Textbook for 10th grade

§ 43. Strategic Missile Forces (Strategic Missile Forces), their composition and purpose. Armament and military equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces

Strategic Missile Forces - independent genus troops designed to implement nuclear deterrence measures and destroy strategic targets that form the basis of the enemy’s military and military-economic potential.

Organizationally, the Strategic Missile Forces consist of missile armies and divisions, training grounds, military educational institutions, enterprises and institutions.

Modern Strategic Missile Forces embody the achievements of advanced design and engineering thought.

The main armament of the Strategic Missile Forces is currently stationary and mobile missile systems.

Currently, the Strategic Missile Forces are armed with missile systems of the fourth and fifth generations. Of these, four are silo-based types with RS-18, RS-20B, RS-20V, RS-12M2 ICBMs and three types of mobile ground-based missiles with RS-12M, RS-12M2 ICBMs, and the Yare mobile ground-based missile system. Silo-based missile systems by number launchers make up 45% of the strike group of the Strategic Missile Forces, and in terms of the number of warheads - almost 85% of its nuclear potential.

Armament and military equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces

Ground mobile launcher of the Topol mobile ground missile system— designed for transportation and storage of missiles and technological equipment, operation and combat duty at points of permanent deployment of a positional area and on marches, conducting missile launches at any time of the year and day.

RS-12M rocket- intercontinental strategic missile ground-based mobile.

Designed to destroy strategic targets at intercontinental ranges from mobile ground launchers.

RS-22 rocket- mobile-based intercontinental strategic missile.

Designed to destroy strategic targets at intercontinental ranges from mobile railway-type launchers.

conclusions

1. Strategic Missile Forces are the basis of the combat power of the Armed Forces Russian Federation.
2. The Strategic Missile Forces have the ability to widely maneuver nuclear missile strikes.
3. The Strategic Missile Forces are capable of striking simultaneously at many strategic targets.
4. The combat use of the Strategic Missile Forces does not depend on weather conditions, time of year and day.

Questions

1. What tasks are the Strategic Missile Forces intended for?
2. What weapons of the Strategic Missile Forces do you know?
3. What is the basis of the armament of the Strategic Missile Forces?
4. Why, in your opinion, do the Strategic Missile Forces form the basis of the combat power of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation?

Exercise

Using reference materials, prepare a message on the topic “History of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces.”

Additional materials to § 43

Launch vehicle "Proton" - designed to launch into space the satellites "Cosmos", "Ekran", "Rainbow", "Horizon", satellites for the exploration of the Moon, Mars, Venus, Halley's comet, manned orbital stations "Salyut" and "Mir" "and the heavy specialized modules "Kvant", "Kvant-2", "Kristall" and other space objects included in them.

The Proton launch vehicle is operated in three- and four-stage versions. The rocket is equipped with liquid rocket engines:

• on the first stage accelerator - 6 autonomous engines with a thrust of 160 tons each;
• on the second stage accelerator - 4 autonomous engines with a thrust of 60 tons each;
• on the third stage accelerator - 1 main engine with a thrust of 60 tons and a four-chamber steering engine with a thrust of 3 tons.

The launch vehicle uses a “DM” upper stage with a single-chamber engine running on liquid oxygen-kerosene fuel components.

Engine thrust in vacuum is 8.5 tons.

The launch of a launch vehicle can be carried out at any time of the day under any climatic conditions.

(Strategic Missile Forces), a branch of the USSR Armed Forces designed to carry out strategic missions with missile weapons. The Strategic Missile Forces are capable of destroying the enemy’s nuclear attack weapons, large groups of his troops, military bases, destroying military-industrial facilities, disorganizing state and military administration, the work of the rear and transport. Objectives of the Strategic Missile Forces can be carried out independently and in cooperation with strategic assets of other types of armed forces by delivering massive nuclear missile strikes.

