1.86 - 1.95 1.61 1.58
Dry weight (t)
Design Bureau for the MIT, NPO MIT, NPO MIT, NPO
Solid Motors Soyuz Soyuz Soyuz
Engine Designation

Burning time (s)

Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Specific Impulse (m/s)

Basing Mode Silo/Ground mobile
Hardness
Launching Technique
Deployed boosters
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed
Deployment Sites
Training Launchers
RT-23 / SS-24 SCALPEL
Comparable in size and concept to the US Peacekeeper, the SS-24 is cold-launched with
10 warheads. The missile is deployed both as rail-mobile and silo-based. The silo-based
SS-24 was intended to replace the SS-19 Stilletto in the Russian strategic inventory. The
SS-24 rail missile systems is subject to elimination under the provisions of the START-II
Treaty.
The RT-23UTTh is a solid-propellant missile with three stages within a constant diameter
body. The first stage of the silo-based missile uses a rotating nozzle, whereas the
railway–based version is equipped with a fixed nozzle partially inserted in the motor
combustion chamber. The engines of the second and third stages deploy extendable
nozzles during flight to increase the motor's specific impulse without the need to increase
of the overall dimensions of the missile. During the first stage flight control is attained
through deflection of the sustainer nozzle, and during the second and third stage by
deflecting the combat stage and by fairing-mounted aerodynamic vanes.
Both silo-based and rail-mobile missiles have an autonomous inertial guidance system
using an onboard digital computer. The silo-based system uses a two-package block of
control instruments made of radiation-resistant electronic elements. The railway-based
missile has only one-package block of control instruments.
A total of 10 warheads [each with a yield of 550 KT], a post-boost vehicle with a
guidance/control system and a propulsion system are inside the nose cone. The
guidance/control system provides a CEP of 500 meters according to unofficial Russian
estimates, which gives the missile a hard-target-kill capability. The missile is deployed in
a transport-launching canister from which it is launched through the mortar start
technique. To conduct a railway launch the sliding roof of the car opens, the container is
erected and the missile is launched with the help of a solid propellant gas generator. The
missile can be launched from any point of the route.
The length of the two versions are the missile were determined by the dimensions of the
silo or the railway launcher. The silo-based missile therefore has a nose cone tip flap that
is activated when the launch is initiated while the railroad based missile has a folded nose
cone that is extended when the launch is conducted.
The creation of the RT-23 UTTh was the culmination of a long-term effort to create a
solid-propellant ICBM for multiple basing modes which was initiated on 13 January
1969.
 15Zh44 - SS-24 PL-4 The difficulties with which the developing institute KB
Yuzhnoye (OKB-586) was confronted during the development of the railway-
based SS-24 led to a redefinition of the task on 23 July 1976. Only a silo-launched
version of the RT-23 was considered. The preliminary design was completed in
March 1977 but it was considered unsatisfactory, and in December 1979 a second
design with an improved propulsion system and a front end was finished. The new
design provided using reentry vehicles that were identical to that of the R-36M /
SS-18 missile. The suspended activities to build a railway based RT-23 (15Zh52)
missile were resumed, and this design was finished in June 1980. The flight-
design tests of the silo-launched RT-23 (15Zh44) began on 26 October 1982. As a
result of several failures during the flight-tests, this version was cancelled on 10
February 1983 by the Soviet Defense Ministry.
 15Zh52 - SS-24 Mod-0 On 09 August 1983 a further effort to develop a silo,
railway and road-mobile missile designated as RT-23UTTh was approved, but the
road-mobile stationing mode was subsequently abandoned. The tests of the
railway based RT-23 (15Zh52) were successfully completed in April 1985, and in
November 1987 it was experimentally adopted.
 15Zh61 - SS-24 Mod-1 The RT-23UTTh tests of the railroad SS-24 Mod-1
version (15Zh61) that is almost identical to the 15Zh52 began on 27 February
1985 and were finished in December 1987 The deployment of these missiles
started on 28 November 1989, and the first regiment with railroad-based missiles
was put on alert on 20 October 1987. Altogether 36 railway-based RT-23UTTh
missiles were initially deployed. They were deployed in three garrison areas: 12
launchers at Kostroma (400 km east of Moscow), 9 launchers at Bershet (1,250
km east of Moscow), and 12 launchers at Krasnoyarsk in Siberia. The Military
Railroad Missile Complex (Boyevoy Zheleznyy Raketnyy Kompleks BZhRK)
consists of three launch cars [each with a single missile], a command and control
car, cars for personnel, and several diesel locomotives. The rail-mobile version
could operate on any Soviet rail line that was unobstructed by overhead electrical
power lines, a total of 145,000 km of track.
 15Zh60 - SS-24 Mod-2 The silo-based version (15Zh60) known as SS-24 Mod-1
was tested from 31 July 1986 through November 1988. The deployment of these
missiles in silos formerly occupied by SS-17 Sego ICBMs, started on 28
November 1989, and the first regiment of silo-based missiles was activated on 19
August 1988. Altogether 56 silo-based RT-23UTTh missiles were initially
deployed, with 10 at Tatishchevo in Russia and 46 at Pervomaysk in Ukraine.
The US Defense Department stated in September 1991 that production had ended with
approximately 90 missiles deployed. A total of 46 silo-based RT-23UTTh missiles
located in Ukraine were phased out and dismantled in compliance with the provisions of
the START-1 treaty. They were denuclearised and their warheads have been transferred
to Russia. By 1994 most of the rail-mobile systems remained in garrison due to lack of
funding. By April 1997 10 silo-based and 36 railway based RT23-UTTh missiles were
still deployed on Russian territory. Following Russian ratifiication of the START-2 treaty
in early 2000, all RT-23 UTTh missiles are subject to dismantling.
With the breakupof the Soviet Union in 1991, most design and production facilities for
the SS-24 belonged to Ukraine. Ukraine had no interest in continuing to produce these
ICBMs, and the production line was closed in 1995.
It has been suggested that these rail-mobile land-based missiles, which have been parked
in their garrisons, may be placed back on patrol in response to American missile defense
and associated arms control initiatives.
Specifications
R&D Mod- Mod-2 Mod-1
DIA SS-24 SS-24 SS-24V SS-24
PL-04
NATO Scalpel Scalpel Scalpel Scalpel
Bilateral RS-22B RS-22A RS-22V
Service RT-23 RT-23 RT-23 UTTKh RT-23 UTTKh
OKB/Industry 15Zh44 15Zh52 15Zh60 15Zh61
Design Bureau SKB-586, SKB-586, SKB-586, SKB-586,
NPO NPO NPO NPO
Yuzhynoy Yuzhnoye Yuzhnoye Yuzhnoye
Acad. V. Acad. V. Acad. V. F. Acad. V. F.
F. Utkin F. Utkin Utkin Utkin
Approved 7/23/1976 6/1/1979 8/9/1983 8/9/1983
Years of R&D 1/1969 11/1982 - 1983 - 1989 1983 - 1989
?3/1977 1987
Engineering and 1985-87
Testing
First Flight Test 10/26/82 4/ /1984 7/31/1986 2/27/1985
Failure,
12/1982
Success
IOC canceled 10/20/87 8/19/1988 12/1987
Deployment Date Canceled 11/ /1987 11/28/1989 11/28/1989
Type of Warhead MIRV MIRV MIRV MIRV
Warheads 10 10 10 10
Yield (Mt) 0.55 0.35 - 0.35 -0.55 0.3 -0.55
0.55
Payload (t) 4.05 4.05 4.05 4.05
Total length (m) 23.3 23.4 - 18.8 - 23.4 23.3
23.8
Total length w/o 18.8, 19 19 19 19
warhead (m)
Missile Diameter 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4
(m)
Launch Weight (t) 104.5 104.5 104.5 104.5
Range (km) 10,000 10,000 - 10,100 - 10,100 -
11,000 11,000 10,450
CEP (m) (Russian 500 500 500 500
Sources)
CEP (m) (Western 150-250 150-250 150-250 150-250
Sources)
Basing Mode Silo Silo Railroad
Number of Stages 3
Canister length (m) 21.0 - 22.4
Canister length w/o 19.4
Front meters (m)
1 Stage 2nd 3rd Stage Bus

Stage Stage
Length (m) M1 9.7 4.8 3.6
Length (m) M2 9.5
Body diameter (m) 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4
Fueled weight (t) M2 52.5
Fueled weight (t) M1 53.7
Dry weight (t)
Design Bureau
Solid Motor Designation 15D305 15D339
Propellants Solid Solid Solid

Propellant Propellant Propellant
Burning time (sec.)

Solid Motor Thrust Sea ?/210 107 21
Specific Impulse (sec.)
Hardness
Launching Technique Cold
Test Boosters
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant Yes, concept only Space Clipper
Deployment Sites
Kostroma Kostroma
Pervomaysk Pervomaysk
Tatishchevo Tatishchevo
Bershet Bershet
Krasnoyarsk Krasnoyarsk
SS-24/RS-22 (silo) in Launch SS-24/RS-22 (silo), Stage 1
SS-24/RS-22 (silo) Canister
SS-24/RS-22 S-24/RS-22 SS-24/RS-22

(rail-mobile) (rail-mobile), Rail-Mobile Launcher
in Launch Stage 1
Canister
SS-24/RS-22 Launch- Launch- SS-24/RS-22 Launch-

Associated Associated Associated Railcar 2
Railcar 1 Railcar (1.1)
SS-24/RS-22 Launch- Fixed Structure
Associated Railcar 2.1 for Rail-Mobile
Launchers
RSS-40 Kuryer
On 6 October 1991 the USSR rejected development of a new small, mobile ICBM
undertaken by the Moscow Institute of Heat Engineering (MIT) State Enterprise. The
Kuryer was in no way inferior to its American analog, the small, mobile Midgetman
missile complex. This system could have taken the place of Topol-M. The complex was
fully prepared for flight tests, but the political leadership yielded to the United States at
that time and did not permit them to be conducted. Nevertheless, the basic components of
the complex were tested piecemeal. This missile was being developed to include new
materials, fuel, a control system and other new design and technological solutions.
Burya La-350
Buran RSS-40
A design for an experimental cruise missile (EKR) with a cruising speed of Mach 3 and a
range of 1,300km was developed at the OKB of S. Korolev in 1951-53. It was to consist
of a booster with [liquid-fueled rocket engines (derived from the R-11 rocket with
storable fuel) and a cruising stage with a supersonic ramjet engine (SPVRD) developed
by the OKB of M. Bondaryuk. The technical challenges of intercontinental cruise
missiles (MKRs) were not as great as those for ballistic missiles of such long range. A
celestial navigation system could provide adequate accuracy for hitting targets.
On 20 May 1954 a ministerial decree authorized the development of two parallel projects.
The Burya was assigned to the OKB of S. Lavochkin [which had experience in
supersonic fighters], and the Buran was the project of the OKB of V. Myasishchev
[which was established to develop long-range bombers]. Myasishchev's Buran was
designed for a larger warhead than the Burya, and had a large takeoff mass and thrust.
The work of the Lavochkin on the Burya OKB moved quickly, and by 1956, when the
Myasishchev OKB was finishing the design engineering of the Buran, the first models of
Lavochkin's Burya had already been created.
The flights of the Burya began in July 1957, at the same time as the flight testing of the
R-7 ICBM developed by the Korolev OKB. The Soviet leadership decided soon
afterward to curtail the work on the Buran. The final flight of the Burya was conducted
on 16 December 1960, following which further work was discontinued.
Although the source of the information is uncertain, American publications beginning

around 1960 made reference to a "large winged antipodal T-4A bomber under
development in the USSR," and even included drawings. However, by the mid-1960s all
references in the open literature to such projects vanished, suggesting that such projects
were merely Cold War rumors. The fact of the existence of these projects was not
confirmed in the open literature until the end of the Cold War, and the provenance of the
early reports remains obscure.
Specifications
Characteristics Navaho Burya Buran
Launch mass, tonnes 66.2 96 125
Mass of warhead, tonnes 2.25 2.19 3.50
Total length of system, meters 25.1 19.9 24.0
Boosters
Quantity 1 2 4
Length, meters 23.1 18.9 19.1
Diameter of body, meters 1.83 1.45 1.20
Thrust at launch, tonnes of force 128.45 2 x 68.61 4 x 55
Fuel Components:
oxidizer liquid oxygen nitric acid liquid oxygen
combustible ethyl alcohol amines kerosene
Cruising Stage:
Length, meters 20.7 18.0 23.3
Diameter of body, meters 1.83 2.20 2.40
Wingspan, meters 8.72 7.75 11.6
Wing area, meters 2 38.9 60 98
Number of SPVRDs 2 1 1
Diameter of SPVRDs, meters 1.22 1.70 2.00
Cruising thrust, tonnes of force 2 x 3.94 7.65 10.6
Maximum range of flight, km 5,400 8,500 8,500
Cruising altitude of flight, km 22-24 18-20 18-20
Cruising speed of flight, Mach 3.25 3.10 3.10
Start of development 1950 1954 1954
Date of start of flight testing 6 Nov 56 1 Jul 57 -
Total number of launches 11 17 -
of which, failed 10 3
Date of end of flight testing 18 Oct 58 16 Dec 60 -
Shutdown of project July 1957 December 1960 -
R-11FM / SS-1b Scud
The first Soviet SLBM, the liquid-propellant missile R-11FM, was a modified version of
the R-11 Scud-A. This single-stage missile with a nonseparable warhead was equipped
with a single-chamber liquid rocket engine and a pressurized fuel supply system. Flight
control was accomplished with control jet motors and four aerodynamic stabilizers. The
missile was deployed in a dry tube that penetrated the hulls of the submarine. The launch
was conducted from the surface, prior to which the missile was elevated to the edge of
the tube and fixed with the help of special racks. Unlike the R-11, the R-11FM featured a
hermetically sealed instrumental and propulsion compartment and a command stucture
capable of receiving data from the navigation system of the submarine on launch..
The development of the R-11FM was authorized by the government on 26 January 1954.
S.P. Korolev who was at that time chief designer of OKB-1 NII-88 was assigned the
development of the D-1 launch system and the R-11FM missile. Other institutions
working on the project included: NII-885 Minraliopoma (command structure, chief
designer N.A. Pilyugin), OKB-2 HII-88 (propulsion systems, chief designer A.
M.Irayev), NII-49 (navigation systems, director N.A. Charin), МNII-1 (navigation
systems, director E.I. Ellyer), OKB-34 (creation of the dynamic platform, chief designer
Ye. G. Rudyak).
The development of the R-11FM missile was carried out in three phases. The first two
took place at the State Central Taining Site Number 4 at Kapustin Yar, during which the
missile was launched from a fixed and then from a dynamic platform. . During September
and October 1954 three missiles were launched from a fixed platform similar to the
designated submarine launcher. Between 25 May and 30 July 1955 a total of 11 launches
were conducted from a dynamic platform. The third phase of tests were carried out on a
submarine The first submarine launch was successfully completed on 16 September1955,
from the submarine "B-67" of the V-611 (Zulu) class, located in the White Sea close to
the Kola peninsula. Seven of the eight tests between 16 September and 13 October 1955
were successful.
In August 1955 the R-11FM project was transferred to SKB-385 in Zlatoust. Chief
designer V.P. Makyeyev of SKB-385 was responsible for creating the design
documentation, conducting modifications and and flight tests, to adjust series production
and to deliver the missile.
To ensure combat readiness after long periods of on-board storage, service tests of the
missile and launch system were conducted in August and October 1956 by the Northern
fleet. The first long-range patrol of the "B-67" submarine with R-11FM missiles began on
16 August 1956. Covering a route through the White and Barents seas, the boat sailed
surfaced and submerged at various speeds, spending two days on alert and conducting
missile fiings afterwards. On 12 September and 03 October 1956 missiles that had been
stored onboard the submarine for 37, 47 and 82 days were successfully launched.
After these tests, OKB-1 participated in the improvement of the missile and acted as
architectural supervisor whereas SKB-385 assumed responsibility for all further
activities. The missile documentation was completed in late 1956 and preparation for
serial production was initiated. In 1957 manufacturing of propulsion systems and missiles
to be tested from a fixed platform began. After they were completed the missile was test-
launched from a dynamic platform in the autumn of 1957. The last test phase between
March and May 1958 consisted of four submarine launches, of which three were
successful.
Deployment of the R-11FM missile began on 20 February 1959 on the 611AB [ZULU V]
and 629 [GOLF I] class submarines.
Although the R-11FM missiles were designed to use RDS-4 nuclear explosives, it is
reported that during regular patrols they were not equipped with nuclear explosives. The
nuclear warheads were stored at the coast, to be transferred to the submarines in times of
crisis. Between 1958 and 1967 a total of 77 missile firings were conducted of which 59
were successful. In 1967 the D-1 launch system and the the R-11FM missiles were
withdrawn from operational service.
Western intelligence in the 1960s was evidently somewhat confused by the relationship
between the R-11FM and R-13 programs. Despite the differences in the physical designs
of these missiles, the R-11FM was regarded as simply the interim reduced-range version
of the longer range R-13 follow-on.
Specifications
DIA SS-1b
NATO Scud
Bilateral
Service R-11FM
OKB/Industry 8K11/8A61FM
Design Bureau OKB-1 NII-88/SKB-385
Approved
Years of R&D
First Flight Test
IOC
Deployment began 2/20/1959
Launch system D-1/D-2
Submarine 611 AB Zulu V
Type of Warhead Single, inseparable
Warheads 1
Yield (mt) 0.1/0.5
Payload (t) 975-1000
Launch Weight (t) 5.4-5.6
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 150/167
CEP (m) (Russian Sources) 1.5 km on range, 0.75 on azimuth
CEP (m) Western Sources)
Number of Stages 1
Warheads Deployed
Engine Designation
Propellants Liquid
Fuel Kerosene T-11
Oxidizer 20% UDMH 80% Nitrogen Acid
Burning time (s)
Verniers Thrust Sea Level/Vacuum
(kn)
Specific Impulse (s)
Launching Technique Surfaced
R-13 / SS-N-4 SARK
The R-13 was a single-stage storable liquid-propellant missile with a separable
monoblock reentry vehicle. Equipped with a single combustion chamber rocket engine
with turbopumps, it had a four-chamber flight control engine. The R-13 was the first
Soviet SLBM to use such vernier engines for flight control instead of gas or aerodynamic
control surfaces. Additionally, to stabilize the missile in early flight, four aerodynamic
stabilizers were used. These were considerably smaller than the fins used on the R-11FM.
The SS-N-4 could deliver a 2800-lb reentry vehicle a maximum operational range of 300
nm. The reentry vehicle had a nuclear warhead with a yield estimated in the west at 1.2 to
2.0 MT, though Russian sources place the yield at 1.0 MT. It had an inertial guidance
system and a CEP of 1 to 2 nm according to western intelligence estimates.
Western intelligence in the 1960s was evidently somewhat confused by the relationship
between the R-11FM and R-13 programs. Despite the significant differences in the
physical designs of these missiles, the R-11FM was regarded as simply the interim
reduced-range version of the longer range R-13 follow-on.
The short range of the R-11FM missiles rendered submarines armed with this missile
vulnerable to antisubmarine defense systems, highlighing the need for a longer-range
system. On 25 August 1955 the governmental ordered the development of a sea-based
ballistic missile with a range of 400-600 km carrying a nuclear warhead. The D-2 launch
system with R-13 missiles was authorized on 11 January 1956. In early 1956 OKB-1 NII-
88 finished the the preliminary design, after which the project was transferred TO SKB-
385, which conducted all further activities. The design was completed in 1957 and in
December 1958 the engine tests of the R-13 missile began. Between June 1959 and
March I960 flight tests of the R-13 on fixed and dynamic platforms were conducted on
the State Central Training Site in Kapustin Yar. Submarine tests began in November
1959 and were completed in August 1960. Altogether 15 out of 19 launches were
successfully carried out at the training site and 11 out 13 on submarines. During the time
the R-13 missile was deployed (1960-1972) 225 out of 311 launches were conducted
successfully.
The D-2 launch system and the R-13 missiles were deployed on 13 October 1961 on 629-
class Golf and 658-class Hotel submarines. Several improvements were implemented
thereafter, with the missiles' combat readiness increased from three to six months, and
depot storage time was increased to seven years. The SS-N-4 was believed to have been
assigned both a peripheral and an intercontinental mission in the past. Peak operational
deployment was reached in 1962, with phase-out from the intercontinental mission
beginning in 1964 and phaseout from the peripheral mission beginning in 1967. By 1973
the missile was believed to be assigned only a peripheral mission and was carried only
aboard the Golf-I Class diesel-electric submarine, which required surfacing before
missile launch. The normal reaction time is 20 to 25 minutes. The reaction time under
conditions of peak alert is six to eight minutes, and the allowable hold time under these
conditions is about one hour.
Specifications
DIA SS-N-4
NATO Sark
Bilateral
Service R-13
OKB/Industry 4K50
Design Bureau SKB-385
Approved
Years of R&D
First Flight Test 1959
IOC
Launch system D-2/D-3
Submarine Golf & Hotel class
Warheads 1
Yield (mt) 1
Payload (t) 1.6
Diameter of Stabilizers (m) 1.9
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 600
CEP (m) (Russian Sources) 4,000
CEP (m) Western Sources) 1,800 - 3,900
Number of Stages 1
Warheads Deployed
Booster guidance system
Engine Designation
Propellants Liquid
Fuel AK-27I
Oxidizer TG-02
Burning time (s)
(kn)
Launching Technique Surfaced

Estimates
Zulu Class submarine modified for two SS-N-4 missiles mounted 1955
in sail, for SLBM test program
Missile flight test program began 1956
Initially deployed aboard Zulu Conversion submarine 1957
IOC for early model of reduced range 1958
IOC for full-range model 1960
Peak operational deployment (105 missiles aboard 37 submarines) 1962
Missile production terminated Mid-1964
Beginning of phase out 1965
January
Phase out of Golf-I Class submarines and SS-N-4 SLBMs complete
1975
R-15
The R-15 missile, which was supposed to have a range of about 1,000 km, was developed
by OKB-586 at Dnepropetrovsk. Unlike the D-1 and D-2 launch systems, with the D-3
launch system the R-15 missile would be fired directly out of the missile tube without
previous elevation of the missile.
In 1955 chief designer V.P. Funikov of SKB-143 [now MBM Malakite] undertook the
design of a nuclear powered submarine [designated Project 639] with a displacement of
6000 tons that was intended to carry three R-15 missiles. The development of the D-3
launch system was officially authorized on 20 March 1958. During 1958 OKB-16
developed a design for a diesel-engine electric submarine able to carry one R-15 missile.
Because of the large overall dimensions and weight of the missile, these systems had
poor technical and tactical characteristics. Consequently, the development of the R-15
missile, the D-3 launch system and the submarines was canceled in December 1958 while
they were still on the drawing board.
R-21 / SS-N-5 SERB
The R-21 / SS-N-5 submarine-launched ballistic missile is a single-stage, storable liquid-
propellant missile. The D-4 launch system used the "wet launch" technique, under which
the missile tube had to be filled with water before launch. The missiles could be fired
underwater and were intended to replace the D-2 launch system on board the Golf
submarines. According to Western intelligence estimates, the missile could deliver a
2800-lb reentry vehicle having a 2.0-3.5 MT warhead a maximum operational range of
700 nm. It had an inertial guidance system, and a CEP estimated by western intelligence
of 1 to 2 nautical miles.
The SS-N-5 was carried aboard both the Golf-II Class diesel-electric submarine, which
was believed to be assigned a peripheral mission, and the Hotel-II Class nuclear
submarine, which were assigned a strategic mission. Both submarines can launch missiles
while fully submerged and underway at about five knots. The normal reaction time is 15
to 20 minutes, and their action time under conditions of peak alert is one to two minutes.
The allowable hold time under peak alert conditions is about one hour. Initial operational
capability was reached in 1963.
The project to construct an underwater launched missile started as early as 1955 and
concentrated on the R-11FM missile. On 03 February 1955, E.V. Charnko, the chief
designer of OKB-10 NII-88, was assigned responsibility of developing the missile, and
the chief designer of SKB-626, N.A. Ryemihatov, was responsible for developing the
submarine infrastructure.
The development program conducted in three phases. First, R-11FM dummies were fired
from a fixed underwater tube, then dummies were launched from tubes located on the
outside of the submarine and finally full scale test firing from a sailing submarine. For
pop-up tests, two R-11FM dummies were designed: the С4.1 and the C4.5. The first
missile launch from an underwater platform was conducted on 23 December 1956. The
specially modified "S-229" Whiskey submarine, re-designated B-613, conducted tests
with a dummy missile while the submarine was submerged at a depth of 15-20 meters
and sailing at a speed of 3-4 knots. Three С4.1. dummy launches were conducted in the
Black sea in June 1957.
The development of the new D-4 launch system with R-21 missiles was authorized on 20
March 1958. Originally, OKB-586 and its chief designer M.K. Yangel was charged with
the project but on 17 March 1959 the program was transferred to SKB-385.
After the development of the R-21 missile was authorized in 1958, the R-11FM missile
continued in use for further tests. The modified R-11FM, designated C4.7, was used in
the third series tests, of launches from submerged submarines, that began in July 1959.
Prior to the conclusion of the second phase of tests, the Ministerial Council had directed
the conversion of the "B-67" V-611 submarine to carry out the third test phase. The first
С4.7 missile firing in August 1959 from the "B-67" submarine was a failure, delaying
further tests by a year. The second test flight on 16 August1960 also ended in failure
when the tube filled with water and the missile fell from the launch pad and crushed its
nose cone. The third submarine launch on 10 September 1960 was successful.
The K1.1 missile, a less powerful experimental version of the R-21 SS-N-5 SERB
missile, was tested in parallel to the C4.7 test program. Pop-up tests of the K1.1 missile
were conducted in the Black Sea from a 40-50 m deep fixed floating platform and the "S-
229" submarine. Six launches from a platform and three from a submarine were carried
out between May 1960 and October 1961. The K1.1 missile was publicly displayed in
parades in Red Square, and incorrectly identified in the West as the SS-N-5 SERB. In
fact, it was a prototype missile tested in association with the development of the
operational SS-N-5.
The 629B Golf II submarine was built for testing the D-4 launch system, Joint testing
began in February 1962 and the first underwater launch took place on 24 February 1962.
A total of 27 missile launches were conducted during these tests.
On 15 May 1963 deployment of the D-4 launch system on Golf and Hotel submarines
began. The R-21 remained in operational service from 1963 to 1989, during which time
193 out of a total of 228 launches were successful. Over this period the service life of the
fueled missile was increased from six months to two years.

Estimates
Estimated start of Golf Class submarine conversion January 1960
Beginning of preliminary flight testing 1961
Estimated start of underwater ejection tests 1961
Beginning of integrated system tests Late 1961
First launch detected March 10, 1962
Estimated start of Hotel Class conversion Mid-1963
IOC of Golf-II Class submarines Late 1963
IOC of Hotel-II Class submarines 1964
Peak operational inventory (57 missiles aboard 19 submarines) 1971
Specifications
DIA SS-N-5
NATO Sark
Bilateral
Service
OKB/Industry 4K55
Design Bureau OKB-586/SKB-385
Approved
Years of R&D
IOC
Launch system D-4 with 3 missiles
Submarine Golf-II / Hotel II
Warheads 1
Yield 0.8-1.0 MT - Russian sources
2.0-3.5 MT - Western sources
Payload (kg) 1,200
Missile Diameter (m) 1.3-1.4
Diameter of Stabilizers (m)
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 1400
CEP (m) (Russian Sources) 2,800
CEP (m) Western Sources) 1,800 - 3,900
Number of Stages 1
Warheads deployed
Engine Designation
Propellants Liquid
Fuel
Oxidizer
Burning time (s)
(kn)
Launching Technique Underwater
Firing conditions: Sea state - Up to 5
Submarine Speed, kn - 4 (at 40
to 50m depth)
R-27 / SS-N-6 SERB
The R-27 / SS-N-6 submarine-launched ballistic missile is a single-stage, storable liquid-
propellant missile. Three variants were deployed using an inertial guidance system, while
a fourth variant [the SS-NX-13] used radio command guidance. One of the inertially-
guided variants carried multiple re-entry vehicles [MRV] that were not independently
targetted.
The missile was first seen publicly in a Moscow parade in 1967. By the mid-1970s
Western intelligence believed that the SS-N-6 Mod 1 delivered a 1500-1b reentry vehicle
to a maximum operational range of 1300 nm with a CEP of about 0.6 nm. The SS-N-6
Mod 2 was believed to deliver a 1,500-lb reentry vehicle to a maximum operational range
of 1,600 nm. The SS-N-6 Mod 3 was assessed as having MRV payload consisting of two
600-lb RVs or three 400-lb RVs. Both the Mod 2 and Mod 3 were thought to have a CEP
of about 0.7 nm. The yield of the single RV Mod 1 and Mod 2 was believed to be 0.6 to
1.2 MT. The yield of each warhead in the 2-MRV variant of the Mod 3 was estimated at
0.4 to 0.8 MT, and the yield of each warhead in the 3-MRV variant at 0.1 to 0.4 MT. The
existence of a 2-MRV variant of the Mod 3 is not reported by Russian sources.
Sixteen of the SS-N-6 missiles were carried aboard the Yankee class nuclear submarine.
Missiles could be launched while the submarine was submerged and underway.
According to Western estimates, normal reaction time, while the submarine was
submerged on patrol, was about 15 minutes. Reaction time under conditions of peak alert
is one minute. The allowable hold time under conditions of peak alert was one hour. The
Yankee submarine demonstrated a patrol capability of 75 days, and patrols of longer
duration (90 days) were believed possible, consistent with crew provisioning and morale.
The D-5 launch system with R-27 missiles originated with studies by SKB-385 in the
early 1960s to develop a ballistic missile capable of attacking sea-based targets.
Development work resulted from a proposal by SKB-385 in late 1961 for the
development of a launch system with a light single-stage missile for strikes against
strategic land targets. The Yankee I submarnes were the designated carrier. On 24 April
1962 the project was officially authorized.
One distinctive innovation in this design was the placement of the rocket engines within
the fuel tank in order to reduce the external dimensions of the vehicle. The missile body
was made of aluminium alloys, and the fuel and oxidizer tanks had common bottoms.
The command and control avionics systems were was placed in a hermetically sealed
container in the lower interior of the oxidizer tank, eliminating the need for a separate
instrument module. Another design innovation was the placement of the command
system's sensors on a gyro-stabilized platform. These design features characterize all
subsequent liquid-propellant SLBMs developed by SKB-385.
The propulsion system has a single-chamber sustainer and a dual-chamber control engine.
The thrust chambers of the attitude control engine were oriented at an angle of 45 degrees
from the stabilization axis of the missile (instead of the usual scheme in which the four
thrust chambers are aligned along the stabilization axis). Due to an increased thrust ratio
the R-26 missile had four times the range of the R-13 missile (2400 km against 600 km)
despite its similar launching weight (14.2 versus 13.7 tons).
The missile was loaded in the launching tube with the use of several metallized rubber
shock absorbers. Together with the lack of aerodynamic stabilizers, this allowed a
significant reduction in the overall dimensions of the launch tube. The missile was fired
from a flooded tube. A gas bubble generated by the missile's docking adapter dampened
the hydraulic shock caused by engine ignition in the tube.
Testing of the D-5 launch system took place in three phases. During the first phase 12
pop-up tests were conducted from a flooded platform and a converted 613 submarine.
Data from these tests was used to perfect underwater launch, rocket engine and launch
tube designs. The second phase from June 1966 through April 1967 consisted of 12
successful launches (out of 17) from a ground platform. The test phases concluded with 6
missile firings from 667Аsubmarines of the Northern fleet. Deployment began on 13
March 1968.
On 10 June 1971 it was decided to upgrade the D-5 launch system and the R-27 missiles.
The modernized missile, with a more powerful engine and improved guidance system,
was designated as R-27U and the launching system received the designation D-5U. The
R-27U was designed to carry both single and multiple warheads. The upgraded missile
was supposed to have the same maximum range as the original R-27, though equipped
with three multiple reentry vehicles. The range and accuracy of the single warhead
version of the R-27U was supposed to increase in 20 and 15 percent respectively.
Between September 1972 and August 1973 a total of 16 R-27U missiles were
successfully launched from a submarine. On 04 January 1971 deployment of the D-5U
launch system began. Yankee II and upgraded Yankee I submarines were outfitted with
the new system and missiles.
The R-27U missile and D-5U launch system remained in service through 1990. Over the
life of the program the service life of the missile was increased from five years to thirteen
years.
The R-27K (SS-NX-13) modification featured a nose cone with a terminal guidance
system. This missile, designated 4K18, was designed to attack both coastal radiocontrol
installations and moving targets at sea. The R-27K missile was tested in 1974 on board
the converted "K-102" 629 Golf submarine.
Between 1968 and 1988 the D-5 launch system conducted 492 missile firings, of which
429 were successful. The D-5 launch system conducted more launches than any other
Soviet launch system: a peak of 58 launches in 1971 and an average of 23.4 launches per
year. During the service life of the D-5U launch system 150 out of 161 missile firings
were successful. Missile firings for military purposes were completed in 1988.
Subsequently experimental launches were conducted for microgravity research purposes.
Specifications
Mod1 Mod2 Mod3
DIA SS-N-6 SS-N-6 SS-N-6
NATO Serb Serb Serb
Bilateral RSM-25 RSM-25 RSM-25
Service R-27 R-27U R-27U
OKB/Industry 4K10
Design Bureau SKB-385 SKB-385 SKB-385
Approved
Years of R&D
Deployment Date early 1969 1973 1975
Launch system D-5 D-5U D-5U
Submarine Yankee I Yankee II Yankee II
Type of Warhead Single Single MRV
Warheads 1 1 3
Yield (Russian Sources) 1.0 MT 1.0 MT 0.2
Yield (Western Sources) 0.6-1.2 MT 0.6-1.2 MT 0.1-0.8
MT
Payload (t) 0.65 0.65 0.65
Total length (m) 9.65 9.65 9.65
Total length w/o warhead 7.1 7.1 7.1
(m)
Missile Diameter (m) 1.5 1.5 1.5
Diameter of Stabilizers (m)
Launch Weight (t) 14.2 14.2 14.2
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 2400 3200 3200
CEP (km) (Russian 1.9 1.3-1.8 1.3-1.8
Sources)
CEP (km) Western 1.1 1.3 1.3
Sources)
Number of Stages 1
Warheads Deployed
Engine Designation
Propellants Liquid
Fuel
Oxidizer
Burning time (s)
Verniers Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum (kn)
Launching Technique Underwater "wet start"
Firing conditions: Sea state - Up to 5
Submarine Speed, kn - 4 (at 40
to 50m depth)
D-6
Two versions of the D-6 launch system for solid-fuel missiles studied by OKB-7 (KB
Arsenal) in Leningrad between 1958 and 1960. One used missile with a single large
diameter motor using propellants that were already in production for use in unguided
tactical rockets. The second version focused on a new missile incorporating new solid
propellants using a crystal oxidizer and fuel, with the first and second stages consisting of
clusters of four separate rocket motors. The overall dimensions of either missile would
have been too large for a launching tube inside the pressure hull, so the D-6 launcher
design called for two tubes on each side of the outside of the hull. To fire the missiles the
submarine would surface and the tubes would be turned into a vertical position. The
preliminary design of the launch system was completed in 1960. The beginning of
detailed design development of the D-6 complex was directed on 18 June 1960, but on 04
June 1961 the program was cancelled.
Specifications
DIA
NATO
Bilateral
Service
OKB/Industry
Design Bureau OKB-7 (KB Arsenal)
Approved
Years of R&D
Engineering and
Testing
First Flight Test none
IOC
Launch system D-6
Submarine
Warheads 1
Yield (mt)
Payload (t)
Total length (m)
Total length w/o
warhead (m)
Missile Diameter (m)
Launch Weight (t)
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km)
CEP (m) (Russian
Sources)
CEP (m) Western
Sources)
Number of Stages 2
Booster guidance Inertial autonomous
system
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m)
Body diameter (m)
Fueled weight (t)
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation
Propellants Solid Solid
Fuel
Oxidizer
Burning time (s)
Verniers Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum (kn)
Launching Technique Surface launch
Firing condition Sea state
Submarine speed,
kn
RT-15M
The solid-propellant RT-15M missile was the sea-based counterpart of the RT-15 land-
based missile, known in the West as the SS-14 SCAMP. Both consisted of the second and
third stage of the RT-2, a prototype solid-fueled ICBM eventually deployed as the SS-13
SAVAGE. The 667 Yankee submarine, originally designed to carry the liquid-fueled R-
21 missiles with the D-4 launch system, was to carry the RT-15M using the D-7 launch
systems.
An order of the ministerial council on 04 April 1961 authorized the development of the
system by SKB-385, under the industrial designation 4K22. However, SKB-385 was not
particularly enthusiastic with the RT-15M missile, regarding liquid-propellant missiles as
more promising The solid-propellant RT-15M missile, with a range of 2400 km, weighed
three times more than the liquid propellant R-27 missile which had similar range
capabilities.
Testing lagged substantially behind the initial schedule. Initially the missile underwent
pop-up tests, with 5 launches conducted on "613" submarines. Beginning in late 1963 a
series of 20 flight tests were conducted of the missile from Golf I submarines. The
demonstration of underwater launch from a flooded platform was not completed until the
middle of 1964. However, in July 1963 the initiation of integrated testing was postponed,
pending successful results with tests of the solid-fuel RT-2 ICBM. Subsequently,
development of the RT-15M missile and the D-7 launch system was halted due to the
limited range and large weight and overall dimensions of the missile.
Specifications
DIA
NATO
Bilateral
Service RT-15M
OKB/Industry
Design Bureau SKB-385
Approved
Years of R&D
Engineering and
Testing
IOC
Launch system D-7
Submarine 667 Delta
Warheads 1
Yield (mt) 1
Payload (t)
Total length w/o
warhead (m)
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 2400
CEP (m) (Russian
Sources)
CEP (m) Western
Sources)
Number of Stages 2
Booster guidance Inertial autonomous
system
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m)
Body diameter (m)
Fueled weight (t)
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation
Fuel
Oxidizer
Burning time (s)
Verniers Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum (kn)
Launching Technique Underwater start
Firing condition Sea state - Any
weather
Submarine speed,
kn
R-29 / SS-N-8 SAWFLY
The R-29 SS-N-8 was the first Soviet sea-based ICBM. Deployed on the Delta-class
submarines beginning in 1973, the missile's long range allowed submarine alert patrols in
the marginal ice seas of the Soviet arctic littoral, including the Norwegian and Barents
seas. Consequently, Soviet submarines no longer needed to pass through Western SOSUS
sonar barriers to come within range their targets. And deployed close to home, they could
be protected in "bastions" by the rest of the Soviet Navy.
The R-29 is a two-stage missile storable liquid-propellant, without an interstage section,

carrying a single warhead. The missile had an aluminium magnesium alloy body with
integrated fuel tanks. The first stage sustainer and the second stage propulsion system are
located inside the fuel tanks, thus reducing the external dimensions of the missile. The
conical blunt shaped re-entry vehicle was also located in the second stage fuel tank,
oriented opposite to the flight direction. The guidance section is located in the conical
area of the compartment where the warhead is usually placed. The propulsion systems of
both stages consists of a single-chamber main rocket engine, and dual-chamber control
engines with moveable chambers. The R-29 was the first Soviet SLBM to use a digital
computer and an azimuthal stellar monitoring system for improved high accuracy and in-
flight course correction.
With a launching weight of 33.3 tons the R-29 missile was capable of delivering a 1,100
kg reentry vehicle to a maximum range of 7800 km, three times greater than the R-27
missile. Thus its patrolling zones were substantially enlarged. According to Western
estimates in the 1970s, the SS-N-8 was capable of delivering a 1400-lb reentry vehicle
with a 0.6-1.5 MT warhead a distance of 4200 nm with a CEP of approximately 0.5 nm.
The R-29 was equipped with ballistic missile defense countermeasures. Decoys were
carried in a cylindrical container in the fuel tank of the second stage, and released during
nose cone separation.
Preliminary design work was conducted by SKB-385 in 1963, which was also in charge
of carrying out the entire project after the Soviet Defense Ministry discarded the
competing proposals made by OKB-52 and its chief designer V.N. Chyelomyey. The
development of the D9 launch system with R-29 missiles was approved on 28 September
1964.
The initial tests of the R-29 missile and the D-9 launch system took place with the Black
Sea fleet. They consisted of launching full-scale missile dummies with a first stage
propulsion system and a simplified command system. Further testing was conducted from
March 1969 until December 1971 at the State Central Marine Test Site in Nenoksa. A
total of 20 flight demonstration launches were conducted from a ground platform. The
final test phase consisted of a series of submarine launches from Delta I submarines. The
first submarine launch was on 15 December 1971 in the White Sea. Further tests took
place from August through November 1972, during which 18 out of 19 launches were
successfully conducted.
The R-29 missiles and the D-9 launch system were made operational on March 12, 1974
and they are deployed on 18 Delta I submarines. The Delta Class nuclear submarine can
launch missiles at approximately 7-second intervals while fully submerged. Normal
reaction time is 15 minutes; reaction time under conditions of peak alert is about one
minute. The allowable hold time under peak alert conditions is one hour. The missiles
could either be fired underwater or while the submarine was moored at their bases.
Further improvements lead to an increase in range up to 9100 km. The modernized

launch system designated as D-9D was made operational in 1978. It was initially
deployed on four Delta II submarines, which carry 16 R-29D missiles instead of 12 R-29
missiles. Subseqeuntly, the Delta I submarines were also outfitted with R-29D missiles.