The main properties of the Strategic Missile Forces as a branch of the armed forces are the ability to deliver nuclear strikes with high accuracy to an almost unlimited distance, to carry out wide maneuvers with nuclear missile strikes and deliver them simultaneously against all the most important strategic targets from occupied positions, to carry out assigned tasks in shortest time and create favorable conditions for other types of armed forces to conduct successful military operations.

Organizationally, the Strategic Missile Forces consist of units armed with intercontinental strategic missiles and medium-range missiles.

The first missile unit was formed as part of the Soviet Armed Forces on July 15, 1946. In October 1947, the first guided ballistic missile was launched long range R-1. By 1955 there were already several missile units armed with long-range missiles. In 1957, the world's first intercontinental multistage ballistic missile was successfully tested in the USSR. In January 1960, the creation of a new branch of the Armed Forces, the Strategic Missile Forces, was announced. The Strategic Missile Forces are headed by the Commander-in-Chief - Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR. The General Staff and the Main Directorate are subordinate to him. The commanders-in-chief of the Strategic Missile Forces were: Chief Marshal of Artillery M. I. Nedelin (December 1959 ≈ October 1960), Marshals of the Soviet Union K. S. Moskalenko (October 1960 ≈ April 1962), S. S. Biryuzov (April 1962 ≈ March 1963), N I. Krylov (March 1963 ≈ February 1972). Since April 1972, the commander-in-chief of the Strategic Missile Forces has been General of the Army V. F. Tolubko. There is no special type of Strategic Missile Forces in the armed forces of foreign states. In the US Armed Forces, units and formations of strategy and ground-based missiles are part of the Air Force Strategic Air Command, headed by a commander who reports directly to the Joint Chiefs of Staff on operational matters. The Strategic Air Command has missile divisions of intercontinental ballistic missiles, each including two wings of intercontinental ballistic missiles: Minuteman 2 and Titan 2.

Strategic Missile Forces

The Minuteman-2 wing consists of 3≈4 squadrons, each of which includes 5 squadrons (10 silo-type launchers each) and a launch control center, and the Titan-2 wing consists of 2 squadrons (9 silo-type launchers each). each). The wing also includes combat service and logistics technical units. Each wing is located on one missile base. The French armed forces have ground-launched medium-range ballistic missiles ("S-2"). The Chinese armed forces have medium-range ballistic missiles and are developing intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Lit.: 50 years of the Armed Forces of the USSR, M., 1967: Military strategy, 2nd ed., M., 1963; Grechko A. A., Armed Forces of the Soviet State, M., 1974: Nuclear Age and war. Military Reviews, M., 1964.

V. F. Tolubko.

Strategic Missile Forces, their composition and purpose. Armament.

Strategic Missile Forces are designed for nuclear deterrence of possible aggression and defeat as part of strategic nuclear forces(SNF) or independently massive, group or single nuclear missile strikes on strategic targets located in one or several strategic aerospace directions and forming the basis of the enemy’s military and military-economic potential.

Strategic missile forces include stationary and mobile missile forces, as well as special troops (units and units of missile technology, nuclear technology, engineering, radiation, chemical and biological protection, communications, electronic warfare, geodetic, meteorological, security and reconnaissance) , units and units of transport aviation and logistics.

The Strategic Missile Forces maintain an army-divisional structure - organizationally they consist of missile armies and divisions and special forces.

• 27th Guards Rocket Army (Vladimir), has several missile divisions
• 31st Missile Army (Orenburg), includes several missile divisions
• The 33rd Guards Rocket Army (Omsk), has several missile divisions.

The Strategic Missile Forces as a branch of the USSR Armed Forces were formed on December 17, 1959.

The first commander of the Strategic Missile Forces was Chief Marshal of Artillery M.I. Nedelin.

In the 1990s, within the framework of the treaty between the USSR and the USA on the elimination of intermediate- and short-range missiles (INF), and then the treaties on the limitation and reduction of strategic offensive weapons START-1 (1991) and START-2 (1993) strategic missile forces was subjected to significant reductions in weapons and personnel. Missile systems were removed from combat duty, and missiles with multiple warheads, which were the main striking force of the Strategic Missile Forces, were eliminated.

According to the plan for the re-equipment of the Russian Armed Forces and within the framework of the development strategy of the Strategic Missile Forces, the share of mobile missile systems in the troops is being increased and the latest silo-based missile systems "Topol-M" (SS-27), mobile complexes RT-2PM2 "Topol-M" are being put into service "(SS-27) and mobile complexes RS-24 "Yars".

Strategic Missile Forces Day is a memorable day celebrated annually on December 17 in the Russian Federation - a professional holiday for rocket scientists established in 1995 by Decree of the President of Russia No. 1239 of December 10, 1995 “On the establishment of Strategic Missile Forces Day and Military Space Forces Day.”

1.3. Strategic Missile Forces

Missile armies and their divisions 27th Guards RA (Vladimir) 7th Guards RD (Ozerny / Vypolzovo, Bologoe-4) 14th RD (Yoshkar-Ola) 28th Guards RD (Kozelsk) 54th Guards rd (Krasnye Sosenki / Teykovo) 60th rd (Taman division) (Svetly / Tatishchevo-5) 31st RA (Rostoshi, Orenburg) - it is planned to disband the 8th rd (ZATO "Pervomaisky" - formerly Yurya-2) 13 rd rd (Yasny / Dombarovsky) 42nd rd (ZATO Svobodny, located 35 km from Nizhny Tagil and 15 km from Verkhnyaya Salda). 33rd Guards RA (Omsk) 35th RD (Sibirsky / Barnaul) 39th Guards RD (Gvardeysky / Novosibirsk-95) 29th Guards RD (Green / Irkutsk) 62nd RD (Solnechny / Uzhur-4)

The second half of the twentieth century can easily be called the “rocket age.” Humanity has been using missiles for quite a long time - but only in the middle of the last century the development of technology made it possible to begin their effective use, including as tactical and strategic weapons.

Today, rockets deliver astronauts into orbit, launch satellites into space, and with their help we study distant planets, but rocket technology has found much wider application in military affairs. It can be said that the advent of effective missiles has completely changed the tactics of warfare, both on land, in the air, and at sea.

The Russian army only has ballistic missiles. The Ground Forces of the RF Armed Forces include the Missile Forces and Artillery (RF&A), which are the main means of fire destruction of the enemy during combined arms operations. The missile defense forces are armed with rocket systems volley fire(including high-power ones), operational and tactical missile systems, the missiles of which can be equipped with a nuclear warhead, as well as a wide range of cannon artillery.

“Land” missilemen have their own professional holiday - November 19 is the Day of the Russian Missile Forces and Artillery.

History of creation

Man began to launch rockets into the sky a very long time ago, almost immediately after the invention of gunpowder. There is information about the use of rockets for salutes and fireworks in Ancient China (from about the 3rd century BC). They tried to use missiles in military affairs, but due to their imperfections, they did not achieve much success at that time. Many prominent minds of the East and West were engaged in missiles, but they were more of an exotic curiosity than an effective means of defeating the enemy.

In the 19th century, Congreve missiles were adopted by the British army and were used for several decades. However, the accuracy of these missiles left much to be desired, so they were eventually replaced by cannon artillery.

Interest in the development of rocket technology reawakened after the end of the First World War. Design teams in many countries were engaged in practical work in the field of jet propulsion. And the results were not long in coming. Before the start of World War II, the USSR created rocket launcher BM-13 multiple rocket launcher - the famous “Katyusha”, which later became one of the symbols of Victory.

In Germany, he was involved in the development of new rocket engines genius designer Wernher von Braun is the creator of the first V-2 ballistic missile and the “father” of the American Apollo project.

During the war, several more examples of effective missile weapons: rocket-propelled grenade launcher (German Faustpatron and American Bazooka), the first anti-tank guided missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, V-1 cruise missile.

After the invention of nuclear weapons, the importance of rocket technology increased many times: rockets became the main carrier of nuclear charges. And if initially the United States could use strategic aircraft stationed at air bases in Europe, Turkey and Japan to launch nuclear strikes on Soviet territory, the Soviet Union could only rely on its strategic missiles in the event of a conflict.