Estimates
First land-based launch from Nenoksa Naval Missile Test June 21, 1969
Center detected
Hotel III submarine used as test bed for SS-N-8 SLBM 1970
December 25,
First sea launch
1971
Estimated start of integrated system test Mid-1972
First detection of 12-missile tube Delta Class SSBN August 1972
November 28,
Two SS-N-8 missiles launched simultaneously
1972
December 14,
Four SS-N-8 missiles launched within a 30-second interval
1972
Initial operational capability reached Mid-1973
Specifications
Mod1 Mod2
DIA SS-N-8 SS-N-8
NATO Sawfly Sawfly
Bilateral RSM-40 RSM-40
Service R-29 R-29
OKB/Industry 4K75
Design Bureau SKB-385 SKB-385
Approved
Years of R&D
Engineering and
Testing
First Flight Test
IOC
Deployment Date 3/12/1974 1978
Launch system D-9 with 12 missiles D-9D with 16 missiles
Submarine Delta I Delta I & Delta II
Type of Warhead
Warheads Single
Yield (Russian
sources)
Yield (Western 0.6-1.5 MT 0.6-1.5 MT
sources)
Payload (t) 1.1 1.1
Total length (m) 13
Total length w/o
warhead (m)
Diameter of Stabilizers
(m)
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 7,800 9,100
CEP (m) (Russian 1,500 900
Sources)
CEP (m) Western 900 900
Sources)
Number of Stages 2
Warheads Deployed
Booster guidance Astroinertial
system
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m)
Body diameter (m)
Fueled weight (t)
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation
Fuel
Oxidizer
Burning time (s)
Verniers Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum (kn)
Launching Technique Underwater "wet
start"/surfaced
Firing conditions: Sea state - Any
conditionUp to 5
Submarine Speed,
kn --
R-29R/R-2S / SS-N-18 STINGRAY
The R-29R missile is the first sea-based Soviet ballistic missile carrying 3 to 7 multiple
independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), with a range of 6,500 to 8000 km,
depending on the number of reentry vehicles. It is carried on the 667BDR Delta III
ballistic missile submarine, which is equipped with the D-9R launch system and 16 R-
29R missiles. The Delta III is the first submarine that can fire any number of missiles in a
single salvo.
The R-29R, the R-29RL and the R-29RK were based on the R-29 single-warhead SLBM.
The missiles incorporated the first two stages of the R-29 missile largely unchanged.
However, instead of the single reentry vehicle and instrument module on the R-29, the
R29R features a post-boost vehicle with either a single warhead or three or seven
multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles. The single warhead missile has a
maximum range of 8000 km, whereas the MIRVed missiles have a range 6500 km.
The post-boost vehicle includes an instrument-assembly module, a guidance system and a

propulsion system. The propulsion system of the post-boost vehicle consists of a four-
chamber liquid-propellant rocket engine providing for independent warhead targeting.
The combustion chambers of the engine are placed on an external conical support
structure. The blunt shaped warheads, oriented at an angle of the centerline of the missile,
are positioned opposite of the flight direction. They are positioned in a conical shaped
internal cavity at the bottom of the forward second stage fuel tank. The bus also dispenses
ballistic missile defense countermeasures.
Based on the D-9 launch system, the D-9R launch system was developed in the mid-
1970s to provide a capability for launching MIRVed missiles. The flight tests of the R-
29R missiles took place from November 1976 throughl October 1978 in the White and
Barents Seas on board of the "K-441" Delta III submarine. Of the 22 missiles that were
tested, 4 carried a single warhead, 8 carried three MIRVs and 12 were tested with seven
MIRVs.
Fourteen 667 BDR Delta III submarines were outfitted with the D-9R launch system and
R-29R missiles.
The SS-N-18 missile carrying seven MIRVs was not deployed. In compliance with the
START-1 treaty all missiles are considered to carry four MIRVs.
Specifications
Mod1 Mod2 Mod3
DIA SS-N-18 SS-N-18 SS-N-18
NATO Stingray Stingray Stingray
Bilateral RSM-50 RSM-50 RSM-50
Service R-29R R-29R R-29R
OKB/Industry 3M40
Design Bureau NII NII NII
Mashinostroyeniy Mashinostroyeniya Mashinostroyeniya
a
Approved
Years of R&D 1973- 1973- 1973-
Engineering and
Testing
First Flight Test
IOC
Deployment 1979
Date
Launch system D-9R D-9R D-9R
Submarine Delta III Delta III Delta III
Type of Single MIRVed MIRVed
Warhead
Warheads 1 3 7
Yield (mt) 0.450 0.2 0.1
Payload (t) 1.6 1.6 1.6
Total length (m) 14.1 14.1 14.1
Total length w/o
warhead (m)
Missile 1.8 1.8 1.8
Diameter (m)
Diameter of
Stabilizers (m)
Launch Weight 35.3 35.3 35.3
(t)
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 8000 6500 6500
CEP (m) 900 900 900
(Russian
Sources)
CEP (m)
Western
Sources)
Number of 2 plus post boost
Stages vehicle
Warheads
deployed
Booster Astroinertial
guidance
system
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m)
Body diameter
(m)
Fueled weight
(t)
Dry weight (t)
Engine
Designation
Propellants Liquid
Fuel
Oxidizer
Burning time (s)
Verniers Thrust
Sea
Level/Vacuum
(kn)
Specific Impulse
(s)
Launching
Technique
Firing
conditions:
 Sea state
 Submarin
e Speed,
kn
Deployed
boosters
Test Boosters
Warheads
Deployed
Training
Launchers
R-29RM / SS-N-23 SKIF
The R-29RM is a three-stage liquid-propellant missile carrying four or ten MIRV.
Compared to the R-29R the missile has a larger launch weight (40.3 to 35.5 Tons)
providing a heavier payload (2800 kg to 1650 kg) to a greater maximum range (8300 to
8000 km). The R-29M incorporates a number of significant design changes relative to the
predecessor R-29R
Relative to the R-29R, the diameter of the R-29RM was increased from 1.8 meters to 1.9
meters, which allowed an increase in propellant loading. The new missile's length was
increased only slightly, from 14.1 meters to 14.8 meters, allowing the overall dimensions
of the launching tube to remained constant. The D-9RM launch system for the R-29RM
missiles is based on the D-9R system.
Unlike the R-29 and R-29R, the propulsion system of the first stage has four control
chambers. The engines of all three stages are located in the tanks. The third stage
propulsion system and the post-boost vehicle propulsion system use the same fuel tanks.
The warheads are placed in an internal cavity of the concave conical bottom of the upper
tank of the second stage at the periphery of the sustainer of the third stage.
NII Mashinostroyeniya began work on the development of the D-9RM launch system and
the R29-RM in 1979. A series of vehicle development launches from a floating platform
was conducted initially, followed by 16 flight tests from a ground platform and
submarine tests. Deployment of the D-9RM launch system began in 1986.
Seven Deltra IV submarines were equipped with the D-9RM launch system. They carry
16 R-29RM missiles containing four warheads each. The R-29RM missiles carrying ten
warheads were not deployed.
In 1988 the launch system was modernized providing improved accuracy, and for firing
the missiles on depressed trajectories. At that time the missile was also equipped with
improved warheads.
In late 1999 Russia announced plans to resume production of the SS-N-23. he state
missile center Design Agency named after V. P. Makeev received a state order from the
Russian government to resume the manufacture of naval missiles, including the most
advanced RSM-54 system developed by the Agency when Victor Makeev was its general
designer. While deployed with four warheads for the START I treaty, it was originally
tested with 10 warheads and might be deployed with that number in the absence of such
arms control agreements. It has been suggested that some of these liquid-fuel missiles
could be deployed on land in the absence of the START agreements. T
Specifications
DIA SS-N-23
NATO Skiff
Bilateral RSM-54
Service R-29RM
OKB/Industry 3M37
Design Bureau NII Mashinostroyeniya
Approved
Years of R&D
Engineering and
Testing
First Flight Test June 1983
IOC
Deployment Date 1986
Launch system D-9RM with 16 missiles
Submarine
Type of Warhead MIRV
Warheads 4 (tested with 10)
Yield (mt)
Payload (t) 2800
Total length w/o
warhead (m)
(m)
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km) 8300
CEP (m) (Russian 500
Sources)
CEP (m) Western
Sources)
Number of Stages 2
Warheads Deployed
Booster guidance astroinertial
system
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m)
Body diameter (m)
Fueled weight (t)
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation
Propellants Liquid
Fuel Nitrogen Tetraoxid Nitrogen Tetraoxid
Oxidizer UDMH UDMH
Burning time (s)
Verniers Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum (kn)
Launching Technique Underwater wet start/
surface
Firing conditions Sea State
Submarine speed, kn
R-31 / RSM-45 SS-N-17 SNIPE
The R-31 missile, the first deployed Soviet sea-based solid-fuel missile, was a two-stage
missile with a single warhead. Compared to the liquid-propellant R-27 missile the R-31
was easier to handle and had an increased range. However, despite a similar launch
weight, the R-31 had a lower accuracy and half the range of the liquid-propellant R-29
missile which was developed at the same time.
In the early 1970s the Soviet Navy ordered the development of new missiles and a new
launch system intended to replace the D-5 launch system on Yankee I submarines that
were to be overhauled and upgraded. Two different proposals were submitted by NII
Mashinostroyeniya (chief designer V. P. Makyeyev) and KB Arsenal (chief designer P.A.
Tyurin), and the project was awarded to KB Arsenal.
Unlike the liquid-propellant missiles R-21, R-27 and R-29, the underwater firing of the
R-31 did not require filling the launch tube with water. The missile was ejected from the
hermetically sealed tube by a gas generator. The missile emerged in a gas bubble, which
was maintained with the help of a special hydrodynamic device located on the nose cone.
The sustainer motor of the first stage was started after the missile emerged from the
water. The dry start allowed to reduce pre-launch preparation time substantially and
decreased the noise during launch preparation.
Flight tests of the R-31 missile from a ground platform took place in 1973. The first
underwater launch was held on December 26, 1976 in the White Sea. Flight tests were
completed in 1979 and in 1980 the Yankee II submarine "K-140" was outfitted with R-31
missiles. Deployment was limited to a single Yankee II submarine "K-140". In 1989 the
R-31 missiles were withdrawn from service.
Specifications
DIA SS-N-17
NATO Snipe
Bilateral RSM-45
Service R-31
OKB/Industry 3M17
Design Bureau KB Arsenal
Approved
Years of R&D
Engineering and
Testing
IOC
Deployment Date September 1980
Submarine Yankee II
Warheads 1
Yield (mt) 0.5
Payload (t) 0.45
Total length (m) 11
Total length w/o 10.6
warhead (m)
(m)
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km)
CEP (m) (Russian
Sources)
CEP (m) Western
Sources)
Number of Stages 2
Warheads Deployed
Booster guidance
system
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m)
Body diameter (m)
Fueled weight (t)
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation
Fuel
Oxidizer
Burning time (s)
Verniers Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum (kn)
Launching Technique Underwater dry start
Firing condition  Sea state - Any
weather
 Submarine
speed, kn
R-39 / SS-N-20 STURGEON
The R-39 solid-propellant intercontinental missile is a three-stage missile with multiple
re-entry vehicles. The post-boost vehicle has a guidance system, a liquid fuel propulsion
system and 10 blunt shaped MIRVed warheads that are smaller than warheads carried on
previous missiles. The warheads are located on the rear unit of a post-boost vehicle,
around the nozzle of the third stage engine.
The missile is suspended in the launch tube from a special control mounted in the nose
cone, with a reference ring at the top of the tube functioning as the launch support. The
dry launch from the tube is accomplished with a gas generator located on the bottom of
the tube in a cavity of the first stage engine nozzle. During lift-off special solid-propellant
charges create a gas bubble around the missile considerably reducing hydrodynamic
resistance. Ignition of the first stage engine occurs after leaving the tube.
Flight control during the active leg of the first stage is attained by injecting gases from
the combustion chamber of the sustainer into the nozzle through 8 symmetrically located
injection valves. The engines of the second and third stage have gimbaled nozzles.
Work on the R-39 missile and the D-19 launch system began in 1971 by NII
Mashinostroyeniya (chief designer V. P. Makyeyev). Development was officially
authorized in September 1973. Flight testing was conducted in several phases. Initially
two series of dry launches were carried out, nine from a floating platform and seven from
a specially adapted submarine. Due to first and second stage engine problems more than
half of the 17 flight tests at the Central Naval Test Training Site at Nenoksa were
unsuccessful.. After resolution of the engine problems 11 out of 13 launches from the
"TK-208" Typhoon submarine were carried out successfully.
After intensive testing on board the "TK-208" submarine, deployment began in 1984. The
large Typhoon submarines were outfitted with 20 R-39 missiles each.
Soon after deployment work began on an advanced version with greater accuracy and
greater warhead coverage. Deployment of the modernized missile began in 1989.
At the end of the 1980s work on an improved version of the R-39 missile began. This was
intended to be deployed on Typhoon submarines and new "Yurin Dolgorukiy" SSBNs.
Work on the new missile lagged seriously behind the initial timetable. Flight testing
began in 1996 and the first launches terminated in failures.
Specifications
DIA SS-N-20
NATO Sturgeon
Bilateral RSM-52
Service R-39
OKB/Industry
Design Bureau NII Mashinostroyeniya
Approved
Years of R&D 1973-`979
Engineering and
Testing
IOC
Deployment Date May 1983
Submarine Typhoon
Type of Warhead MIRVed
Warheads 10
Yield (mt) 0.1 each
Payload (kg) 2550
Total length w/o 8.4
warhead (m)
(m)
Fuel Weight (t)
Range (km)
CEP (m) (Russian 500
Sources)
CEP (m) Western
Sources)
Number of Stages 3
Warheads Deployed
Booster guidance Astroinertail
system
Length (m)
Body diameter (m)
Fueled weight (t)
Dry weight (t)
Engine Designation
Fuel
Oxidizer
Burning time (s)
Verniers Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum (kn)
Launching Technique Underwater dry start
Firing condition Sea state - Any weather
Submarine speed, kn
R-39M / Grom [Bark] / RSM-52V / SS-N-
28
Russia regards as top priority the maintenance of its strategic
nuclear capacity, which represents the base of its policy of
deterrence. From this point of view, and in advance of the
need for replacing the obsolete hardware or not in conformity
with the START-II agreements (which authorize single-
warhead land-based missiles, while permitting multiple-
warhead sea-based missiles) a process of modernization of
hardware has been authorized. This envisages the
development of missile SS-27, successor of the SS-25, and
the development of the new SS-N-28 embarked on
submarines, and the construction of a fourth generation of
strategic missile submarines. Russia still maintains a large
force of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines
equipped with intercontinental range missiles. Although the
number of Russian SSBNs is expected to drop considerably
over the next few years, Russia planned to modernize its force
with the addition of the new SS-NX-28 and new Borei Class
ballistic missile submarines.
The new Grom SS-N-28 was designed to provide improved accuracy compared to the
previous SS-N-20, but is otherwise apparently a straightforward development of this
system. The SS-NX-28, unlike previous Russian SLBMs, is the first to be totally
developed and manufactured within Russia's borders by the Makeyev Machine-Building
Design Bureau. The test launch of a prototype SS-NX-28 (RSM-52V) SLBM on 19
November 1998 resulted in a catastrophic failure of the SLBM's booster. The missile
exploded roughly 200 meters after take-off from its ground based launch station. Having
had failed its first three test firings, and the SS-N-28 project was abandoned.
As of early 1999 it appeared that construction had ceased on the first unit of the Borei-
class, pending a redesign of the ship to accomodate a different missile from the originally
intended SS-N-28.
The Typhoon submarines were initially intended to be retrofitted with the SS-N-28. The
lead unit of this class, the TK-208, had been in overhaul since 1992 with the intent of
receiving these modifications, but it now appears that it will not return to service. The
Typhoon class submarines are slated to be withdrawn from service within a few years,
and it is unlikely that other units of the class would be modified to accomodate new
missiles.
In January 2000 Rear-Admiral Vladimir Makeev, the head of the Northern Fleet's rocket
test site at Nenoksa, Arkhangelsk County, stated that Typhoon submarines would be used
to test the new Bark-class strategic missiles. Makeev also stated that Bark-class missiles
were to be installed on the forth generation Borey-class submarines.
The creation of D-19UTH missile complex designed for the new nuclear strategic
submarines of the Borei-class has been undertaken at GRTs KB named after V. P.
Makeev. The D-19UTH launch complex is to replace the D-9 launch complex with RSM-
52 ballistic missiles. The new complex will be equipped with a solid-fuel ballistic missile
of greater reliability and longer range, capable of being fired from the surface and under-
water positions.
Specifications
Primary function:
Contractor: Makeyev Machine-Building
Power Plant:
Length:
Weight:
Diameter:
Range: 5,000+ miles
Speed:
Guidance system:
Warheads: 10 or fewer
Date Deployed:
Unit Cost:
Inventory:
611 AB ZULU V
The development of the first Soviet ballistic missile submarine started with a
governmental order for the adaptation of a diesel-powered submarine of the 611 Zulu
class to be equipped with the D-1 launching system and two R-11FM missiles. This new
submarine designated as B-611 was developed by OKB-16. The technical design of the
submarine was completed by the end of 1954.
Unlike its predecessors the B-611 submarine had an additional missile compartment with
two firing tubes which passed through the strong hull. To accommodate the new
launching complex the structure of armament was changed. The spare torpedos, mines
and artillery armament were removed and at the expense of removing one of four groups
of storage compartments additional launching devices for missile firings were installed.
To fire the missile the submarine had to submerge, the cover of the launching tube was
opened and the missile was raised to the edge of the tube. The missile was fastened with
the help of two racks, which were removed at liftoff. The pre-launch preparation were
conducted underwater and lasted two hours. When submerged it took five minutes to
launch the first missile and another five minutes to launch the second one. The launch
could be carried out at a speed of up to 12 knots.
The B-611 submarine was assembled in Severodvinsk and some parts of the submarine
were delivered from Leningrad. The construction of the first Soviet ballistic missile
submarine was completed in September 1955 and received the tactical designation "B-
62". The B-62 was Project 611A [ZULU IV] with a single R-11FM (Scud) missile. Some
sources quote B-67 as the original Project 611A, however only B-62 fits the known
construction dates. The other submarines were Project 611AB ZULU V with two such
missiles. In September 1955 the first ballistic missile was launched from the first B-611
submarine "B-62". Between 1956 and 1958 further testing of the D-1 launch system was
carried out and in 1959 the "B-62" submarine was converted to carry out the first
underwater missile firing.
From 1956 on the B-611 submarines were equipped with five new diesel-powered
engines and received the new designation AV-611. The first AV-611 submarines served
in the Northern fleet. The four submarines that were re-equipped in Severodvinsk were
commissioned in 1957 and served in the 40th brigade of the Northern Fleet while the
AV-611 re-equipped at Komsomolsk-na-Amur served in the Pacific Fleet.
After an improved launch system was developed, the original launch systems D-1 was
removed from operational status in 1967. In the second half of the 1960s the AV-611
submarines were equipped with hydroacoustic devices and improved navigation and
communication systems. They remained in service until the end of the 1980s.
Specifications
Soviet Designation V-611 AV-611
US-Designation Zulu IV Zulu V
Development began January 1954
Design Bureau UKB-16
Chief designer N.N. Isanin
Builders Nr. 402 Severodvinsk Nr. 402 Severodvinsk
Nr. 199 Komsomol Na
Amur
Construction and 1953-1956 1954-1958
Outfit
Service time 1956-1964 1957-1968
Number of ships 1 5
Armament D-1 launch system with
R-11FM missiles
10-533mm torpedo tubes
Power Plant Diesel and electrical engines
Length 90.5 meters 98.9 meters

Beam 7.5 meters
Draft 5.14 meters 5.15 meters
Displacement 1875 m3 Surfaced 1890 m3 Surfaced
2387 m3 Submerged 2415 m3 Submerged
Operating depth 170 meters (design)
200 meters (maximum depth)
Speed 16.5 knots Surface
13 knots Submerged 12.5 knots Submerged
Crew 72 men 83 men
Endurance 58 days
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipyard Notes
# number Name Laid Launched Comm. Stricken
Down
1 B-62 402 Sevmash Dec.31/53 1970 Sonar
trials
ship
1966
2 B-67 402 Sevmash Jun.30/56 1970
3 B-73 402 Sevmash Nov.30/57 1971
4 B-78 402 Sevmash Nov.30/57 1990
5 B-79 402 Sevmash Dec.4/57 1971
6 B-89 199 Komsomolsk Dec.13/57 1990
629 GOLF
Along with initiating development of the first experimental ballistic missile submarine
under Project V-611, the governmental order of 26 January 1954 provided for the
development of a diesel-powered ballistic missile submarine. On May 1954 the
headquarters of the Navy assigned OKB-16 the task of developing the Golf submarines.
The development of the Golf I submarine and its corresponding launch system D-2 was
authorized on 11 January 1956. In March 1956 the complete technical design of the
submarine was submitted to the Navy shipbuilding headquarters.
Originally the new submarine was designed to carry the R-11FM missiles, which had a
range of 250 km, and only 150 km when carrying a nuclear warhead. American
antisubmarine defense precluded using such a short-range missile to carry out effective
strikes against targets at any meaningful distance from the coastline. As the development
of the submarine encountered significant delays, it was nevertheless decided to equip the
first three submarines with R-11FM missiles.
The basic design of the Golf submarine is based on the 641 Foxtrot, and the
electromechanical installation for a surface and underwater navigation, the hydroacoustic
system, the radar facilities and the radio communication systems were incorporated
without change. The 629 Golf has a cylindrical pressure hull divided into eight
compartments, with three missile tubes located in the fourth compartment.
The large fin of the submarine contains the missiles that are stored in vertical containers
directly behind the sail. The missiles are fired by raising the launch platform to the edge
of the tube. Launches are conducted on the surface at a speed of up to 15 knots. The
battle management system records the current flight coordinates automatically,
considerably reducing the time necessary for pre-launch preparation. The pre-launch
procedures are conducted underwater and take approximately one hour. Another four
minutes was needed after the submarine surfaced, and a total of 12 minutes elapsed until
all three missiles were fired.
In comparison with the AV-611 submarine the 629 had several advantages. It was
outfitted with an additional missile and their range was four times greater. By employing
stronger steel for the pressure hull, the maximum navigable depth was increased. The
range of sailing was increased both for the surface and the underwater mode and special
five-bladed fixed-pitch propellers were developed to reduce the noise.
In January 1959 the USSR decided to sell the construction and design plans of the 629
SSBN to the People's Republic of China. After the relations between the USSR and
China deteriorated, Soviet specialists were mostly withdrawn in August 1960, though the
documentation and equipment for the project remained in China.
The construction of submarines of the project 629 was begun in 1957 at Severodvinsk
and Komsomol Na Amur. Less than one year later the submarines were launched and at
the end of 1958 trial runs were carried out and the vessels were moored. By 1960 seven
629 submarines had been launched, five of which were incorporated into the Northern
fleet and two into the Pacific fleet. In 1961 another five submarines entered the Northern
fleet and one entered the Pacific fleet. In 1962 the last two boats arrived at the Pacific
fleet. A total of 23 submarines were built: 16 in Severodvinsk and 7 in Komsomol Na
Amur.
In March or April 1968 the "K-129" submarine sank in the northern Pacific Ocean (1390
kms northwest of Oahu harbor). According to the official version of the Soviet Navy, the
submarine exceeded its maximum depth and came to rest on the ocean bottom at a depth
of over 5 km. The collapse of the hull was detected by the American SOSUS acoustic
system, and in July 1974 parts of the submarine were recovered.
The 629 SSBNs of the Northern fleet were organized in the 16th Division that was based
in the Olyenya port. This division formed part of the 12th Squadron, which was
headquartered in Yagyelnoy. In May 1962 the Soviet government approved a plan for the
deployment of a Group of Soviet Forces to Cuba, which in October 1962 precipitated the
Cuban Missile Crisis]. Initially the plan called for the deployment of a squadron of
submarines, comprising the 18th Division of missile submarines of the Project 629 class
[NATO Golf or G-class], consisting of 7 submarines each with 3 R-13 [SS-N-4] missiles
with range of 540 km. This element of the plan was in fact not implemented. In
September 1968 two 629A submarines were transferred from the Northern to the Pacific
fleet and another four from October 1971 till November 1974. At the end of the 1970s the
16th Division, consisting of six 629A submarines, was transferred from the Northern to
the Baltic fleet.
The 629 submarines that served in the 29th submarine division of the Pacific Fleet were
first based on Kamchatka and later on in the Pavlovsk bay. In the middle of the 1970s
seven 629A submarines were still in service in the Pacific Fleet.
In 1989 four 629A submarines still served in the Baltic and two in the Pacific Fleet. In
1990 however, all submarines were decommissioned.
Variants
 Golf III - Between 1969-1974 the "K-118" was outfitted with 6 launchers to carry
out tests of the R-29 (SS-N-8) ballistic missiles. Its' displacement was increased to
4000 tons and the updated submarine received the designation 601.
 Golf IV - Between 1969 and 1973 the "K-102" submarine was converted under
the Project 605 in order to conduct tests of the R-27K (SS-NX-13) ballistic
missiles. It was lengthened in 18,3 meters and outfitted with four launchers.
 Golf V - In 1976 one submarine ("K-153") was outfitted with a launcher to carry
out tests of the R-39 missile. The submarine received the new designation Project
619.
 Golf SSQ - Between 1973 and 1979 the submarines "K-61", "B-42" and "K-107"
were converted in Vladivostok under the Project 629R into a command post, with
the missile and torpedo tubes removed.
Specifications
Soviet Designation 629 629A
US-Designation Golf I Golf II
Development began January 1956 March 1958
Builders Nr. 402 Severodvinsk
Nr. 199 Komsomol Na Amur
Outfit
Service time Since 1959 1967-1990
Number of ships 22 14 (converted from Golf
I)
Armament D-1 launch system with D-4 launch system with
3 R-11FM missiles 3 R-21 missiles
D-2 launch system with
3 R-13 missiles

Beam 8.2 meters
Displacement 2,794 tons Surfaced 2,300-2,820 tons Surfaced
3,553 tons Submerged 2,700-3,553 tons
Submerged
Speed 15 knots Surface 15-17 knots Surface
12.5 knots Submerged 12-14 knots Submerged
Crew 80 men 83 men
Endurance 70 days
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
# Num Na Shipyard Laid Launc Commisi Stricke Notes
ber me Dow hed oned n
n
1 B-92 402 ------ ------- 01/20/19 1991 redesignated K-96 (or
Sevmash ---- --- 60 K-61)
12/1976 project 629R
converted to
SSQ,redesignated BS-
167
2 B-40 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 1991 redesignated K-72
Sevmash ---- --- project 629A converted
(Golf II)
1974 redesignated K-
372
3 B-41 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 1991 redesignated K-79
Sevmash ---- --- project 629A
converted(Golf II)
4 B-42 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 1991 redesignated K-83
Sevmash ---- --- 1978 project 629R
converted to
83
5 B- 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 --------- redesignated K-102
121 Sevmash ---- --- - 1973 project 605
converted(Golf IV)
6 B- 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 --------- redesignated K-167
125 Sevmash ---- --- -
7 B-45 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 --------- redesignated K-88
Sevmash ---- --- - 12/28/1966 first project
629A converted(Golf
II)
8 B-61 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 1991 redesignated K-93
Sevmash ---- --- project 629A
converted(Golf II)
9 B-15 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 1974 redesignated to K-113
Sevmash ---- --- project 629E
converted(minelayer)
1 K- 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 12/1976 project 601
0 118 Sevmash ---- --- converted(Golf III)
1 K-36 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 1980 redesignated K-106
1 Sevmash ---- ---
1 K-91 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 1980
2 Sevmash ---- ---
1 K- 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 1991 1977 project 629R
3 107 Sevmash ---- --- converted to
107
1 K- 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 --------- project 629A
4 110 Sevmash ---- --- - converted(Golf II)
1 K- 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 1992 projext 629A
5 153 Sevmash ---- --- converted(Golf II)
1978 project 619
converted(Golf V)
1991 redesignated BS-
153
1 K- 402 ------ ------- 1959-62 1991 1967 project 629A
6 142 Sevmash ---- --- converted
1 B-93 199 ------ ------- 1959-62 --------- redesignated K-126
7 Komsomol ---- --- - project 629A
sk converted(Golf II)
1 B- 199 ------ ------- 1959-62 08/30/ redesignated K-129,
8 103 Komsomol ---- --- 1968 lost 03/08/1968
sk
1 B- 199 ------ ------- 1959-62 --------- redesignated K-136
9 109 Komsomol ---- --- - project 629A
2 B- 199 ------ ------- 1959-62 --------- redesignated K-139
0 113 Komsomol ---- --- - project 629A
2 K-75 199 ------ ------- 1959-62 --------- redesignated B-575
1 Komsomol ---- --- - project 629A
2 K-99 199 ------ ------- 1959-62 --------- project 629A
2 Komsomol ---- --- - converted(Golf II)
sk
2 K- 199 ------ ------- 1959-62 --------- project 629A
3 163 Komsomol ---- --- - converted(Golf II)
sk
629A GOLF II
In March 1958 the development of a new missile launch system D-4 with R-21 missiles
was approved. It was planned to replace the D-2 launch system and allowed underwater
missile firings. The R-21 missiles could be fired from a depth of 40-50 m at a speed of up
to 4 knots at intervals of 5 minutes. The time for prelaunch preparation was
approximately 45 minutes. After the launch system reached its IOC in May 1963 the re-
equipment of the 629 submarines began. The submarines equipped with the new D-4
launching system were designated as 629A (Golf II). In early 1967 the upgrading of the
first submarines under the project 629A was completed. In total 8 submarines from the
Northern and Pacific fleet were outfitted with the D-4 launch system.
The improved twenty third submarine of the Golf class (629A) incorporated two
improved R-21 missiles.
Specifications
Soviet Designation 629 629A
US-Designation Golf I Golf II
Development began January 1956 March 1958
Nr. 199 Komsomol Na Amur
Outfit
Service time Since 1959 1967-1990
Number of ships 22 14 (converted from Golf
I)
3 R-11FM missiles 3 R-21 missiles
D-2 launch system with
3 R-13 missiles

Beam 8.2 meters
Displacement 2,794 tons Surfaced 2,300-2,820 tons Surfaced
3,553 tons Submerged 2,700-3,553 tons
Submerged
Speed 15 knots Surface 15-17 knots Surface
12.5 knots Submerged 12-14 knots Submerged
Crew 80 men 83 men
Endurance 70 days
658 HOTEL I/II/III
Development of the 658 Hotel Class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine, to be
equipped with the D-2 launch system and R-13 missiles, was approved on 26 August
1956. Work on the design documentation began in September 1956, and the technical
project was completed in the first quarter of 1957. However this preliminary design was
not developed because it would have taken too long to complete. The duties of the chief
designer of the project 658 were originally assigned to the chief engineer of OKB-18 P.
Z. Golosovskogo. In February 1958 the project management was transferred to I.V.
Mihaylov, who in October 1958 had replaced S.N. Kovalev. The deputy of the chief
designer was from outset I.D. Spasskiy.
The Hotel I submarine was a modification of the first Soviet atomic submarine of the 627
November class. Unlike the November it was equipped with a missile compartment that
had previously been used on the Golf submarines. Additionally, small horizontal
hydroplanes were added to provide better maneuverability. For high-speed underwater
operations with reduced noise, more reliable electrohydraulic-command control surfaces
were implemented using main ballast low pressure air.
The Hotel I carried three R-13 missiles and the D-2 launch system placed in vertical
containers directly behind the sail. All three missiles could be fired within 12 minutes
after the submarine surface.
The first Hotel submarine -- "K-19" -- was laid down on 17 October 1958. The
construction of the boats was completed on 12 November 1960 when the last of eight
Hotel submarines was launched. All of them were built at the shipyard in Severodvinsk.
In March 1958 it was decided to modify the Hotel I design to accommodate the D-4
launch system which could conduct submerged missile launches. This modified SSBN
received the designation 658M Hotel II, and the chief designer of the Hotel II was S.N.
Kovalev. The installation of the D-4 launching system required some structural changes
of the submarine. Before launch water filled the gap between the launch tube and the
missile. To fire the missiles the submarine had to come to a depth of 16m.
The upgrading of an advanced submarine under the project 658M was completed on
December 30, 1963. Between 1963 and 1967 all Hotel I submarines but one ("K-145")
were re-equipped with the D-4 launch system.
From 1969 to 1970 the "K-145" submarine was re-equipped to test the R-29 missiles
converted. It received the designation 701 (Hotel III). Its length increased up to 130 m
and the displacement increased to 5500 Tons surfaced and 6400 Tons submerged. The
maximum speed was reduced up to 18 knots on the surface and 22 knots submerged. Four
launching racks for R-29 missiles were placed in a compartment. In 1976 the "K-145"
Hotel III was introduced into the Navy.
The two Hotel I submarines that were launched in 1960 were sent to the Western Theater
and formed a brigade together with 627A submarines. From this brigade in January 1961
a flotilla consisting of two divisions was organized which included all the Project 658
missile-submarines . In March 1964 the division was transferred to Gadzhiyevo base as
part of the 12th squadron, which subsequently became the Northern Fleet 3rd Flotilla. By
the late 1960s the division began to fill with new 667A Yankee I submarines, and in late
1970 one Hotel II submarine was transferred to the 18th division at Gremihu. The Hotel
submarines of the Northern fleet were removed from operational status during 1986-
1991.
Two 658 Hotel I submarines ("K-178" and "K-55") were transferred to the Pacific Fleet
in September 1963 and 1968 and served in the 45-th division of atomic submarines on
Kamchatka. Both submarines were subsequently converted into the Hotel II class. They
were decommissioned in 1988 and 1990.
A series of serious emergencies occurred on board Hotel I "K-19". In February 1961 a

depressurization in the first containment of the reactor occurred. The next accident
happened in the summer of 1961 while the "K-19" was on its first patrol mission during a
naval exercise in the Atlantic Ocean close to Southern Greenland. On 04 July 1961 the
patrolling submarine's port side pumps ensuring circulation of heat-exchanger gave out.
The crew managed to restore the integrity of the air-tight cooling jacket.. As a result of
the radiation 22 men were killed. Subsequently from 1962-1964 the reactor compartment
of the "K-19" was completely removed and replaced. On 15 November 1969 the "K-19"
crashed with the American submarine "Gato" (SSN-615), which had pursued the Soviet
submarine in the Barens Sea. As a result of the impact the acoustic systems located in the
bow were completely destroyed and the covers of the torpedo tubes were deformed.
On 24 February 1972 a fire broke out onboard "K-19" while the submarine was returning
from patrol and was at a depth of 120 meters some 1300 km northeast of Newfoundland.
The rescue operation of the submarine lasted more than 40 days and was severely
hampered by storms. More than 30 ships of Navy participated in the recovery operation
and by early April the boat was towed back to the base of the Northern fleet. However, as
a result of the emergency 28 crew members lost their lives.
Specifications
Soviet Designation 658 658M
US-Designation Hotel I Hotel II
Development began August 1956 March 1958
Design Bureau OKB 18
Chief designer C.H. Kovalev
Construction and October 1958 - 1963-1967
Outfit December 1962
Service time January 1961-1967 1964-1991
Number of constructed 8 7 (converted 658 submarines)
ships
Armament D-2 launch system D-4 launch system with
with 3 R-21 missiles
3 R-13 missiles
4-533mm torpedo tubes,
4- 400mm torpedo tubes
Power Plant 2 pressurized water reactors, 190 MW each
2 steam turbines, 17.500 hp each
Length 114 meters
Beam 9.2 meters
Deposit 7.31 meters
Displacement 4080 m3 Surfaced
5000 m3 Submerged
300 meters (maximum)
Speed 18 knots - Surface
26 knots - Submerged
Crew 104 men
Endurance 50 days
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipyard Laid Notes
# numb Name Launche Comm. Strick
er Down d en
1 K-19 402 10/17/19 08/08/19 11/12/19 1991 07/04/1961
Sevmash 58 59 60 reactor
accident
1962-64 refit
1963-67
project 658M
converted(Hot
el II)
11/15/1969
collided with
USS SSN-615
02/24/1972
fire and
nuclear
torpedo
accident
converted to
SSQN
06/04 reactor
accident
nicknamed
"Hiroshima"
in storage in
Polyarny
2 K-33 402 --------- --------- 07/05/19 1988- 1963-67
Sevmash 61 90 project 658M
converted(Hot
el II)
3 K-55 402 --------- --------- 08/12/19 ------- 1963-67
Sevmash 62 --- project 658M
converted(Hot
el II)
project 658T
converted to
SSN
in reserve in
Pavlovsk
4 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/**/19 ------- commission
178 Sevmash 62 --- possibly
06/30/1964
1963-67
project 658M
converted(Hot
el II)
project 658T
converted to
SSN
in reserve in
Pavlovsk
5 K-40 402 --------- --------- 12/28/19 1988- 1963-67
converted(Hot
el II)
1977 became
SSQN,redesig
nated KS-40
6 K-16 402 --------- --------- 06/15/19 1988- 1963-67
converted(Hot
el II)
7 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/19/19 ------- 1963-65
145 Sevmash 63 --- project 658M
converted(Hot
el II)
1966 project
701
converted(Hot
el III)
in storage in
Sevmorput
naval shipyard
8 K- Ukrainsk 402 --------- --------- 02/12/19 1988- 1963-67
149 y Sevmash 64 90 project 658M
Komsoml converted
ets (Hotel II)
1969 named
667A YANKEE I
In 1958 OKB-18 started the development of a new ballistic missile submarine. Initially
work was undertaken on two versions, of which only one was authorized. A.S.
Kassatsiyer, the author of both versions was designated as chief designer. The
development of the submarine faced significant problems regarding the launch system.
During elimination of the problems the project underwent fundamental changes and as a
result the completely new submarine design received the new designation 667A. The new
chief designer was S. I. Kovalev. The revised 667A submarine was both developed and
authorized in 1962.
The external contours of the submarine were designed to achieve minimal resistance
when operating under water. Unlike previous submarines, the horizontal hydroplanes
were arranged on the sail. The cylinder-shaped pressure hull is divided into 10
compartments and has an exterior diameter of 9.4m.
The SSBN 667A is equipped with the D-5 launch system and 16 R-27 missiles with a
range of about 2400 km. They are arranged in two rows in the fourth and fifth
compartments. The missiles can be launched from a depth of 40-50 meters below the
surface, while the submarine is moving at a speed of up to 3-4 knots. The missiles are
fired in four salvos each comprising four missiles. The time needed for pre-launch
preparation is 8 minutes, and within a salvo the missiles are fired at intervals of 8
seconds. After each salvo the submarine needs three minutes return to the launching
depth and between the second and third salvo it takes 20-35 minutes to pump water from
the tanks into the launching tubes.
The primary propulsion machinery includes two self-contained units [port and starboard],
each of which consists of a pressurized water reactor reactor, and an independent
turbogear assembly. The maximum speed when submerged is 27 knots. The auxiliary
propulsion motors can be used for torpedo firing, to maintain electric power during
emergency and provide for stand-by capability of the boat while on the surface.
To reduce the noise of the submarine special propellers were created, the pressure hull
was covered with sound-absorbing rubber and the external hull was covered with a
antihydroacoustic coating. The footings under the main and auxiliary propulsion systems
are also isolated by a layer of rubber.
The 667A SSBNs were equipped with the "Cloud" battle management system which
could receive signals up to a depth of 50 meters with the help of the towed antenna
"Paravan." The first four 667A Yankee submarines employed the "Sigma" navigation
system whereas the follow-on ships were equipped with the "Tobol" -- the first Soviet
navigational system that used a satellite navigation system. This system provided reliable
navigation in the Arctic Region and in the Pacific Ocean and also sustained the
operational capability of the missiles at high latitudes down to 85 degrees.
The first 667A Yankee submarine, with the tactical designation K-137, was launched in
1964 at the Northern machine-building enterprise in Severodvinsk. In July 1967 the
submarine "K-137" completed sea trials and at the end of 1967 it was introduced into the
Northern fleet. Between 1967 and 1974 a total of 34 strategic submarines of the 667A
class were build. 24 submarines were launched in Severodvinsk and 10 in Komsomolsk
na Amure.
In 1972-1983 the Yankee submarines along with older submarines were re-equipped with
the D-5U launch system and R-27U missiles. The R-27U missile had a greater range -- up
to 3000 km -- and carried multiple reentry vehicles. The upgraded submarine was
designated as 667AU.
In 1967 the first 667A ballistic submarines to form part of the Northern fleet were
incorporated into the 31st division of strategic submarines, which was based in the port of
Sayda. At the end of the 60s the 19th division of strategic submarines was also equipped
with 667A submarines. Both divisions formed part of a structure consisting of 12
squadrons, which in December 1969 was transformed into the 3rd flotilla of submarines.
Two divisions of 667A submarines of the Pacific fleet — 8th and 25th- - were based at
Kamchatka. In the middle of the 1970s a unit of 667A SSBNs was transferred to
Pavlovsk.
In May, 1974 near the Navy base in Petropavlovsk a ballistic missile submarine of the
667A class collided with the American attack submarine "Pintado" (SSN-672) in a depth
of about 65m. The Soviet submarine was only lightly damaged.
On 03 October 1986 on board of the ballistic missile submarine "K-219" of the 667AU
class an explosion took place that sparked off a fire. The cause was a depressurization of
the reactor pit. The submarine was located 970 km east of the Bermuda Islands. The crew
of a boat managed to surface the submarine and muffle the reactors. As a result of the
accident four people were killed. The submarine was towed but on 06 October it had to
be scuttled into a depth of 5,500 meters. The United States Navy normally does not
comment on submarine operations. But the US Navy issued a statement regarding the
release of the book "Hostile Waters" and an HBO movie of the same name, based on the
incidents surrounding the casualty of the Russian Yankee submarine K-219. The United
States Navy "categorically denies that any U.S. submarine collided with the Russian
Yankee submarine (K-219) or that the Navy had anything to do with the cause of the
casualty that resulted in the loss of the Russian Yankee submarine."
Between 1979 and 1994 all Yankee submarines were removed from operational status
and their missile compartments cut out to comply with arms control agreement ceilings.
During their operation time the 667A and 667AM Yankee submarines had carried out
590 patrols all over the world. Two of the submarines were taken out of service in 1979,
two in January 1980, one in January 1981, two in January 1982, one in November 1982,
one in June 1983, one in January 1984, two in April 1985, two in March 1986, two in
1987, and the rest in 1988 and 1989.
A number of Yankee ballistic missile submarines were modified to perform other
missions.
 In 1977 the "K-140" submarine was equipped with the first D-11 Soviet sea based
solid-fuel missiles and received the designation 667AM Yankee II. The 12 P-31
missiles loaded on the submarine could be fired from a depth up to 50 meters. The
torpedo tubes could be reloaded in less than in one minute using a "dry" launch
technique. Its submerged displacement increased to 10,000 tons.
 The submarine "K-420" was converted to test the "Meteorite" (SS-N-24) cruise
missiles. The re-equipped submarine received the designation 667M (Yankee
SSGN or Yankee Sidecar). The length and the width of the SSBN were increased
up to 153 m and 15-16 m respectively. Outside of the pressure hull 12 launchers
for the SS-N-24 missiles were located. The re-equipment began in December
1982 and the first launches of a cruise missile was conducted in December 1983.
 From 1982 to 1991 some Yankee I SSBNs were equipped with 20 up to 40
launchers of SS-N-21 "Grenade". They were designated as 667AT (Yankee
Notch). Unlike the "K-420" that was converted to carry the SS-N-24 missiles, the
shape of the deck behind the cabin was not altered. The displacement of the
submarine was increased up to 11,500 tons and the body was lengthened to 140
meters.
 From 1979-1984 the ballistic missile submarine "K-403" was converted into a
submarine for special purposes designated as Yankee Pod. Instead of a missile
compartment, it had was equipped with radio equipment and a towed
hydroacoustic station.
 In 1990 the SSBN "K-411" was converted under the project 09774 (Yankee
Stretch) into a carrier of supersmall "KS-411" submarines.
Between 1988 and 1994 most converted Yankee submarines were removed from
operational status. The converted K-411 (Yankee Stretch) and K-420 (Yankee Sidecar)
are reliably reported to remain in service, and some reports also suggest that K-395 [a
Yankee Notch] and K-403 [Yankee Pod] may also remain in service.
Specifications
Soviet Designation 667A 667 Am Navaga
667AU Navaga
US-Designation Yankee I Yankee II
Development began 1958
Design Bureau Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering "Rubin"
Chief designer S.H. Kovalev O.YA. Margolin
Builders Severodvinsk
Komsomolsk na Amure
Construction and 667A: 1964-1974 1977-1980
Outfit 667AU: 1972-1983
Service time 667A: 1967-1983 1980-1990
667AU: 1972-1994
Number of ships 34 1 converted
Armament 667A: D-5 launch system D-11 launch system with
16 R-27 missiles
667AU: D-5U launch

system with
16 R-27U missiles
Power Plant 2 pressurized water reactors
Length 132 meters
Beam 11.6 meters
Deposit 8 meters
Displacement 7760 m3 Surfaced
9600 m3 Submerged 10000 m3 Submerged
Maximum depth 400 meters
Speed 12 knots Surface
25 knots Submerged 24 knots Submerged
Crew 120 men 130 men
Endurance 70 days
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipyard Notes
# num Nam Laid Launch Comm. Stric
ber e Down ed ken
1 K- Lenin 402 11/09/1 08/28/1 11/05/1 ------ 1994 deactivated
137 ets Sevmash 964 966 967 ---- 1998 planned to
scrap
2 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/30/1 1990 08/23/1968 reactor
140 Sevmash - - 967 accident
1977-80 project
667AM converted
(Yankee II)
3 K-26 402 --------- --------- 09/03/1 ------
Sevmash - - 968 ----
4 K-32 402 --------- --------- 10/26/1 1999 1999 dismantled
Sevmash - - 968
5 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/27/1 ------ in storage in Sayda
216 Sevmash - - 968 ---- Bay
6 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/30/1 ------
207 Sevmash - - 968 ----
7 K- 402 --------- --------- 08/06/1 ------ in storage in
210 Sevmash - - 969 ---- Severodvinsk
8 K- 402 --------- --------- 09/27/1 ------
249 Sevmash - - 969 ----
9 K- 402 --------- --------- 10/28/1 ------
253 Sevmash - - 969 ----
1 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/05/1 1982-91 project
0 395 Sevmash - - 969 667AT("Grusha")
converted to
SSGN(Yankee
Notch)
1999 remains
operational
1 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/25/1 ------ 1982-91 project
1 408 Sevmash - - 969 ---- 667AT("Grusha")
converted to
SSGN(Yankee
Notch)
1 K- 402 --------- --------- 08/31/1 project 09780
2 411 Sevmash - - 970 converted to a
midget
carrier(Yankee
Stretch),redesignated
KS-411
remains operational
1 K- 402 --------- --------- 09/22/1 1999 project
converted to
SSGN(Yankee
Notch)
1 K- 402 --------- --------- 10/29/1 1979-80 project
4 420 Sevmash - - 970 667M("Andromeda")
converted to
SSGN(Yankee
Sidecar)
1 K- 402 --------- --------- 11/13/1 ------ project
5 423 Sevmash - - 971 ---- 667AT("Grusha")
convertedto
SSGN(Yankee
Notch)
1 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/22/1 ------
6 426 Sevmash - - 970 ----
1 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/30/1 1994 1982-91 project
converted to
SSGN(Yankee
Notch)
1994 dismantled
1 K- 402 --------- --------- 08/20/1 1978-80 project
8 403 Sevmash - - 971 09774("Akson")
converted to a
special operation
ship(Yankee
Pod),redesignated to
KS-403
1999 remains
operational
1 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/16/1 ------
9 245 Sevmash - - 971 ----
2 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/31/1 ------
0 214 Sevmash - - 971 ----
2 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/31/1 1986 10/06/1986 lost
1 219 Sevmash - - 971
2 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/31/1 1995 dismantled
2 228 Sevmash - - 972 ?
2 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/23/1 1994 dismantled
3 241 Sevmash - - 971 ?
2 K- 402 --------- --------- 12/09/1 ------ in storage in
4 444 Sevmash - - 972 ---- Severodvinsk
2 K- 199 --------- --------- 12/24/1 ------ 1982-91 project
5 399 Komsomols - - 969 ---- 667AT("Grusha")
k converted to
SSGN(Yankee
Notch)
2 K- 199 --------- --------- 10/21/1 ------
6 434 Komsomols - - 970 ----
k
2 K- 199 --------- --------- 12/27/1 ------ 1982-91 project
7 236 Komsomols - - 970 ---- 667AT("Grusha")
k converted to
SSGN(Yankee
Notch)
2 K- 199 --------- --------- 1970 ------
8 389 Komsomols - - ----
k
2 K- 199 --------- --------- 1971 ------
9 252 Komsomols - - ----
k
3 K- 199 --------- --------- 1971 ------
0 258 Komsomols - - ----
k
3 K- 199 --------- --------- 1971 ------
1 446 Komsomols - - ----
k
3 K- 199 --------- --------- 1971 ------
2 451 Komsomols - - ----
k
3 K- 199 --------- --------- 1972 ------
3 436 Komsomols - - ----
k
3 K- 199 --------- --------- 1972 ------
4 430 Komsomols - - ----
k
667AM YANKEE II
In 1977 the "K-140" submarine was equipped with the first D-11 Soviet sea based solid-
fuel missiles and received the designation 667AM Yankee II. The 12 P-31 missiles
loaded on the submarine could be fired from a depth up to 50 meters. The torpedo tubes
could be reloaded in less than in one minute using a "dry" launch technique. Its
submerged displacement increased to 10,000 tons.
The Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program is scheduled to dismantle 25

Delta-class, five Typhoon-class, and one Yankee-class ballistic missile submarines
capable of launching over 400 missiles with over 1,700 warheads, by the year 2003. As
of September 1999 US specialists had helped disassemble one Yankee- and six Delta-
class submarines, while the Russians had destroyed another five ballistic missile subs on
their own using American equipment.
Specifications
Soviet Designation 667A 667 Am Navaga
667AU Navaga
US-Designation Yankee I Yankee II
Chief designer S.H. Kovalev O.YA. Margolin
Builders Severodvinsk
Komsomol Na Amur
Construction and 667A: 1964-1974 1977-1980
Outfit 667AU: 1972-1983
Service time 667A: 1967-1983 1980-1990
667AU: 1972-1994
Number of ships 34 1
Armament 667A: D-5 launch system D-11 launch system with
16 R-27 missiles
667AU: D-5U launch

system with
16 R-27U missiles
Length 132 meters
Beam 11.6 meters
Deposit 8 meters
Displacement 7,760 tons Surfaced
9,600 tons Submerged 10,000 tons Submerged
Self-sufficiency 70 days
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipyard Notes
# number Name Laid Launched Comm. Stricken
Down
1 K-140 402 Sevmash ------- ---------- 12/30/1967 1990 08/23/1968
--- reactor
accident
1977-80
project
667AM
converted
(Yankee
II)
667AR YANKEE NOTCH
The submarine "K-420" was converted to test the "Meteorite" (SS-N-24) cruise missiles.
The re-equipped submarine received the designation 667M (Yankee SSGN or Yankee
Sidecar). The length and the width of the SSBN were increased up to 153 m and 15-16 m
respectively. Outside of the pressure hull 12 launchers for the SS-N-24 missiles were
located. The re-equipment began in December 1982 and the first launches of a cruise
missile was conducted in December 1983.
From 1982 to 1991 some Yankee I SSBNs were equipped with 20 up to 40 launchers of
SS-N-21 “Grenade”. They were designated as 667AT (Yankee Notch). Unlike the "K-
420" that was converted to carry the SS-N-24 missiles, the shape of the deck behind the
cabin was not altered. The displacement of the submarine was increased up to 11,500
tons and the body was lengthened to 140 meters.
Between 1988 and 1994 most converted Yankee submarines were removed from
operational status. Some reports suggest that K-395 [a Yankee Notch] may remain in
service.
Specifications
Soviet Designation 667AT Navaga
US-Designation Yankee Notch
Development began
Design Bureau Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering
"Rubin"
Chief designer S.H. Kovalev
Builders Severodvinsk, 'Komsomol Na Amur
Construction and 1982-1991
Outfit
Service time 1983-1994?
Number of ships 6
Armament 20-40 SS-N-21 "Grenade" missiles
Length 132 meters
Beam 11.6 meters
Deposit 8 meters
Displacement 9.250 tons Surfaced
11,500 tons Submerged
25 knots Submerged
Crew 120 men
Endurance 70 days
667B DELTA I
In comparison with the Yankee submarines the Delta submarines have a greater
displacement and larger external dimensions. The pressure hull of the 667B submarine
consists of ten compartments.
The 667B submarines were equipped with D-9 launch systems and 12 R-29 missiles. The
range of the R-29 missiles allowed the 667B to maintain constant combat patrol in remote
areas. They are also capable of maintaining combat alert when moored at their bases. The
Delta-class submarines could deploy on alert patrols in the marginal ice seas of the Soviet
arctic littoral, including the Norwegian and Barents seas. Consequently, unlike their
predecessors they no longer needed to pass through Western SOSUS sonar barriers to
come within range their targets. And deployed close to home, they could be protected in
"bastions" by the rest of the Soviet Navy. The submerged firing of the missiles can be
conducted in a single salvo while the submarine is moving at a speed of 5 knots. A high
degree of automation allowed a significant reduction in the time required for pre-launch
preparations in comparison with the Yankee class. To improve the accuracy of the
missiles, the Delta I submarines are equipped with the "Tobol-B" navigation system and
the "Cyclone-B" satellite navigation system.
The development of the 667B Delta I submarine was authorized in 1965, with the Rubin
Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering was in charge of the program. The Delta I
submarine "K-279" was build at the Northern machine-building enterprise in
Severodvinsk and was incorporated into the Northern fleet on 22 December 1972.
Between 1972 and 1977 18 Delta I submarines were launched, 10 in Severodvinsk and 8
in Komsomol Na Amur.
In 1973 the 667B submarine was incorporated into a division of strategic submarines of
the Northern fleet based at Yagyelnaya bay. The formation of the 41st division of
strategic submarines consisting of Delta I submarines was completed the same year. In
1974 the division was incorporated into the 11th flotilla of submarines. The Delta I
submarines which belong to the Pacific fleet form the 25th division of strategic
submarines and are based on Kamchatka. In the early 1990s the submarines were
transferred to the Pavlovsk base in Primorye. The zones of patrol of the Northern fleet
submarines were located in the area around Greenland and the Barents Sea, two or three
days away from the submarine bases. The Delta I submarines that served in the Pacific
fleet began patrols in 1976.
In 1991 nine Delta I submarines served in the Northern and Pacific Fleet. Their
decommissioning began in 1994, and by 1997 the missile compartments were scheduled
to be removed. It is anticipated that all 667B submarines will be decommissioned in
compliance with the provisions of the START-1 treaty. The prcise tatus of individual
hulls, including the dates on whcih they may have been withdrawn from service, cannot
be readily determined from the public record.
As of June 2000 the Russian Navy claims that it operates 26 strategic nuclear submarines
carrying 2,272 nuclear warheads on 440 ballistic missiles. This force is said to consist of
5 Typhoon class submarines, 7 Delta-IV class submarines, and 13 Delta-III class
submarines [which only adds up to 25, not 26 submarines]. Not all of these submarines
are presently seaworthy. The Russian Navy reportedly believes that 12 strategic nuclear
submarines with ballistic missiles represent the minimum necessary force structure.

Specifications
Soviet Designation 667B Murena 667 BD Murena-M
US-Designation Delta I Delta II
Development began 1965 November 1967
Builders Severodvinsk Severodvinsk
Komsomol Na Amur
Outfit
Service time 1973- 1975-1996
12 R-29 missiles 16 R-29 missiles
4-533mm torpedo tubes 4-533mm torpedo tubes
2 steam turbines, 52.000 hp 2 steam turbines, 55.000
each hp each
Length 139 meters 155 meters
Beam 12 meters
Deposit 9 meters
Displacement 9000 m3 Surfaced 10500 m3 Submerged
11000m3 Surfaced 13000 m3 Submerged
Endurance 80 days
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
# numb Name Shipyard Laid Launche Comm. Strick Notes
er Do d en
wn
1 K- 402 Sevmash 197 01/**/1 12/22/1 ------- 10/30/1986
279 1 972 972 --- collided with
USS SSN-
710
1992 in
reserve
1998 planned
to scrap
2 K- 402 Sevmash ----- 1973 ---------- ------- 1994 defueled
447 ----- ---
3 K- 402 Sevmash ----- 1973 ---------- -------
450 ----- ---
4 K- 199 ----- 1974 ---------- ------- hull NO.
336 Komsomolsk ----- --- possibly K-
366
5 K- 402 Sevmash ----- 1974 ---------- -------
385 ----- ---
6 K- 199 ----- 1974 ---------- -------
417 Komsomolsk ----- ---
7 K- 402 Sevmash ----- 1974 ---------- ------- 05/05/1998
457 ----- --- missile fuel
leak,in
reserve
8 K- 402 Sevmash ----- 1974 ---------- ------- hull NO.
465 ----- --- possibly K-
453
9 K- 402 Sevmash ----- 1975 ---------- -------
460 ----- ---
1 K- 402 Sevmash ----- 1975 ---------- 1999 1999
0 472 ----- dismantled
1 K- 402 Sevmash ----- 1975 ---------- 1999 1999
1 475 ----- dismantled
1 K- 199 ----- 1975 ---------- -------
2 477 Komsomolsk ----- ---
1 K- 199 ----- 1975 ---------- -------
3 497 Komsomolsk ----- ---
1 K- 402 Sevmash ----- 1976 ---------- -------
4 171 ----- ---
1 K- 199 ----- 1976 ---------- 1999 remains
5 500 Komsomolsk ----- operational ??
1 K- 70 Let 199 ----- 1976 ---------- ------- 10/28/1988
6 512 VLKSM Komsomolsk ----- --- named
1991
unnamed
1 K- 199 ----- 1977 ---------- -------
7 523 Komsomolsk ----- ---
1 K- 199 ----- 1977 ---------- 1999 remains
8 530 Komsomolsk ----- operational ??
667BD DELTA II
The 667BD was primarily developed to increase the number of missiles on strategic
submarines. Its development was approved in June 1972 under the direction of the Rubin
Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering. The 667B Delta I served as the basis for
the main design features. The pressure hull was lengthened by 16 meters in the area of
the fourth and fifth compartments where four additional missile tubes were located. The
displacement increased in 1,500 tons, and the full speed decreased 1 knot.
The 667BD submarines are equipped with the D-9D launch system and 16 R-29DD
missiles. During the development of the new ballistic missile submarine several measures
were applied to decrease the radiated noise level. The steam turbines include a two-spool
system of shock-absorbers, the pipelines and hydraulic devices are isolated from the hulls
and a new hydroacoustic coating was applied.
The first 667BD entered the Navy on 30 September 1975. Between 1973 and 1975 four
submarines of this project were constructed at the Northern machine-building enterprise
in Severodvinsk. The 667BD submarines formed part of the 3rd flotilla of submarines of
the Northern fleet based in the Yagyelnaya bay. In 1996 one submarine was removed
from operational status.
It is anticipated that all 667BD submarines will be decommissioned in compliance with

the provisions of the START-1 treaty.

Specifications
Soviet Designation 667B Murena 667 BD Murena-M
US-Designation Delta I Delta II
Development began 1965 November 1967
Builders Severodvinsk Severodvinsk
Komsomol Na Amur
Outfit
Service time 1973- 1975-1996
12 R-29 missiles 16 R-29 missiles
4-533mm torpedo tubes 4-533mm torpedo tubes
2 steam turbines, 52.000 hp 2 steam turbines, 55.000
each hp each
Length 139 meters 155 meters
Beam 12 meters
Deposit 9 meters
Displacement 9000 m3 Surfaced 10500 m3 Submerged
11000m3 Surfaced 13000 m3 Submerged
Endurance 80 days
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipyard Laid Notes
# numb Name Launche Comm. Strick
er Down d en
1 K- Shestidesyati 402 04/**/1 01/**/1 09/20/1 ------- 11/04/1977
182 letie Sevmash 973 975 975 --- named
Velikogo 1996 in
Oktyabrya reserve
2 K-92 402 04/**/1 01/**/1 12/17/1 ------- 1996 in
Sevmash 973 975 975 --- reserve
3 K- 402 1974 1975 12/30/1 1999 12/1997
193 Sevmash 975 prepared for
decommissio
ning
1999
dismantled
4 K- 402 1974 1975 12/30/1 ------- 1996 in
421 Sevmash 975 --- reserve
2000
planned to be
defuelled
667BDR DELTA III
The development of the 667BDR Delta III ballistic missile submarine began in 1972 at
the Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering. This strategic submarine is
equipped with the D-9R launch system and 16 R-29R missiles, and is the first submarine
that can fire any number of missiles in a single salvo.
The R-29R missile is the first sea-based Soviet ballistic missile carrying 3 to 7 multiple
independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), with a range of 6,500 to 8000 km,
depending on the number of reentry vehicles.
The Delta III is equipped with the "Almaz -BDR" battle management system ensuring
firing of deep-water torpedos. The inertial navigational system "Tobol-BD" is of the
Delta II was replaced with the "Tobol-M-1" system, and subsequently with the "Tobol-
M-2". The Delta III is also equipped with the "Bumblebee" hydroacoustic navigational
system to determinate its position through hydroacoustic buoys. Instead of the
hydroacoustic system "Kerch" was used on the 667BD submarines, the Delta III uses the
new "Rubikon" hydro-acoustic system.
The advanced Delta III SSBN entered service in 1976, and by 1982 a total of fourteen
submarines were commissioned. All of them were build at Severodvinsk. The operational
lifetime of these submarines is estimated to be 20-25 years. The Delta III submarines
which served in the Northern fleet formed a division and were based in the port of Sayda
in the Yagyelnaya bay and in the Olyenya port. In the early 90s the ballistic missile
submarines were transferred to Yagyelnaya. The Delta III that served in the Pacific Fleet
formed a division of SSBNs which is based on Kamchatka.
When the START-1 treaty was signed in 1991 five 667BDR SSBNs still served in the
Northern (3 - in Yagyelnaya, 2 - in Olyenyey ) and nine in the Pacific Fleet. One Delta III
submarine of the Northern fleet was decommissioned in 1994. The Nunn-Lugar
Cooperative Threat Reduction program is scheduled to dismantle 25 Delta-class, five
Typhoon-class, and one Yankee-class ballistic missile submarines capable of launching
over 400 missiles with over 1,700 warheads, by the year 2003. As of September 1999 US
specialists had helped disassemble one Yankee- and six Delta-class submarines, while the
Russians had destroyed another five ballistic missile subs on their own using American
equipment.
According to media reports a classified presidential decree of 04 March 2000 established
this force goal for the period through 2010.
Specifications
Soviet Designation 667BDRM Dolphin
US-Designation Delta IV
Construction and 1975-1981
Outfit
Service time 1976-
Number of ships 7
Armament D-9 RM launch system with
16 R-29R missiles
Propellers 2 × 7 blade fixed-pitch
Length 155 meters
Beam 11.7 meters
Draft 8.7 meters
Operational depth 320 meters (design)
Speed 13-14 knots Surface
22-24 knots Submerged
Crew 130 men
Endurance 80 days
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipyard Notes
# numbe Name Laid Launched Comm. Stricke
r Dow n
n
1 K-441 26 402 1975 1976 12/**/197 --------- 04/1992
Zvezd Sevmash 6 - unnamed
a 1996 in
KPSS reserve
2 K-424 402 ------- ---------- 1977 --------- 1997 in
Sevmash --- - reserve
3 K-449 402 ------- ---------- 1977 --------- 1996 in
4 K-455 402 ------- ---------- 1978 --------- 1998-99
Sevmash --- - in
reserve
5 K-490 402 ------- ---------- 1978 --------- 1998-99
Sevmash --- - in
reserve
6 K-487 402 ------- ---------- 1978 --------- 1998-99
Sevmash --- - in
reserve
7 K-44 402 ------- ---------- 1979 --------- 1997 in
8 K-496 402 1976 01/**/197 1979
Sevmash 8
9 K-506 402 1977 01/**/197 1979
Sevmash 9
1 K-211 402 1977 01/**/197 1980
0 Sevmash 9
1 K-223 402 ------- ---------- 1980 --------- 1998-99
1 Sevmash --- - in
reserve
1 K-180 402 1978 12/**/198 1980
2 Sevmash 0
1 K-433 402 ------- ---------- 1981 --------- 1997 in
3 Sevmash --- - reserve
1 K-129 402 1979 12/**/198 1981 --------- 1997 in
4 Sevmash 1 - reserve
possibly
still in
operatio
n
667BDRM Dolphin DELTA IV
The 667BDRM Delta IV submarine, which was constructed parallel to the Typhoon
class, is a further modification of the previous Delta. In comparison with the Delta III
submarine the diameter of the pressure hull was increased and the bow was lengthened.
As a result the displacement of the submarine was increased by 1,200 tons and it was 12
meters longer. To increase the reliability of the pressure hull, the tip and intercut-off
bulkheads are made of specially processed steel.
The Delta IV submarines employs the D- 9RM launch system and carries 16 R-29RM
liquid-fueled missiles which carry four multiple independently targetable reentry
vehicles.Unlike previous modifications, the Delta IV submarine is able to fire missiles in
any direction from a constant course in a circular sector. The underwater firing of the
ballistic missiles can be conducted at a depth of 55 meters while cruising at a speed of 6-
7 knots. All the missiles can be fired in a single salvo.
The 667BDRM Dolphin submarines are equipped with the TRV-671 RTM missile-
torpedo system that has four torpedo tubes with a calibre of 533 mm. Unlike the Delta III,
it is capable of using all types of torpedos, antisubmarine torpedo-missiles and
antihydroacoustic devices. The battle management system "Omnibus-BDRM" controls
all combat activities, processing data and commanding the torpedo and missile-torpedo
weapons. The "Shlyuz" navigation system provides for the improved accuracy of the
missiles and is capable of stellar navigation at periscope depths. The navigational system
also employs two floating antenna buoys to receive radio-messages, target destination
data and satellite navigation signals at great depth. The submarine is also equipped with
the "Skat- VDRM" hydroacoustic system.
During the development of the 667BDRM SSBN several measures were included to
reduce its noise level. The gears and equipment are located on a common base isolated
from the pressure hull, and the power compartments are also isolated. The efficiency of
the antihydroacoustic coatings of the light outer hull and inner pressure hulls have been
increased. Newly designed five-bladed propellers with improved hydroacoustic
characteristics are employed.
The development of the Delta IV submarine began on 10 September 1975 by the Rubin
Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering. The first Dolphin submarine was
launched in January 1985 and in December 1985 the first Dolphin submarine was
introduced into Northern fleet. Between 1985 and 1990 seven Dolphin SSBN were
constructed by the Sevmashpredpriyatiye Production Association in Severodvinsk.
Initially all the Delta IV submarines were based with the Northern Fleet at Olenya. All
the submarines of this class serve in the 3rd flotilla of strategic submarines of the
Northern fleet, which has relocated to Yagyelnaya.
The operational lifetime of these submarines is estimated to be 20-30 years, though in
order to operate a ship for this period requires that a major overhaul be performed every
7-8 years. Otherwise, a submarine's service life shrinks to 10-15 years. The four-year
repair works on the first Delta-IV (K-51) submarine were completed in November 1999
at Zvezdochka shipyard in Severodvinsk. The submarine was expected to operate from its
home base in Gadzhievo at the Kola Peninsula for 5-7 more years.
According to media reports a classified presidential decree of 04 March 2000 established
this force goal for the period through 2010.
Specifications
Soviet Designation 667BDRM Dolphin
US-Designation Delta IV
Development began September 1975
Construction and February 1981-1992
Outfit
Service time December 1985-
Number of ships 7
Armament D-9 RM launch system with
16 R-29 RM missiles
Propellers 2 × 7 blade fixed-pitch
Length 167 meters
Beam 12 meters
Draft 8.8 meters
Operational depth 320 meters (design)
Crew 130 men
Endurance 80 days
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipyar
Notes
# num Name d Laid Launch Comm. Stric
ber Down ed ken
1 K-51 402 02/23/1 01/**/1 12/29/1 1996-11/1999
Sevmash 981 985 986 deactivated for refit
2000 in service
2 K-84 402 11/**/1 12/**/1 02/**/1 in service
Sevmash 984 985 986
3 K-64 402 11/**/1 12/**/1 02/**/1 in service
Sevmash 985 986 988
4 K- 402 12/**/1 09/**/1 02/**/1 late 1999 planned to
114 Sevmash 986 987 989 dismantle at
Zvezdochka
5 K- 402 09/**/1 09/**/1 03/**/1 in service
117 Sevmash 987 988 990
6 K-18 402 09/**/1 11/**/1 02/**/1 in service
Sevmash 988 989 991
7 K- Novomos 402 11/**/1 01/**/1 02/20/1
407 kovsk Sevmash 989 991 992 in service
K- 402 Cancelled under
8 ??? Sevmash construction
K- 402 Cancelled under
9 ??? Sevmash construction
941 TYPHOON
During the Cold War the Typhoon submarines prowled the waters of the North Atlantic.
These submarines do not have to submerge or go to sea to launch their long-range
missiles. They are able to do so tied up at their docks. The Typhoon is the world’s largest
submarine and was one of the most feared weapons of the Cold War. Each submarine is
capable of carrying twenty long-range ballistic missiles with up to 200 nuclear warheads
that were once aimed at the United States.
The design of the Typhoon submarine is multi-hulled and bears resemblance to a

catamaran. The submarine has two separate pressure hulls with a diameter of 7.2 m each,
five inner habitable hulls and 19 compartments. The pressure hulls are arranged parallel
to each other and symmetrical to a centerplane. The missile compartment is arranged in
the upper part of the bow between the pressure hulls. Both hulls and all compartments are
connected by transitions. The pressure hulls, the centerplane and the torpedo
compartment are made of titanium and the outer light hull is made of steel. A protected
module, comprising the main control room and electronic equipment compartment, is
arranged behind the missile silos above the main hulls in a centerplane under the guard of
retractable devices.
The submarine's design includes features to enable it to both travel under ice and for ice-
breaking. It has an advanced stern fin with horizontal hydroplane fitted after the screws.
The nose horizontal hydroplanes are in the bow section and are retractable into the hull.
The retractable systems include two periscopes (one for the commander and one for
general use), radio sextant, radar, radio communications, navigation and direction-finder
masts. They are housed within the sail guard. The sail and sail guard have a reinforced
rounded cover for ice-breaking.
The submarine is equipped with the D-19 launch system with 20 solid-fuel propellant R-
39 missiles which have a range of up to 10,000 km. They are arranged in silos in two
rows in front of the sail between the main hulls. The Typhoon has an automated torpedo
and missile loading system including 6 torpedo tubes with calibres of 650 and 533 mm.
The main machinery consists of two reactors each and two steam turbines of 190 MW
that provide a maximum speed of 25-27 knots. Compared to the first and second
generation of SSBNs the Typhoon enjoys far greater maneuverability Despite of its larger
displacement the Typhoons are less noisy than their predecessors. To reduce the acoustic
signature a two-spool system of rubber-cord pneumatic shock-absorption is employed as
well as a block layout of gears and equipment, a new sound isolation and
andrihydroacoustic coating.
The Typhoons are equipped with the "Slope" hydroacoustic system that consists of four
hydroacoustic stations. The "Slope" system allows to track 10-12 vessels simultaneously.
It also employs two floating antenna buoys to receive radio messages, target designation
data and satellite navigation signals at great depth and under an ice cover.
The development of the 941 heavy strategic submarine was authorized in December
1972, and on 19 December 1973 the governmental officially issued the order to design
and build the 941 ballistic missile submarine. The developer was the Leningrad design
bureau which is now the Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering "Rubin". After
intensive testing the heavy ballistic missile submarine 941-"TK-208" was commissioned
in September 1980 and introduced into the Northern fleet on 12 December 1981.
Between 1981 and 1989 six Typhoon submarines entered service. They formed part of
the 1st flotilla of atomic submarines based in the Western Theater of the Northern fleet
based at Nyerpichya. A seventh vessel was begun but never finished.
The Typhoon submarines were initially intended to be retrofitted with a replacement of

the D-19 launch system with an advanced system, and the new SS-N-28 missile. The lead
unit of this class, the TK-208, had been in overhaul since 1992 with the intent of
receiving these modifications, but it now appears that it will not return to service. All but
one of the Typhoon class submarines are slated to be withdrawn from service within a
few years, and it is unlikely that units of the class would be modified to accomodate new
missiles.
In 1997 two Typhoon submarines were decommissioned. The operational lifetime of

these submarines is estimated to be 20-30 years, though in order to operate a ship for this
period requires that a major overhaul be performed every 7-8 years. Otherwise, a
submarine's service life shrinks to 10-15 years. Navy officials claim that it is possible to
extend operations of the Typhoons until 2005-2007.

Delta-class, as many as five Typhoon-class, and one Yankee-class ballistic missile
submarines capable of launching over 400 missiles with over 1,700 warheads, by the year
2003. In 1999 Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen approved the contract to begin
dismantlement of the first Typhoon nuclear submarine. If and when all of these
submarines are dismantled, 1,200 nuclear weapons will be removed from operational
systems.
As of June 2000 the Russian Navy claimed that it operates 26 strategic nuclear
submarines carrying 2,272 nuclear warheads on 440 ballistic missiles. This force was said
to consist of 5 Typhoon class submarines, 7 Delta-IV class submarines, and 13 Delta-III
class submarines [which only adds up to 25, not 26 submarines]. Not all of these
submarines are presently seaworthy. According to one published report as of 1999 only a
single Typhoon remained operational [probably TK-20], and most estimates would
suggest that no more than three boats were in service by early 2000.
In January 2000 it was reported that three of six Russian Typhoon-class submarines
would remain in active operation to test the new Bark-class strategic missiles, contrary to
both the plans of the Co-operative Threat Reduction program and reports that Bark-class
missiles had been cancelled due to design failures. The Russian Navy reportedly believes
that 12 strategic nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles represent the minimum
necessary force structure. According to media reports a classified presidential decree of
04 March 2000 established this force goal for the period through 2010.
Specifications
Soviet Designation 941 Akula
US-Designation Typhoon
Development began December 1973
Construction and March 1977-September 1989
Outfit
Service time December 1981-
Number of ships 6
Armament D-19 launch system with
20 R-39 missiles
Propellers 2×7 blade fixed-pitch shrouded
Length 170-172 meters
Beam 23-23.3 meters
Draft 11-11.5 meters
Displacement 23,200-24,500 tons Surfaced
33,800-48,000 tons Submerged
Maximum diving 500 meters
depth
Crew 150 men (50 officers)
Endurance 90-120 days
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipyard Notes
# numb Na Laid Launche Comm. Strick
er me Down d en
1 TK- 402 03/03/1 09/23/1 12/12/1 1992 missile accident,
208 Sevmash 977 980 981 deactivated for refit
2001 reactivated?
2 TK- 402 10/01/1 04/26/1 12/28/1 2000 1997- deactivated for
202 Sevmash 980 982 983 refueling
2000 dismantled
3 TK- 402 04/27/1 12/17/1 12/27/1 1997- deactivated for
12 Sevmash 982 983 984 refueling
2000 in reserve
4 TK- 402 01/05/1 02/21/1 12/29/1 1997- undergoing
13 Sevmash 984 985 985 overhaul
2000 in reserve
5 TK- 402 02/24/1 08/**/1 11/06/1 in service
17 Sevmash 985 986 987 slated for
dismantlement ??
6 TK- 402 01/06/1 07/**/1 09/04/1 in service
20 Sevmash 987 988 989
TK- 402 Cancelled under
7 210 Sevmash construction
935 Borei
On 16 October 1996 Commander in Chief of the Russian Navy ADM Feliks Gromov
announced that work would start on a new-generation strategic nuclear-powered
submarine, which he said would be "two or three times more powerful" than any
submarine currently in the fleet.
The keel of the fourth-generation strategic missile submarine Yuri Dolgoruky was laid
down at the Sevmash State Nuclear Ship-Building Centre at Severodvinsk on 2
November 1996. The keel-laying was postponed for a week after poor weather made it
impossible for high ranking officials to attend, including First Deputy Defense Minister
Andrei Kokoshin, Presidential Chief of Staff Anatoly Chubais, Moscow mayor Yuri
Luzkhov, and Admiral Gromov. Kokoshin described the new Yuri Dolgoruky as a state-
of-the-art submarine with "substantial improvements" over those currently in service, and
Chubais termed the new submarine "a totally unique thing, a submarine for the next
century."
The city of Moscow is sponsoring the project, as the lead vessel is named after Prince
Dolgoruky, the traditional founder of the city. The wages of shipyard workers and the
crew of the new boat will [reportedly] be paid by the city in the event that the federal
government is unable to pay. So-called "Presentation" weapons were commonplace in the
Red Army during the Great Patriotic War. Presentation weapons were almost always the
result of monetary collections taken up locally and voluntarily, and offered towards the
cost of various vehicles or other items in the name of some personality or entity. Thus,
the workers of a factory, town, or even just local citizens could take up a collection and
"buy" a tank or aircraft (etc.) in the name of their Factory, group, or perhaps a local or
even national figure -- contemporary or historical.
One of the oldest Russian annals, the Lavrenty Chronicle, was compiled in Nizhny
Novgorod at the request of Prince Dmitry Konstantinovich. It contains "The Instructions
to His Children of Vladimir Monomakh". Vladimir Monomach ruled in Kiev, the then
capital of the Russian state, between 1113 and 1125. He was the father of Yuri
Dolgoruky, the founder of Moscow. The meeting of Prince Dolgoruky and Prince
Svyatoslav Olgovich on 04 April 1147 in Moscow is the oldest mentioning of Moscow in
chronicles.
This is the first submarine of the new Borei-class [Boreas], with a length of 170 meters, a
body diameter around 10 metres, and a submerged speed of over 25 knots (over 45km/h).
With about half the displacement of the Typhoon, the 935 class will nonetheless carry 20
SLBMs of a new type.
The lead unit of Russia's fourth generation ballistic missile submarine would have
reached initial operational capability by 2004, if the current plan of launching it by 2002
remained on track. But the Navy leadership's plans to launch one new-generation
submarine per year beginning in 2002 appear unrealistic with the planned financing of
national defense. Consequently no more than 9-12 missile-armed submarines with a total
of 800-1,000 warheads are likely to remain in the naval strategic nuclear forces by 2010,
although the START I and II treaties allow Russia to have up to 1,750-1,900 warheads in
the naval component.
As of early 1999 it appeared that construction had ceased on the first unit of the Borei-
class, pending a redesign of the ship to accomodate a different missile from the originally
intended SS-N-28, which had failed its first three test firings and was subsequently said
to have been abandoned. The first remains under construction with a scheduled launch in
2005. Other sources state the commissioning year to be 2007-2010, depending on
availability of funds.
The creation of D-19UTH missile complex designed for the new nuclear strategic
submarines of the Borei-class has been undertaken at GRTs KB named after V. P.
Makeev. The D-19UTH launch complex is to replace the D-9 launch complex with RSM-
52 ballistic missiles. The new complex will be equipped with a solid-fuel ballistic missile
of greater reliability and longer range, capable of being fired from the surface and under-
water positions.
are presently seaworthy. The oldest of these boats, which entered service in 1983, will
reach the end of their 20-25 year service life about the time the first 935 is commissioned.
The Russian Navy reportedly believes that 12 strategic nuclear submarines with ballistic
missiles represent the minimum necessary force structure. According to media reports a
classified presidential decree of 04 March 2000 established this force goal for the period
through 2010.
Specifications
Builders:
Power Plant: nuclear reactor, geared steam turbines, shaft
Length: 170 meters
Beam: meters
11,750-12,250 tons Surfaced
Displacement:
16,750-24,000 tons Submerged
Speed: + 25 knots
Crew: Officers, Enlisted
Armament: 20 R-39M Grom RSM-52V SS-N-28
Date Deployed:
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipyard Laid Notes
# numb Name Launch Commisio Strick
er Down ed ned en
1 ----- Yuri 402 10/25/19 2005- 1998
Dolgoruky Sevmash 96 2010? redesigne
d and
reconstruc
ted
402 2006-
2 Sevmash 2011? ?
402 2007-
3 Sevmash 2012? ?
402 2008-
4 Sevmash 2013? ?
402 2009-
5 Sevmash 2014? ?
402 2010-
6 Sevmash 2015? ?
402 2011-
7 Sevmash 2016? ?
402 2012-
8 Sevmash 2017? ?
402 2013-
9 Sevmash 2018? ?
1 402 2014-
0 Sevmash 2019? ?
1 402 2015-
1 Sevmash 2020? ?
1 402 2016-
2 Sevmash 2021? ?
Tu-4 BULL
The massive World War One Il'ya Muromets bomber [namded after a legendary Russian
folk hero who destroyed the Tartar Army single handed] was the largest four-engined
aeroplane of its time. Designed by Igor Sikorsky, it able to carry a significant bomb load
and to engage in long distance reconnaissance missions. In 1935 Tupolev built the
world's largest passenger plane, the Maxim Gorky, which was used for propaganda
flights. The Soviets began the development of a heavy bomber force prior to 1935, and
by 1940 they had the largest force of four engined bombers in the world (the Soviets had
10,000 to 12,000 aircraft of all types at the outbreak of World War II). However, strategic
bombing played a minor role in Soviet wartime military operations.
During World War II an arrangement of aerial maneuvers code-named FRANTIC

comprised the largest and most complete military projects linking the United States of
America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as allies against Germany. This was
the only direct combat cooperation between the American and Soviet war efforts. The
United States Army Air Force conducted FRANTIC as an extension of the Combined
Bomber Offensive (CBO) in Europe. The 8th and 15th Air Forces flew B-17 Flying
Fortresses deep into central Europe to attack German war materiel and military bases,
then continued east to land in the Ukraine. Soviet troops serviced and protected the Army
Air Force units, which rearmed and flew of to hit more targets enroute to their home
stations.
Work on a long range bomber, capable of striking at targets in deep enemy territory,
began in the Soviet Union in 1943. Three American B-29 bombers flying against Japan
had landed in Siberia and were seized by the Soviets. By August 1944 the the "64" design
had been developed at OKB-156 under the direction of A.N. Tupolev, with similar
characteristics. The maximum range of the Soviet bomber carrying a load of 4,000 kg
was planned to be 6,500 km. However, in June 1945, after development began, the Soviet
Union decided to drop the project "64" and build an exact copy of the B-29 bomber
instead.
This Soviet copy of the B-29 was also built by OKB-156, under the designation B-4 or
product "P". The project received the highest priority and was under direct control of the
Politbureau, and was supposed to be completed within two years.
In mid 1945 the three American B-29 bombers were delivered to Moscow. One plane
was transferred to the Flight-test institute in Zhukovski to train pilots for preparing flight
training manuals, the second plane was disassambled to study its' design and the third
was left as a yardstick. However, the Soviets decided not to attempto to copy the
American engine, and instead equipped the bomber with the Soviet ASH-73TK engine
designed by A.D. Shvetsov. This engine retained the B-29's original turbocompressor and
the magnet and heat-resistant bearings. The Soviet bomber also carried improved gun
turrets of Soviet design.
The Bull is a midwing, four-engine, medium bomber with two bomb bays centrally
located in the fuselage, extending fore and aft of the wing. Defensive armament consists
of four turrets located in upper forward, lower forward, lower rear, and tail positions.
The first B-4 bomber was finished in the spring of 1947 and carried out its' first flight on
19 May 1947. Flight tests continued through 1949. Full-scale production of the aircraft,
under the designation Tu-4. began in 1947 at the plant Nr. 22 in Kazan and at plant Nr.
18 in Kuibyshev. In 1948, an additional construction plant in Moscow, Nr. 23, was
adapted to build the TU-4. Production in Moscow began in 1950 and when total
production of the TU-4 finally finished in 1952, a total of 847 bombers had been
produced [according to Russian sources -- according to Western estimates, a maximum of
about 1,300 were deployed by 1954].
The deployment of the TU-4 bomber began in 1949, and they replaced wartime bombers
such as the IL-4, B-25, PYE-8, B-17 and B-24 aircraft in Long-Range Aviation units.
Patrolling mainly over Soviet territory, the bombers had a capability to strike at Europe,
Northern Africa, the Near East and Japan.
Immediately after serial production of the Tu-4 was initiated, work began to adapt the
bomber to strike at American territory. Some airplanes were outfitted to carry nuclear
bombs and were designated as TU-4A. During re-equipment, the bomber was equipped
with a thermostatically controlled heated bomb bay, a suspension unit for the bomb was
developed, and biological protection devices for the crew were supplied. Some TU-4
bombers were equipped with aerial refueling devices, and very few were outfitted with
additional fuel tanks located under the wings. They were deployed in 1952, though the
majority of the TU-4 were not re-equipped with air refueling. Although the limited range
of the Tu-4 rendered it incapable of striking the United States and subsequently returning
to bases in the Soviet Union, neither country was a stranger to one-way strategic
bombardment missions, given the precedent of the FRANTIC operations in World War
II.
In 1948, work on the "Comet" missile project began. The modified version of the Tu-4
bomber - the TU-4K - was supposed to be equipped with two KS-1 air to surface missiles
and the "Comet-1"/"Comet-2" guidance system. The first TU-4K prototype was finished
in 1951, with production testing in 1951 and 1952. Between July 1952 and January 1953
the bomber was tested, and subsequently deployed with naval aviation. In 1950 OKB
Tupolev studied the possibility of equipping the TU-4 with the turbo-prop engines of the
TB-2 aircraft. But the flight performance was only increased by 14-20 percent, and the
project did not proceed into development. The "Burlak" weapon system was developed in
the early 1950s to protect the bomber from attacks. The TU-4 bomber towed a pair of
MIG-15 fighters as an escort. However, after proving that this was technically feasible,
the project was cancelled. Some TU-4 were converted into secret command centers and
though designed primarily as a bomber, the Tu-4 could also be equipped for
reconnaissance missions.
From 1954 on, the bombers Tu-4 were gradually replaced by Tu-16 medium-range
bombers, and from 1956 on by Tu-95 intercontinental bombers. Although the Soviets
have phased it out as an operational bomber, it was used for this purpose for some years
thereafter in the Chinese Air Force. From the early 1960s on, the TU-4 were only used as
transport aircraft, training aircraft and flying airforce laboratories.
In 1955 some 300 TU-4 aircraft were converted to the transport aircraft TU-4D
configuration, which remained in operational service through the mid-1960s. This
modification was adapted to transportation and airdrop 28 parachute air-troopers with
their equipment. Despite this, the aircraft bomber retained its long-range bombing
capabilities. In 1956, the TU-4 was experimentally converted into a troop carrying
aircraft (TU-4T). The TU-4 served as the basis for the passenger plane TU-70 and the
military transport aircraft TU-75. In the early 1960s, a total of six Tu-4 were converted
into flying laboratories (TU-4LL) to support testing of piston, turbo-prop and turbojet
engines. In the late 1950s some aircraft were converted to the TU-4USHS trainer.
Specifications
Soviet Designation TU-4
US-Designation Bull
Design Bureau OKB-156 Tupolev
Manufacturer Plant Nr. 22 Kazan
Plant Nr. 18 Kuibyshev
Plant Nr. 23 Moscow
Power Plant 4 ASH-73TK engines
Thrust 1790 kw each
Length 30.179
Height 8.46
Wingspan 43m
Wing surface 161.7sqm
Speed 558 km/h (at 10250m)
435 km/h (ground)
Ceiling 11.200m
Weight (empty) 35.270kg
Fuel weight 4.280kg
Maximum take-off weight 65.000kg
Normal load 6.000kg
Maximum load 9.000
Operational Range 5.400km (with a load of 3.000kg)
3.580 km (with a load of 9.000kg)
Maximum Range 6.200km (with a load of 3.000kg)
Armament Six 1000-Kt bombs (TU-4)
1 nuclear bomb (TU-4a)
2 KS missiles (TU-4K)
Systems
Crew 7
Accomodation
Unit cost