The first Soviet ballistic missiles were created on the basis of captured German technologies; they had a relatively short flight range and could only perform operational tasks.

The first Soviet ICBM (flight range 8 thousand km) was the R-7 of the famous S. Korolev. It first started in 1957. With the help of the R-7, the first artificial Earth satellite was launched into orbit. In December of the same year, units with long-range ballistic missiles were separated into a separate branch of the military, and brigades armed with tactical and operational-tactical missiles became part of the Ground Forces.

In the 1960s, work on creating new types of artillery and missile systems for the Ground Forces was somewhat slowed down, since it was believed that they would be of little use in a global nuclear war. In 1963, the operation of the new MLRS BM-21 "Grad" began, which is in service with the Russian Armed Forces today.

In the 60-70s, the USSR began to deploy second-generation ICBMs, which were launched from highly protected launch silos. By the early 70s, at the cost of incredible efforts, nuclear parity with the Americans was achieved. During the same period, the first mobile ICBM launchers were created.

At the end of the 60s, the USSR began the development of several self-propelled artillery systems, which later made up the so-called “flower” series: self-propelled guns “Akatsia”, “Gvozdika” and “Peony”. They are still in service with the Russian army today.

In the early 70s, an agreement was signed between the USSR and the USA to limit the number of nuclear weapons. After the signing of this document, the Soviet Union significantly surpassed the United States in the number of missiles and warheads, but the Americans had more advanced technologies, their missiles were more powerful and more accurate.

In the 70-80s, the Strategic Missile Forces received third-generation ICBMs with multiple warheads, and the accuracy of the missiles also increased significantly. In 1975, the famous “Satan” - the R-36M missile, which for a long time was the main striking force of the Soviet Strategic Missile Forces, and then the Russian missile forces. In the same year, the Tochka tactical missile system was adopted by the Ground Forces.

At the end of the 80s, mobile and stationary systems of the fourth generation (Topol, RS-22, RS-20V) entered service with the missile forces; new system management. In 1987, the Smerch MLRS was adopted by the Ground Forces, which for many years was considered the most powerful in the world.

After the collapse of the USSR, all ICBMs from the former Soviet republics were removed to Russian territory, and the launch silos were destroyed. In 1996, the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation began to receive fifth-generation (“”) stationary ICBMs. In 2009-2010, regiments armed with the new Topol-M mobile complex were introduced into the Strategic Missile Forces.

Today, the replacement of obsolete ICBMs with more modern Topol-M and Yars complexes continues, and the development of the heavy liquid-propellant rocket Sarmat continues.

In 2010, the United States and Russia signed another treaty regarding the number of nuclear warheads and their delivery vehicles - SALT-3. According to this document, each country can have no more than 1,550 nuclear warheads and 770 carriers for them. Carriers mean not only ICBMs, but also missile-carrying submarines and strategic aircraft.

Apparently, this treaty does not prohibit the production of missiles with multiple warheads, but at the same time it does not limit the creation of new elements of the missile defense system, which is what the United States is currently actively doing.

Structure, composition and armament of the Strategic Missile Forces

Today, the Strategic Missile Forces includes three armies: the 31st (Orenburg), the 27th Guards (Vladimir) and the 33rd Guards (Omsk), consisting of twelve missile divisions, as well as the Central Command Post and the Main Headquarters of the Missile Forces.

In addition to military units, the Strategic Missile Forces include several training grounds (Kapustin Yar, Sary-Shagan, Kamchatka), two educational institutions (an academy in Balashikha and an institute in Serpukhov), production facilities and bases for storing and repairing equipment.

Currently, the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Armed Forces are armed with 305 missile systems of five different types:

• UR-100NUTTKH – 60 (320 warheads);
• R-36M2 (and its modifications) – 46 (460 warheads);
• “Topol” – 72 (72 warheads);
• “Topol-M” (including silo and mobile versions) – 78 (78 warheads);
• "Yars" - 49 (196 warheads).