First Flight 5/19/1947
Series production 1945-1952
Date deployed 1949
Inventory

Estimates
Soviets possess partial sets of B-29 blueprints (according to
1943
post-war defector)
B-29 lands at Vladivostok in flying condition and is interned July 1944
November
USSR acquires two more wartime B-29s
1944
Estimated start of flight testing 1945
First discovery 1946
Estimated start of series production 1947
Initial operational capability 1949
Significant operational capability 1950
Production complete 1953
Phase out complete 1960
Il-28 BEAGLE (ILYUSHIN)
The first jet bomber to enter service with the Soviet air force, the Il-28 tactical day
bomber was Russia's equivalent to the British Canberra. First flown on the 08 August
1948, the Il-28 entered service with bomber squadrons in 1950 and remained in
production for many years. This jet-powered medium bomber was built in enormous
numbers [over 6000 were built by the Soviet Union and China, according to some
estimates] and adapted to fulfil a variety of roles.
Designed in the late 1940s with an orthodox configuration, the Il-28 was powered by
Rolls-Royce turbojets supplied by Britian just before the Cold War started. Two Klimov
VK-1 centrifugal-flow turbojets (developed from the Rolls-Royce Nene) were mounted
beneath the wings in pods, which extend beyond wings’ leading and trailing edges. The
high-mounted wings featured a straight leading edge and forward-tapered trailing edge
with blunt tips. The unswept wing contrasts with the swept tailplane but ensures pitch
control in high Mach dives. The tubular fuselage was cigar-shaped, and tapering to the
rear, with a rounded, glassed-in nose and bubble canopy. The WWII-style greenhouse
contains the bombardier/ navigator's electronics and visual bombsight. The tail fin is
swept-back and tapered with a blunt tip. The tail of the Beagle contains the rear
gunner/radio operator and two more 23mm NR-23 cannon. Flats are low-mounted on the
fin, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips. A glassed-in tail gunner compartment is to
the rear of the tail.
It is armed with two 23 mm NR-23 cannon in a fixed nose installation and two 23 mm
NR-23 cannon in the tail turret. Up to 3000 kg of disposable stores can be carried in a
lowerfuselage weapons bay. The Il-28R variant is a three-seat tactical reconnaissance
version with four or five cameras. This model was also used for electronic intelligence
gathering with a revised electronic fit. The Il-28U variant is an operational conversion
trainer lacking radar and armament but fitted with a second cockpit in the nose.
The Il-28 was retired from the Soviet Air Force and Navy in the 1980s, serving as target
tugs and ECM platforms. It also served with a large number of export customers, and was
exported to over 20 countries]. Beagles served with most of the major Arab air forces.
The arrival of 50 Il-28s in Egypt in 1956 was alarming to the Israelis, and a significant
factor in the origins of the 1956 Suez War, in which all the Il-28s sent to Nasser were
destroyed on the ground. Again in 1967 and yet again in 1973, the Il-28 featured as a
significant ground target for the Israeli Air Force. During the Cuban Missile Crisis of
1962, Soviet Premier Khrushchev agreed to remove the offensive missiles as well as the
medium range twin-jet Il-28 "Beagle" bombers being assembled in Cuba. Il-28s also saw
service with the Nigerians during the Biafra War. East Germany and Finland flew only
the target-towing version, without armament. By the early 1990s more than 300 Beagles
remained in service with a number of ex-Soviet allies and clients.
Specifications
Primary Function: Light bomber
Similar Aircraft Canberra, Yak-28 Brewer
Contractor: ILYUSHIN
Power Plant: two Klimov VK-1A
Thrust: 26.48 kN (5,952 lb st) each
Length: 57 ft, 11 in (17.6 m)
Height: 6.70 m
Wingspan: 70 ft, 5 in (21.5 m)
902 km/h at 4500 m [maximum]
Speed: 800 km/h at sea level
876 km/h cruising speed at optimum altitude
Ceiling: 12300 m
Weight: empty 11890 kg
Maximum Takeoff 21200 kg
Weight:
2400 km at 10000 m
Range:
1135 km at 1000 m
Armament: Bombs, two 23-mm cannons in tail
Crew: Three
Unit Cost:
Date Deployed:
Current Users: Romania and People’s Republic of China (H-5)
Afghanistan, Egypt, Hungary, Iraq, North Korea,
Former Users: Poland and Yemen
Tu-16 BADGER (TUPOLEV)
The Tu-16 was designed as an high-speed jet bomber for operations in theaters close to
the Soviet Union. Intended to replace the propeller-driven TU-4, the greatest challenge
during development was to doubling the speed to improve survivability in the face of
enemy fighters.
OKB A.N. Tupolev started working on the design of a new jet bomber soon after
development of the TU-4 was completed. The resulting design "82" consisted of a swept-
wing aircraft with RD-45F or VK-1 turbojet engines. The bomber was supposed to have a
speed of Mach 0.9-0.95 with a range and payload were comparable to the TU-4.
After the bomber's operational characteristics were coordinated with the military, the
government officially approved the development of the "82" aircraft in 1948. The
prototype, which was the first Soviet aircraft with swept-wings, made its' first flight on
24 March1949. It reached a speed of 934 km/h, 20 percent faster than the TU-14 which
also had BK-1 engines. The "82" design was initially supposed to serve as the basis for
the "83" bomber, but with the start of serial production of the Il-28, the project was
dropped.
Based on the results of the "82" aircraft, in 1950 OKB Tupolev started developing the
"492" heavy long-range bomber that had a better performance than the TU-4 and the Il-
28. The design provided for a bomb load of 6000 kg, a range of 7,500 km, a speed of
1000 km/h and a ceiling of 12000-13000 m. The maximum bomb load could be increased
up to 12000kg. The aircraft could be outfitted with three different types of engines: two
AM-3 engines with a thrust of 8750 kg, 4 engines ТR-3A engines (5000 kg) or 4 TR-5
two circuit engines (5000 kg). As the TR-5 engines were the most reliable at that time,
Tupolev was charged with the development of an experimental long-range bomber
(project "88") equipped with two TR-5 engines. However, work on the AM-3 engines
continued and was completed in August 1951.
The wings of the Badger are mid-mounted, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips.
There are fences on top of the wings and its landing gear pods extend beyond the wings’
trailing edges. The Badger's engine(s) are two turbojets mounted in wing roots which
extend beyond the leading and trailing edges of the wing root. The engines also have
round air intakes. Its fuselage is long, slender, and bulging where the engines are
mounted and tapered to the tail. It has a round, glassed-in nose and a stepped cockpit. The
tail is swept-back, tapered fin and flats with blunt tips. The Badger also has a tail gunner
compartment. All models of Badger are equipped for aerial refueling.
The first prototype of the "88" aircraft received the designation Tu-16 and carried out the
first flight on 27 April 1952. During flight tests, the aircraft exceeded the expected speed
but lagged in range due to insufficient engine performance. As a result, the second
prototype had a reduced weight though less speed at small and medium altitudes. In April
1953 it actually exceeded the expected range.
In December 1952, series production was initiated. In 1953 series production of the TU-
16 began at the plant Nr. 22 in Kazan and in 1954, also at the plant Nr.1 in Kuibyshev
and at the plant Nr. 64 in Voronezh. During production, the aircraft were outfitted with a
modified AM-3 engine - the PD-3MT. While the bombers were already operational, the
AM-3 and PD-3M engines were replaced by PD-3M-500 engines with improved
characteristics. When production of the TU-16 finally stopped in 1963, a total of 1509
aircraft had been built.
Deployment of the first TU-16 bombers started in 1954. They replaced the TU-4,
operating in theaters close to Soviet territory.
 Badger-A - Tu-16 -- The initial production version was lighter than the first
prototype, and largely met the original performance requirement.
 Badger-A - Tu-16A -- Primarily employed as a medium bomber, the TU-16A
carried nuclear bombs - the A suffix stood for Atomic. It had a re-configurable
thermostatically controlled heated bomb bay compatible with nuclear weapons,
and a special skin for protection against nuclear thermal effects. Externally similar
to the basic Tu-16, it featured more powerful RD-3M-200 engines, and an
improved self-defense gun fire control system. This was the primary production
version, with over 700 built, many of which were subsequently converted to other
versions.
 Badger-A - Tu-16E -- To increase range, the TU-16 subsequently received an air
refueling system. Some TU-16 were converted into tanker aircraft, which were
first tested in 1955 and received the designation TU-16E [some Western sources
suggest the designation was Tu-16Z]. However, they could still be used as
bombers. This initial inflight refuelling tanker version used a novel "wingtip-to-
wingtip" method, with a hose trailed from the right wingtip and snagged by
grapnel trailed by receiver, then winched into fitting in receiver's port wingtip. It
also had provision for additional transfer fuel in removeable tanks in bomb bay.
 Badger-A - Tu-16M -- The Tu-16M AV-MF maritime strike version was similar
to the Tu-16A with a few minor differences.
 Badger-A - Tu-16N -- A secondary mission for Badger A is as a tanker. From
1963 on the TU-16 was converted into TU-16N tanker aircraft. This tanker
version featured a 'Probe and drogue' system with a Yakovlev-built centerline
fueling unit in the bomb bay and ARK-5 beacon. It was mainly used to support
probe-equipped Tu-22 and Tu-22M Blinder bomber regiments.
 Badger-A - Tu-16T -- In the middle of the 1950s series production of the TU-
16T started. It was equipped with an air-to-surface missile for anti-shipping
purposes, with provision for mines, depth charges or for four RAT-52 or TAN-53
torpedos. This torpedo bomber version was built in limited numbers, and after
1965 all TU-16T aircraft were converted into the TU-16S.
 Badger-A - Tu-16S -- The Tu-16S search and rescue model, a 1965 conversion
of all the TU-16T aircraft, featured additional fuel and extra radios and carried a
radio-controlled lifeboat in the bomb compartment.
 Badger-A - Tu-16Ye -- In the middle of the 1950s, the TU-16N and the TY-
16Ye were created for electronic warfare. The Yolka ECM system featured a row
of three steerable antennas under the bomb bay and a bulk chaff-cutter/dispenser.
This aircraft is designated Badger-K when fitted with two radomes rather than
three. A few Tu-16As were rebuilt as Elint/EW platforms, though most Tu-16Ye
were produced by conversion of redundant Tu-16K-10 missile Badger-D carriers.
 Badger-B - Tu-16KS -- The Badger B is equipped with two Kennel air-to-surface
missiles suspended beneath the wings. The TU-16KS began initial tests in August
1954. It carried two KS-1 Kometa air-to-surface missiles with a range of 90 km,
and had an operational range of 1800 km. The Kobalt-N guidance transmitter was
installed, though the glazed 'bomber' nose was retained. The aircraft subsequently
served in the Soviet Naval Air Force [AV-MF].
 Badger-C - Tu-16K-10 -- In 1955 work began on using the Tu-16 as the carrier
for the K-10S (AS-2 Kipper) cruise missile for the Soviet Naval Air Force for use
in an anti-shipping role. The missile's guidance system was added as an onboard
system, with the missile mounted semi-submerged under the fuselage on the
centerline in the bomb bay area. The glazed nose was replaced by broad flat
radome housing antenna for the YeN targeting radar. A missile top-off fuel tank
was housed in the bomb bay, along with a small pressure cabin for the YeN radar
operator. The TU-16K-10 prototype was finished in 1958 and series production
started in 1959. Deployment into the Soviet Naval Air Force began in October
1961. A total of about 220 were built, many of which were subsequently
converted to Elint/EW platforms.
 Badger-C (Mod) - Tu-16K-10-26 -- Small numbers of Tu-16K-10s were later
modified to carry KSR-2, KSR-5S and later K-26 missiles underwing.
 Badger-D - Tu-16Ye -- Badger D is a modified Badger C reequipped to perform
an ELINT reconnaissance mission. This EW conversion of Tu-16K-10 and K-10-
26 is generally similar to Tu-16A and Tu-16KS-based EW conversions (Tu-16Ye
'Badger-A' and 'Badger-B'), though retaining the distinctive broad flat nose
radome.
 Badger-E - Tu-16R -- The TU-16R reconnaissance aircraft represented another
modification of the TU-16 Badger which was tested from 1955 on. The Badger E
is a modified Badger A reequipped to perform photographic reconnaissance, with
a camera pack in former bomb bay and the pilot's forward firing gun usually
removed.
 Badger-E - Tu-16RM -- The Tu-16RM is a similar maritime reconnaissance
version for the Soviet Naval Air Force [AV-MF].
 Badger-E - Tu-16KRM -- Small numbers of Tu-16RMs were modified with
underwing launch rails for rocket-powered target drones.
 Badger-F - Tu-16RM-2 -- Badger F is a photographic reconnaissance variant of
the Badger E Tu-16Rs and RMs with the addition of ELINT pods beneath the
wings or fuselage.
 Badger-G - Tu-16K-11-16 -- The Badger G has the concurrent capability of
carrying two Kelt AS-5 (125 nm) or two AS-6 (300 nm) air-to-surface missiles
suspended beneath the wings and dropping bombs from an internal bomb bay.
The new missile system K-11-16 with KSR-2 (AS-5B) and KSR-11 (AS-5B)
missiles and the "Rubin-1" radar system was developed in 1962 based on a
modification of equipment of the MIG-15. The Badger G/Kelt weapon system
was developed as a stand-off weapon for the LRA and for an anti-shipping role
for the SNAF. It probably has an anti-radiation role also. The AS-6 would have
similar roles. It is equipped for aerial refueling. A number of Tu-16As and Tu-
16KSs were re-fitted with Rubin radar undernose and with provision for K-11 or
K-16 missiles. The TU-16K-11-16 aircraft that were converted from TU-16, TU-
16A and TU-16KS aircraft could carry either two KSR-2 or KSR-11 missile
beneath the wings. They served in the Soviet Naval Air Force.
 Badger-G (Mod) Tu-16K-26 -- Development of the K-26 missile system started
in 1962, using the KSR-5 (AS-6) air-to-surface anti-ship missiles. They were
deployed on TU-16K-26 aircraft that entered service in the second half of the
1960s. The Tu-16K-26 aircraft was modified to launch K-26 missiles, with launch
attitude indicator on the nose glazing. The characteristics of the K-11-16 and K-
26 weapon systems allowed the aircraft to retain their original bomber
capabilities.
 Badger-G (Mod) Tu-16K-10-26 -- During development of the TU-16K-26, the
K-10 weapon system was upgraded and replaced by the K-10S system that had
two KRS-5 or KSR-2 missiles. The retrofitted aircraft received the designation
TU-16K-10-26. After the K-10S system missiles were phased out, these aircraft
carried only KSR-5 missiles.
 Badger-H - Tu-16PP or Tu-16P Elka -- The Badger H is believed to be an ECM
support aircraft with a primary mission of sowing chaff corridors to protect
follow-on weapons-carrying aircraft. It also has a limited capability to provide
active ECM against search and acquisition radars. This stand-off jammer version
was produced by conversion of Tu-16A or Tu-16KS, with underfuselage radomes
at each end of the bomb bay, and with a new bulk chaff-cutter/dispenser serving
three chutes in the former bomb bay doors.
 Badger-J - Tu-16P Buket -- The Badger J active jamming platform is estimated
to carry a multichannel click jammer to perform both stand-off and escort-active
ECM. It features a ventral canoe fairing and flat plate antennas forming wingtip
extensions.
 Badger-K - Tu-16Ye -- Badger K probably supplements Badger F and is
probably an automatic system designed for precision ELINT collection in a dense
signal environment. This EW conversion of Tu-16KS is generally similar to Tu-
16Ye Badger-B, though with two rather than three underfuselage radomes
mounted on the area of the former bomb bay [rather than at each end as on
Badger-F].
 Badger-L - Tu-16P and Tu-16PP -- The Badger-L is an advanced ELINT
platform with a self-protection active jammer and an associated thimble nose
radome, along with a distinctive extended ECM tailcone.
The TU-16 remained in Soviet and later Russian service until 1993. They were used
during the war in Afghanistan. The Badger is used by Egypt, Iraq, the People’s Republic
of China (H-6), and Ukraine. In 1958, delivery of TU-16 bombers to China began, where
series production received the designation H-6. In the summer of 1961, twenty TU-16KS
were sold to Indonesia. In the 1960s, TU-16 bombers were delivered to Egypt which also
received TU-16KS aircraft in 1967 and Tu-16K-11-16 in 1973. Iraq also received TU-
16K-11-16 bombers in the 1960s.
Specifications
Manufacturer Plant Nr.22 Kazan
Plant Nr. 1 Kuinyshevs
Plant Nr. 64 Voronezh
Power Plant 2 AM-3A Turbojet engines
2 PD-3M Turbojet engines
2 PD-3M-500 Turbojet engines
Thrust 8,750 kg each
9,500 kg each
9,500 kg each
Length 34.8
Height 10.36
Wingspan 33m
Wing surface 164.65 sqm
Speed TU-16 - 900-950km/h (cruise) /
1050km/h (maximum)
TU-16K - 750-850km/h
Ceiling 12,800m
Weight (empty) 37,200kg
Fuel weight 36,000kg
Maximum take-off weight 79,000kg
Normal load 3,000kg
Maximum load 9,000kg
Operational Range 5,800km (with a load of 3.000kg)
4,850km (with 2 missiles underneath the
wings)
Range 7,200 km
Operational Fuel Unrefueled Altitude Speed

Aircraft Payload
Model Wt. Capacity Combat Over Cruise/ Remarks
(lb)
Empty (gal) Radius Target Combat
(lbs) (ft) (kn)
Badger
83,500 11,200 1,450 10-30,000 40,400 445/500 bomber
A
Badger
90,300 9,300 1,000 12,000 15,000 445/480 Kennel ASM
B
Badger
86,600 10,300 1,350 9,100 39,400 445/480 Kipper ASM
C
Badger
88,840 11,370 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. ELINT Recce
D
Badger
85,000 11,570 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Photo Recce
E
Badger
87,000 11,570 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Photo/ELINT
F
Badger
86,000 9,460 1,100 17,620 38,100 445/495 ASM
G
Badger
83,500 11,200 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. ECM/Chaff
H
Badger
83,500 11,200 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. ECM/Jammer
J
Badger 83,500 11,200 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. ELINT
K

Estimates
First discovery
Badger A 1953
Badger B July 1961
Badger C July 1961
Badger D September 1964
Badger E January 1963
Badger F 1959
Badger G July 14, 1966
Badger H March 1965
Badger J March 1965
Badger K September 1968
Public display in significant numbers May 1, 1954
c
Tu-95 BEAR (TUPOLEV)
The Tu-95 BEAR was perhaps the most successful bomber produced by the Soviet
aviation, enjoying long service in a variety of roles and configurations. It was the only
bomber deployed by any country to use turbo-prop engines, which provided
extraordinarily long endurance at speeds only slightly less than comparable turbojet-
powered heavy bombers.
Development of the TU-95 intercontinental bomber began in the early 1950s after series
production of the medium-range TU-4 started.. Initially, several designs were considered,
including a modification of the TU-4 and production of a new aircraft with piston
engines. Prototypes of these aircraft were developed and tested from 1949 through 1951,
it was concluded that bombers with piston engines could not provide adequate
performance for the intercontinental attack mission. In March 1951 development of the
T-4 intercontinental jet bomber began. However, KB Tupolev did not support the
development of a bomber with turbojet engines, believing that the proposed AM-3 jet
engines would not provide for the required range of more than 10,000 km. As an
alternative, KB Tupolev proposed an aircraft with four turbo-prop engines that would
provide a range of more than 13,000 km and speeds of more than 800 km/h at altitudes of
10,000 meters. The aircraft-design was designated as "95".
The design of the wings drew heavily on the experience gathered by Tupolev and the
Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TSAGI) during the development of the swept wing
TU-16. The wings of the "95" were swept back at an angle of 35 degrees, allowing the
placement of a large bomb bay behind of the torsion box of the wings' central unit at the
aircraft's center of gravity.
The Bear's wings are mid-mounted, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips. Its engines
consist of four turboprops with contrarotating propellers located on the wings. The engine
nacelles extend well beyond the wings’ leading edges. The fuselage of the Bear is tube-
shaped with a rounded nose that tapers to the rear. It also has a stepped cockpit and a tail
gun compartment. The tail of the aircraft is a fin that is swept-back and tapered with a
square tip.
The greatest difficulties during the development were the engines. After studies on
different engine combinations and versions, the final design of the aircraft incorporated
four turbo-prop engines with a thrust of about 10,000-shp. In the late 1940s, the most
powerful turbo-prop engine available was the BK-2 prototype which had significantly
less thrust (4800-shp). In the early 1950s OKB-276 N.A. Kuznetsov developed the TV-2
engine and the TV-2F booster engine with a thrust of 6,250-shp. while work on the TV-
12 engine with sufficient thrust for the "95" aircraft continued.
After consideration of Tupolev's proposals, on 11 July 1951 the government officially

approved the development of the "95" aircraft: Two versions were built, one with eight
TV-2F engines coupled through the reduction gearbox in four pusher-tractor tandem
pairs, and a second version with four TV-12 engines. N.I. Bazenkov became the chief
designer of all subsequent TU-95 versions. When he died in 1975, N.V. Kursanov took
over as chief designer, and from the end of the 1980s, D.A. Antonov became head of the
program.
In 1952, the first prototype "95/1", equipped with 8 2TV-2F engines, was built at Plant
Nr. 156. The reduction gearbox and the four-blade contra-rotating propellers were
developed by OKB-120 headed by K.N. Zhdanov. Each pair generated a thrust of 12,000-
shp. The first flight of the "95/1" airplane took place on 12 November 1952, but on 11
May 1953 during its' 17th flight the plane crashed and burned due to an engine fire. The
second prototype ("95/2"), equipped with TV-12 engines, was completed in June 1954
with a first flight on 16 February 1955. During tests, while carrying a load of 5000 kg, it
reached a range of about 15,000 km, a speed of 993 km/h and a ceiling of 11,300 m.
Series production of the aircraft -- now designated as TU-95 -- started in January 1956 at
Plant Nr. 18 in Kuibyshev, while production tests were still underway.
VARIANTS
With the exception of Bear A, all models are equipped with a nose probe for aerial
refueling.
 BEAR A - TU-95 / TU-95M -- The Bear A is a long-range strategic bomber that

is capable of high-altitude precision bombing. The TU-95 and TU-95M bombers
were designed to carry 9,000 kg of bombs at their maximum design range, which
could be further increased by reducing the aircraft's range. They carried six radar-
controlled turret-mounted AM-23 guns for self-defense. The first two fully
equipped Tu-95 aircraft left the plant in August 1955 and began flight tests in
October 1955. Carrying a load of 5,000 kg, it reached a maximum speed of 850
km/h and a service ceiling of 10,200 m with a maximum range of 12,100 km. The
bomb bay was 14.2 m (46.6 ft) long. The subsequent aircraft, designated as TU-
95M, had more powerful and more fuel-efficient NK-12M engines that allowed
increased take-off weight. During tests in September and October 1957, it reached
a maximum speed of 905 km/h, a ceiling of 12,150 m and a range of 13,200 km.
Despite falling short of range and speed requirements, deployment started in
October 1957. During work on these aircraft, development of a bomber with
improved abilities to counter air defenses continued. In 1952 the government
ordered a high-altitude strategic bomber with a ceiling of 17,000 m. A prototype
equipped with NK-12M engines was used in tests, but development was halted
because the increased altitude did not increase the survivability of the bomber.
Most 'Bear-As' were subsequently converted to the missile-carrying Bear-B
configuration. About a dozen surviving 'Bear-As' were converted to Tu-95U
configuration for training duties
 BEAR - TU-95V -- The Tu-95V, built in 1956, was intended to carry large
hydrogen bombs. As these bombs were not made operational in the end of the
1950s, this aircraft was used for training purposes. Nevertheless, in 1961,
overhaul of a TU-95V aircraft took place at the plant Nr. 18 in Kuibyshev. The
aircraft carried the hydrogen bomb that was tested on 31 October 1961, which
weighed about 27,500 kg and had a yield of 58 megatons. This version of the
BEAR A was apparently not recognized as a distinct variant by Western
intelligence, and did not receive a separate designation.
 BEAR - TU-95N -- In 1958 a single aircraft was converted into the TU-95N used
to carry the "PS" attack aircraft "RS" developed by OKB-256 P.V. Tsibina, but
this line of development proved unpromising and was soon discontinued. The fact
of the existence of this project was apparently not detected at the time by Western
intelligence, and this variant did not receive a separate designation in the West.
 BEAR B - TU-95K / TU-95KD -- The Bear B carried one Kangaroo (350 nm
range) air-to-surface missile partially recessed within the aircraft fuselage. The
most visible change from the BEAR A TU-95M is the addition of the broad, flat-
bottomed radome under the nose, which housed a 3.3-meter wide low I-band A-
336Z Crown Drum scanning antenna for the missile guidance radar. Development
of the TU-25K-20 weapon system, consisting of the TU-95K and the supersonic
Kk-20 (AS-3) air-to-surface missile, began in March 1955. The "K-20"
nomenclature appears to encompass both the aircraft and the missile, and the "Tu-
95K-20" nomenclature used by some sources may be in error]. With a range of
350 km, sufficient to overcome air defenses, the air-to-surface missile was located
under the fuselage. The first flight of the prototype was on 01 January 1956, and
through development continued on the missile launch and guidance system, the
aircraft's airframe, and the onboard electronics. Series production of the TU-95K
began in the spring of 1958, with operational deployment beginning in September
1959. The additional fuel tanks and the missile of the Tu-95K resulted in an
increase of weight and drag that reduced the range of the aircraft. This
performance deficit had to be offset by a aerial refueling. Work on this "hose-
cone" system started in May 1960 and was completed in 1961. The bombers that
were outfitted with this air refueling system received the designation Tu-95KD.
Some 'Bear-Bs' were relegated to training duties.
 BEAR C - TU-95KM -- In the 1960s several TU-95K and TU-95KD bombers
received a new radio engineering and navigation system, and their designation
changed to TU-95KM [some Western sources claim that the Tu-95KM Bear-C
was a new-build aircraft, rather than a conversion]. The Bear C is similar in
appearance to the late-series Bear B Tu-95KDs, with the addition of two pairs of
reconnaissance radomes located on opposite sides of the aft section of the
fuselage. Many Tu-95KMs were upgraded to the 'Bear-G' configuration and none
are believed to remain operational in the original configuration.
 BEAR D - TU-95RTs -- The Bear D is a variant of Bear A which can also
perform ELINT reconnaissance. The TU-95RTS maritime reconnaissance aircraft
was developed in the early 1960s, and conducted its' first flight test in September
1962, with series production beginning in 1963 [some Western sources suggest
that the aircraft were converted from surplus Tu-95M 'Bear-As]. The TU-95RTS
began flying with naval aviation in 1964 and was introduced into the operational
inventory by spring of 1966. The Bear-D was first identified by Western
intelligence in 1967. The new variant was distinguished by a new enlarged chin
radome, and a much larger Big Bulge I-band search radar in place of the former
weapons bay. This search radar provided mid-course missile guidance, acquiring
targets for ship-, submarine- and air-launched missiles. The Tu-95RTs, although
built on the airframe of a heavy bomber, was designed and built as a maritime
patrol airplane. The TU-95RTs maritime patrol airplanes have not been and are
not heavy bombers, nor have they been equipped with air-to-surface weapons or
undergone conversion. Tu-95RTs airplanes have external features distinguishing
them from heavy bombers of the Tu-95 type: they have no bomb bays, no external
carrier beams to suspend or carry aerial bombs or missiles, and no equipment
necessary for control of such weapons. Other differences characteristic of these
airplanes are the additional three-dimensional radomes of the surface situation
surveillance equipment under the fuselage and on the sides of the airplane. As of
mid-1991 the Soviet Union had 37 Tu-95RTs airplanes, which were based only at
naval air bases. Under the START I Treaty, all Tu-95 variants should be either
deployed heavy bombers, non-nuclear heavy bombers, test heavy bombers,
training heavy bombers, or former heavy bombers. The START II Twelfth
Agreed Statement, however, exempts the 37 existing TU-95RTs (Bear D)
maritime patrol airplanes from being considered as former heavy bombers. The
proposal complements and amplifies that Agreed Statement by providing
information on the Tu-95RTs, as well as the opportunity to verify that
information. The 31 July 1991 exchange of letters between Ambassadors Brooks
and Nazarkin stipulated that the airplanes are for maritime operations, are not
heavy bombers, and have not been equipped with air-to-surface weapons or
undergone conversion; it also lists distinguishing features for these airplanes and
stipulates that the Soviet Union has 37 such airplanes. The 37 airplanes were not
to be based at air bases for heavy bombers or former heavy bombers, heavy
bomber flight test centers, or training facilities for heavy bombers. They would
not be considered to be former heavy bombers and thus would not be
"accountable" under the Treaty limits for heavy bombers equipped for non-
nuclear armaments, training heavy bombers, and former heavy bombers. In the
event the Soviet Union continued to produce such airplanes, all such new
airplanes would be treated as former heavy bombers under the Treaty and subject
to inspection to confirm that they are not equipped for air-to-surface weapons.
The Parties agreed that not later than 240 days after signature of the Treaty, the
Soviet Union is (i) to provide photographs to aid in the identification of such
airplanes, (ii) conduct an exhibition of one such airplane, under specified
conditions, and (iii) exhibit, upon request of the United States, the other 36 such
airplanes under specified conditions. About 15 were believed to remain in service
with the AV-MF in 1994.
 BEAR E - TU-95U -- The Bear E is a variant of Bear A modified to perform
photoreconnaissance. According to Western sources about 12 were produced for
Naval Aviation by conversion of surplous Tu-95Ms. The aircraft features a
slightly bulged removeable reconnaissance pallet in the former bomb bay, with
seven camera windows -- three side-by-side pairs of windows forward with a
single window further aft to starboard. Under the START I agreement, the Parties
agreed that all airplanes formerly known to the United States of America as Bear
E and now known as Bear T, which are designated by the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics as Tu-95U, were to be considered to be training heavy
bombers. Red bands are painted around the rear fuselage for verification
purposes.
 BEAR F - TU-142 / TU-142M -- Bear F exists in two major versions with
differing numbers of radomes, consisting of at least four distinct variants [up to at
least the Bear-F Mod IV]. The mission of the Bear F is the detection and
destruction of submarines. Development of the Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance
aircraft began in the mid-1960s, soon after the initiation of the BEAR D Tu-
95RTS. Design changes include a new cockpit and slightly longer nose' along
with a new undercarriage (with bulged undercarriage doors) and an extended-
chord rudder. The Tu-142 lacks dorsal and ventral gun turrets. This upgraded
version of the TU-95RTS, with more powerful NK-12MV engines, began flight
tests in the summer of 1968 and was deployed with naval aviation in December
1972. According to Russian sources, series production took place at the plant Nr.
18 in Kuibyshev and from the mid-1970s at Plant Nr. 86 in Taganrog. Western
sources report that the production line at Taganrog reopened in 1983 to build the
Bear-F and Bear-H. Upgrading of the TU-142 in 1972 resulted in the TU-142M,
used for anti-submarine warfare. The first flight of the TU-142M [Bear F Mod 2 ]
was on 04 November 1975, and deployment to the Soviet Naval Aviation began
in 1980. The Tu-142M2 [Bear-F Mod 3], which entered service around 1982,
featured a new MAD in a spike-like tail fairing and a lengthened sonobuoy bay.
The Tu-142M3 [Bear-F Mod 4] incorporated a new undernose sensor pacakge.
First identified by Western intelligence in 1986, the Bear-F Mod 4 remained in
low volume production at the end of the 1990s. The Tu-142 (Bear F)
antisubmarine warfare patrol airplanes, although designated by the Soviet Union
as a separate type of airplane from the Tu-95, have a design essentially identical
to the design of the Tu-95 heavy bomber. Under the START I agreement, all
airplanes designated by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as Tu-142, which
are known to the United States of America as Bear F or Bear J, depending on how
a particular airplane is equipped, were not considered to be former heavy
bombers.
 BEAR F - TU-142LL -- At least one 'Bear-F' was converted to serve as an engine
testbed , with the test engine mounted in a semi-retractable cradle under the
center-section.
 BEAR - TU-95K5 -- In 1976-1977 work began on developing a new Bear
modification, the TU-95K-5, that was supposed to carry two KSR-5 [AS-6
KINGFISH] missiles. However, all activities soon halted due to a decision to
produce the TU-95K-22, and the development of the TU-95MS aircraft. The fact
of the existence of this design project was not detected at the time by Western
intelligence, and this variant did not receive a separate designation in the West,
since it did not enter flight tests or production.
 BEAR G - TU-95K22 -- In the early 1970s work began on equipping older
existing TU-95K and TU-95KD bombers with Kh-22 air-to-surface missiles and
the guidance systems that were used on the Backfire bombers. These older BEAR
aircraft configured to carry air-to-surface missiles (ASMs) were reconfigured to
carry the new supersonic AS-4 missile in place of the subsonic AS-3. These
bombers received the designation TU-95K-22 and carried either one Kh-22M
missile under the fuselage or two Kh-22H missiles on pylons underneath the
wings. The broad flat nose radome differs in detail from that of the Bear-B and
Bear-C, and accommodates the antenna for the Down Beat guidance radar for the
Kh-22. The comprehensive defensive avionics suite is evidenced by the numerous
radomes and fairings on the fuselage, marking a fundamental shift in survivability
ideology. The self-defence armament is correspondingly reduced compared to
earlier models. An extended tailcone replaced the tail turret and the dorsal turret
was removed entirely, leaving only a single ventral gun turret. First flight tests of
the TU-95K-22 took place in October 1975 and by the end of the 1970s re-
equipment of the TU-95K started. After operation testing, the TU-95K-22 was
introduced into the active inventory in 1982. Several of these reconfigurations
(BEAR G) had been completed by 1985. By 1998 more than 45 of these
reconfigured aircraft were operational.
 BEAR - TU-95M-55 -- In the middle of the 1970s work on the Kh-55 long rang
air-to-surface missile started. Originally planned for deployment on the new TU-
160 supersonic bombers, studies were conducted to outfit the TU-95 with the Kh-
55. The tests of TU-95 bombers outfitted with Kh-55 missiles, designated Tu-
95M-55, started in 1978. After their completion, the project was rejected and
development of a new Tu-95MS aircraft to carry the Kh-55 missiles was initiated.
It is unclear whether the fact of the existence of this design project was detected at
the time by Western intelligence, and in any event this variant did not receive a
separate designation in the West.
 BEAR H - TU-95MS -- The Tu-95MS aircraft is based on the Tu-142 and thus
differs in a number of details from the TU-95. The nose of the Tu-95MS is similar
to that of the Bear-C and Bear-G, but with a deeper, shorter radome, cable ducts
running back along both sides of the fuselage. It lacks the 178-cm forward
fuselage plug of the maritime Tu-142, and retains the shorter fin and horizontal,
undrooped refuelling probe of prevoius bomber variants. The rear gun turret is a
new design, with a single twin-barrelled GSh-23L cannon in place of the pair of
single-barrel NR-23s carried on earlier models. After carrying out successful tests,
the first of which was in September 1979, series production started in 1981. With
the reopening of the BEAR production line, the Soviets began producing a new,
upgraded variant of the BEAR turboprop bomber, thereby increasing their long-
range bomber force. This entirely new variant of the BEAR bomber - the BEAR
H - became the launch platform for the long-range Kh-55 [AS-15] air-launched
cruise missile. The initial version carried Kh-55 air-to-surface missiles located in
the bomb bay on a catapult. This was the first new production of a strike version
of the BEAR airframe since the 1960s. With the BEAR H in series production, the
decline in the inventory of BEAR aircraft, characteristic of the late 1970s, was
reversed. By 1988 BEAR H bombers were regularly observed simulating attacks
against North America.
 BEAR H6 - TU-95MS6 -- The version designated as TU-95MS6 aircraft carried
Kh-55 air-to-surface missiles located in the bomb bay on a rotary launcher.
 BEAR H16 - TU-95MS16 -- The TU-95MS16 carried six missiles inside the
fuselage and 10 missiles underneath the wings. Three underwing pylons are fitted
under each inner wing panel, the outboard pair carrying three missiles and the
other two single missiles.
 BEAR J - TU-142MR -- The TU-142MR was a further modification of the Tu-
142M used for submarine communication relay, allowing national command
authorities and strategic missile-carrying submarines to communicate. The
underfuselage search radar has been removed, and the aircraft is equipped with an
underfuselage winch pod for a several kilometer long trailing wire antenna. The
Tu-142 (Bear J) maritime communications relay airplane, although designated by
the Soviet Union as a separate type of airplane from the Tu-95, has a design
essentially identical to the design of the Tu-95 heavy bomber. Under the START I
agreement, all airplanes designated by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as
Tu-142, which are known to the United States of America as Bear F or Bear J,
depending on how a particular airplane is equipped, were not considered to be
former heavy bombers.
 BEAR T - TU-95U -- About a dozen surviving 'Bear-As' were converted to Tu-
95U configuration, with sealed bomb bays and a broad red band painted around
the rear fuselage. Under the START I agreement, the Parties agreed that all
airplanes formerly known to the United States of America as Bear E and now
known as Bear T, which are designated by the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics as Tu-95U, were to be considered to be training heavy bombers. Most
served with the Long-Range Aviation training center at Ryazan, and most were
withdrawn from use during 1991 and 1992
Russia, Ukraine and India (Bear F) use the Bear.
When the START-1 treaty was signed in 1991, 147 bombers and missile carriers still
served in the Russian forces: 84 TU-MS and 63 TU-95K-22, TU-95K and TU-95M. An
additional 11 TU-95U were used for training.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, one unit of Bear aircraft remained in Ukraine,
with twenty three TU-95MS, one TU-95K and one TU-95M aircraft. These aircraft were
passed to Ukraine, and were subject to decommissioning under the provisions of the
START-1 treaty. A total of 11 strategic bombers and 600 air-launched missiles
exchanged by Ukraine to Russia in payment for the gas debt were transfered in mid-
February 2000. Two Tu-160 bombers flew from Priluki in the Ukrainian Chernigov
region for the Russian air base in Engels. The missiles were sent to Russia by railroad.
Three Tu-95MS bombers and six Tu-160 airplanes had already arrived at Engels since
October 1999 in fulfilment of the intergovernmental agreements. Before being moved to
Russia, 19 Tu-160 airplanes were stationed at the Priluki airfield and 21 Tu-95MS were
located in Uzin.
At the time of the breakup of the Soviet Union, thirteen TU-95MS-16 and twenty seven
TU- 95MS-6 were based in Kazakhstan. Subsequently, all Bear aircraft located in
Kazakhstan were transferred to Russia.
Russian Tu-95 and TU-95MS aircraft are now deployed at two air bases A total of
nineteen TU-95MS16 and two TU-MS6, operating in the 121st heavy bomber air
regiment, which forms part of the 22nd Air Division that is headquarteed in Engels Air
Base in the Moscow region. At the Ukrainka airbase (73th Heavy Bomber Air Division)
at Svobodny, there are 16 TU-95MS16 and 26 TU-95MS6 bombers that were redeployed
from the Dolon airbase at Semipalatinsk in Kazakhstan. The TU-95K-22 bombers are
subject to decommisioning. In early 1997 five TU-95K-22 were decommissioned and re-
equipped in Zngyelse, and five at the Ryazan training center. Eight TU-95 are located at
the flight-test institute in at Zhukovskiy [Ramenskoye], and one TU-95K aircraft serves
as a static display in Ryazan.
The TU-95MS, constructed in in the middle and early 1990s, will be operational until
2010 and 2015. Russia is currently working on a new air-to-surface missile to replace the
existing Kh-55.
In late June 1999 two TU-95 Bear bombers flew within striking distance of the United
States as part of Moscow's largest military exercises since the end of the Cold War. The
bombers were intercepted by four US F-15 fighters and a P-3 patrol plane near Iceland
and escorted in a clockwise flight around the island. The Bears, and two Blackjacks, were
from the Donbass Red Banner 22nd heavy bomber division based at Engels Air Base east
of Moscow. They initially flew acoss the central Norwegian Sea. When they got about
halfway across, the Blackjacks split off from the Bears and flew along the Norwegian
coastline.
On 16 September 1999 a pair of Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers were detected by the US
Air Force headed toward the Alaska coast. U.S. fighter jets were sent to intercept the
aircraft which had been caught on radar. Air Force officials said both bombers turned
before crossing into US airspace and about 90 miles from the approaching fighters. The
Soviet Union regularly tested U.S. air defenses by flying toward Alaska during the Cold
War, but this was the first time the Air Force had documented it happening since March
1993.
Ten Tu-142 entered Indian service in April 1988 for long-range surface surveillance and
anti-submarine warfare Negotiations are currently going on with Russia to procure 6 to 8
more Tu-142 aircraft. The aircraft will be probably from refurbished ex-VVS storage
stocks. India is making substantial purchases of the Novator 3M-54 Alfa missile to equip
Kilo class submarines and its new frigates. It is believed that an air-launched variant will
be purchased to arm the Tu-142s currently in service and the six to eight additional
aircraft being sought by the Navy. If an air-launched version of the Alfa is procured, it is
anticipated that India's Tu-22M3s will eventually be equipped to fire them.
Specifications
TU-95M TU-95K TU-95KM TU-95RTs TU-95U TU-142 TU-95K22 TU-95MS TU-142MR
Bear A Bear B Bear C Bear D Bear E Bear F Bear G Bear H Bear J
Kangaroo
Kangaroo Kh-55 submarine
ASM plus ELINT Photo Anti- Kh-22
sson Bomber ASM [AS-15] communicatio
recce recce Recce submarine ASM
carrier ALCM relay
radomes
sign OKB-156 Tupolev
reau
nufacturer Plant Nr. 18 Kuibyshev Plant Nr. 18 Kuibyshev
Plant Nr. 86 in Taganrog
velopment 6/11/1951
gan
st Flight 11/12/1952 1/1/1956 September October September
1962 1975 1979
te August Autum Spring December 1982 1981
ployed 1957 1959 1966 1972
ew 8 men 7 men
wer Plant Four turboprop
wer Plant NK-12 NK-12M NK-12MV NK-12MP
ximum
gine Power 12,500 12,500 14,800 15000
SHP)
ngth [m] 47 49.50 49.6
ight [m] 12.5 12.12 13.4
ingspan [m] 50.05 51.10
ing surface 283.7 288.9
2]
eed - 830
925
ximum
eed Cruise 550
435 425 425 440 440 440
/hr)
eed
mbat 470 470 475 300 300 490
/hr)
iling 12000
eters]
titude Over 12000 11750 11500 14000 450 450
rget
eters)
nge (with 13200 13200 10300 10500
rmal load)
]
nge (with 6500
ximum
d)
3650
[Unrefueled,
mbat
7600 6750 6400 6750 7125 3-hr loiter,
dius (km) 15,000 ft.
cruise]
eight 94.400
70455 70910 72275 71360 71825 72500
pty)
el weight 84.000kg
el Capacity
29,100 26,900 26,400 29,100 29,100 30,100
l)
ximum 182000 185000
e-off
ight [kg]
keoff Gross
eight (kg) 165900 165900 165900 162,275 162,275 162,275
rmal
rmal load
9000 11400 11400 8500
)
ximum 20000
d (kg)
mament - Bomb One H-20 missile One or 6 Kh-55
mary tonnage up two H-22 missiles
to 12.000kg missiles (TU-
95MS6)
none none 16 Kh- none
55
Missiles
(TU-
95MS-16)
mament - Six Am-23 Four AM-23 (23mm) two AM-23 Two GSH-
condary (23mm) guns in 2 installations (23mm) 23
guns in 3 guns in one (23mm)
installations installation guns in
one
installation
stems Crown Big Down
Drum Bulge I- Beat
missile band missile
guidance search guidance
radar radar radar

Estimates
First discovery
Bear A 1955
Bear B July 9, 1961
Bear C February 1962
Bear D March 1965
Bear E April 1965
Bear F April 1972
First public display in practice for May Day flyby April 21, 1955
Public display of three (some observers say nine) aircraft May 1, 1955
Bear H16 Bear H6
Tu-95MS16 with Tu-95MS6 with AS-15 Mod A
AS-15 Mod A RKV-500A RKV-500A
ALCM ALCM
Bear G Bear B
Tu-95K22 Tu-95K
Bear T
Tu-95U
Training Heavy Bomber
Bear A
Bear D
Bear E
Bear F
Bear G
Bear H
Molot M-4 / Mya-4 / 3M
Myasishchev 'Bison'
The Molot (Hammer) was designed as a strategic bomber, but excessive fuel
consumption of its engines and other design shortcomings limited its range to 8,000 km,
which was insufficient for striking North American targets and returning to base.
Consequently, along with the development of an improved version of the bomber with
more fuel-efficient bypass engines and a new wing, a program was also initiated to
develop a specialized aircraft for aerial refueling. To facilitate operational support and
formation flight in the refueling process the bomber and the tanker aircraft were intended
to have identical design and performance characteristics.
Development of an intercontinental bomber with a strike capability at US-territory began

in the early 1950s. The governmental order of 24 March 1951 provided for the
establishment of a new design bureau headed by V.M. Myasishchev. The design bureau
was in charge of organizing and manufacturing the development of the bomber which
would have a range of 11000-12000 km, a maximum speed of 900km/h and could carry a
payload of 5000 kg. The Bison was a Four-engined, swept-wing jet bomber with engines
were buried in the wing roots. An unusual feature was the tandem landing gear, with
small stabilising wheels at the tips of the drooping wings, and a nosewheel leg extended
at take-off to achieve the correct angle of incidence.
Due to the fact that the high-power BD-5 engines for the aircraft were still in the
development stage, the aircraft used four AM-3A turbojet engines developed by OKB
A.A. Mikulina. The first prototype was finished in December 1952 and carried out its'
first flight on 20 January 1953. It reached a speed of 947 km/h and a ceiling of 12500 m.
Although the bomber had a range of only 8500 km, which did not allow strikes at US
territory, series production of the M-4 bomber began in 1955 at the plant Nr. 23 in
Moscow. In July 1955, deployment of the first ten bombers started.
 Bison A - M-4/2M -- The Bison A was the original version produced. It is

characterized by a greenhouse nose and a nose refueling probe. It can be used in a
free-fall strategic bombing role, but it is used primarily as a tanker for other Bison
and Bear aircraft requiring in-flight refueling. Between 1956 and 1957, the M-4
was equipped with more powerful and low-consumption PD-3M and PD-3M-
500A engines to increase range. And a prototype of the M-4, the M-4A, was
equipped with an air refueling system and carried out its' first flight in 1956. Soon
after series production started, studies were conducted on equipping the M-4 with
the Kh-20 air-to-surface missile to strike at targets outside of the bomber's and to
overcome air defenses. However, the landing gear did not allow placement of the
missile under the fuselage and accommodation of the missile above the fuselage
was rejected. In order to increase the range of the M-4 bomber, it was
subsequently outfitted with new more powerful VD-7 engines. This new bomber
had improved flight characteristics and a bigger propellant capacity relative to the
M-4, with the maximum range increased up to 11850 km. An air refueling system
increasing range up to 15400 km, which made these bombers the first strategic
bomber capable of delivering its' payload into deep enemy territory and returning.
The first flight of this bomber designated as 3M bomber took place in March
1956. At the end of 1956 series production of the 3M aircraft started at plant
Nr.23, and deployment started in 1958.
 Bison B - 3M/M-6 -- The modified 3M (M-6) bomber was created in 1955. The
Bison B has the same basic airframe configuration as Bison A, but it has a slightly
larger wing, a longer nose, increased fuel load, higher thrust an improved
bomb/nav system. Bison B is fitted with a nose refueling probe. Its primary
mission is free-fall strategic bombing, but it can conduct alternate missions as a
tanker when a removable bomb-bay refueling package is installed.
 Bison B - 3MS/M-6 -- The reliability of the VD-7 engines caused several
problems and as a result, between 1958 and 1960 the bomber was outfitted with
new RD-3M-500A engines. This bomber version is designated as 3MS. The range
of the bombers without additional fuel tanks decreased to 9400 km.
 Bison B - 3MS/M-6 -- The associated 3MS2 tanker aircraft included refueling
equipment in the bomb bay. The tanker variant used the "drogue and probe" aerial
refueling technique in which the aircraft being refueled inserts a probe into a
drogue at the end of a flexible hose extended from the tanker. This technique was
also adopted by the U.S. Navy and the air forces of Great Britain, France, Italy,
China and other countries. In unique contrast, the US Air Force adopted a
refueling technique in which a telescoping boom is lowered from the tail portion
of the tanker and enters a special socket on the aircraft being refueled).
 Bison C - 3MD/M-6 / 3MN -- In 1960 the 3MD bomber was developed,
characterized by a slightly larger wing, a more pointed nose, a shorter and
relocated nose refueling probe, and a larger tail radome. The Bison C has the
same operational performance. Its primary mission is free-fall strategic bombing,
but it can conduct alternate missions as a tanker when a removable bomb-bay
refueling package is installed. The 1960 modification of the VD-7 engine - the
VD-7B - provided better overall performance though smaller thrust was
developed. The bombers outfitted with these engines received the designation
3MN. Their range was increased by 15 percent though they had a lower speed and
a reduced ceiling.
 Bison C - 3MN-2 -- Several 3M bombers were converted into M-4-2 tanker
aircraft, and during the development of the 3MS bomber the 3MS-2 tanker
aircraft was developed in parallel. The tanker aircraft that was based on the 3MN
received the designation 3MN-2. The 3MS-2 tanker aircraft air regiment was in
operational service until 1994.
 Project 28 -- To overcome air defenses, a high-altitude version of the M-4
(project 28) was studied but not developed prior to the in 1960 to shut down the
Myasishchev OKB.
 When OKB-23 was shut down in 1960, all activities to upgrade the Bison
bombers ended. In the mid 1970s a Bison was experimentally equipped with two
Kh-22 two air-to-surface missiles but this version was not deployed.
 3M-T / BM-T "Atlant" -- In the late 1970s a single 3M bomber was converted
to transport outsized components for the Energiya-Buran space launch system
from the manufacturing facility to the Baikonur launch site. The cargo, including
propellant tanks and the Buran orbiter itself, were placed on external mounting
points located above the fuselage. This particular aircraft had a strengthened
fuselage, a longer two-fin tail and a new flight control system. The original
designation of the aircraft was 3M-T but was subsequently changed to BM-T
"Atlant". The first flight took place on April 29, 1981 and the first flight with
freight in January, 1982. The plane carried out a total of 150 flights.
In 1963, production of the Bison bombers stopped. A total of 93 aircraft, including ten
M-4 and nine 3MD13 were built. The 3M bombers were in service with the Air Forces
until the end of the 1980s, and were removed in accordance with the START-1 treaty on
offensive strategic force reductions. The 3MS2 tankers remained in service through 1994.
The three airplanes that had been converted to transport oversized cargo are used for
purposes unrelated to the START I Treaty; and are not reconnaissance airplanes, tanker
airplanes, or jamming airplanes, and thus do not meet the definition of the term "former
heavy bomber" provided for in the Definitions Annex to the Treaty. These airplanes are
not included within the Treaty totals, though all other airplanes of the Bison type were
considered to be former heavy bombers.
Specifications
Soviet M-4/2M 3M/M-6 3MS/M-6 3MD/M-6
Designation
US-Designation Bison A Bison B Bison B Bison C
Slightly
Slightly lager
Remarks Basic Aircraft changed nose
and improved
and tail radome
Design Bureau Myasishchev
Manufacturer Plant Nr. 23 Moscow
Development 3/24/1951
began
First Flight 1/20/1953 3/27/1956
Series 1954-1963
production
Date deployed 1956 1958
Crew 8 men 7 men
Power Plant Four AM-3, or Four VD-7 Four RD-3M- Four VD-7B
Four RD-3M- 500A
500, or
Four RD-3M-
500A
Thrust 8,750kg 11,000kg each 10,500kg each 9,500 kg each
9,500kg
10,500kg each
Length 47.67m 51.7m
Height 11.5m
Wingspan 50.53m 53.14m
Wing surface 326.35sqm 351.7sqm
Speed Cruise
800 800 800 800
[km/h]
Speed
Maximum 930 940 925 925
[km/h]
Ceiling 12,500m
Altitude Over
12800 12725 12725
Target (m)
Weight (empty) 79700 74430
[kg]
Operational Wt.
69500 71800 71800
Empty (kg)
Fuel Capacity
29,500 34,000 34,000
(gal)
Fuel weight
Maximum
Takeoff Gross 165900 181800 181800
Weight [kg]
Normal load 5,000kg 5,000kg 5,000kg 5,000kg
Maximum load 18,000kg 24,000kg
Operational 8,100km 11,850km 9,440km 10,950km
Range
Range with
refuelling
Unrefueled
Combat Radius 4500 5000 5000
(kmi)
Maximum
Range
Armament: 18.000kg of free Free falling
falling bombs bombs with a
caliber of up to
9.000kg when
carrying a load
of 24.000kg,
two nuclear
bombs with ha
weight of
2.000kg or one
4.000kg bomb

Estimates
Bison A Bison B Bison C
First discovery 30 July 1953 1956 1960
Estimated start of series production 1953 1956 1960
Initial operational capability 1955 1958 1960
First public display (single aircraft} 01 May 1954
Public display of 13 aircraft 01 May 1955
End production 1961
M-50 / M-52, Myasishchev 'Bounder'
OKB Myasishchyev began working on the supersonic intercontinental bomber M-50 in
1956. The aircraft was intended to be equipped with and the supersonic long-range M-61
cruise missile, also developed by OKB Myasishchyev. The bomber had a strategic strike
capability due to its range of 10,000 km plus the 1000 km range of the missile. The M-50
had forward trailing triangular wings, a wing span of 35.1 meters and a length of 57.5
meters. Powered by four "16-17" engines developed by P.F. Zubets, two engine pods
were mounted outboard on the wings and two less powerful engines at the tip of the
wings. The prototype was constructed in 1959 and made the first flight on 27 October
1959. As engines the which were supposed to equip the airplane were at that time not yet
available, on the prototype version two VD-7 engines and two VD-7g were used. In this
configuration the demonstrated a speed of Mach 0.99. The second M-50, designated the
M-52, carried the Zubets engines around which the aircraft had been designed. The
engine installation was modified, and a second tailplane was added to the top of the fin.
In December 1960, N. S. Khruschev, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the

Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) made a speech at the Supreme Soviet
session in which he proclaimed the inexpedience of the further development of military
aircraft. The Soviet leader, fascinated by the triumph of Russian space technology and
exploration, directed that all the tasks formerly executed by the combat aircraft be
performed by guided missiles of various types. The Council of Ministers and the CPSU
Central Committee issued a joint decree terminating work on new aircraft. The first
victims of the decree were the Lavochkin and Myasischev aircraft design bureaus. They
had to fully reorganize their work. V. Myasischev was appointed director of TsAGI. He
was very disappointed at the fact that only a few of his M-50 and M-52 long-range
supersonic bombers were produced. In 1960 development of the M-50 bomber was halted
when OKB Myasishchyev was dis-established.
Surprisingly little is known about the Bounder. One writer commented that it was "an
outstanding failure which revealed an embarassing lack of understanding of the problems
of high-speed flight."
Specifications
Primary Function: Heavy bomber
Contractor:
4*28660lb Soloviev D-15 or
Power Plant:
4*Zubetc ?? [M-52]
Thrust:
Length:
Height:
Wingspan:
Speed: M1.4
Ceiling:
Weight:
Maximum Takeoff
Weight:
Range:
Armament:
Crew:
Unit Cost:
Date Deployed:
Inventory:
S-100
Work on a new large medium-range bomber began in the late 1950s, in response to the
disappointing results obtained with the TU-22 BLINDER, which was intended to replace
the TU-16 [which had not met Air Force requirements]. In 1961 the operational and
technical requirements for the new airplane were approved, specifying a supersonic
missile-carrier with a speed of up to 3,000 km/h [since the overseas XB-70 could fly at a
speed of 3,000 km/h] and an operational range of 2000 km, capable of hitting enemy
aircraft carrier battle groups out in the ocean. The design bureaus A.N. Tupolev, A.S.
Yakovlev and P.O.Sukhoi competed for the project, and the results were summed up at
the scientific and technical council held in July 1962. The Tupolev design bureau
submitted the "aircraft 135" project, whose take-off weight equalled 190 tons. The design
failed to match its cruising speed to that of the required one, i.e. 2,500 km/h instead of
3,000 km/h. Yakovlev proposed the Yak-35 aircraft, which resembled the American
Hustler, with a take-off weight of 90 tons and a cruise speed of 3,000 km/h. The T-4/S-
100 design submitted by KB Sukhoi was selected, with the support of the military and the
State Committee Scientific and Technical Council.
The initial design developed in 1964 called for a tailless delta-wing aircraft with four
turbojet engines placed in a single "gondola" under the fuselage. The wing had a break in
the leading edge, and a small forward stabilizer was included. The plane was to be
equipped with three controlled H-45 solid-fuel missiles, located under the fuselage. KB
Rybinsk developed the RD-36-41 engines under the direction of P.A. Kolesov. Initially
KB Sukhoi was in charge of the project, but ultimately KB Raduga took over the task.
During the design process, the arrangement of the aircraft engines was modified and the
number of missiles was reduced to two. Construction made extensive use of titanium and
steel alloys, and the T-4 used an advanced electrohydraulic, quadruple redundancy fly-
by-wire system. It was fitted with a 'droop snoot' that offered good visibility in the
landing configuration, but when the nose of the aircraft was up and locked, the pilots had
no forward visibility and all flying was on instruments.
The final design was 44.5m long, had a wing span of 22m, a wing surface of 295.7 square
meters and a lift-off weight of 114 tons. The calculated flight-characteristics indicated
that the bomber would have a range of 6000 km, a maximum speed of 3200 km/hr at an
altitude of 20,000-24,000 meters and an absolute ceiling of 25,000-30,000 meters.
In December 1966, the Sukhoi design bureau presented the Air Force with the mock-up
of the T-4 strike/reconnaissance aircraft. In 1967, the Soviet government issued a decree
ordering an experimental batch of seven T-4 aircraft to be built, of which one should be
used for static research and the rest to be flight-tested. A mock-up airplane was built in
1968, and construction of the first prototype began in 1969 at the Series Production Plant
82 in Tushino (Moscow). The first flight of the prototype T-4 took place on 22 August
1972 and subsequently the plane made 10 flights which were completed in 1974. During
these flight trials the plane reached an altitude of 12,100 meters high and a speed of Mach
1.28. It is believed that the 'aircraft 101' that set a Mach 1.89 record over 2,000 km closed
circuit was a T-4.
Soon after testing began, preparation for construction of the first pilot batch of planes was
begun. In 1974, work on the T-4 bomber was cancelled, given the beginning of serial
production of the more conventionally designed TU-22M bomber.
Although frequently compared to the American XB-70 intercontinental strategic bomber,

which it superficially resembled, the T-4 medium bomber was a rather smaller aircraft
intended as a medium-range theater system.
Between 1967-1969, KB Sukhoi also developed a design for the rather larger variable-
geometry T-4M strategic bomber, derived from the basic T-4 design. On 10 January 1969
the Minister of Aviation Industry issued an order for research and development of a
strategic supersonic bomber. A competition was initiated among the aircraft design
bureaus of Tupolev, Myasishchev and Sukhoi. In 1969 and 1970 Sukhoi designed the T-
4MS bomber that also had variable wings and which was entered into this competition for
building a supersonic strategic bomber. The work proceeded slowly, and the T-4MS
design effort was ended in favor of work on the Su-27 and other high priority tactical
aircraft. In 1975 the contest between Myasishchev's M-18 design [resembling the B-1 in
appearance] and Tupolev's Tu-160 was decided in favor of Tupolev.
Specifications
T-4 (Project) "101"
Powerplant 4x jet engines 4x RD36-41

Thrust lb (kg) each 33,060(15,000) 35,262(16,000)
Length ft(m) - 145.96(44.5)
Wingspan ft(m) - 72.16(22)
Height ft(m) - 36.72(11.195)
Wing area ft^2 (m^2) - 3,182.62(295.7)
Max takeoff weight 264,480 (120,000) 275,500 (125,000)
lb(kg)
Takeoff gross weight 220,400-242,440 (100,000- 251,256 (114,000)
lb(kg) 110,000)
Empty weight 55,600 kg 122,542 (55,600)
Fuel weight lb (kg) - 125,628 (57,000)
Wing loading lb/ft^2 - 78.54 (385)
(kg/m^2)
Thrust-to-weight ratio 0.545-0.6 0.56
Cruise speed mph (km/h) 1,863(3,000) 1,987(3,200)
Range @ cruise speed 4000 km
(km)
w/o drop tanks 3,726(6,000) 4,347(7,000)
w/drop tanks 4,347(7,000) -
Service altitude mi (km) 13.66-14.90(22-24) 12.42-14.90(20-24)
Takeoff run ft(m) 5,576(1,700) 3,116-3,280(950-
1,000)
Landing run ft (m) 1500 m 2,624-3,116(800-
950)
Landing speed - -
T-60S
In the mid-1990s, the first priority for the air forces was the Su-T-60S multirole bomber,
which had been designed to replace the Tu-22M and the Su-24 . The Su-T-60S is a long-
range supersonic tactical/operational nuclear-capable bomber with built-in stealth
technology developed by the Sukhoy Design Bureau. Although its development was
officially secret, the Su-T-60S was reported to be in the prototype stage and ready for
flight testing in mid-1996.
The T-60S project for a high-altitude, high-speed bomber was initiated by the Sukhoi
bureau in 1984 and originally intended to enter service in 2003. Very little information is
available concerning either the design or current status of this aircraft. The T-60S may
consist of a blended-body fuselage and a swing-wing construction. The design may be
capable of supercruise at Mach 2, with engines possibly equipped with two-dimensional
thrust vectoring nozzles to solve the problem of insufficient area of horizontal control
surfaces at high speeds encountered during the T-4MS development effort. The aircraft
was intended to replace the current fleet of Tu-22M supersonic bombers, although this
project has probably been deferred.
Conjectural Specifications
Type intermediate-range strike/interdiction aircraft
Powerplants two 23,500 kg (51,800 lb) turbofans
Max speed Mach 2.04
Cruising speed Mach 2.02
Max altitude 20,000 m (65,500 ft)
Cruising altitude 15,000 m (49,000 ft)
Max range 6,000 km (3,250 nm)
Range with max load 2,200 km (1,200 nm)
Weight (empty) 32,000 kg (70,500 lb)
MTOW 85,000 kg (188,000 lb)
Max load 20,000 kg (44,000 lb)
Wing span (extended) 37 m (121 ft)
Wing span (swept) 24 m (79 ft)
Wing angle (extended) 70 deg
Wing angle (swept) 30 deg
Length 38 m (125 ft)
Height 10 m (33 ft)
maximum of 20,000 kg (44,000 lb) of free fall nuclear
and conventional bombs, guided munitions, up to 8
Armament
cruise missiles, including Kh-101, Kh-55MS (AS-15
Kent) , Kh-15P (AS-16 Kickback)
Tu-22 BLINDER (TUPOLEV)
With performance roughly similar to that of the American B-58 Hustler, the BLINDER
was capable of supersonic dash and cruises at high subsonic speeds, At least three major
variants of the BLINDER entered operational service in the Soviet Air Forces — a free-
fall bomber, an ASM carrier, and a photo/electronic reconnaissance variant.
Development of the supersonic TU-22 bomber began after the start of production of the
TU-16. During preliminary studies, OKB Tupolev considered three versions: a
supersonic attack bomber "98", a long range supersonic bomber "105" and an
intercontinental supersonic bomber "108". The first two required swept-wings while the
"108" bomber had triangular wings. In the end, the "105" design served as the basis for
the TU-22 while the design of the "98" was applied to the long range fighterplane TU-
128. The "108" design was completely dropped. The original design drew heavily on the
TU-16 and provided for four BD-5 or BD-7 turbojet engines. The angle of the swept-
back wings was increased up to 45 degrees. The project was finally approved by the
Soviet government in August 1954, despite numerous objections within the Communist
Party leadership.
This supersonic medium-range bomber is a swept-wing aircraft with two engines

positioned as the base of the tailfin. The low-mounted swept-back wings are tapered with
square tips and a wide wing root. The landing gear pods extend beyond wings’ trailing
edges. Two turbojets engines are low-mounted on the tail fin, with round air intakes. This
eliminated the need for a complicated boundary layer separation system in the intakes,
but added a 15% weight penalty, and made engine maintenance much more difficult
because of how high they were off the ground. The fuselage is tube-shaped with a solid
pointed nose and a stepped cockpit. Tail flats are low-mounted on the fuselage, swept-
back, and tapered with square tips. The fin is swept-back, and tapered with square tip.
The prototype of the "105" aircraft with BD-7M engines made its' first flight on 21 June
1958, but was subsequently extensively modified and upgraded. The Russians apparently
had engine development problems early in the BLINDER program, and BLINDER
prototypes were fitted with interim engines. In April 1958, even before the first flight, the
decision was made to equip the aircraft with more powerful HK-6 engines and to build a
second prototype with BD-7M engines. As development of the HK-6 engines was
delayed, only the second prototype was actually built, which carried out its' first flight in
September 1959. During testing, numerous problems arose, and a number of crewman
were lost in crashes. Series production of this aircraft -- designated the TU-22 -- started at
the plant Nr.22 in Kazan in 1959, where more than 300 TU-22 bombers were built
through 1969. It entered operational service in 1962 and by 1970 there were 180
BLINDER aircraft in LRA service.
Several versions of the Blinder-bomber were built:

 Blinder A - Tu-22B -- Blinder A is primarily employed as a medium bomber
dropping free-fall bombs, All of the ten 22B bombers were mainly used for
training purposes. The aircraft also could be modified to serve as a tanker.
Initially, converted TU-16Z planes served as tankers, but from 1972 on they were
replaced by TU-22RM aircraft carrying new onboard avionics.
 Blinder B - Tu-22K -- The Tu-22K was equipped to carry one Kh-22 (AS-4
Kitchen ) 250-nm range air-to-surface The TU-22K carried a missile, and could
also carry free-fall bombs. It carried out its' first tests in 1961 and deployment
started in 1967 after conclusion of the testing phase.
 Blinder C -- In 1962 the maritime reconnaissance aircraft TU-22P was equipped
with an air refueling system and received the designation TU-22PD. About 70
'Blinder-C' reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft were produced
 Blinder D - Tu-22U -- The - Tu-22B is a trainer version similar to Blinder A,
though with a raised student cockpit.
 Blinder E - TU-22RDM -- Further upgrading in the 1980s lead to the TU-22RDM
reconnaissance aircraft.
From 1965 on, all Blinder aircraft were equipped with an air refueling system, consisting
of a refueling probe which folds into the fuselage when not in use. And beginning in
1965 the TU-22 fleet was re-equipped with more powerful RD-7M2 engines which
allowed an increase in the maximum speed up to 1,600 km/h.
The TU-22 bombers was intended to replace the TU-16, but due to its' poor performance
it was deemed unsatisfactory. Carrying a similar payload to only a slightly greater range,
the Tu-22 offered no real increase in capability. Its limited range was its main
disadvantage, though the TU-22K only carried one missile whereas the TU-16 carried up
to three. Unreliable and prone to accidents, the Blinder was not built in sufficient
numbers to replace the aging Tu-16 Badgers, which remained in service well into the
1970s. Subseqeuntly, KB Tupolev sought to upgrade the TU-22 in the form of a new
design [designated "106"] that was supposed to have a range of 6700km, a speed of
2,000km/h and new HK-6 engines. This effort eventually led to the development of the
Tu-22M BACKFIRE.
The Tu-22 was used by the Soviet Union in the Afghanistan War, and served the Soviet
Air Force, and Navy into the late 1980’s. Iraq received about 12 Blinders in 1973, while
Libya received their 12 to 18 from 1977 to 1983. They were used by Iraq during in Iraq-
Iran War, and by Libya during the conflicts in Sudan and Chad. A number of Blinders
from each nation were lost to SAM’s of opposing nations. As of 2000, Ukraine remains
the sole operator of the type, with the Libyan, and Iraqi aircraft thought to be
unserviceable.
Specifications
Design Bureau OKB Tupolev
Power Plant Two VD-7M or
Two RD-7M-2 turbojet engines
Thrust 16,000kg
16,500kg
Length 41.6 m
42.6 m with air refueling
Height 10-10.7 m
Wingspan 23.5 m
Crew [3 in tandem]
One pilot
one navigator/systems officer
rear gunner
Soviet Tu-22B
Tu-22U
Designation TU-22RM Tu-22K TU-22P TU-22RDM
US-Designation Blinder A Blinder B Blinder C Blinder D Blinder E
Basic
Medium
Bomber Kitchen Maritime
Tandem Recce
Mission ASM Recce Trainer Aircraft
Air Carrier Aircraft
Refueling
Tanker
Development August
began 1954
Series production 1959-
1969
Date deployed 1962 1967 1962 1968?
Maximum
Takeoff Gross 85500 94000 84100 84100
Weight (kg)
Operational Wt. 41000-
39050 41000 39050
Empty (kg) 48100
Fuel weight [kg] 42,500 42,500
Fuel Capacity
13,600 12,350 34,000 13,600
(gal)
Combat Radius 1300-
2450 4400 n.a.
(km) Unrefueled 2200
Maximum Range 5,650 4900
[km] 7,150
(with air
refueling)
Normal load 3000 5850
Maximum
12000 12000 4500 n.a.
Payload (kg)
Altitude Over
11000 11000 12750 n.a.
Target (m)
Ceiling 13,300-14,700 meters
Speed Cruise 832 825 835 n.a.
Speed Combat 1610 1570 910 n.a.
Speed Maximum 1510 km/h (with VD-7M engines)
1610km/h (with RD-7M-2 engines)
Armament: Bombs One H-22
Primary from missile
250kg up
to
9.000kg
or nuclear
bombs
Armament: One R-23 (23mm) gun
Secondary

Estimates
First discovery
Blinder A January 1960
Blinder B 1961
Blinder C June 1965
Blinder D 1966
Tu-22M BACKFIRE (TUPOLEV)
The BACKFIRE is a long-range aircraft capable of performing nuclear strike,
conventional attack, antiship, and reconnaissance missions. Its low-level penetration
features make it a much more survivable system than its predecessors. Carrying either
bombs or AS-4/KITCHEN air-to-surface missiles, it is a versatile strike aircraft, believed
to be intended for theater attack in Europe and Asia but also potentially capable of
intercontinental missions against the United States. The BACKFIRE can be equipped
with probes to permit inflight refueling, which would further increase its range and
flexibility.
After designing the TU-22, the Tupolev design bureau started working on a new bomber
that was based on the TU-22. Initially Tupolev considered modifying the TU-22 by
changing the angle of the swept wings and equipping it with more powerful engines.
However after developing the design "106" and various analysis, the design did not meet
the flight characteristic requirements. Tupolev also developed the design "125". The
aircraft was supposed have two VK-6 engines, a range of 4500-4800 km and an operating
speed of up to 2500 km/h. The design provided for the use of titanium alloys and
advanced electronic systems.
In 1962, the "125" design was examined by the Government but rejected, as the T-4
aircraft designed by KB Sukhoi was accepted. As an alternative to the T-4 aircraft, KB
Tupolev developed the "145" airplane which was a modification of the TU-22. This
airplane represented a multi-mode supersonic bomber which was capable of flying at
subsonic speed at small altitudes and at supersonic speed to overcome air defenses. The
range at subsonic speed was supposed to be 6000-7000 km. The wings are swept-back
and had a variable geometry to meet the speed and range requirements. The aircraft
should carry Kh-22 air-to-surface missiles which had already been deployed on other
aircraft. After activities on the T-4 bombers were halted, KB Tupolev was officially
charged with building the "145" aircraft in 1967. The new bomber was intended to have a
maximum speed of 2300 km/h and a range of 7000 km without refueling. It received the
designation TU-22M.
The Tu-22M designation was used by the Soviets during SALT-2 arms control
negotiations, creating the impression that the Backfire-A aircraft was a modification of
the Tu-22 Blinder. This designation was adopted by the US State and Defense
Departments, although some contended that the designation was deliberately deceptive,
and intended to hide the performace of the Backfire. Other sources suggest the
"deception" was internal, because this made it easier to get budgets approved. According
to some sources, the Backfire-B/C production variants were believed to be designated
Tu-26 by Russia, although this is disputed by many sources. At Tupolev the aircraft was
designated the AM.
Many of the development steps in manufacturing the AM were unique in their time.
Special attention was given to the construction of the variable sweep wing - the basis of
the whole project. The mid-mounted wings are variable, swept-back, and tapered with
curved tips and a wide wing root. Two turbofan engines are mounted in the body, with
large rectangular air intakes and dual exhausts. The fuselage is long and slender with a
solid, pointed nose and stepped cockpit. The body is rectangular from the air intakes to
the exhausts. The tail fin is swept-back and tapered with a square tip. The flats are mid-
mounted on the body, swept-back, and tapered with blunt tips. The wing consists of a
center section and two outer panels that have five fixed positions with respect to the
leading edge sweep. The two-spar centre section has a rear web and bearing skin panel.
The outer wings are secured to the centre section with the aid of hinged joints. The high-
lift devices include three-section slats and double-slotted flaps on the outer wings
(extension angle: 23~ for takeoff and 40~ for landing) and a tilting flap on the centre
section.
 Backfire A - TU-22MO -- The first TU-22M received the designation TU-22MO

but was only produced in small quantities due to inadequate performance. In
February 1973 two TY-22Mo bombers were transferred to a training center.
 Backfire A - TU-22M -- The first prototype of the TU-22M was finished in July
1971. The test phase of the few TU-22M lasted four years, after which they were
deployed with Soviet Naval Aviation.
 Backfire B - TU-22M2 -- The first large-scale modification of the TU-22M was
the TU-22M2, which conducted first flight tests in 1973. It was equipped with
NK-22 engines, had range of 5100 km and a maximum speed of 1800 km/h. It
carried up to three Kh-22 air-to-surface missiles. The aircraft did not have an
automatic terrain-following system but was nevertheless capable of low-level
flight to overcome air defenses. In 1976, the TU-22M2 was deployed with the air
force and naval airforce. A total of 211 TU-22M2 aircraft were produced at the
plant Nr.23 in Kazan between 1973 and 1983. Soon after series production of the
TU-22M2 began, the aircraft received new NK-23 engines to increase speed and
range. The NK-23 is a booster version of the NK-22 engine, which did not
achieve the expected goals.
 Backfire B - TU-22M2Ye -- Some aircraft were outfitted with new NK-25
engines and an sophisticated new flight-control system. They were designated as
TU-22M2Ye, but did not achieve improved flight characteristics.
 Backfire C - TU-22M3 -- During subsequent upgrades the nose was lengthened,
the air intakes changed and the maximum angle of the swept-variable geometry
wings increased up to 65 degrees. The aircraft received the designation TU-22M3
and carried out its' first flight test on 20 June 1977. The TU-22M3 began
operational evaluation in the late 1970s, and in 1983 it was introduced into the
active inventory. Cleared of some of the shortcomings of its predecessor this
aircraft soon proved its worth in service with long-range and naval aviation units.
The range of the bomber was increased to 6800 km, the maximum speed up to
2300 kms/h and the payload was twice that of the Tu-22M2. The bomber is
equipped with a maximum of three Kh-22 cruise missiles or up to ten Kh-15 (AS-
16) short-range missiles. It can also carry nuclear bombs. In 1985 the TU-22M3
conducted high-peed flight tests at low altitude that demonstrated the capability of
countering air defenses.
 Backfire - TU-22MR -- In 1985, the long-range reconnaissance aircraft TU-
22MR entered service.
 Backfire - TU-22ME -- Improvement of flight and fighting characteristics
continued, and in 1990 the TU-22ME was developed.
When the new supersonic bomber appeared at the Kazan aircraft plant in 1969, it
validated the long-held Air Force prediction of a new Soviet bomber. In 1971, the
aircraft, now designated the Backfire, was noted in aerial refueling from a tanker near the
test center of Ramenskoye, just east of Moscow. The mission of the bomber, peripheral
attack or intercontinental attack, became one of the most fiercely contested intelligence
debates of the Cold War. The key variable was the estimate of the range of the aircraft. A
series of competitive analyses to determine the range produced divergent results and
failed to end the debate.
Tupolev claimed a radius of action of only 2,200km for the early model Backfires. The
US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) initially had estimated the Backfire's unrefuelled
combat radius at approximately 5,000 km, sufficient to pose a strategic threat to the
United States, while the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimate was about 3,700 km.
subsequently the DIA estimate was reduced to about 4,000 km, and the CIA estimate to
3,360-3,960 km.
The dominant view of the American intelligence community was that the Backfire was a
peripheral attack weapon and would not play a significant role in a strategic air attack on
the United States. This view was based on the Backfire's limited payload, modest self-
defense capabilities, and anticipated difficulty in staging the aircraft from northern
Siberian bases. The US lacked hard evidence that the Backfires ever rehearsed
intercontinental strike missions. The Air Force estimate of range and intent argued that
the Backfire could be used for intercontinental attack -- even if the aircraft flew one-way
missions for an attack on the United States.
Athough a significant number of Backfire bombers were targeted on US naval vessels,