In total, the above complexes can carry 1166 nuclear warheads.

The central command post (CCP) of the Strategic Missile Forces is located in the village of Vlasikha (Moscow region), it is located in a bunker at a depth of 30 meters. There are four rotating shifts on continuous combat duty. The communications equipment of the Central Command Center allows you to maintain continuous communication with all other posts of the missile forces and military units, receive information from them and respond to it in a timely manner.

Russian strategic nuclear forces use the Kazbek automated combat control system, its portable terminal - the so-called “black suitcase”, which is constantly kept by the President of the Russian Federation; the Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff have similar “suitcases”. Currently, work is underway to modernize the automated control system; the new fifth-generation system will make it possible to quickly retarget ICBMs, as well as communicate orders directly to each launcher.

The Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Federation are equipped with a unique “Perimeter” system, which in the West was nicknamed “Dead Hand”. It makes it possible to strike back at the aggressor, even if all command and control links of the Strategic Missile Forces are destroyed.

Currently, the Strategic Missile Forces are being rearmed with new Yars missiles with multiple warheads. Tests of a more advanced modification of the Yars, the R-26 Rubezh, have been completed. Work is underway to create a new heavy missile “Sarmat”, which should replace the outdated Soviet “Voevoda”.

The development of the new Barguzin railway missile system continues, but its testing dates are constantly being postponed.

Missile Forces and Artillery (RF&A)

The RFA is one of the military branches within the Ground Forces. In addition to the ground forces, the RMiA is part of other structures: the coastal troops of the Russian Navy, the Airborne Forces, the border and internal troops of the Russian Federation.

The RFA consists of artillery, missile and rocket brigades, rocket artillery regiments, high-power divisions, as well as units that are part of the brigades of the Ground Forces.

The MFA has a wide range of weapons at its disposal, which allows it to effectively carry out the tasks facing this branch of the military. Although most of these missile and artillery systems were developed in the Soviet Union, modern systems developed in recent years are also being introduced into the military.

Currently, the Russian army is armed with 48 Tochka-U tactical missile systems, as well as 108 Iskander tactical missile systems. Both missiles can carry a nuclear warhead.

Barrel self-propelled artillery is represented mainly by models created during the Soviet period: self-propelled guns "Gvozdika" (150 units), self-propelled guns "Akatsia" (about 800 units), self-propelled guns "Gyacinth-S" (about 100 units), self-propelled guns "Pion" (more than 300 units, most of them are in storage). Also worth mentioning is the 152 mm self-propelled gun "

The Russian Military Forces are armed with the following types of towed barrel artillery: the Nona-K gun-howitzer-mortar (100 units), the D-30A howitzer (more than 4.5 thousand units, most of them in storage), the Msta-howitzer B" (150 units). To combat enemy armored vehicles, the Russian Military Army has more than 500 anti-tank guns MT-12 "Rapier".

Multiple launch rocket systems are represented by BM-21 "Grad" (550 units), BM-27 "Hurricane" (about 200 units) and MLRS BM-30 "Smerch" (100 units). In recent years, the BM-21 and BM-30 have been modernized, and the Tornado-G and Tornado-S MLRS were created on their basis. The improved Grad has already begun to enter service with the troops (about 20 vehicles), while the Tornado-S is still being tested. Work is also underway to modernize the Uragan MLRS.

The Russian Military Army is armed with a large number of mortars of various types and calibers: the automatic mortar "Vasilek", the 82-mm mortar "Tray" (800 units), the mortar complex "Sani" (700 units), the self-propelled mortar "Tulip" (430 units .).

Further development of missile defense and warfare will proceed through the creation of integral circuits, which will include reconnaissance means that will make it possible to find and hit targets in real time (“network-centric warfare”). Currently, much attention is paid to the development of new types of high-precision ammunition, increasing the firing range, and increasing its automation.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

Strategic Missile Forces, as an independent one, they are intended to solve the problems of nuclear deterrence of external attacks in the interests of the Russian Federation and our allies, ensuring strategic stability in the world. These are troops of constant combat readiness, performing the role of the main component of the country's strategic nuclear forces (SNF).