the Backfire was the focus of a hotly contested arms control debate that focused on
failure to limit further modernization and production of Backfire fleet. Although the
Backfire bomber had an exclusively theater mission, under certain circumstances, it could
be used to strike targets in the United States. Arms control opponents contended that the
United States left open a loophole the Soviets would eventually exploit. The United
States stated that as it can be refueled in flight -- allowing it to reach the United States --
the Backfire was an intercontinental bomber and should be subject to the same
restrictions as other strategic bombers. The Soviets consistently maintained that the
Backfire was not a strategic bomber because of its non-intercontinental range.
During the SALT II process, the United States negotiating team obtained a statement
from then-Soviet Premier Brezhnev that the Backfire's refueling capabilities would not be
upgraded to allow them to function as intercontinental strategic bombers, and that the
Soviets would only build 30 of these bombers per year. When the SALT-2 treaty was
signed in 1979, the Soviets informed the USA that it would not equip the TU-22M
bombers with air refueling devices. SALT II was not ratified, though subsequently the air
refueling system was removed from all TU-22M.
According to press reports in the late 1980s, a defector stated that the Backfire was
regularly exercised at intercontinental range, that this intercontinental range was greater
than the Bison's, that the Backfire had a screw-in type refueling probe, that this screw-in
refueling probe was stockpiled for every Backfire at all bomber bases, and that the
Soviets had an active program of camouflage, concealment, and deception to mislead the
West about the intercontinental range capability of the Backfire.
According to press reports, the Soviets tested long range ALCM's

on the Backfire in the late 1970's. The CIA in 1987 made the
unclassified judgment that it would consider Backfires as ALCM-
carriers in the event of confirmed Soviet breakout from SALT II.
The CIA's rationale for their judgment was that in the absence of
SALT II constraints, the Soviets would use the ALCM-capable
Backfire to attack the United States.
The Defense Department publication Soviet Military Power

published in March, 1983, stated on page 26 that: "The Soviets are developing at least
one long-range air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) with a range of some 3,000
kilometers. Carried by the Backfire, the Blackjack, and possibly the Bear, it would
provide the Soviets with greatly improved capabilities for low-level and standoff attack in
both theater and intercontinental operations."DIA stated in its unclassified February 1990
Soviet Force Structure Summary publication on page 6 that: `The Backfire has an
intercontinental strike capability when equipped with a refueling probe.'
The US proposed to the Soviets that they sign a politically binding declaration outside of
START, which would commit them to: (1) not give the Backfire an intercontinental
capability by air-to-air refueling or by any other means; (2) deploy no more than 400
Backfire; and (3) include all Backfire -- including naval Backfire--in the Conventional
Forces in Europe [CFE] aircraft limits.
On 31 July 1991 the Soviet side declared as part of the START I negotiations that it
would not give the Tu-22M airplane the capability of operating at intercontinental
distances in any manner, including by in-flight refueling. The Soviet Union stated that it
would not have more than 300 Tu-22M airplanes at any one time, not including naval Tu-
22M airplanes, and that the number of naval Tu-22M airplanes would not exceed 200. In
view of the fact that there must be no constraints in the START Treaty on arms that are
not strategic offensive arms, Tu-22M airplanes would thus not be subjected to that
Treaty.
During the 1980s Backfires were used for conventional bombing raids in Afghanistan,
particularly during the last year of direct Soviet involvement. By 1991 it was reported
that, due to a shortage of spare parts, some Backfire units had mission-capable rates of
30-40%. During the 1990s many Backfires were transferred from Long Range Aviation
forces to Russian naval units in north Russia. However, by the late 1990s, at least 125
were in service with Long-Range Aviation and another 47 were in service with in Naval
Aviation.
In December 1999 it was announced that India would lease four Tu-22M3 Backfire
bombers, with the aircraft slated arrive in India as early as June 2000. India's Tu-142 and
Il-38 aircraft will be upgraded in Russia. An initial batch of five aircraft will be sent to
Russia and during this period the Tu-22M3s will undertake a maritime role armed with
AS-20 Kayak anti-ship missiles. India is making substantial purchases of the Novator
3M-54 Alfa missile to equip Kilo class submarines and its new frigates. It is believed that
an air-launched variant will be purchased to arm the Tu-142s currently in service and the
six to eight additional aircraft being sought by the Navy. If an air-launched version of the
Alfa is procured, it is anticipated that India's Tu-22M3s will eventually be equipped to
fire them.
Specifications
Soviet TU-22M0 TU-22M1 TU-22M2 TU-22M3
Designation
US- Backfire A Backfire A Backfire B Backfire C
Designation
Design OKB-156 Tupolev
Bureau
Approved
Development 1967
began
First Flight 8/30/1969 6/1/1971 1972 6/20/1977
Series 1971 1973-1983 From 1977
production on
Date Not 1976 1976 1981
deployed deployed
Crew 4 men
Unit cost
Power Plant Two NK- Two NK-22 Two NK-22 turbojet Two NK-25
144-22 turbojet engines turbojet
turbojet engines engines
engines
Thrust 20.000kg 22.000kg 22.000kg each 25.000kg
each each each
Length 41.5m 41.5m 41.46m 42.46m
Height 11.05m
Wingspan 22.75m 25m 25m 23.3m
(minimum)
Wingspan 31.6m 34.28 m 34.28 m 34.28 m
(maximum)
(at
minimum
sweep),
175.8sqm
(at
maximum
sweep)
Speed 900km/h 900km/h
(cruise)
Speed 1.530km/h 1.660km/h 1.800km/h 2.300km/h
(maximum)
Ceiling 13.000m 14.000m
Weight 53,500kg
(empty)
Fuel weight
Maximum 121.000kg 122.000kg 122.000kg 126.400kg
take-off
weight
Normal load 6.000kg
Maximum 24.000kg
load
Range
[Russian
Sources]
Combat
Radius 4,000-5,000 km [DIA]
unrefueld 3,360-3,960 km [CIA]
[US
estimates]
Armament: Two GSH- One to three H-22 One to
23 (23mm) missiles three H-22
guns two GSH-23 missiles
(23mm) guns six to ten
H-15
missiles
24.000 kg
of 250-
9,000kg free
fall bombs
one
double-
barrelled
GSH-23
(23mm)
guns
Tu-160 BLACKJACK (TUPOLEV)
The Tu-160 is a multi-mission strategic bomber designed for operations ranging from
subsonic speeds and low altitudes to speeds over Mach 1 at high altitudes. The two
weapons bays can accommodate different mission-specific loads, including strategic
cruise missiles, short-range guided missiles, nuclear and conventional bombs, and mines.
Its basic armament of short-range guided missiles and strategic cruise missiles enables it
to deliver nuclear strikes to targets with preassigned coordinates.In the future, after the
aircraft is equipped with high-precision conventional weapons it may also be used against
mobile or tactical targets.
The Tu-160 was the outcome of a multi-mission bomber competition, which included a
Tupolev proposal for an aircraft design using elements of the Tu-144, the Myasishchev
M- 18, and the Sukhoi a design based on the T-4 aircraft. The project of Myasishchev
was considered to be the most successful, although the Tupolev organization was
regarded as having the greatest potential for completing this complex project.
Consequently, Tupolev was assigned to develop an aircraft using elements of the
Myasishchev M-18 bomber design. The project was supervised by V.N. Binznyuk. Trial
operations in the Air Forces began in 1987 with serial production being conducted at the
Kazan Aviation Association.
The Tu-160 is characterized by low-mounted, swept-back, and tapered, variable

geometry wings with large fixed-center section. The variable geometry wings (from 20
degrees up to 65 degrees) allows flight at supersonic and and subsonic speeds. Four NK-
32 TRDDF [turbojet bypass engines with afterburners] of 25,000 kilograms-force power
the T-160. The four turbofans, developed by OKB Kuznetsov in 1977, are mounted in
pairs under the fixed-center section with square intakes and exhausts extending behind
the wings’ trailing edges. The fuselage's slim structure is marked by a long, pointed,
slightly upturned nose section and a stepped canopy. Tail flats are swept-back, tapered,
and mid-mounted on the fin. The tail fin is back-tapered with a square tip and a fairing in
the leading edge. The tail cone is located past the tail section. During the design of the
aircraft, special attention was paid to reducing its signature. Measures were applied to
reduce the signature of the engines to infra-red and radar detectors. Tests of these
survivability measures were first tested on a TU-95 aircraft in 1980.
As the most powerful combat aircraft of the Soviet Air Forces, the T-160 flies at 2,000
km/hr and can exceed the 2,000 mark with a mission-specific load. The T-160 can climb
60-70 meters per second and reach heights of up 15,000 meters. The bomber can be
refueled during flight by IL-78 and ZMS-2 tanker aircraft. The air refueling system
consists of a probe and drogue airborne refueling system.
The TU-160 can carry up to 12 Kh-55 long range missiles and Kh-15 short range
missiles. The weapons bays can accommodate different loads: carries various bombs:
From fee falling nuclear and regular up to 1500 kg bombs. The bomber is not equipped
with artillery armament.
The Tu-160 is equipped with a combined navigation-and-weapon aiming system, RID;
[radar] for detecting targets on the ground and sea at long distances, an optical-electronic
bombsight, an automatic terrain-following system, and active and passive radio-
electronic warfare systems, as well as a probe-and-drogue airborne refueling system. It is
equipped with K-36DM ejection seats. The cockpit instruments are the traditional
electromechanical type. The aircraft is controlled with the aid of a central control column.
The engine control throttles are located between the pilots' seats. There is a rest area, a
toilet, and a cupboard for warming up food.
Studies have also been conducted on using the aircraft as a launch platform for the
"Burlak" space launch vehicle, which is designed to carry payloads with a mass of 300 to
500 kg in polar orbits at an altitude of 500 to 700 km. Under this concept the launch
vehicle, which has a solid-fuel engine and a delta wing, would be suspended under the
airplane's fuselage.
In 1981 OKB Tupolev built two prototypes of the bomber and one mock-up that was
used for static tests. The first flight test of the "70" aircraft took place on 19 December
1981. During flight tests, one of the two original planes was lost. Shortly after tests
began, series production started. In 1984, the factory in Kazan started producing the
bomber which received the designation TU-160. Initial plans provided for the
construction of 100 airplanes but when their production was stopped in 1992, only 36
bombers had been built.
In May 1987, deployment of the first bombers began. Until the end of 1991, 19 TU-160
bombers served in the 184th regiment in Ukraine and became Ukrainian property after
the dissolution of the USSR. In 1992 the 121th air regiment based at the aerodrome B.G.
Engels was equippd with TU-160 bombers. Subsequently the bombers were tested to
carry long range missiles.
It was reported on 02 July 1999 that the Gorbunov Kazan Air Industrial Association
received an order from the Ministry of Defense of Russia to complete the production of
one Tu-160 strategic bomber. According to the Association's general director Nail
Hairullin the contract for the aircraft production was worth 45 million rubles.
In July 1999 the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Alexander Kuzmuk confirmed that Kiev
officially proposed that Moscow accept as payment for the gas debts "about 10 strategic
bombers Tu-160 and Tu-95". He refused to tell the exact cost of missile carriers,
however, in his judgement, it would be "considerably more" than 25 million dollars for
each machine. On 12 October 1999 the Russian air force announced an agreement that
would allow Ukraine to pay some of its multimillion-dollar energy debts by handing over
11 strategic bombers. Ukraine had tried to unload the bombers since the Soviet Union
collapsed in 1991, but talks had foundered because of differences over the price tag and
other conditions. The deal includes eight Tupolev 160 Blackjack bombers and three
Tupolev 95 Bears.
The 11 strategic bombers and 600 air-launched missiles exchanged by Ukraine to Russia
in payment for the gas debt were transfered in mid-February 2000. Two Tu-160 bombers
flew from Priluki in the Ukrainian Chernigov region for the Russian air base in Engels.
The missiles were sent to Russia by railroad. Three Tu-95MS bombers and six Tu-160
airplanes had already arrived at Engels since October 1999 in fulfilment of the
intergovernmental agreements. Before being moved to Russia, 19 Tu-160 airplanes were
stationed at the Priluki airfield and 21 Tu-95MS were located in Uzin.
Specifications
Soviet Designation TU-160
US-Designation Blackjack
Power Plant 4 HK-32 turbojet engines
Thrust 25.000 kg each
Length 54.1
Height 13.1
Wingspan 35.6m (minimum), 55.7m (maximum)
Wing surface 232 sqm
Speed 2200 km/h (maximum), 1030 km/h (ground)
Ceiling 16.000m
Weight (empty) 110.000kg
Fuel weight 148.000 kg
Maximum take-off weight 275.000 kg
Normal load 9.000 kg
Maximum load 40.000
Range 14.000 km (with a load of 9.000kg)
10.500 km (with a load of 40.000 kg)

Armament 12 H-55 or 24 H-15 missiles
free falling bombs

Systems
Crew 4
Accomodation
Unit cost
Approved

Series production started 1984
Date deployed 1987
Inventory
AS-1 KENNEL
SSC-2a SALISH
SSC-2b SAMLET
The AS-1 air-to-surface missile is a subsonic,turbojet-powered, cruise missile with a
range or 35 to 97 nm. It weighs approximately 6030-lb and has a conventional warhead
of 2020-lb. For guidance, it uses a preprogrammed autopilot for launch and climb, a
beam rider for mid-course, and semi-active radar for terminal flight. It has a CEP of 150
ft when used in an anti-ship role and a CEP of 1.0 nm when used against land targets.
Two AS-1 missiles are carried on the Badger B aircraft. Production of the AS-1 is
estimated to have began in 1953, with IOC reached in 1956. It was first seen in 1961.
Two versions of the SSC-2 were developed from the Soviet "KENNEL" air-to-surface
anti-shipping missile. They resemble a small jet fighter in appearance and are transported
on one-axle semitrailers. The field missile SSC-2a "SALISH" is launched from its
transport semitrailer which is towed by a KrAZ-214 tractor truck The SSC-2b
"SAMLET" coastal missile transport semitrailer is towed by a ZIL-157V tractor truck
and is not used for launching. The missile must be removed from the transport semitrailer
and placed on a large rail-type launcher for firing. The "SAMLET" coastal defense
missile is the most commonly encountered cruise missile, and has been identified in East
Germany and Poland.
Specifications
Contractor
Initial operational
1956
capability
Production terminated 1960
First detected 1961
Total length
Diameter
Wingspan
Weight
Warhead Weight
Propulsion
Maximum Speed
Maximum effective
range
Guidance mode
Mikoyan K-10S (AS-2 Kipper)
The AS-2 air-to-surface missile is a supersonic, turbojet-powered, low-level run-in,
cruise missile with a range of 30 to 100 nm. The K-10S missile (Article 352), developed
specially for the Tu-16K-10 (Badger-C) aircraft as weapon against naval vessels, was in
October 1961, together with that aircraft certified for ordnance. One K-10S missile is
suspended from the aircraft, under the middle section of the fuselage. It carries either a
conventional or a nuclear 2200-lb warhead. The missile weighs approximately 9120
pounds. For guidance, it uses a preprogrammed autopilot for launch and climb, an
autopilot with command correction for mid-course flight, and active radar for terminal
flight. The guidance system combines inertial guidance during the initial flight stage and
active-radar homing close to the target. The missile can carry a nuclear warhead. It has a
CEP of 150 ft when used in an anti-ship role and a CEP of 1 to 2 nm when used against
land targets.
Specifications
Contractor
Initial operational
1961
capability
First detected 1961
Production
1965
terminated
Type long-range anti-ship standoff missile
Wingspan 4.6-4.88 m
Length 9.5 m
Diameter 0.9 m
Launch weight 4200 kg
Max. speed 1400 km/h
Ceiling 12000 m
Maximum range 260-350 km
Propulsion Lyulka AL-5 RD-9FK liquid fuel turbojet
Guidance active radar homing
impact with delay-fuzed high explosive, 1000 kg or
Warhead
nuclear 1000-kg warhead
Kh-20 / AS-3 KANGAROO
The AS-3 air-to-surface missile is a large, supersonic, turbojet-powered, cruise missile
weighing approximately 24,500 lb with a range of 100 to 350 nm. It carries a 5000-lb
nuclear warhead. For guidance it uses a preprogrammed autopilot for launch and climb,
an autopilot with command guidance for mid-course flight, and a preprogrammed dive to
target. It has a CEP of 150 ft when used in an anti-ship role and a CEP of 1 to 3 nm when
used against land targets. One AS-3 is carried aboard the Bear B and Bear C aircraft.
Specifications
Contractor
Type meduim- to long-range standoff missile
Initial operational
1960
capability
First detected 1961
Production 1965
terminated
Wingspan 9.2 m
Length 14.9 m
Diameter 1.9 m
Ceiling 18000 m
Maximum range 650 km
Tumansky R-11 twin spool turbojet with afterburner,
Propulsion
50.9 kN of thrust
Guidance beam riding
high-explosive, 2300 kg, or thermonuclear, 800 kT
Warhead
yield
Raduga Kh-22 (AS-4 Kitchen)
Built by A. Berezhnyak's "Raduga" engineering group for Tu-22 and Tu-22M aircraft,
this missile is now also arming modified Tu-95K-22 aircraft. During experimental tests
conducted from the late nineteen fifties to the early nineteen sixties the Kh-22B version
had reached a speed of Mach 6 and an altitude of about 70 km. The "Raduga" Design
Bureau, first a branch of Mikoyan's OKB-2-155 Special Design Bureau, became an
independent group in March 1957. Since 1974, after the death of Alexander Berezhnyak,
its chief engineer is Igor Seleznyev. The Kh-22 missile comes in three variants: 1. Kh-
22N with a nuclear warhead and inertial guidance; 2. Kh-22M with a conventional load
for use against ships and with an active-radar operating during the final flight stage; 3.
Kh-22MP for breaking through enemy air defenses (overcoming enemy radars).
Specifications
Contractor
Type long-range tactical standoff missile
Wingspan 3.0 m
Length 11.3-11.65 m
Diameter 0.92 m
Launch weight 5780-6000 kg
Ceiling 24000 m
Propulsion liquid propellant rocket motor
Guidance active radar or passive infra-red homing
high-explosive, 1000 kg, or
Warhead
nuclear, 350 kT yield
KSR-2 / KS-11
AS-5 KELT
The AS-5 air-to-surface missile is a small supersonic, liquid-rocket propelled, cruise
missile weighing approximately 7760 lb. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.2 at an
altitude of 30,000 ft. and a range of 80 to 125 nm. It can carry an 1100-lb conventional
warhead, or a nuclear warhead weighing 850 to 1200 lb. For guidance, it uses active radar
homing from launch to impact when employed in an anti-ship role, and an alternate
passive radar homing system when used in an anti-radar role. It has a CEP of 150 ft when
used in an anti-ship role, and a CEP of 1 to 2 nm when employed against land targets.
The Badger G carries two AS-5 missiles suspended beneath its wings. Production of the
missile is estimated to have begun in 1963, with IOC in 1965. It was first seen in 1966.
Specifications
Contractor
Year 1968
Type anti-ship and ground attack standoff cruise missile
Wingspan 4.6 m
Length 9.5 m
Diameter 0.9 m
Ceiling 18000 m
Maximum range 320 km
Propulsion single stage liquid propellant rocket motor
Guidance active radar or anti-radar seeker
impact- and direct impact-fuzed high explosive, 1000
Warhead kg
Service CIS, Egypt
Raduga KSR-5 (AS-6 Kingfish)
The AS-6 air-to-surface missile is a supersonic, liquid-rocket propelled, cruise missile
weighing approximately 13,000 lb. It has an estimated maximum speed of Mach 3.5 at an
altitude of 65,000 ft. and an estimated range of 300 nm. It can carry an 1100-lb
conventional or nuclear warhead. For guidance it uses a preprogrammed autopilot for
launch and climb, an inertial guidance system or an autopilot with radio command
override for mid-course, and an active radar system for terminal dive when used in an
antiship role. It has a CEP of 150 ft when used in the antiship role, and a CEP of 1 to 2
nm when employed against land targets. The AS-6 probably is a follow-on to the AS-2
and AS-5.
This is a smaller version of the Kh-22 missile, intended for Tu-16 bomber aircraft. Series
production of the KSR-5 (Article D-5) anti-ship version with active-radar homing began
in 1966. Target indication is given by either a "Rubin" radar of the Tu-16K-26 or a YeN
radar of the Tu-16K-10-26. The KSR-SP antiradar missile entered service in 1972, at
which time was also built the KSR-5N version with a nuclear load. On the basis of the
KSR-5 was later built the KSR-5NM airborne target for training exercises. Modified
Badger C and Badger G aircraft carry two AS-6 missiles. The Backfire may also have
been an AS-6 carrier, but evidence is lacking to confirm this estimate. Production is
estimated to have begun in 1969,with IOC in Badger aircraft in 1970. IOC with Backfire
is estimated in 1974.
Specifications
Contractor
operational Badger 1970
operational with
1974
Backfire
Type long-range cruise missile
Wingspan 2.5 - 2.61 m
Length 10.0 - 10.52 m
Diameter 0.9 m
Launch weight 3900-4800 kg
Max. speed 3200 - 3400 km/h
Ceiling 20000 m
Propulsion two stage solid propellant rocket motor
Guidance active radar or anti-radar seeker
proximity-, impact- or impact with delay-fuzed high-
Warhead explosive, 1000 kg, or
nuclear, 350 kT yield 700 kg
Service CIS, Iraq
Kh-55 Granat
AS-15 Kent
SS-N-21 Sampson
SSC-4 Slingshot
The Kh-55 strategic cruise missile is used for destroying targets whose coordinates are
known. Its guidance system combines inertial-Doppler navigation and position correction
based on comparison of terrain in the assigned regions with images stored in the memory
of an on-board computer. The propulsion system is a dual-flow engine located
underneath the missile's tail. The missile carries a 200 kt nuclear warhead.
The first tests of this missile were conducted in 1978 and a few units were installed on
Tu-95MS aircraft in 1984. Three aircraft versions of this missile are known: Kh-55
(Article 120, alias RKV-500, NATO's AS-15a), Kh-55-OK (article 124), Kh-55SM
(Article 125, alias RKV-500B, NATO's AS-15b). In addition the land version RK-55
(SSC-X-4) was destroyed in compliance with INF disarmament negotiations. The sea
version SS-N-21 Sampson is reportedly deployed on the Akula, Victor III, Yankee
Notch, and Sierra class SSN submarines. However, since the SSC-4 coastal defense
variant is carried in a 25.6-in (650-mm) diameter canister, some analysts have suggested
that the sub- launched variant is probably for launch only from 650-mm diameter torpedo
tubes.
Russian President Boris Yeltsin announced in January 1992 that he would end the
manufacture of all sea- and air- launched cruise missiles. In March 2000 it was reported
that the Russian Air Force had tested a new cruise missile with a conventional warhead. It
was said to be a Kh-555 missile, which was developed from the Kh-55, with a range of
2000 - 3000 km.
Raduga Kh-65
The Kh-65 missile is a tactical modification of the strategic Kh-55. According to the first
available information (on data sheets at the 1992 Moscow Air Show), its range was to be
500-600 km. The reason for shortening its range was that, according to terms of the
SALT-2 Treaty, any aircraft carrying missiles with a range longer than 600 km will be
regarded as a strategic one and the number of such aircraft is strictly limited. A full-sized
versio of the Kh-65SE was displayed for the first time in 1993 (February in Abu Dabi,
then September 1993 in Zhukovskiy and Nizhniy Novgorod). The missiles shown at the
exhibitions did not differ from the earlier versions except for their range, quoted as 250
km when launched from low altitude and 280 km when launched from high altitude. The
Kh-65 was intended for use against large targets with a larger than 300 m2 effective
reflecting surface area, particularly warships, under conditions of strong electronic
interference. It approaches the target guided by an inertial navigation system while flying
at a low altitude. Having reached the region where the target is located, it rises to a higher
altitude and its active-radar target seeking system turns on.
Specifications
Version Kh-55SM Kh-65SE
Raduga OKB
Contractor M. I. Kalinin Machine
Building Plant
Entered Service
Total length 8.09 m 6.04 m / 19 ft, 6 in
Diameter 0.77 m; (Kh-55 0.514 m) 0.514 m
Wingspan 3.10 m 3.10 m / 10 ft, 1 in
Weight 1700 kg 1250 kg
Warhead 200-kt nuclear 410 kg HE
Propulsion
Speed Mach 0.48-0.77 Mach 0.48-0.77
Maximum effective 3000 km (Kh-55 2500
250-280 km
range km)
Flight Altitude 40-110 m
Guidance mode
AS 15 Mod A AS 15 Mod B
RKV-500A RKV-500B
ALCM ALCM
P-750 Grom
BL-10
AS-19 KOALA
SS-N-24 SCORPION
SSC-5
The P-750 Grom supersonic winged cruise missile with a range of 3000-4000 km was
developed for replacing the Kh-55 [AS-15 KENT]. The AS-X-19 Koala was an air-
launched land-attack version derived from the SS-NX-24 Scorpion submarine-launched
missile. A pair of AS-19 missiles was expected to arm the Tu-142 Bear-H bomber. The
missile carried two warheads independently guided to hit two targets 100 km apart. The
letters BL in its American designation refer to the firing range in Barnaul, where it was
tested; its Russian industrial index designation is not known. Work on the program was
suspended in 1992.
Specifications
Contractor Chelomey
Entered Service cancelled
Total length 7 meters
Diameter
Wingspan
Weight 2,000 kg
Warhead 2 x 200 kt nuclear
Propulsion turbojet or rocket/ramjet
Maximum Speed supersonic
Maximum effective
range
Guidance mode 3000-4000 km
Kh-65 / Kh-SD
Kh-101
As of 1996 it was reported that at least two next-generation strategic cruise missiles were
under development. By late 2000 very few details had emerged concerning either
program, neither of which appeared to have received Western designations. It is reported
that Russian Air Force plans call for upgrading the Tu-95MS `Bear-H' bomber to carry
up to eight Kh-101 or 14 Kh-65 cruise missiles. The status of a plan for the Tu-160 to
carry 12 Kh-101s or Kh-65s is unclear, and may have been cancelled.
The long-range Kh 101 cruise missile is under development for long-range aviation. It
was apparebtly first launched in October of 1998 by Tu-160 during 37th Air Army
exercises. It will reportedly be employed with either a nuclear or a conventional warhead.
The conventional warhead version required the use of a highly accurate guidance system,
which reportedly provides a circular error probable of 12-20 meters. An electro-optic
flight path correction system uses a terrain map stored in its onboard computer, as well as
a TV-seeker for the terminal stage of flight. The Kh-101's launch weight is 2,200-
2,400kg and its maximum speed is Mach 0.77. The range of this system probably exceeds
3,000km, and some reports claim a range of as great as 5000 km.
Russian President Boris Yeltsin announced in January 1992 that he would end the
manufacture of all sea- and air- launched cruise missiles. In March 2000 it was reported
that the Russian Air Force had tested a new cruise missile with a conventional warhead. It
was said to be a Kh-555 missile, which was developed from the Kh-55, with a range of
2000 - 3000 km. The relationship between the "Kh-555" and the Kh-101, with evidently
similar characteristics, is unclear.
The Kh-65, also known as the Kh-SD, is reportedly a smaller version of the Kh-101. It is
said to be shorter and lighter [by some 600-800kg], with a much shorter range of only
several hundred kilometres. It probably uses the same homing system as the Kh-101, but
may a Kh-65S anti-ship version may have an active radar seeker. The fact of the
existence of this program was first disclosed in data sheets released at the 1992 Moscow
Air Show, at which time it appeared to be a tactical derivative of the Kh-55 Granat [AS-
15 Kent] strategic cruise missile. More recently, it is described as the short range tactical
version of the Kh-101.
Based on the reported association between the Kh-55 and the Kh-65, it is probably the
case that the Kh-101 is a derivative of the previous Kh-55.
Specifications
Contractor
Designation Kh-101 Kh-65 / Kh-SD
Year
ground attack standoff Kh-65 ground attack
Type cruise missile Kh-65S anti-ship
Wingspan
Length
Diameter
Launch weight 2,200-2,400kg 1,400-1,800kg
Max. speed Mach 0.75 Mach 0.75
Ceiling
Maximum range 3,000-5,000 km ? 300-500 km
Propulsion solid booster + cruise turbofan
Kh-65 TERCOM + TV
Seeker
Guidance TERCOM + TV Seeker
Kh-65S TERCOM +
active radar seeker
impact- and direct
Warhead impact-fuzed high
explosive, 1000 kg
Service
R-1 / SS-1 SCUNNER
The R-1 / SS-1 SCUNNER was the first Russian ballistic missile system, incorporating
V2 parts and Alcohol and LOX propellants. The SS-1A is essentially unrelated to the SS-
1b or SS-1c SCUD, which use storable liquid [RFNA and Hydrazine] propellants. The
term "scunner" is a Scottish & Northern dialect word for an annoying person or thing, a
nuisance, an object of disgust or loathing. The first Russian launch of a V-2 from
Kapustin Yar was conducted on 18 October 1947. The first R-1 test flight from Kapustin
Yar was conducted on 10 October 1948.
Specifications
Total Mass 12,798 kg.
Empty Mass 4,066 kg.
Payload 483 kg.
Core Diameter 1.7 m.
Span 3.6 m.
Total Length 17.0 m.
Engines 1. RD-100
Propellants Lox/Alcohol
Liftoff Thrust 27,690 kgf.
Thrust (vac) 31,314 kgf.
Isp 233 sec.
Burn time 63 sec.
Isp(sl) 206 sec.
Diameter 1.7 m.
Range 270 km.
Maximum altitude 77 km.
Time of flight 5 minutes.
Max velocity at burnout 1465 m/s.
Accuracy 8 km in range, 4 km laterally.
R-2 / SS-2 SIBLING
The ethyl alcohol used in the V-2 and R-1 was replaced by methyl alcohol in the R-2.
The first launch of the R-2 missile was conducted from Kapustin Yar on 30 September
1949.
Specifications
Total Mass 19,632 kg.
Empty Mass 4,592 kg.
Payload 508 kg.
Core Diameter 1.7 m.
Span 3.6 m.
Total Length 21.0 m.
Engines 1. RD-101
Propellants Lox/Alcohol
Liftoff Thrust 37,210 kgf.
Thrust (vac) 41,208 kgf.
Isp 237 sec.
Isp(sl) 214 sec.
Burn time 85 sec.
Range 550 km.
Maximum altitude 171 km.
Time of flight 7.5 minutes.
Max velocity at burnout 2175 m/s.
Accuracy 8 km in range, 4 km laterally.
R-11 / SS-1B SCUD-A
R-300 9K72 Elbrus / SS-1C SCUD-B
The Scud is a mobile, Russian-made, short-range, tactical ballistic surface-to-surface
(hence the nomenclature abbreviation SS) missile system. The SCUD-series guided
missiles are single-stage, short-range ballistic missiles using storable liquid propellants.
The Scud is derived from the World War II-era German V-2 rocket. Unlike the FROG
series of unguided missiles, the SCUDs have movable fins. Warheads can be HE,
chemical, or nuclear, and the missile, launched vertically from a small platform, has a
range of 300 km. Unsophisticated gyroscopes guided the missile only during powered
flight - which lasts about 80 seconds. Once the rocket motor shut down, the entire missile
with the warhead attached coasted unguided to the target area. Consequently, Scuds had
notoriously poor accuracy, and the farther they flew, the more inaccurate they became.
SCUD missiles are found in SSM (SCUD) brigades at front/army level. The SCUD series
of missiles gave the Soviet front and army commanders an integral nuclear weapons
capability. Non-nuclear variants of the SCUD missiles have been exported to both
Warsaw Pact and non-Warsaw Pact nations.
 The SCUD-A is also known as SS-1b. The SCUD-B replaced the JS-3-mounted
SCUD-A, which had been in service since the mid-1950s.
 The longer range SCUD B, also known as SS-1c, can be distinguished by the one
meter greater length of the missile and the presence of two air bottles on the side
of the superstructure in place of the single bottle used for the "SCUD A" missile.
The SCUD B used unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), a more powerful
(and toxic) fuel than the kerosene used on the SCUD A, which required an engine
redesign. They were transported originally on a heavy-tracked vehicle based on
the JS heavy-tank chassis. This vehicle serves also as an erector and launcher for
the missiles. The SCUD-B was introduced on the JS-3 tracked chassis in 1961 and
appeared on the MAZ-543 wheeled chassis in 1965. The "SCUD B" missile has
appeared on a new transporter-erector-launcher based on the MAZ-543 (8x8)
truck. The introduction of this new powerful cross-country wheeled vehicle gave
this missile system greater road mobility, reduces the number of support vehicles
required, and still preserves a great choice in selecting off-road firing positions.
The same basic chassis also has been used for the transporter-erector-launcher for
the "SCALEBOARD" surface-to-surface guided missile. In the early 1980s, the
SCUD-B was replaced by the SS-23, which has greatly improved range (500 km),
increased accuracy, and reduced reaction and refire times.
 The SCUD-C SS-1d achieved an initial operational capability with Soviet forces
around 1965. It had a longer range, though lower accuracy, than the SCUD B, and
was deployed in smaller numbers. As of the late 1990s some remained in service
in Russian ground forces.
 The SCUD-D SS-1e featured an improved guidance system, possibly
incorporating active radar terminal homing, and a wider choice of warheads than
its predecessors. This missile has a range of about 700 km. Initially operational in
the 1980s, it may not have been deployed by former Soviet ground forces.
At launch, a basic Scud contains about 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) of IRFNA and
about 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of fuel. Most of the IRFNA and fuel is used within
the first 80 seconds of flight when the missile is gaining enough speed to reach its target.
When this speed is reached, the Scud is designed to shut off its engine by shutting off the
propellant tanks (a fuel tank and an oxidizer tank). The unused propellants—roughly 150
kilograms (330 pounds) of RFNA and 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of fuel—remain on
board for the remainder of the flight.
In the early 1970s, the Soviet Army sought a replacement for the 9K72 Elbrus (SS-1C
`Scud B') system, which had a very slow reaction time [around 90 minutes to prepare and
fire] and its poor accuracy when using conventional warheads. The replacement system,
codename 9K714 Oka [SS-23 Spider], was developed by KB Mashinostroyenia (Machine
Industry Design Bureau) in Kolomna. This system was phased out in compliance with the
INF Treaty in the late 1980s. Russia’s TBM inventory is limited to thousands of SS-
1c/Scud B and SS-21/Scarab SRBMs as a result of the Intermediate Nuclear Force (INF)
Treaty, which required the elimination of the FSU’s extensive stocks of MRBMs.
A second SCUD-followon effort began in the form of the SS-26, which apparently
entered service by 1999. The SS-26 SRBM is expected to be both a replacement for the
SS-1c/Scud B and an export. By the early 1990s, the `Scud' system was unquestionably
obsolete and many of the 9P117 launcher vehicles were retired due to age.
Specifications
DIA SS-1b SS-1c SS-1d SS-1e
NATO Scud-A Scud-B Scud-C Scud-D
Bilateral
Service R-11 / R-175 R-300
OKB/Industry 8K14
Design Bureau Makeyev OKB Makeyev Makeyev Makeyev OKB
OKB OKB
Approved ... ... ... ...
Years of R&D ... ... ... ...
Engineering and ... ... ... ...
Testing
First Flight Test ... ... ... ...
IOC ... ... ... ...
Deployment 1957 1965 1965 1980s
Date
Withdrawn 1978
Type of Warhead nuclear HE, CHEM 
 (thickened Conventional
Conventional VX) unitary blast
unitary blast fuel-air
Chemical explosive
warhead 40 runway-
penetrator sub-
munitions
100 11-lb
(5-kg) anti-
personnel
bomblets
Warheads 1 1 1 1
Yield ... 5-80 kiloton ... ...
Payload (t) 770-950 kg
Total length (m) 10.25 m 11.25 m 11.25 m 11.25 m
Total length w/o
warhead (m)
Missile Diameter 0.88 m 0.88 m 0.88 m 0.88 m
(m)
Launch Weight 6,300 kg
(t)
Fuel Weight (t)
Range(km) 130 km 300 km 575-600km 700 km
CEP (m)
(Russian
Sources)
CEP (m) 4,000 m 900 m 900 m 50 m
(Western
Sources)
Reaction time 60 min
Engine ... ... ... ...