Strategic missile forces include (Fig. 1):

• three missile armies (headquarters are located in the cities of Vladimir, Orenburg and Omsk);
• State Central Interspecific Test Site;
• 10th Test Site (in Kazakhstan);
• 4th Central Research Institute (Yubileiny, Moscow Region);
• educational institutions (Peter the Great Military Academy in Moscow, military institutes in the cities of Serpukhov, Rostov-on-Don and Stavropol);
• arsenals and central repair plants, weapons storage base and military equipment.

The Strategic Missile Forces are armed with stationary (PC-18, RS-20 - Fig. 2, Topol-M) and mobile (Topol - Fig. 3) missile systems capable of delivering single, group or massive missiles in a matter of minutes. nuclear strikes on the enemy anywhere in the world, at any time and under any conditions.

Rice. 1. Structure of the Strategic Missile Forces

Rice. 2. Intercontinental ballistic missile RS-20B: launch weight - 211.1 tons; rocket length - 34.3 m; the warhead is divided into 10 warheads; liquid fuel

Rice. 3. Mobile-based intercontinental strategic missile RS-12M “Topol”: launch weight - 45.1 tons; rocket length - 20.5 m; monoblock head part; solid fuel

Rockets as weapons were known to many peoples and were created in different countries. It is believed that they appeared even before barreled firearms. Thus, the outstanding Russian general and also a scientist K.I. Konstantinov wrote that simultaneously with the invention of artillery, rockets also came into use. They were used wherever gunpowder was used. And since they began to be used for military purposes, it means that special missile forces were created for this purpose. This article is devoted to the emergence and development of the mentioned type of weapons, from fireworks to space flights.

How it all began

According to official history, gunpowder was invented in China around the 11th century AD. However, the naive Chinese did not come up with anything better than using it to stuff fireworks. And then, several centuries later, “enlightened” Europeans created more powerful gunpowder formulations and immediately found great uses for it: firearms, bombs, etc. Well, let’s leave this statement to the conscience of historians. You and I were not in Ancient China, so there is no point in saying anything. What do written sources say about the first use of missiles in the army?

The Charter of the Russian Army (1607-1621) as documentary evidence

The fact that in Russia and Europe the military had information about the manufacture, design, storage and use of signal, incendiary and fireworks rockets is told to us by the “Charter of Military, Cannon and Other Affairs that Relate to Military Science.” It is composed of 663 articles and decrees selected from foreign military literature. That is, this document confirms the existence of missiles in the armies of Europe and Russia, but nowhere is there any mention of their use directly in any battles. And yet, we can conclude that they were used, since they fell into the hands of the military.

Oh, this thorny path...

Despite the misunderstanding and fear of everything new by military officials, the Russian missile forces nevertheless became one of the leading branches of the military. It is difficult to imagine a modern army without rocket scientists. However, the path to their formation was very difficult.

Signal (lighting) flares were first officially adopted by the Russian army in 1717. Almost a hundred years later, in 1814-1817, military scientist A.I. Kartmazov sought recognition from officials of military high-explosive and incendiary missiles (2-, 2.5- and 3.6-inch) of his own production. They had a flight range of 1.5-3 km. They were never accepted into service.

In 1815-1817 Russian artilleryman A.D. Zasyadko also invents similar military shells, and military officials also do not miss them. The next attempt was made in 1823-1825. After passing through many offices of the War Ministry, the idea was finally approved, and the first combat missiles (2-, 2.5-, 3- and 4-inch) entered service with the Russian army. The flight range was 1-2.7 km.

This turbulent 19th century

In 1826, mass production of the mentioned weapons began. For this purpose, the first rocket establishment is being created in St. Petersburg. In April of the following year, the first rocket company was formed (in 1831 it was renamed a battery). This combat unit was intended for joint operations with cavalry and infantry. It is with this event that the official history of our country’s missile forces begins.

Baptism of fire

Russian missile forces were first used in August 1827 in the Caucasus during the Russian-Iranian War (1826-1828). A year later, during the war with Turkey, the command was placed on them during the siege of the Varna fortress. Thus, during the 1828 campaign, 1,191 rockets were fired, of which 380 were incendiary and 811 were high-explosive. Since then, missile forces have played a major role in any military battles.

Military engineer K. A. Shilder

This talented man in 1834 developed a design that brought rocket weapons to new stage development. His device was intended for underground missile launching; it had an inclined tubular guide. However, Schilder did not stop there. He developed missiles with enhanced high-explosive action. In addition, he was the first in the world to use electric fuses to ignite solid fuel. In the same year, 1834, Schilder designed and even tested the world's first rocket-carrying ferry and submarine. He installed installations on the watercraft for launching missiles from surface and submerged positions. As you can see, the first half of the 19th century is characterized by the creation and widespread use of this type of weapon.

Lieutenant General K. I. Konstantinov

In 1840-1860 huge contribution to the development of missile weapons, as well as their theories combat use contributed by the representative of the Russian artillery school, inventor and scientist K. I. Konstantinov. With his scientific work, he revolutionized rocket science, thanks to which Russian technology took a leading place in the world. He developed the fundamentals of experimental dynamics and scientific methods for designing this type of weapon. A number of devices and instruments have been created to determine ballistic characteristics. The scientist acted as an innovator in the field of rocket manufacturing and established mass production. He made a huge contribution to the safety of the technological process of weapons manufacturing.

Konstantinov developed more powerful missiles and launchers for them. As a result, the maximum flight range was 5.3 km. Launchers became more portable, convenient and sophisticated; they provided high accuracy and rate of fire, especially in mountainous areas. In 1856, according to Konstantinov’s design, a rocket plant was built in Nikolaev.

The Moor has done his job

In the 19th century, rocket forces and artillery made a tremendous leap in their development and spread. Thus, combat missiles were put into service in all military districts. There was not a single warship or naval base where missile forces were not used. They took a direct part in field battles, and during the siege and storming of fortresses, etc. However, by the end of the 19th century, rocket weapons began to be much inferior to the progressive barrel artillery, especially after the advent of long-range rifled guns. And then 1890 came. It marked the end for the missile forces: this type of weapon was discontinued in all countries of the world.

Jet propulsion: like a phoenix...

Despite the army's refusal of missile forces, scientists continued their work on this type of weapon. Thus, M. M. Pomortsev proposed new solutions regarding increasing flight range, as well as shooting accuracy. I.V. Volovsky developed rotating missiles, multi-barrel aircraft and ground launchers. N.V. Gerasimov designed combat anti-aircraft solid fuel analogues.

The main obstacle to the development of such technology was the lack of a theoretical basis. To solve this problem, a group of Russian scientists at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century carried out titanic work and made a significant contribution to the theory of jet propulsion. However, the founder of the unified theory of rocket dynamics and astronautics was K. E. Tsiolkovsky. This outstanding scientist from 1883 until the last days of his life worked on solving problems in rocketry and space flight. He solved the main problems of the theory of jet propulsion.

The selfless work of many Russian scientists gave a new impetus to the development of this type of weapon, and, consequently, a new life for this type of military. Even today in our country the rocket and space forces are associated with the names of outstanding figures - Tsiolkovsky and Korolev.

After the revolution, work on rocket weapons was not stopped, and in 1933 a Jet Research Institute was even created in Moscow. In it, Soviet scientists designed ballistic and experimental cruise missiles and rocket gliders. In addition, significantly improved missiles and launchers for them have been created. This includes the BM-13 Katyusha combat vehicle, which later became legendary. A number of discoveries were made at the RNII. A set of designs for units, devices and systems was proposed, which were subsequently used in rocket technology.