Designation
Design Bureau ... ... ... ...
Engine One engine One engine One engine One engine
Configuration
Propellants Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid
Storable Storable Storable Storable
Fuel Kerosene UDMH UDMH UDMH
Oxidizer nitric acid RFNA RFNA RFNA
(Russian SG- (Russian (Russian SG-
02 Tonka 250) SG-02 02 Tonka 250)
Tonka 250)
Main Engines ... ... ... ...
Burning time
(sec.)
Main engines ... ... ... ...
Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Main Engines ... ... ... ...
Specific Impulse
Sea
Level/Vacuum
(sec.)
SCUD-A
SCUD-B/C
R-5 / SS-3 SHYSTER
The R-5M missile the [western designation SS-3 Shyster], the first Soviet missile with a
nuclear delivery capacity, was a single-stage, medium-range, liquid propellant, road-
transportable, ballistic missile. With a maximum range of 1200 km – sufficient enough to
reach strategic targets in Europe – it was also considered to be the first Soviet strategic
missile.
The missile R-5M was based on the R-5 missile developed by by S.P. Korolev from the
Department of the Research Institute of the Special Design Bureau. (OKB-NII) in the
early 50's. This predecessor was a single-stage missile with a separable reentry vehicle.
According to Western assessments, the initial guidance system for the SS-3 was radio-
inertial, which was retrofitted with an all-inertial system as more reliable components
became available. The R-5M missile differed from its predecessor R-5 in that to increase
its reliability an auto-stabilizing command structure was installed. With a larger payload
(1300 against 1000 kg) and dry weight (4390 against 4030 kg), the launching weight of
the R-5M was more than twice that of the R-1 (28,610 against 13,430 kg). The enhanced
design and efficiency in combination with an increase of the specific engine thrust from
206 to 219 seconds allowed an increase in the maximum range almost five-fold relative
to the R-1. To maintain an acceptable target accuracy at this increased range, the R-5
missile used a combined guidance/control system with autonomous inertial control plus
lateral radio-correction. In-flight control of the missile was maintained with four
aerodynamic fins located on the aft bay, and four jet vanes located on the perimeter of the
single combustion chamber of the engine. The accuracy of the R-5 was 1.5 km
downrange and 1.25 km cross-range from the aim point, and exceeded substantially the
accuracy of the R-1 and R-2 missiles.
On 10 April 1954 the Soviet Government approved the development of the R-5M. The
flight tests of the R-5M were conducted at Kapustin Yar from January 1955 through
February 1956. The flight test of the R-5M on 02 February 1956 represented the first full
scale testing of a nuclear missile, during which a nuclear warhead with a yield of 300 KT
was successfully detonated. The R&D flight test program was assessed by Western
intelligence to have begun in 1955, with initial operational capability reached in late
1956.
After reaching its IOC the R-5M missile received the index number 8K51 and was
introduced into the Strategic Rocket Forces on 02 June1956. Between 1956 and 1957 a
total of 48 missiles were deployed, primarily at sites close to the western borders of the
Soviet Union. A minimum operational SS-3 field site required only a large presurveyed
clearing with soil stabilization or possibly a poured or prefabricated concrete apron. The
SS-3 is launched from the vertical position. Reaction time is approximately five hours
from the normal readiness condition. The allowable hold time in the most ready
prelaunch condition (reaction time equal 15 min) is about one hour. In 1959 they were
put on alert for the first time, and it remained in service until 1967. No further
deployment was carried out due to the development of the more effective R-12 missile
that subsequently replaced the R-5M Missile.
Specifications
DIA SS-3m
NATO Shyster
Bilateral R-5
Service R-5M
OKB/Industry 8K51 (8A62M)
Design Bureau (OKB-I), NII-88, (Acad. S. P.
Korolev)
Approved 4/10/1954
Years of R&D
IOC 1956
First public display November 1957
Phase-out completed 1967
Warheads 1
Yield (Mt) 1x0.08 - 0.3 MT.
Payload (t) 1.350
Missile Diameter (m) 1,652
Diameter of Stabilizers (m) 3.452
Dry weight (t) 4,39
Range(km) 1200
CEP (m) (Russian Sources) 1500 m downrange and 1250 m
cross range
Number of Stages 1
Booster guidance system Autonomous/inertial plus radio-
control
Engine Designation RD-103M, 8D52
Design Bureau Acad. V. P. Glushko OKB-456
Years of R & D 1952-53
Propellant Liquid
Fuel 92% Ethyl Alcohol/water solution
Oxidizer Liquid Oxygen
Burning time (sec.) 115.4
Thrust Sea Level/Vacuum 43.86 - 44 / 50.9892 - 51
(Tonnes)
Specific Impulse (sec.) 219 -220 / 243 -248
Sea Level/Vacuum
Basing Mode Ground-Based
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites
Training Launchers
R-12 / SS-4 SANDAL
The R-12 was the first Soviet strategic missile using storable propellants and a
completely autonomous inertial guidance system. With its capability to deliver a
megaton-class nuclear warhead the rocket provided a capability to attack strategic targets
at medium ranges. This system constituted the bulk of the Soviet offensive missile threat
to Western Europe. It was deployed at both soft launch pads and hard silos.
The Sandal is a single-stage rocket with a separable single reentry vehicle. In the
integrated fuel tanks the oxidizer was put ahead of the fuel tank, separated by an
intermediate plate. During flight this allowed the oxidizer from the lower unit to be spent
first thus improving in-flight stabilization. The propulsion system consists of four liquid
propellant rocket motors with a common turbopump unit. The flight control was carried
out with the help of four carbon jet vanes, located in the nozzles of the rocket motors.
The autonomous guidance and control system used center of mass normal and lateral
stabilization devices, a velocity control system and an computer-assisted automatic range
control system.
Its development was accepted on 13 August 1955 by the Ministerial Council and carried
out by Yangel's OKB-586. The first tests were conducted at the test site in Kapustin Yar
between 22 June 1957 through December 1958. The R-12 missile was introduced into the
inventory on 04 March 1959 according to Russian sources, though Western intelligence
believed that an initial operational capability was reached in late 1958.
Efforts to develop a railway based version of the R-12 missile were suspended.
The R-12 missile was surface-launched. However in September 1959 a series of

experimental silo launches was conducted and subsequently in May 1960 the
development of a new R-12 missile designated as R-12 U was begun. The R-12U was
designed to be used with both soft surface launchers and hardened silos. The silo-launch
complex of the R-12U missile comprised four launchers and was designated as "Dvina."
The testing phase of the missile and the launch complex lasted from December 1961
through December, 1963.
The first public display of this system was in November 1960, and they were deployed to
Cuba in the Fall of 1962.
The first five regiments with surface-based R-12 missiles were put on alert on 15-16 May
1960, while the first regiment of silo-based missiles was placed on alert on 01 January
1963. Reaction time was assessed by the West at one to three hours in the normal soft site
readiness condition, and five to fifteen minutes in the normal hard site readiness
condition. The allowable hold time in a highly alert condition (reaction time equals three
to five minutes ) is long--many hours for soft sites, and days for hard sites.
The R-12 and R-12U missiles reached their maximum operational launcher inventory of
608 in 1964-1966. Some soft-site phase-out began in 1968, with some hard-site phase-out
beginning in 1972. In 1978 their phase out and replacement with mobile ground-launched
SS-20 "Pioneer" missiles began.
The Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Nuclear Forces [INF] Treaty was signed on
08 December 1987 and entered into force on 01 June 1988. The fundamental purpose of
the INF Treaty was to eliminate and ban US and former USSR (FSU) ground-launched
ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as associated support equipment, with ranges
between 500 and 5500 kilometers. SS-4 and SS-5 missiles and components were
eliminated at Lesnaya. The last of 149 Soviet SS-4 missiles was eliminated at the
Lesnaya Missile Elimination Facility on 22 May 1990.
Specifications
DIA SS-4 SS-4
NATO Sandal Sandal
Bilateral R-12 R-12U
Service R-12 R-12U (Dvina)
OKB/Industry 8K63 8K63U (Acad. M. K. Yangel)
Design Bureau OKB-586 OKB-586
Approved 8/13/1955 5/30/1960
Years of R&D
Engineering and 1957-1959 1961-1963
Testing
IOC 1959 1963
Warheads 1 1
Yield (Mt) 1-1.3 / 2-2.3 1-1.3 / 2-2.3
Payload (t) 1.3 -1.4 / 1.3 -1.4 / 1.63
1.63
Total length (m) 22.1 - 22.77 22.1 - 22.77
Total length w/o 18.4 -18.6 18.6
Warhead (m)
Missile Diameter 1.65 1.65
(m)
Launch Weight (t) 41.7 - 42.2 41.7 - 42.2
Fuel Weight (t) 37 37
Range (km) 2,080 2,080 (1,800 - 2,000)
(2,000)
CEP (m) (Russian 5,000 5,000
Sources)
CEP (m) Western 1500-3000 1500-3000
Sources
Basing mode Ground Ground and silo based

based
Number of Stages 1
Engine Designation RD-214
Design Bureau Glushko, OKB-456
Years of R & D 1955-1957
Propellants Liquid Storable
Fuel Tm-185
92%hydrocarbon/kerosene
Oxidizer AK-27 I =73% HNO3 + 27%N204
(NTO), Nitrogen Tetroxide
concentrated in Nitric Acid
Burning time (sec.) 140
Thrust Sea Level/Vacuum (Tonnes) 64.75 / 74.44 operational 72.00
Specific Impulse Sea Level/Vacuum 230 / 264
(sec.)
Canister Diameter (m) N/A
Launching Mode Hot Launched
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites INF Treaty data
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant SL-7 / B-1 Interkosmos booster
R-14 / SS-5 SKEAN
The R-14/SS-5 was a single-stage, storable liquid-propellant, intermediate range ballistic
missile. The design of the R-14 missile draw heavily on the previously developed P-12
missile. As with the R-12, the Skean missile was a single stage missile with integral fuel
tanks though it was larger and twice the maximum range. According to Western estimates
it was capable of delivering a 3,500 lb reentry vehicle containing a nuclear weapon to a
maximum operational range of 2,200 nm, and using an inertial guidance system with was
assessed as having a CEP of approximately 0.5 nm.
In comparison to the R-12 the increase of the propellant volume was reached through an
increase of the diameter of fuel tanks. Fabrication of tanks with aluminum panels
processed by a method of chemical contouring was used for the first time. The propulsion
system of the R-14 consists of two identical blocks, each with a two-chamber combustion
engine, a turbopump unit, gas generator and automatic control system, as well as a four
chambered control motor. The use of hypergolic [self igniting] asymmetrical
dimethylhydrazine allowed an increased specific impulse. For the first time a gas
generator [instead of hydrogen peroxide] was used to power the main propellant
components. The flight control still relied on jet vanes. Unlike the previous single-stage
rockets, the R-14 used an efficient system of draining the propellant tanks to reduce
required propellant mass.
The R-14 marked the first use of a gyro-stabilized platform as part of the autonomous
inertial guidance system, allowing fewer instrumental errors and improving accuracy.
The R-14 also mounted three solid-propellant retrorockets to prevent accidental collision
of the booster with the nose cone after separation. Despite of its substantial longer range,
the R-14 demonstrated the same accuracy as the R-12, though given its heavier payload
its nose cone was blunted. According to Western intelligence the Mod 1 reentry vehicle
had a ballistic coefficient of 1300 lb per sq ft.
The development of the R-14 was authorized on 02 July 1958. The authorization
provided for the construction of a missile with an approximate range of 4,000 km,
surpassing the R-12 by 2,000 km. The designer was M.K. Yangel of KB Yuzhnoye
(OKB-586). The preliminary design was completed in December 1958. Flight tests of the
R-14 began in July 1960 [Western sources suggest a first flight in June 1960] and were
finished between December 1960 and February 1961. On 24 April 1961 deployment of
the R-14 missile began. According to Western intelligence the initial operational
capability with the Mod 1 reentry vehicle and soft sites was achieved in late 1961.
In May I960 the development of the R-14U missile for silo and surface launchers began.
The first flight test of the silo-launched R-14U was carried out on 12 January 1962, the
surface-launched version was first tested on 11 February 1962. Both were subsequently
introduced into the Strategic Missile Forces. The first regiment of surface-based R-14s
was put on alert on 01 January 1962. According to Western intelligence an initial
operational capability with hard sites was achieved in early 1963, and the initial
operational capability with the Mod 2 reentry vehicle was achieved in mid-1963.
The SS-5 was deployed at both soft and hard launch sites. Soft-site reaction time in the
normal readiness condition is one to three hours. Hard-site reaction time in the normal
readiness condition is five to fifteen minutes. Allowable hold time (reaction time equals
three to five minutes) was many hours for soft sites and many days for hard sites.
Maximum operational launcher deployment was reached in 1964. Between 1965 and
1969 the deployment of the R-14 and R-14U reached its peak with 97 launchers. Some
phaseout of soft sites beginning in 1969 and some phase-out of hard sites beginning in
1971. In the period between 1978 and 1983 they were replaced by SS-20 Pioneer
missiles, and in 1984 they were totally withdrawn from service.
between 500 and 5500 kilometers. SS-4 and SS-5 missiles and components were
eliminated at Lesnaya. Beginning in 1988 the six remaining non-deployed missiles were
dismantled in compliance with the INF Treaty. The sixth and final SS-5 missile was
eliminated at the Lesnaya Missile Elimination Facility on 09 August 1989.
Specifications
DIA SS-5 SS-5
NATO Skean Skean
Bilateral R-14 R-14U
Service R-14 R-14U (Chusovaya)
OKB/Industry 8K65 8K65U
Design Bureau OKB-586 OKB-586 (Acad. M. K.
Yangel)
Approved 7/2/1958 5/30/1960
Years of R&D 1958 - 1960 1960 -1962
Engineering and 1960 -1961 1961 -1962
Testing
First Flight Test 7/6/1960 2/11/62 (1/12/1962)
IOC 1962 1962
Warheads 1 1
Yield (Mt) 1.0 or 2.0 -2.3 1 x 2.3
Payload (t) 1.300 -1.500 or 1.300 -1.500 or 2.155
2.155
Total length (m) 24.3 - 24.4 24.3 -24.4
Total length w/o 21.62 21.62
Warhead (m)
Missile Diameter 2.4 2.4
(m)
Launch Weight (t) 86.3 - 87 86.3
Fuel Weight (t) 79.2 79.2
Range (km) 4500 or 3200 - 4500 -3700
3700
CEP (m) 1250 -1900 1250
(Russian Sources)
CEP (m) 900-1900 900-1900
(Western
Sources)
Basing mode Ground Based Ground and Silo Based
Number of Stages 1
Engine Designation RD-216m (8D514,M)
Configuration Cluster of two engines
Design Bureau Acad. V. P. Glushko OKB-456
Years R & D 1958-1960
Propellants Liquid Storable
Fuel UDMH
Oxidizer AK-27 I = IRFNA =73% HN03 + 27%
N204 (NTO) in N02
Burning time (sec.) 130 -131
Thrust Sea Level/Vacuum (Tonnes) 151.4991/171.075 -177.9Total thrust
Specific Impulse Sea Level/Vacuum 246-248 / 290-291.3
(sec.)
Canister length w/o front meters N/A

Hardness
Launching Technique Hot launched
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites INF Treaty Information
Training Launchers
Space Booster Variant SL-8/C-1 Kosmos, Kosmos-3M

Estimates
First flight test June 1960
R&D flight testing probably completed February 15, 1961
Initial operational capability with Mod 1 reentry vehicle Late 1961
Hard site tests began Mid 1962
New series of flight tests began July 12, 1962
Deployment to Cuba began 1962
Initial operational capability with hard sites Early 1963
Initial operational capability with Mod 2 reentry vehicles Mid 1963
Maximum operational launcher inventory 1964
First public display. November 7, 1964
Phase-out of soft sites began 1969
Phase-out of hard sites began 1971
TR-1
SS-12 SCALEBOARD
SS-12M SCALEBOARD B
SS-22
The SS-12 SCALEBOARD uses the same MAZ-543 (8x 8) chassis as the SCUD-B. The
primary recognition difference is the environmental protective container that completely
encloses the SCALEBOARD missile. The missile is a liquid-fuel, single-stage system
similar to the SCUD, but with greater range (900 km), accuracy, and size of warhead.
Like the SCUD, the SCALEBOARD is designed to be fired from a pre-sited position,
then moved to another prearranged position. The MAZ-543 has centralized tire pressure
control.
The SCALEBOARD is a front and theater-level weapon system that gives the Soviet
commander a nuclear capability. The SCALEBOARD appeared deployed only with
Soviet forces. The mid-range missile can be stationed in the western part of the USSR
and still be able to hit important targets in Central Europe.
The SS-12 SCALEBOARD, in service since the mid-1960s, was replaced beginning in
1979 with a new missile that had the same range (900 km) with improved accuracy.
Initially considered to be a new missile, designated the SS-22, the SS-12M
SCALEBOARD B [also known as the SS-12B and the SS-12 mod 2] was subsequently
assessed as an improved version of the earlier Scaleboard. By the early 1980s the Soviets
were replacing older shorter-range Scaleboard missiles with SS-22s, and were developing
the new SS-23 as a follow-on to the Scud missiles. The SS-22 missile had the range to
cover a substantial portion of NATO Europe even from its deployment areas within the
Soviet Union.
between 500 and 5500 kilometers. SS-12 and SS-23 transporter-erector-launcher (TEL)
vehicles were eliminated at Stan'kovo. The first Soviet SS-12 missile was eliminated at
the Saryozek Missile Elimination Facility on 01 August l988. The last of 718 Soviet SS-
12 missiles was eliminated at the Saryozek Missile Elimination Facility on 25 July 1989.
In February 1997 a top Cuban military defector, Alvaro Prendez, alleged that Cuba was
developing biological weapons were to be delivered by five Soviet-made SS-22 missiles
that were deployed near the central city of Santa Clara. Prendez and other defectors had
heard rumors that the missiles were shipped from Russia to Cuba as late as 1991. Cuba is
not known to have any SS-22 missiles, and these claims appear unfounded.
Specifications
USA Code Name SS-12
Nato Code Name: Scaleboard
Russian Designation: 9M76
Nadiradze OKB (design bureau)
Contractors Votkinsk (missile)
Barricade factory, Volgograd, Russia, (TEL)
Stages: 1
Fuel: Liquid
Inservice: 1969
weight 9,700 kg
length 12.4 m
diameter 1.01 m
800 km - Mod 1
Range:
900 Km - Mod 2
Guidance inertial
Circular Error Probable 0.4 nm / 0.75 km - Mod 1
(CEP) 0.2 nm / 0.37 km - Mod 2
Warhead 500-kiloton nuclear
RT-15 / RT-2P
SS-14 SCAMP / SCAPEGOAT
The RT-15 / SS-14 medium-range ballistic missile was a two-stage, tandem, solid-
propellant missile capable of delivering a nominal reentry vehicle of the 1,200-lb class to
a range of about 1,600 nm. Missile gross weight was about 35,800 lb. that was derived
from the two upper stages of the SS-13 ICBM. It had an inertial guidance system that was
estimated by Western intelligence to have a CEP (at 1500 nm) of about 0.5 nm.
The RT-15 [designated the RT-2P according to some sources] was the first Soviet
attempt to develop a mobile intermediate range missile. The development of the RT-15
missile was approved on 04 April 1961 and was included in the program of developing
the RT-2 / SS-13 missile on whose second and third stages it was based. The missile was
intended to be sea and ground launched and had a maximum range of 2000-2500 kms.
The designer of the ground-launched RT-15 (8K96) was P.A. Tyurin from KB Arsenal.
Two-stage solid fuel missile was deployed on a transport-launching rack, which was
placed on the mobile launcher. The launcher was built on the basis of a heavy tank. The
SS-14 transporter-erector-launcher was first observed in May 1965, and designated
SCAMP by NATO. The SS-14 system was first observed in a Moscow parade in
November 1967. the missile inside the container was later seen separately and code
named SCAPEGOAT in 1968. Subsequent analysis demonstated that the SCAPEGOAT
missile was carried by the SCAMP launcher.
In 1968 it was recommended for series production and experimental operation after
passing successful tests. Nevertheless the Ministry of Defense refused to accept the
deployment of this missile and the program was completely stopped in 1970 after 10
experimental launches were conducted in the years 1969 and 1970. The last flight test
observed by Western intelligence was in March 1970, and the program was assumed by
Western intelligence to have been cancelled. Less than 30 SS-14s were deployed, all in
former Soviet Asia.
No permanent facilities other than a benchmark would be necessary at an SS-14 launch

site. Preparation of such a site would therefore be minimal. Access to launch sites would
be by means of semi-improved or unimproved roads in extremely rough terrain or
possibly no roads at all in fairly smooth terrain. Reaction time in the normal readiness
condition (condition after arrival at site) would be 20 to 30 minutes. Hold time at peak
readiness (reaction time of two to ten minutes) would be about a day.
Specifications
DIA SS-X-14 (SS-14)
NATO* Scamp/ Scapegoat
Bilateral
Service RT-15
OKB/Industry 8K96
Design Bureau KB Arsenal (Tyurin-OKB) TsKB-7
Approved 4/4/1961
First Flight Test 9/__/1965
IOC Not operational 3/__/1970
Deployment Date Not deployed 3/__/1970
Warheads 1
Yield (Mt) 1
Payload (t) 0.535
Range (km) 2500-2,950
CEP (m) (Russian Sources) 0.9 km
CEP (m) (Western* Sources) 600-2000
Number of Stages 2
Canister length (m) 12,7
Canister length w/o front meters
(m)
Canister diameter (m) 2,1
1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 4.74 6.77
Fueled weight (t)
Dry weight (t)
Solid Motor Designation 15D27 15D2 or 15D92
Design Bureau
R & D Years
Fuel N/A N/A
Oxidizer N/A N/A
Thrust Sea Level/Vacuum 42 22
(Tonnes)
237/263 271
Specific Impulse (sec.)
Basing Mode Ground Mobile

Hardness
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites
Training Launchers
RT-25 MRBM
The RT-25 was intended to be based on the first and third stages of the RT-2. Its
maximum range was supposed to be 4000-4500 kms. The governmental order issued on
04 April1961 providing for the development missiles based on solid fuel led to plans to
develop this missile. The designated design bureau was Korolev's OKB-1, and the project
received the industrial index 8K98 But its development never got beyond the initial stage
as the Ministry of Defense suspended further development.
Specifications
DIA
NATO
Bilateral
Service RT-25
OKB/Industry 8K97
Design Bureau OKB-1/Mashinosteroeniya
Approved 4/4/1961
First Flight Test No flight tests conducted
IOC Not operational
Warheads 1
Yield (Mt)
Payload (t)
Total length (m) 15-16
Missile Diameter (m) 2-1.84
Launch Weight (t) 40-42
Range (km) 4000-5000
CEP (m) ?
Number of Stages 2
Canister length (m)
Canister length w/o
front meters (m)

1st stage 2nd stage
Length (m) 8.7 3.83
Body diameter (m) 2.0-1.84 1.01
Dry weight (t)
Solid Motor 15D23 15D25
Designation
Design Bureau
Years R & D
Propellants Solid motor Solid motor
Fuel N/A N/A
Oxidizer N/A N/A
Thrust Sea 91
Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Level/Vacuum (sec.)
Basing Mode mobile, silo concept

Hardness
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites
Training Launchers
RT-21M / SS-20 SABER
The RT-21M / SS-20 is a solid-fuel, two-stage, theater-based ballistic missile based on
the first and second stages of the SS-16. The SS-20 was probably intended to replace or
augment the SS-4s and SS-5s deployed in the Soviet Eastern European theater, thus
providing approximately three times the number of warheads of the older force.
The two-stage solid-fuel "Pioneer" with single-nozzle sustainers is derived from the first
and second stages of the SS-16 ICBM. The cylindrical casings of the sustainer stages are
made from composite materials. The solid propellant charge is rigidly fastened to the
sustainer body.
The guidance/control system with its onboard digital computer and a gyro-stabilized
platform with floating gyros enables the missile to be horizontally positioned and ensures
optimal target accuracy. Flight control during the first stage flight is achieved through
aerodynamic and jet vanes. During the second stage low temperature gas is injected into
the diverging part of the sustainer nozzle.
The missile was deployed in a transport-launch canister, which was installed on a road-
mobile launcher. The launcher was equipped with systems needed to ensure constant
combat readiness, preparation and firing. The missile could be launched from a sliding
roof garage at regimental bases or from field deployed sites. Before ignition the launcher
was suspended on a hydraulic support, then the container was set upright in a vertical
position. Before ignition of the first sustainer stage the missile was popped out of the
container with the help of a solid propellant gas generator the missile and the first stage
sustainer was started. The control of launch was conducted from a mobile control center.
The SS-20 also has the capability to be reloaded and refired.
The developer of a complex was the Moscow institute of Thermal Technology which was
headed by A.D. Nadiradzye. The flight-design tests were conducted from 21 September
1975 through 09 January 1976 at the Kapustin Yar test site. Deployment of the SS-20
began on 11 March 1976, and the first regiment equipped with the Pioneer missiles was
set under airborne alert on 30 August 1976.
According to western data, the rocket was tested in three different Mods. The SS-20
Mod1&3 carried a single warhead whereas the SS-20 Mod2 carried a MIRV warhead.
The Mod2 equipped with three warheads with a yield of 150 KT each became the
standard missile. In this version the warheads are placed on a post-boost vehicle.
On 10 August 1979 the tests of the modernized "Pioneer"-UTTKh (15Zh53) began on the
Kapustin Yar test site. They continued through 14 August 1980, and on 17 December
1980 the missile designated as SS-20 Mod3 was deployed. This variant had the same
propulsion system as earlier versions, but it due to upgrading of a command structure and
instrumentation-service unit it was possible to improve accuracy (CEP) from 550 to 450
meters, to increase maximum range by 10 %, and to increase the area covered by the
warheads.
According to some Western assessments, with a new single, lightweight warhead, or with
the addition of a third stage (or both), the SS-20 has the potential to be converted to an
ICBM with limited capability against the continental United States.
Between 1978 throught 1986 a total of 441 launch complexes for the "Pioneer" missiles
were deployed. The SS-20 was one of the missile systems eliminated under the terms of
the INF Treaty, which took effect in June 1988. Prior to the INF drawdown, the SS-20
force comprised 48 bases that housed the regularly deployed force of 405 missiles and
launchers.
between 500 and 5500 kilometers. The first Soviet SS-20 missile and canister were
eliminated under INF Treaty at the Kapustin Yar Missile Test Complex on 22 July 1988.
The first Soviet SS-20 missiles were eliminated by launching at the Chita and Kansk
missile sites on 25 August 1988. The last of 654 SS-20 missiles was eliminated at the
Kapustin Yar Missile Test Complex on 12 May l991. And the last of 499 SS-20 launchers
was eliminated at the Sarny Launcher Elimination Facility on 28 May 1991.
Specifications
Mod-1 Mod-2 Mod-3
DIA SS-20 SS-20 SS-20/SS-X-28
NATO Saber Saber Saber
Bilateral RSD-10 RSD-10 RSD-10
Service RSD- RSD- RSD-
10/Pioneer 10/Pioneer- 10/Pioneer-3
UTTX
OKB/Industry 15Zh45 (Temp- 15Zh53 (Temp- 15Zh53 (Temp-
2C) 2C) 2C)
Design Moscow Moscow Moscow
Bureau Institute of Institute of Institute of
Thermal Thermal Thermal
Technology Technology Technology
Approved 3/4/1968 7/19/1977 8/14/1980
Years of R&D
Engineering 1974-76 1974-1976 1979-1980
and Testing
First Flight 9/21/74 9/21/74 8/10/1979
Test
IOC 1976 1976 1980
Deployment 3/11/1976 3/11/1976 12/17/1980
Date
Type of Single MIRV Single or MIRV
Warhead
Warheads 1 3 1/3
Yield (Mt) 1.0 0.15 ?
Payload (t) 1.5-1.74 1.5-1.74 ?
Total length 16.49 16.5 17.0
(m)
Total length 14.9 14.9 14.9
w/o warhead
(m)
Missile 1.79 1.79 1.79
Diameter (m)
Launch 37 37 37
Weight (t)
Fuel Weight
(t)
Range (km) 600-5000 600-5000 600-5500/7500
CEP (m) 0.550 0.550 0.450
Russian
Sources
CEP (m) 150-450 400-430` ?
Western
Sources
Number of Stages 2
Canister length w/o front (m)
1st stage 2nd stage 2nd Stage
Length (m) 8.58 4.4-4.6 4.4-4.6
Fueled weight (t) 26.7 8.63 8.63

Dry weight (t)
Solid Motor
Designation
Design Bureau
Years R & D
Fuel N/A N/A N/A
Oxidizer N/A N/A N/A
Thrust Sea
Level/Vacuum
(Tonnes)
Special Impulse
(sec.)
Basing Mode Ground mobile
Hardness
Launching Technique Mortar Launch
Deployed boosters 0
Test Boosters
Warheads Deployed 0
Deployment Sites INF Treaty data
Training Launchers
SS-23 SPIDER
In the early 1970s, the Soviet Army sought a replacement for the 9K72 Elbrus (SS-1C
`Scud B') system, which had a very slow reaction time [around 90 minutes to prepare and
fire] and its poor accuracy when using conventional warheads. The replacement system,
codename 9K714 Oka, was developed by KB Mashinostroyenia (Machine Industry
Design Bureau) in Kolomna. The new 9K714 system featured a reaction time of under 30
minutes and used the low-maintenance solid-fuel 9M714 missile. The 300 km range of
the R-300 (`Scud') was surpassed by the 400 km range of the 9M714/R-400.
In the early 1970s the Warsaw Pact had only a limited ability to strike North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO) air bases in Europe. However, by the mid-1980s Soviet
forces could strike NATO airfields in all types of weather using tactical ballistic missiles
(TBMS) such as the SS-21 and the SS-23. NATO had only limited defense against these
weapons, some of which were accurate to within 100 meters. The SS-23 has a range of
310 miles, with speeds of 6,800 miles per hour or Mach 9 that can access most locations
in a given theater of war.
between 500 and 5500 kilometers. SS-12 and SS-23 transporter-erector-launcher (TEL)
vehicles were eliminated at Stan'kovo.
On 21 July 1988, US Army Colonel Edward H. Cabaniss led an American INF inspection
team to Petropavlovsk in Kazakhstan, approximately 2,000 kilometers east of Moscow.
Petropavlovsk was the location of the V.I. Lenin Heavy Machine Building Plant, where
the American team conducted a closeout inspection of the former SS-23 missile launcher
production facility. The last of 239 SS-23 missiles was destroyed at the Saryozek Missile
Elimination Facility on 27 October 1989. The final SS-23 launcher was eliminated the
same day at the Stan'kovo Elimination Facility.
The Soviet Union had negotiated separate diplomatic agreements with both
Czechoslovakia and the German Democratic Republic, where Soviet INF missile units
had been based. In the case of the INF Treaty, the Soviet-declared data was not agreed to
by each side, and it was not included in the Treaty. Later it turned out that the Soviets had
falsified some of their INF data. In April of 1990 the Soviets admitted that they had
covertly provided SS-23 missiles banned by the INF Treaty to three East European
nations. At least 120 Soviet-controlled SS-23s covertly deployed in Eastern Europe,
which the US INF negotiator termed "deceit and mendacity" during the negotiations. In
February 1990 President Bush sent Congress a report stating that the Soviet SS-23
deployment did constitute "bad faith." But he didn't say whether it was a violation of the
INF Treaty. The State Department was embarrassed by the discovery later that some
Soviet-declared INF data was false, because the State Department had repeatedly
vouched for its accuracy in public when advocating the Treaty.
Iskander / SS-26
The road-mobile SS-X-26 is the second attempt to replace the `Scud', since the first
attempt, the Oka SS-23 SPIDER, was eliminated under the Intermediate Nuclear Forces
(INF) Treaty. The operational requirements for the SS-26 are probably similar to those of
the original SS-23. One of the major questions concerning the program is the missile's
range, which is almost certainly less than the 500 km range limit established by the INF
Treaty. The SS-26 may include a longer range (greater than 400 km) variant for the
Russian forces, and a shorter range (less than 300 km) variant for export.
The new TEL is probably based on the new BAZ-6909 family of trucks, first publicly
displayed at a commercial transport show in Moscow in August 1995. Two missiles are
carried on each launcher, though the delay between firing each round is unclear. The new
TEL is apparently based on the the 9P71 Oka TEL, though the new SS- X-26 TEL has
been designed with the INF Treaty in mind, with several external changes that clearly
differentiate the two vehicles to prevent treaty compliance problems. The nose of the
vehicle has been extended forward, the chassis lengthened, and the access door
arrangement has been changes. The tactical parameters of the two vehicles are probably
similar.
In 1996 Russian television reports depicted the first launch of the SS-X-26, which is a
direct evolution of the SS-23 Oka. It appears probable that new features will be
incorporated into the design. The SS-X-26 appears to have several different conventional
warheads, including a cluster munition warhead, a fuel-air explosive enhanced-blast
warhead, a tactical earth penetrator for bunker busting and an electro- magnetic pulse
device for anti-radar missions. Given the relatively small warhead, improved terminal
precision is a major system requirement, which could be achieved by active terminal
sensor such as a millimetre wave radar, satellite terminal guidance using GLOSNASS, an
improved inertial platform, or some combination of these approaches.
As of 1999 it appeared that this system had entered operational service with the Russian
Army.
The launch installation has two missiles with a range of 280 kilometers. Each missile has
a 480 kilogram warhead consisting of 54 elements. The system can be used against small
and large targets. The Iskander missile can easily overcome air defense systems. It's
almost impossible to prevent a launch of an Iskander missile because of the system's
mobility. Targets can be found not only by satellite and aircraft but also by a
conventional intelligence center and by a soldier who directs artillery fire. Targets can
also be found from photos, which will be put into a computer by means of a scanner. The
self-direction device functions even in fog or darkness. Only the Iskander system can
accomplish such tasks. The United States has tried to reconsider the missile technology
control regime and here arises the question whether this may be an obstacle for the sale of
the new missile abroad. Such missile systems as Iskander have a special place in the
world weapons market. Even a small amount of such missiles drastically changes the
balance of force in conflicts.
According to Nikolay Guschin, chief and senior designer of the Machinebuilding Design
Office, the complex is meant ' for covertly preparing and launching effective missile
strikes at small-size targets of particular importance. A specificity of this complex is the
high level of automation in the pre-launch preparations little time required to make it
ready, and the high precision of shooting.
Research carried out by specialists from the leading Russian military science centers has
shown that the lskander-E missile complex is 5 to 8 times better than its foreign
analogues in terms of the "effectiveness-cost" criterion. As for its tactical and technical
characteristics, it also poses a great improvement on the existing Russian tactical missile
complexes. Capable of accomplishing tasks connected with the use of non-nuclear
warheads, it's the world's first complex equipped with two-missile launch installation.
Weighing 3800 kilos each, controlled throughout the trajectory of their flight, equipped
with various systems of correction and self-targeting, its missiles are capable of
overcoming the enemy's anti-missile defences and hitting targets at a distance of 280
kilometers.
According to military experts, the lskander-E missile complex will serve as "determent
weapon" in local conflicts, and as strategic arms for the countries with limited territory.
Its great range of shooting making it possible to use it from the depth of one's own
positions, and the brief time it can stay in its launch position make the complex virtually
invulnerable to ordinary weapons.
The composition of the complex makes it possible to ensure the full cycle of its use in
combat, including its combat control, information base, technical servicing and the
training of its crews, without the involvement of additional remedies.
Specifications
DIA Code Name SS-26
Nato Code Name: ?
Russian Designation: Iskander
Design Bureau: KBM Engineering
Inservice: 1999
Range: 300 Km
Stages: 1
Warhead: 480Kg - unitary or 10 Submutitions
Weight: 3,800 Kg
Fuel: Solid
GPS/GLONASS/Inertial/ Possibly IR
Guidance: Terminal Homing
SS-NX-13 [KY-9] SLBM
The SS-NX-13 submarine-launched ballistic missile is a short-range, two-stage, storable
liquid-propellant missile apparently designed for an anti-ship role. It is capable of
delivering a reentry vehicle in the 2500-lb class, containing a warhead with a yield of 2.0
to 3.5 MT, to a minimum operational range of 80 nm or a maximum operational range of
360 nm. The missile flies a lofted trajectory, and is unique in that it has an impact-point
correction capability of up to 30 nm through use of a restartable second-stage. The
missile uses an inertial guidance system aided by an onboard passive ELINT target
sensor. In a pure ballistic mode the SS-NX-13 is capable of a CEP of about 0.3 nm, and
against cooperative targets, i.e., a target emanating radio-frequency transmissions, the
SS-NX-13 is capable of a CEP of 0.1 to 0.2 nm.
SS-N-3 SEPAL
SSC-1a SHADDOCK
The "SHADDOCK/SEPAL" missile is an interesting example of the limits of Western
intelligence during the early years of the Cold War, since NATO applied the
SHADDOCK designation to six different and unrelated missiles, yet the virtually
identical S-35 and P-35 missiles were given two different codenames -- SEPAL and
SHADDOCK, respectively.
The SS-N-3 is a family of turbojet-powered, cruise missiles with three variants

[confusingly, the Western nomenclature designates the initial P-5 variant with the highest
number -- SS-N-3c].
The P-5 [SS-N-3c Shaddock], an inertially-guided missile, is launched from Echo II,
Whiskey Conversion, and Juliett submarines and flies to a maximum range of 250 nm at
a speed of . It is the oldest of the three SS-N-3 missiles and is almost identical to the
Soviet Army SSC-1a (Shaddock). The P-5 cruise missile was designed in the 1950's by
the Chelomey design bureau. The P-5 had a special system of two unfolding wings
"ARK-5", which allowed it to be launched from the relatively low diameter cylindrical
submarine launcher. P-5 had a range of 500 km at an altitude of 100-400 meters and a
speed of 345 m/s [Mach 0.9]. The later P-7 variant had a range of 1000 km. These
characteristics allowed the P-5 to effectively penetrate the US coastal air defense system
of the early 1960's. The circular error probable at full range was 3,000m, which was
compensated by the 930 Kg "RDS-4" nuclear warhead. As with the US Navy's Regulus,
to fire the SS-N-3c the submarine platform had to surface for launch, deploy and activate
a tracking radar, and remain on the surface linked to the high altitude cruise missile in
flight via datalink, providing guidance commands based on the submarine radar's
tracking data.
The P-6 [SS-N-3a Shaddock] is a more accurate cruise missile later developed for
targeting US Aircraft carriers. This radar-homing missile is launched from Echo II and
Juliett submarines and flies to a maximum range of 220 nm at a cruise speed of Mach 1.2.
A 2200-lb conventional or nuclear warhead is estimated for the SS-N-3a. In its antiship
version, the Echo depended on prior cueing by a radar-equipped maritime patrol aircraft
and terminal homing by a radar seeker on the SS-N-3 itself. The high altitude, relatively
slow SS-N-3 was vulnerable to air defenses in flight, and its radar seeker was vulnerable
to jamming and deception measures.
The P-35 SS-N-3b (SEPAL), also a radar-homing missile, is launched from Kynda and
Kresta I class guided-missile cruisers and generally flies to a range of 150 nm at a speed
of Mach 1.2. It is estimated to carry a 2200-lb warhead.
The S-35 SSC-1a "SHADDOCK" missile is transported in and launched from a long
cylindrical container mounted on an eight-wheel vehicle of distinctive appearance. For
launching, the crew 'lowers the four hydraulic stabilization jacks, removes the
hemispherical end covers to the top-mounted tables, clamps down the blast shields over
the windows, and elevates the container to the proper launch angle. The SSC-lb coastal
defense version can be distinguished by the longer driver's cab on the transport-launch
vehicle.
Specifications
Contractor Chelomey
Entered Service
10.20 meters [SS-N-3a/b]
Total length
11.75 meters [SS-N-3c]
Diameter 0.98 meter
Wingspan 5.00 meters
Weight 5,400 kg
1000 kg conventional high explosive or
Warhead
350 kiloton nuclear warhead
2 solid-fuel boosters
Propulsion
1 turbo-jet sustainer
Maximum Speed Mach 0.9
Maximum effective 450 km [SS-N-3a/b]
range 750 km [SS-N-3c]
inertial with mid-course guidance through data link
Guidance mode
from launch platform
Single-shot hit
probability
P-1 Strela Shchuka-A
SS-N-1 Scrubber
The SS-N-1 Scrubber [in British usage, a "scrubber" is young lady of dubious integrity]
was a cruise missile with a nuclear warhead. With the Russian service designation P-1
[also sometimes referred to as the Strela or Shchuka-A], it was deployed on the Kildin-
class and Kanin-class destroyers [Soviet designation Large Rocket Ships]. Between 1966
and 1977 these ships were modernized and redesignated Large Anti-Submarine Ship
(Bol'shoy Protivolodochny Korabl' – BPK) in the face of the obsolescence of the SS-N-1
Scrubber.
Specifications
Contractor Chelomey
Entered Service 1957
Total length 7.6 meters
Diameter 0.9 meter
Wingspan 4.6 meters
Weight 3,100 kg
Warhead nuclear warhead
Propulsion liquid rocket
Maximum Speed
Maximum effective 40 km
range
Guidance mode inertial
Single-shot hit
probability
P-70 Ametiste 4K-66
SS-N-7 Starbright
The SS-N-7 is a subsonic, solid-propellant, cruise, anti-ship missile launched from a
submerged Soviet submarine. It was a scaled down P-5 [SSN-3 Shaddock] designed to
arm Project 670A class [Charlie class] submarines. It is believed to be capable of
carrying a payload of 1170-lb a distance of about 30 nm. It was intended to replace the
high altitude, relatively slow SS-N-3, which was vulnerable to air defenses in flight and
used a radar seeker that was vulnerable to jamming and deception measures. The shorter
range of the SS-N-7 compared to the SS-N-3 reduced the flight time of the missile and
eliminated the need for mid-course guidance. This eliminated the need for a guidance
radar on the submarine, which allowed a fire and forget submerged launch.
Specifications
Contractor Chelomey
Entered Service
Diameter
Wingspan
Weight 3,375 kg
Warhead
Propulsion solid rocket engine
Maximum effective
50-65 km
range
Guidance mode inertial with terminal homing
Single-shot hit
probability
P-120 Malakhit 4K-85
SSN-9 Siren
The P-50 Malachit was developed as a "universal" anti-ship missiles for submarines and
surface ships. It was intended to replace the high altitude, relatively slow SS-N-3, which
was vulnerable to air defenses in flight and used a radar seeker that was vulnerable to
jamming and deception measures. Intended to replace P-50 missile, development of the
P-120 Malakhit [industrial code 4K-85] started 1963. The shorter range of the SS-N-9
compared to the SS-N-3 reduced the flight time of the missile and eliminated the need for
mid-course guidance. This eliminated the need for a guidance radar on the submarine,
which allowed a fire and forget submerged launch. It was initially deployed on surface
ships and subsequently on the Charlie-II submarines. It has been superceded by the
longer-range SS-N-22 Sunburn.
Specifications
Contractor Chelomey
Diameter
Wingspan
Weight 3,000 kg
Warhead
solid-fuel booster and sustainer
Propulsion [liquid-fuel rocket engine according to some sources]
Maximum Speed Mach 0.8 [Mach 1.4 according to some sources]
Maximum effective 110 km
range
Guidance mode inertial terminal homing
Single-shot hit
probability
P-350 Bazalt 4K-77
P-500 Bazalt 4K-80
SS-N-12 Sandbox
SS-N-12 Sandbox is a Russian supersonic speed cruise missile with a range of 550 km
carrying a payload of 1,000 kg. The P-350 Bazalt [industrial code 4K-77] was the
successor to the P-35 Bazalt, which was started in 1963 and subsequently cancelled. It
evolved into the P-500 Bazalt [industrial code 4K-80] which was the production version
of the original P-350 Bazalt. Developed to replace the SS-N-3 Shaddock anti- ship
missile, it was initially deployed on Kiev-class aircraft carriers in the mid-1970s. The
Slava-class cruisers carry an advanced version with an improved sophisticated guidance
system, an autopilot that can be programmed for mid-course maneuvers, and an enhanced
engine. The P-700 Granat [SSN-19 Shipwreck] was developed as a more successful
turbojet alternative to the SSN-12 Sandbox, from which it was derived.
Specifications
Contractor Chelomey
Diameter 0.90 meters
Wingspan 2.60 meters
Weight 5,000 kg
1,000 kg high-explosive or
Warhead
350 kiloton nuclear
liquid-fueled rocket
Propulsion
[turbojet according to some sources]
Maximum effective
550 km
range
mid-course missile guidance radar on lamuch
Guidance mode platform
active or passive terminal homing
Circular Error
300-700 m
Probable (CEP)
P-700 3M-45 Granat
SS-N-19 SHIPWRECK
The P-700 Granat [SSN-19 Shipwreck] was developed as a more successful turbojet
alternative to the SSN-12 Sandbox, from which it was derived. Developed in the 1970's,
the Shipwreck's initial employment was on the battle cruiser Kirov (later renamed
Admiral Ushakov). The Shipwreck was subsequently deployed on the nuclear powered
cruiser Peter the Great. It is also deployed on submarines, which can launch the missile
while submerged.
Specifications
Contractor Chelomey
Entered Service
Total length 10 meters
Diameter 0.85 meters
Wingspan
Weight 7,000 kg
Warhead
2 solid-fuel boosters
Propulsion
1 turbojet sustainer engine
Maximum Speed supersonic
Maximum effective
625 km
range
inertial with command update, active radar/IR and
Guidance mode anti-radar homing
Single-shot hit
probability
Project 651 / Juliett
Project 651 (NATO designation - Juliett) was ordered by the Soviet Navy in the late
1950s to provide a nuclear strike capability against the US homeland, particularly East
Coast cities. The Juliett had four nuclear armed cruise missiles on board, and ten torpedo
tubes with up to 22 torpedoes. The time required for the first missile launch was about 4.5
minutes, with the second after 10 seconds. The missiles were launched from the surface,
while the submarine was moving at a speed of up to 4 knots. Initially armed with the P-5
[SS-N-3c Shaddock] inertially-guided missile, it was subsequently equipped with more
accurate cruise missiles [the P-6 SS-N-3a Shaddock, and the later P-500 4K-80 Bazalt
SS-N-12 SANDBOX] which were deployed on these submarines for targeting American
aircraft carriers.
The Juliett is about 4 times larger than WWII submarines. The Project 651 is of double-
hull construction with an exceptionally large reserve buoyancy. The hull itself contained
eight compartments: I. forward torpedo room, II. living accommodations and forward
batteries, III. Missile control room and batteries, IV. submarine control room, V. living
accommodations and two banks of batteries, VI. Diesels and generators, VII. electric
motors and VIII. after torpedo room. The submarine's hull is covered by two inch thick
black tiles made of specially profiled sonar/ sound absorbing hard rubber. The silver zinc
batteries allow travel submerged with a maximum speed of 17,5 kn. for 1.5 hours, with a
maximum underwater range of 810 miles. Another advancement was a low magnetic
signature austenitic steel hull. A special 10m2 target guidance radar was built into the
forward edge of the sail structure, which opens by rotating. The boats were eventually
fitted with the Kasatka satellite downlink for targeting information.
It was originally planned to build 35 of these submarines to augment nuclear-powered

Project 675 (ECHO II) class submarines which with 8 missile launchers were an enlarged
nuclear version of the Juliett. In fact only 16 submarines were actually built from 1962 to
1968, most of them by Krasnoye Sormovo shipyard in Gorky. The Juliett's were in active
service through the 80's with the last one decommissioned in 1994.
Specifications
Displacement (tons): 3,174 Tons Surfaced
3,636 Tons with additional fuel
4,137 Tons Submerged
Speed (kts): 19 knots Surfaced
14 knots Dived
Operating Depth 775 ft maximum Safe Depth
1,200 ft crush depth
Dimensions (m): 297 ft (90 M) long
32.8 ft (10 M) beam
23 ft (7 M) draft
Propulsion 2 Main Diesel (3500 hp each)
2 Electric Motors (3000 hp each)
300 Tons Silver Zinc Batteries
2 Shafts/Propellers
2 Electric "Silent Run" (150 hp)
1 Diesel Generator (3000 hp)
90 days
9000 miles at 8kn Surfaced
Endurance:
18,000 miles at 7kn max. with additional fuel
810 miles submerged at 2,74 kn.
Crew 12 Officers, 16 NCO, 54 Crew
4 P-5 (P-6 or P-500) Guided Cruise Missiles
Armament: 6 Bow torpedo tubes - 21" (533 MM)
4 Stern torpedo tubes - 16" (400 MM)
Electronics Radar

Sonar

Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Fl
# nu Na Ship ee Laid Laun Com Stri Notes
mb me yard t Down ched m. cke
er n
199
K- 11/16 07/31 12/10
KS 1- 1987 redesignated to B-156
156 /1960 /1962 /1963
1 95
199
K- ------- ------- 12/30
KS
85 --- --- /1964 1-
2 95
199
K- ------- ------- 12/31
KS 1- redesignated to B-270
70 --- --- /1964
3 95
K- 10/15 03/11 10/31 199 redesignated to B-124 1994 sold
KS
4 24 /1961 /1965 /1965 4? to Finland as floating restaurant
K- ------- ------- 10/31 199
KS
5 77 --- --- /1965 1-
95
K- 11/20 08/07 12/14 199 1994 sold to Finland as floating
KS
6 81 /1963 /1964 /1965 4 restaurant
199
K- ------- ------- 12/28
KS 1-
68 --- --- /1965
7 95
199
K- ------- ------- 06/12
KS 1-
63 --- --- /1966
8 95
199
K- ------- ------- 09/23
KS 1-
58 --- --- /1966
9 95
199
K- ------- ------- 12/15
1 73 KS --- --- /1966 1-
0 95
199
K- ------- ------- 09/30
1 KS 1-
67 --- --- /1967
1 95
199
K- ------- ------- 11/01
1 78 KS /1967 1- redesignated to B-478
--- ---
2 95
K- ------- ------- 12/02 199

1 KS 1-
203 --- --- /1967
3 95
199
K- ------- ------- 08/21
1 KS 1-
304 --- --- /1968
4 95
K- ------- ------- 09/29 199

1 KS 1-
318 --- --- /1968
5 95
199
K- ------- ------- 12/26
1 KS 1-
120 --- --- /1968
6 95
Project 659 / Echo I
Project 675 / Echo II
The Project 659 [Echo I] nuclear-powered cruise-missile submarines were designed to
launch the land-attack version SS-N-3c Shaddock. They carried 6 Shaddock missiles in
erectable launch tubes mounted in pairs above the pressure hull on both sides of the sail.
The Echo I boats, which used a reactor and propulsion system similar to the Hotel SSBN
and November SSN classes, were converted to attack submarines in the early 1970s. At
least one and possibly two were decommissioned in the mid-1980s, while the remaining
three or four units were decommissioned in 1990.
The Project 675 [Echo II] nuclear-powered cruise-missile submarines were modified to
carry the Front series of radars [also featured on the Juliet-class SSG] that enabled them
to launch the anti-shipping version of the Shaddock. These were primarily anti-carrier
weapons, intended originally as a response to nuclear strikes against the Soviet Union by
carrier-based aircraft like the A-3 Skywarrior. As such, their SS-N-3s came in both
nuclear and conventional versions. A total of eight missiles were carried, two more than
on the Echo-I, and the hull was lengthed five meters to accomodate the extra pair of
launchers. According to Western estimates about 20 minutes was required to launch all
eight missiles. To fire its missiles the submarine surfaced, deployed and activated a
tracking radar, and remained on the surface linked to the high altitude cruise missile in
flight via datalink, providing guidance commands based on the submarine radar's
tracking data. The submarine itself was highly vulnerable to attack while on the surface
operating its radar. A total of 29 Echo IIs were constructed between 1962 and 1968, of
which perhaps 10 were converted to carry the improved SS-N-12 by the mid-1980s. All
had been de-commissioned by the mid-1990s.
At least four Echo submarines have suffered serious accidents. In August 1980 a fire in
an Echo II off Japan killed at least nine crewmembers. On 26 June 1989 a fire erupted in
of the the two reactor compartments on an Echo II submarine of the Northern Fleet. The
reactor had to be shut down, and the submarine surfaced to return to Murmansk under
auxiliary diesel power. Several crew members were injured, but none were killed in the
incident. There is some confusion over the numbering of the damaged submarines.
According to one reasobably authoritative account, the Navy has four damaged
submarines, of which three are in the Far East, in the Pavlovski Bay (project 675, serial
No. 175 and 541 and project 671, serial No. 610) and one - in the North (project 675,
serial No. 533). The cores of submarines No. 541 and 533 are planned to be discharged.
These numbers are at variance with those reported by other sources, and certainly reflect
at least in part the annoying Russian habit of re-designating their ships.
Specifications
Project 659 / Echo I Project 675 / Echo II
Displacement (tons): 4,500 tons surfaced 5,000 tons surfaced
5,500 tons submerged 6,000 tons submerged
Speed (kts): 20 kts surfaced 20 kts surfaced
25 kts submerged 23 kts submerged
Dimensions (m): 110.0 meters long 115.0 meters long
9.0 meters beam 9.0 meters beam
7.5 meters draft 7.5 meters draft
Propulsion 2 pressurized-water 2 pressurized-water
nuclear reactors nuclear reactors
steam turbines; 25,000 steam turbines; 30,000
shp shp
2 shafts 5-bladed 2 shafts 5-bladed
propellers propellers
Endurance:
Crew about 75 about 90
6 - SS-N-3 8 - SS-N-3 or
6 21-in (533-mm) 8 - SS-N-12
torpedo tubes (fwd) 6 21-in (533-mm)
Armament:
4 16-in (406-mm) torpedo tubes (fwd)
torpedo tubes (aft) 4 16-in (406-mm)
torpedo tubes (aft)
Electronics Radar Radar
Front Door or Front Snoop Tray Surface
Piece targeting Search
Snoop Tray Surface Sonar
Search Feniks
Sonar low-frequency
Herkules
Fez
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Ship
Notes
NO Name yard Laid Launc Com Stric
. Down hed m. ken
Project 659, NATO code "Echo I"

K- KM 12/28/ 05/12/ 09/18/ 199 06/1961 operational
45 1957 1959 1960 0 1965-69 project 659T converted
to SSN under SALT-1
K- KM -------- -------- 12/10/ 199 1965-69 project 659T converted
59 -- -- 1961 0 to SSN under SALT-1
66 -- -- 1961 0 to SSN under SALT-1
'04/23/1980 fire (mutiny?)
in reserve
122 -- -- 1962 1 to SSN under SALT-1
'08/21/1981 reactor
accident,stricken
K- KM -------- -------- 12/**/ 199 NO. possibly K-151
259 -- -- 1962 0 1965-69 project 659T converted
to SSN under SALT-1
Project 675, NATO code "Echo II"

K- SV -------- -------- 1962- ----- 1987 project 675MK converted
1 -- -- 68 ----- (satellite targeting)
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- ----- 1968 redesignated to K-127
7 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- 198 lead ship built at KM
10 -- -- 68 2 1980 collided with Chinese
submarine
K- Krasnov SV -------- -------- 1962- ----- 1993 project 675MK converted
22 ardeets -- -- 68 ----- (satellite targeting)
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- -----
23 -- -- 68 -----
K- SV -------- -------- 1962- ----- redesignated to K-428
28 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- ----- 04/29/1969 redesignated to K-
31 -- -- 68 ----- 431
01/13/1986 reactor accident,in
reserve
K- Kefal KM -------- -------- 1962- ----- redesignated to K-134
34 -- -- 68 -----
K- SV -------- -------- 1962- ----- 1991 project 675MK converted
35 -- -- 68 ----- (satellite targeting)
K- SV -------- -------- 1962- ----- 09/26/1976 fire
47 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- ----- project 675K converted (SLEP)
48 -- -- 68 -----
K- SV -------- -------- 1962- ----- 06/13/1973 collided with
56 -- -- 68 ----- research ship
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- ----- redesignated to K-557
57 -- -- 68 -----
K- SV -------- -------- 1962- -----
74 -- -- 68 -----
K- SV -------- -------- 1962- ----- diver tranport converted
86 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- -----
90 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- -----
94 -- -- 68 -----
K- SV -------- -------- 1962- ----- redesignated to K-144
104 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- -----
108 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- ----- 08/19/1978 reactor accident
116 -- -- 68 -----
K- SV -------- -------- 1962- -----
125 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- -----
128 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- -----
135 -- -- 68 -----
K- SV -------- -------- 1962- ----- lead ship built at SV
166 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- -----
172 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- -----
175 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- -----
184 -- -- 68 -----
K- KM -------- -------- 1962- ----- hull NO. possibly K-131
189 -- -- 68 -----
K- SV -------- -------- 1962- ----- 06/25/1989 reactor accident,in
192 -- -- 68 ----- reserve
in storage at Polyarny
Project 670 Skat / Charlie I
Project 670M Skat-M / Charlie II
The CHARLIE was originally planned as a small, "mass-production" submarine that
would be the lower-cost complement to the more expensive PAPA design, which clearly
could not be built in sufficient numbers [in fact, only a single PAPA was built]. The
Charlie SSGN was the first Soviet submarine to deploy submerged launch antiship
missiles. In common with American submarines, and unique among Soviet combat
nuclear submarines, the Charlie class had a single reactor and a single propeller shaft --
all other Soviet submarine classes feature two reactors and two propellers. With only a
single reactor (VM-4 type water-cooled), the Charlie-class was limited to a top speed of
24 knots, which was insufficient to keep pace with a 30-knot carrier battle group.
The Charlie seemed to eliminate many of the problems inherent in the Echo design and
concept of operations. It used targeting data from the first Soviet ocean surveillance
satellites, which were intended to substitute for the vulnerable and range-limited maritime
surveillance aircraft. In practice, the space-based ocean surveillance system did not live
up to initial expectations, and the Charlie remained dependent on surveillance for target
acquisition support. Although the shorter range of the SS-N-7 compared to the SS-N-3
required a closer approach to the target, it also reduced the flight time of the missile and
eliminated the need for mid-course guidance. This eliminated the need for a guidance
radar on the submarine, which allowed a fire and forget submerged launch.
The Charlie-I was originally designed to carry the SS-N-9 anti-shipping cruise missile,
which had been planned for the PAPA class. When the SS-N-9 missile was not ready in
time for the Charlie-I class, the SS-N-7 [a modified version of the SS-N-2 Styx], was
substituted. A total of 11 or 12 Charlie I submarines, carrying 8 SS-N-7s of
approximately 30 mile range, were built between 1967 and 1972 at a rate of about two a
year. The Charlie II provided the SS-N-9 armament originally planned for the Charlie I
class, along with an improved fire control system. Six Charlie II submarines, each with 8
SS-N-9s of 60 mile range, followed between 1972 and 1980. The slower construction rate
of the Charlie II suggested that the design was deemed less than satisfactory. Indeed, the
Charlie SSGNs were by far the smallest class of the second generation of Soviet nuclear
submarines which, also included 49 Victor SSNs and 76 Yankee/Delta SSBNs. All
submarines of both classes had been discarded by 1994. Contrary to some expectations,
there was no Charlie III class.
K429 (a Charlie I class submarine) sank on 23 June 1983 in the Savannaya Bay in the
Bering Sea. The boat was raised and returned to service. Unluckily, she sank again
alongside the jetty on 13 September 1985. The incident led to the loss 16 lives and the
imprisonment of the submarine commander. In January 1988 the Soviets leased a Charlie
I to India, where she served until January 1991 as the Chakra. Some reports suggesting a
that a second Charlie-class unit would be leased to India [possibly to be named the
Chitra] were erroneous.
Specifications
Project 670 / Charlie I Project 670M / Charlie II
Displacement (tons): 4,000 surfaced 4,500 surfaced
5,000 submerged 5,400 submerged
Speed (kts): 23 knots dived
16 kts surfaced
10.0 meters beam 10.0 meters beam
8.0 meters draft 8.0 meters draft
Propulsion 1 VM-5 pressurized-water nuclear reactor
1 steam turbine 20,000 shp
1 5-bladed propeller
Endurance:
Crew about 100
8 SS-N-7 Starbright 8 SS-N-9 Siren
6 21-in (533-mm) 6 21-in (533-mm)
Armament: torpedo tubes (fwd) torpedo tubes (fwd)
12 torpedoes or 12 torpedoes or
12 SS-N-15 Starfish 12 SS-N-15 Starfish
Electronics Radar
Snoop Tray Surface Search
Sonar
Shark Teeth bow-mounted
periscopes
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipy Notes
NO. Na ard Laid Launc Comm. Stric
me Down hed ken
Project 670A("Skat" type), NATO code "Charlie I"

K- KS --------- ------- 1968 ------ 01/1988-01/1991 project 06709,
43 - --- ---- to India (Chakra)
1991 in reserve
K- KS --------- ------- 1969 ------ 1972 redesignated to K-212
87 - --- ---- 1992 in reserve
K- KS --------- ------- 1969 ------ 1993 in reserve
25 - --- ----
K- KS --------- ------- 1969 ------ 1993 in reserve
121 - --- ----
K- KS --------- ------- 1970 ------ 12/1985 primary coolant leak,
313 - --- ---- probably in reserve
K- KS --------- ------- 09/20/ ------ 1993 in reserve
308 - --- 1970 ----
K- KS --------- ------- 09/15/ ------ 01/18/1970 reactor accident
320 - --- 1971 ---- under construction
1994 in reserve
K- KS --------- ------- 1971 ------ 1995 in reserve
303 - --- ----
K- KS --------- ------- 1971 ------ 1995 in reserve
325 - --- ----
K- KS --------- ------- 1972 1987 06/24/1983 sunk (later
429 - --- recovered)
09/13/1985 sunk again
K- KS --------- ------- 12/26/ ------ 1994 in reserve
201 - --- 1972 ----
Project 670M("Skat-M" type), NATO code "Charlie II"

K- Ber KS --------- 1973 1974 ------ 1989 named
452 kut - ---- project P-670 converted
1994 in reserve
K- KS --------- 1975 1976 ------ 1992 in reserve
458 - ----
K- KS --------- 1977 1978 ------ 1993 in reserve
479 - ---- in storage in Nerpa naval
shipyard
K- KS --------- 1978 1979 ------ 1994 in reserve
503 - ----
K- KS --------- 1979 1980 ------ 1994 in reserve
508 - ----
K- KS --------- 1980 1982 ------ 1994 in reserve
209 - ----
Project 661 Anchar / Papa
A predecessor to the famous ALFA-class attack submarine, the Project 661 Anchar
[Papa] was designed as an extremely fast anti-shipping cruise missile submarine. The
Papa design included 10 SS-N-9 missiles in individual tubes forward of the sail, between
the inner (pressure) hull and the outer hull. The US Navy was surprised in 1970 by the
deployment of the Alfa-class attack submarine, whose 45 knot speed and 2000-2500 foot
operating depth greatly surpased previous Soviet or American submarines. The Alfa used
a high power density, liquid metal reactor plant which greatly increased her power-to-
weight and volume ratios. It also featured a titanium pressure hull which reduced the hull
weight needed for extreme operating depths. The Papa SSGN appeared to incorporate
similar design technologies for the antiship cruise missile mission. The K-162 was the
world's fastest submarine, reportedly reaching a record speed of 44.7 knots on trials
[causing signficant damage to topside equipment in the process]. The high speed of the
design came at the price of excessive noisy and high construction costs. The Alfa did not
enter production until the late 1970s, with only six units built, while only a single PAPA
was ever deployed. Instead, the Soviets focused on building the more traditional
submarines.
Specifications
Displacement (tons): 5,200 surfaced
7,000 submerged
Speed (kts): 44.7 knots dived
Operating Depth 400 meters
Dimensions (m): 106.7 meters long
11.6 meters beam
8.0 meters draft
Propulsion 2 VM-5m pressurized-water nuclear reactors, 177.4
MWt
2 steam turbines; ??,000 shp
2 ?-bladed propellers
Endurance:
Crew 82
10 - SS-N-9
Armament:
torpedo tubes
Electronics Radar

Sonar

2 periscopes
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Shipya
Notes
N Nam rd Laid Launche Comm. Strick
O. e Down d en
redesignated to K-222
09/30/1980 reactor
K-
12/28/19 12/21/19 12/31/19 -------- accident
16 SV
63 68 69 -- 1988 in reserve
2
in storage in
Severodvinsk
Project 949 Granit / Oscar I
Project 949A Antey / Oscar II
The Oscar-class nuclear-powered cruise missile attack submarine, which displaces more
than 18,000 tons when under water, is one of Russia's largest and most capable
submarines. As with earlier cruise-missile submarine, the Oscar was designed primarily
to attack American aircraft carrier battle groups.
As with other Russian submarines, the Oscar features a double hull -- and inner pressure
hull and an outer hydrodynamic hull, with eight inches of rubber between them to muffle
sounds. American submarines have a single pressure hull, with additional hydrodynamic
fairings, such as the cap that encloses the bow sonar dome. The 3.5 meter separation
between the inner and outter hulls on the Oscar provides significant reserve buoyancy,
and improved survivability against conventional torpedoes. These large submarines are
said to be slow to dive and maneuver, though they are credited with a submerged speed
of about 30 knots - sufficient to keep pace with their targets. The improved Oscar II is
about 10 meters longer than the Oscar I, possibly making room for a quieter propulsion
system, and feature upgraded electronic systems. The Oscar II is also characterized by a
substantially enlarged fin, which should improve underwater manueverability, as well as
the substitution of the Oscar-I's four-bladed propeller with a [presumably] quiter seven-
blade propeller.
The Oscars are rather poorly characterized in the open literature, with substantial
discrepancies in reported submerged displacement [the upper estimates are probably
closer to the mark] and maximum submerged speed [reportedly classified intelligence
estimates have tended upward over time. Considerable confusion also exists as to the
names of some units. During the Cold War essentially no information was publicly
available concerning the names of Soviet submarines, and with the end of the Cold War
the Russian Navy has exibited an annoying tendency to rename ships [a very un-
American practice]. And unlike the American practice, in which hull numbers are
generally assigned in a consecutive numerical sequence which corresponds to the
chronological sequence of construction, the pennant numbers assigned Russian
submarines [eg, K-141] do not conform to an apparent set pattern.
The submarine is equipped with two dozen SS-N-19 missiles with a range of 550-
kilometers -- three times as many anti-ship cruise missiles as earlier Charlie and Echo II
class submarines. The missiles, which are launched while the submarine is submerged,
are fired from tubes fixed at an angle of approximately 40 degrees. The tubes, arranged in
two rows of twelve each, are covered by six hatches on each side of the sail, with each
hatch covering a pair of tubes. The launchers are placed between the inner pressure hull
and the outer hydrodynamic hull. The torpedo tubes fire both torpedoes and shorter range
anti-ship missiles, and a combination of some two dozen weapons are carried.
The Project 949A submarines have a total of at least ten separate compartments, which
can be sealed off from each other in the event of accidents. The compartments are
numbered sequentially from fore to aft, with the two separate reactor compartments
numbered V and V-bis [which is accounts for the fact that there are ten compartments,
though the numbers only run through nine].
I - Torpedo room
II - Control Room
III - Combat stations and radio room
IV - Living Quarters
V and V-bis - Reactors
VI - propulsion engineering
VII - main propulsion turbines
VIII - main propulsion turbines
IX - electric motors
Access hatches are believed to be located in the 4th and 9th compartments. In common
with the larger Typhoon-class ballistic missile submarine, the Oscar-class boats are
reported to have an emergency crew escape capsule located in the sail.
In the 1980s the Rubin Design Bureau was responsible for developing a number of third
generation nuclear submarines with cruise missiles, including Projects 949 ("Granit",
"Oscar I") and 949A ("Antey", "Oscar II"). The Bureau took the lead in using naval
cruise missiles, designing the first cruise missile nuclear submarine -- Project 659 ("Echo
I"), then Project 675 ("Echo II") and related modifications.
To manage the impact of its resource problems, the Russian Navy, in the early 1990’s,
made a series of hard choices aimed at preserving its core submarine force capabilities.
These included early retirements of older and less capable units, strict controls on
operating tempo, and focused maintenance on its best submarines. The first Oscar I units
were decommissioned in 1996, though the Russian Navy continued to invest in new
construction. In the late 1990s it completed several new submarines of the larger third
generation Oscar II SSGN.
Considering the importance of the Oscar II submarines for the Russian Navy, the level of
confusion concerning the designations and status of the units of this class verges on the
astonishing. There is almost complete disagreement among all authoritative sources
concerning the correlation between pennant number, name, construction sequence and
current status. Allowing for the unavoidable uncertainties inherent in assigning
"commissioning" dates, most sources are in general agreement as to the unit chronology
and pennant number chronological sequence of the first ten units, through K-141 Kursk.
There is however, rather general disagreement among sources as to the names associated
with these units, and the status of particular units.
All sources agree that at least eleven of the Oscar II submarines were built between 1985
and 1999 at the Sevmash yard in Severodvinsk. The status of a twelfth Oscar-II is
somewhat uncertain, as some sources suggest it was comissioned in late 1999, while most
agree that outfitting was suspended after it was launched [sometime in the 1998-1999
timeframe]. Some Western sources suggest that construction was suspended on a
thirteenth unit, and that as many as 15 units of the Oscar II class were planned, but
Russian sources maintain that the Oscar-II class was never intended to consist of more
than twelve vessels.
A fourth-generation follow-on to the Oscar was planned, but reduced defense spending
forced the cancellation of the project.
Sources generally agree that at least two and possibly as many as three of the initial nine
Oscar II units were inactivated in the late 1990s, and as of mid-2000 were laid up
awaiting disposal. Considerable confusion surrounds the identity of the third and fourth
units -- Krasnoyarsk] was reportedly deactivated in 1998, but sources differ as to whether
this name was assigned to K-119 or K-173.
The active Northern Fleet units are homeported at the Zapadnaya Litsa base (Bolshaya
Lopatka). The disposition of units between the Northern and Pacific Fleets is uncertain.
As of September 1997 Bellona placed six units in the Northern Fleet, four in the Pacific.
As of September 2000 the warships1.com analysis also placed 4 units in the Pacific Fleet,
and the remaining 6 in the Northern Fleet. However, World Navies Today reports that ten
active units [as of late 2000] are evenly divided between the two fleets [but the unit list
seems rather unreliable, casting doubt on this assessment]. The two sources appear to
disagree on the location of K-119 Voronezh.
On 26 January 1998 a moored nuclear-powered Oscar II submarine suffered a cooling

system accident. During routine tests aboard a cooling system pipe broke, releasing
ammonia and nitrogen gas into the compartment. A total of 5 crew members were
injured, one of whom, a Captain of the 3rd Rank, died two days later. The Oscar II
submarine was reportedly the K-512 St.Georgy Pobeditel [formerly named Tomsk]. This
eleventh unit of the 'Oscar II' SSGN class had been launched in July 1995 despite
irregular materiel and component delivery problems.
In 1994 an Oscar submarine conducted operations off the East Coast of the United States.
In July 1997 when the Oscar II submarine K-442 Chelyabinsk [aka Pskov] shadowed
several US aircraft carriers off Washington state. The Tomsk transitted to the Pacific
under ice after being commissioned on 28 February 1997, and arrived at Petropavlovsk-
Kamchatskiy on 24 September 1998. This brought the Pacific Fleet class inventory to
seven, with four others in the Northern Fleet. In February 1999 an Oscar-class submarine
was observed monitoring a NATO exercise off the coast of Norway. In August 1999
NATO sonar detected the presence in Western Atlantic waters of a Russian Oscar class
submarine belonging to the northern fleet, based in the Arctic ports. In the mid-1999 an
Oscar II-class submarine sailed from northern Russia to the Mediterranean, the first
Russian SSGN patrol in the Mediterranean in a decade. It then sailed on to areas off the
eastern United States. In early September 1999 the crew of the Jose Maria Pastor, a
fishing trawler registered in Almeria [southeastern Spain] reportedly snagged an Oscar
submarine in its nets. The incident occured some 27 miles (50 kilometers) from the Tarifa
coast (Cadiz Province), and continued for over half an hour before the submarine broke
free. Another Oscar II deployed from the Russian Far East, sailing to the area around
Hawaii before arriving in waters off San Diego by October 1999. It reportedly spent a
week following the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and the amphibious landing ship
Essex.
K-141 Kursk
On or about 12 August 2000, the tenth unit of the Oscar-II class, the K-141 Kursk, sank
about 100 miles from the Russian port of Murmansk. At the time the boat was
participating in the fleet's major summer exercises, involving about 30 other vessels. The
Kursk apparently sank quickly, and did not launch distress buoys. The submarine was not
carrying any nuclear weapons at the time, and there was apparently no immediate danger
of radiation leaks. Considerable confusion surrounded initial reports, though apparently
the Kursk shut down its two nuclear reactors after it was crippled. Although Russian
Navy commander Adm. Vladimir Kuroyodev stated that there were "signs of a big and
serious collision," subsequent reports cast doubt that the sub was damaged in a collision.
The US Department of Defense stated that there was " no indication that a US vessel was
involved in this accident." By 15 August it was generally believed that the Kursk had
been damaged by an explosion on board, probably in the torpedo room.
Initial reports suggested that at least some of the crew were alive and communicating
through rhythmic tapping on the hull. Rescue submarines that rushed to the Kursk
reportedly found it damaged but resting upright on the seabed, at a depth variously
reported as between 350 feet and 500 feet of water. Subsequent reports suggested that the
submarine was listing, perhaps as much as sixty degrees. According to initial reports, as
of Monday 14 August 2000 at least one rescue craft, the Kolokol, was said to be feeding
power and oxygen to the Kursk. Communication links with the boat's captain, Gennady
Lyachin, were reportedly restored after a day of radio silence. However, subsequent
reports indicated that these initial reports were incorrect, and overly optimistic. Admiral
Kuroyedov initially expressed doubts about the possiblity of rescuing the crew, stating
"the chances for a positive outcome are not very high." The Russians had two India-class
rescue submarines, each of which carried a pair of small rescue submarines which could
reach a depth of 2,275 feet. However, these submarines and their rescue capabilities were
apparently discarded by the Russians in 1995 as a cost-savings measure.
Rescue efforts centered on attempts to attach equipment to provide oxygen and restore
electric power to the submarine. As of 15 August a first attempt to lower a diving bell to
the submarine had failed, and a second attempt was launched soon thereafter. The two
attempts on Tuesday to reach the Kursk were frustrated by of poor underwater visibility
and 12-foot high waves. Rescue workers failed in efforts to maneuver a robotic remotedly
operated vehicle onto an emergency hatch on the submarine.
By Wednesday, while Russian experts were still optimistic about the rescue operation,
Russian President Putin termed the situation with wrecked sub "critical". The weather
had worsened in the Barents Sea, while the Bester capsule with divers aboard was used
for the first time Rrescue ships tried twice more to lower a diving bell to dock with the
Kursk, but each time the operations had to be aborted because of rough seas, strong
currents, and poor underwater visibility. Rescue efforts continued despite the fact that one
of the three rescue capsules used to reach the stranded sub was damaged in the storm.
The Russian military consulted NATO experts on submarine rescue, and Russia asked
Britain and Norway to help the rescue effort. Britain sent three aircraft with crew and
equipment, and the first plane loaded with a British rescue vessel landed in Norway late
Wednesday [Moscow time]. The British mini-submarine may be transported to Russia by
Saturday.
On Thursday 17 August it was reported that US surveillance ships in the area at the time
of the accident heard two explosions on 12 August, the second much stronger than the
first. The Russian navy was reported to be studying video footage showing massive
damage to the first and second compartments in the submarine's bow. A Navy spokesman
said the video showed extensive damage from the top to the back fin. The periscope was
also still up, indicating the ship sank so fast the crew did not have time to react. Russia's
Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov said films taken of the Kursk indicated extensive
damage to the ship's bow that he said was caused by a collision with an unknown object.
By Friday it was reported that the submarine was lying at an angle of no more than 20
degrees from vertical, rather than the 60 degress previously reported, and at a depth of a
little more than 100 meters. The depth and the angle are were said to be well within the
operating limits of th British LR5 rescue craft.
It was initially estimated that the air on the K-141 Kursk submarine would run out by
Friday 18 August 2000. As of Friday it was officially estimated it could last another five
days. Contrary to most news reports, the problem was not a lack of oxygen for the crew
to breath in, but rather the buildup of the carbon dioxide that they would breath out. Over
time, this carbon dioxide would build up to a level that would kill any crew members
who survived the initial accident. The oxygen limit is about 0.1 atm and the Carbon
dioxide limit is time dependent, but somewhere between 0.03 and 0.06 atm. Respiration
produces (roughly) 1 molecule of carbon dioxide for each molecule of oxygen consumed.
This suggests that, starting with 0.21 atm of oxygen, the oxygen partial pressure will still
be 0.15 atm even when 0.06 atm of carbon dioxide is present. [see the NOAA Diving
Manual for details].
While some Russian Navy officials maintained that some crew members remained alive
and were sending an SOS message by banging against the submarine's hull, other
officials said there had been no communication and that the crew might already be dead.
On 21 August Chief of staff of the Russian Northern Fleet Mikhail Motsak pronounced
the Kursk flooded and its whole crew dead. Admiral Motsak said a Norwegian-led team
of divers was videotaping the interior of the rear compartment after successfully breaking
in through damaged escape hatches.
On 01 September 2000 an agreement was reached on the technical and organizational
aspects of the international effort to lift to the surface the bodies of the crewmen of the
Kursk. The Norwegian Stolt Offshore company received blueprints representatives of the
naval design center which designed the sunken submarine that showed where deep water
frogmen may enter the boat. A team of international and Russian divers planned to cut
holes in the Kursk’s hull to pull out the remains of the 118 seamen who died. The
operation was scheduled to begin in October 2000.
There was no chance of quickly salvaging the Kursk submarine, since September is the
month when storms start raging in the Barents Sea, which would make such impossible.
At best the salvaging operation could be carried in 2001. Neither the Russian submarine
base at Vidyaevo, nor any western base have hoists capable of salvaging such a large
vessel the Kursk submarine, or even moving it to a shallow place closer to the coast. It
would take several months only to build such a device. Another priority on the agenda is
the salvaging of the submarine and taking it to shallow waters. The Norwegian Stalled
Offshore Company has given its consent to participate in the salvage effort.
On 06 September 2000 Russian President Vladimir Putin was reported to have said that
the 118 sailors aboard the submarine Kursk probably died quickly after it sank, and that
they never sent any signals from the distressed sub after it went down. At the time of the
accident, conflicting reports from some Russian naval officials indicated that survivors
were tapping on the ship's hull. But Putin said that the signals came from "a mechanical
device on board" that went off automatically.
There are several versions of the reasons for the disaster. According to Vice-premier Ilya
Klebanov, the first version is that of an underwater collision with a foreign vessel. Ilya
Klebanov who heads the commission to investigate the case described as the second
version a possibility that the submarine hit a German mine left over from the time of the
Second World War. The third version, the Vice-premier believed, could be an emergency
situation in the submarine's torpedo compartment. According to Ilya Klebanov, the
majority of the crew died during the first seconds of the disaster.
Specifications
949 (Oscar-I) 949A (Oscar-II)
Displacement (tons): 12,500 surfaced 13,400 - 14,700 surfaced
15,500 - 22,500 16,400 - 24,000
submerged submerged
Speed (kts): 32 knots dived 32 knots dived
16 kts surfaced 16 kts surfaced
18.2 meters beam (20.1 18.2 meters beam
with stabilizers) 9.0 meters draft
9.0 meters draft
Propulsion 2 VM-5 190 MWt pressurized-water nuclear reactors
(OK-650b)
2 steam turbines - 90,000 shp
Propulsion 2 4-bladed propellers 2 7-bladed propellers
Endurance: 50 days
300-600 meters [by
Diving depth:
various estimates]
Crew : 94 total
Armament: 24 - SS-N-19 / P-700 Granit
24 - torpedoes/tube-launched weapons
4 - 533 mm tubes - SS-N-15 Starfish / 82-P

missiles or torpedoes
4 - 650 mm tubes - SS-N-16 Stallion / 85-P
missiles or torpedoes
Electronics Radar
Snoop Pair or Snoop Half Surface Search
Rim Hat intercept array
Sonar
Shark Gill (MGK-503) hull mounted
Shark Rib flank array
Mouse Roar MG-519 Hull mounted
Pelamida towed array
2 periscopes
Class Listing
Boat Chronology
Ship Fle
Notes
NO Name yard et Laid Launc Com Stric
. Down hed m. ken
Project 949 ("Granit" type), NATO code "Oscar I"
1 K- Arkhangels SY NO 1978 04/**/ 1982 1996 12/30/80 named
52 k 402 R 1980 "Minsky
5 Komsomolets"
1991 renamed
1996 deactivated
2000 to be dismantled
at Sevmash
2 K- Murmansk SY NO 1980? 12/**/ 1983 1996 1991 named
20 402 R 1982 1996 deactivated
6 2000 to be dismantled
at Sevmash
Project 949A ("Antey" type), NATO code "Oscar II"

1 K- Orenburg SY NO ------- 08/**/ 07/**/ ?? ex-Krasnodar [name as
14 402 R --- 1985 1986 1998 of 1995]
8 12/**/ ex-Vologda
1986 2000 probably active
2000 laid up awaiting
disposal ??
2 K- Irkutsk SY PA ------- **/**/ **/**/ ? (name also reported as
13 402 C --- 1986 1987 1998 "Belgorod")
2 03/**/ 01/**/ 2000 in reserve
1986 1987 2000 laid up awaiting
disposal ?
3 K- Voronezh SY NO ------- **/**/ **/**/ (name also reported as
11 402 R --- 1986 1988 "Krasnoyarsk"
9 PA 12/**/ 12/**/ "Tambov" or
C? 1987 1988 "Chel'yabinsk")
2000 active
4 K- Krasnoyars SY NO ------- **/**/ **/**/ ? (name also reported as
17 k 402 R --- 1987 1988 1997 "Veronesh")
3 01/**/ 12/**/ -8 (name mis-reported as
1989 1989 "Chelyabinsk")
1997-8 deactivated
2000 laid up awaiting
disposal ?
5 K- Smolensk SY NO ------- **/**/ **/**/ 2000 active
41 402 R --- 1988 1990
0 12/**/ 12/**/
1989 1990
6 K- Chelyabins SY PA ------- **/**/ 12/29/ (name also reported as
44 k 402 C --- 1989 1990 "Pskov")
2 01/**/ 01/**/ (name mis-reported as
1990 1991 "Tomsk")
2000 active
7 K- Viliuczinsk SY PA ------- **/**/ **/**/ (ex-"Kasatka",
45 402 C --- 1990 1991 possibly "Tambov")
6 12/**/ 11/**/ 09/**/1993 to Pacific
1991 1992 Fleet
2000 active
8 K- Orel SY NO ------- 01/**/ 12/**/ (ex-"Severodvinsk")
26 402 R --- 1992 1992 2000 active
6 05/22/ 01/**/
1992 1993
9 K- Omsk SY NO ------- 05/08/ 10/27/ (possibly renamed
18 402 R --- 1993 1993 "Petropavlosk
6 12/15/ Kamchatsky")
1993 2000 active
1 K- Kursk SY NO 1992 05/**/ 10/**/ 8/12/
0 14 402 R 1994 1994 2000
1 12/30/
1994
01/20/
1995
1 K- St.Georgy SY PA ------- 07/18/ 02/28/ (ex-"Tomsk")
1 51 Pobeditel 402 C --- 1995 1997 08/1997 operational
2 07/18/ 12/31/ 01/26/1998 cooling
1996 1997 system accident
2000 active
1 K- Belgorod SY ------- 05/**/ ???? (name also reported as
2 53 402 --- 1998 "Pskov")
0 08/**/ 2000 construction
1999 suspended??
1 K- Pskov? SY ???? ???? ------- [?? construction
3 13 402 --- suspended ??]
9
1 K- SY ???? ------- ------- [?? cancelled ??]
4 __ 402 --- ---
_
1 K- SY ???? ------- ------- [?? cancelled ??]
5 __ 402 --- ---
_

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Russian Nuclear Forces

The missile had a combined command structure consisting of both an independent

Front meters (m)

SL-3, A-1, Lunik, Vostok

SL-4/ A-2 / Soyuz-2

Historical Review - Western

According to Western intelligence, soft-site initial operational capability was achieved in

Front meters (m)

START Locale US-Designation

The GR-1 (8K713) Fractional Orbital Bombardment System [FOBS] intended to

2nd 30.76 -10.24,= 20.52

3rd 7.44 -3.84 = 3.6

front meters (m)

(NK-19) S1.5400, 8D726

Test flights were to be started on 24 October 1960 at the Baikonur cosmodrome.

(Acad. M. K. (Acad. M. K. (Acad. M. K.

Booster guidance system Inertial autonomous

START Locale US-Designation

Historical Review - Western

front meters (m)

Four payload variants were tested and deployed.

Canister length (m)

Canister length w/o

front meters (m)

Canister diameter (m)

Booster guidance system Inertial, autonomous

1st stage 2nd stage

Length (m) 18.9 9.4

Body diameter (m) 3 3

Fueled weight (t) 121.7 -122.3 (118.7) 48.5 - 49.3

Dry weight (t) 6.4 3.7 Total =17.737

Engine Designation RD-251 (8D723) RD-252

Design Bureau Acad. V. P.Glushko Acad. V. P. Glushko

Configuration Cluster of three main One engine 2

Configuration Yuzhnoy Yuzhnoy

RD-68M / RD-855 RD-854

One engine 4 chambers One engine 4

Propellants Liquid Storable Liquid Storable

Fuel UDMH UDMH

Oxidizer AT =Nitrogen tetroxide AT=Nitrogen

Main Engines Burning time (sec.) 120, 160

Verniers Burning time (sec.) 127 163

Verniers Thrust Sea Level/Vacuum Yuzhnoy RD-68M / Yuzhnoy RD-69M /

Main engines Thrust Sea 241 / 270.4 96 Vacuum

Total Thrust Sea Level/Vacuum 270.1 / 303 101.53 B 102.9982

Vernier Engine Specific Impulse Vernier Engine Vernier Engine

254 / 292 280.5 Vacuum

Main Engines Specific Impulse Sea Main Engines Main Engine

269 -270 /301 317.6 Vacuum

SL-11 / F-1-m, Tsyklon - 2

SL-14 / F-2, Tsyklon - 3

START Locale US-Designation

Derzhavinsk Imeni Gastello

Zhangiz Tobe Zhangiz Tobe

Historical Review - Western

Length (m) 18.9 9.4 8.3

Body diameter 3.0 3.0 4.64

Fueled weight 121.7 -122.3 48.5 - 49.3

Dry weight (t) 6.4 3.7 Total =17.737

Engine RD-251 RD-252

Design Bureau Acad. V. Acad. V. P. Glushko Yuzhnoy

Configuration Cluster of One engine One engine

Configuration Yuzhnoy Yuzhnoy