The Great Patriotic War

"Katyusha" became the world's first multiple launch rocket system. And most importantly, the creation of this machine contributed to the resumption of special missile forces. The BM-13 combat vehicle was put into service. The difficult situation that developed in 1941 required the rapid introduction of new missile weapons. The restructuring of industry was carried out in the shortest possible time. And already in August, 214 factories were involved in the production of this type of weapon. As we said above, missile forces were newly created as part of the Armed Forces, but during the war they were called guards mortar units, and subsequently to this day - rocket artillery.

Combat vehicle BM-13 "Katyusha"

The first MMCs were divided into batteries and divisions. Thus, the first missile battery, which consisted of 7 experimental installations and a small number of shells, under the command of Captain Flerov, was formed within three days and on July 2 was sent to the Western Front. And already on July 14, the Katyushas fired their first combat salvo at the Orsha railway station (the BM-13 combat vehicle is shown in the photo).

In their debut they delivered a powerful fire strike with 112 shells simultaneously. As a result, a glow blazed over the station: ammunition was exploding, trains were burning. destroyed both enemy personnel and military equipment. The combat effectiveness of missile weapons exceeded all expectations. During the Second World War, there was a significant leap in the development of jet technology, which led to a significant spread of high-tech vehicles. By the end of the war, the missile forces consisted of 40 separate divisions, 115 regiments, 40 separate brigades and 7 divisions - a total of 519 divisions.

If you want peace, prepare for war

In the post-war period, rocket artillery continued to develop - the range, accuracy of fire and salvo power increased. The Soviet military complex created entire generations of 40-barrel 122-mm MLRS "Grad" and "Prima", 16-barrel 220-mm MLRS "Uragan", ensuring the destruction of targets at a distance of 35 km. In 1987, the 12-barreled 300-mm long-range MLRS “Smerch” was developed, which to this day has no analogues in the world. The target engagement range in this installation is 70 km. In addition, they also received anti-tank systems.

New types of weapons

In the 50s of the last century, the missile forces were divided into different directions. But rocket artillery has retained its position to this day. New types were created - these are anti-aircraft missile forces and strategic troops. These units are firmly established on land, at sea, under water and in the air. Thus, anti-aircraft missile forces are represented in the air defense as a separate branch of the military, but similar units also exist in the Navy. With the creation of nuclear weapons, the main question arose: how to deliver the charge to its destination? In the USSR, the choice was made in favor of missiles, and as a result, strategic missile forces appeared.

Stages of development of the Strategic Missile Forces

1. 1959-1965 - creation, deployment, and placement on combat duty of intercontinental aircraft capable of solving strategic tasks in various military-geographical areas. In 1962 they took part in military operation“Anadyr”, as a result of which medium-range missiles were secretly deployed in Cuba.
2. 1965-1973 - deployment of second generation ICBMs. Transformation of the Strategic Missile Forces into the main component of the USSR's nuclear forces.
3. 1973-1985 - equipping the Strategic Missile Forces with third-generation missiles with multiple warheads and individual guidance units.
4. 1985-1991 - elimination of medium-range missiles and arming of the Strategic Missile Forces with fourth-generation complexes.
5. 1992-1995 - withdrawal of ICBMs from Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. The Russian Strategic Missile Forces have been formed.
6. 1996-2000 - introduction of the fifth generation Topol-M missiles. Unification of the Military Space Forces, Strategic Missile Forces and Rocket and Space Defense Forces.
7. 2001 - The Strategic Missile Forces were transformed into 2 types of the Armed Forces - the Strategic Missile Forces and the Space Forces.

Conclusion

The process of development and formation of missile forces is quite heterogeneous. It has its ups and downs, and even the complete elimination of “rocket men” in the armies of the whole world at the end of the 19th century. However, missiles, like the Phoenix bird, rise from the ashes during World War II and become firmly entrenched in the military complex.

And despite the fact that over the past 70 years, missile forces have undergone significant changes in the organizational structure, forms, and methods of their combat use, they always retain a role that can be described in just a few words: to be a deterrent against the unleashing of aggression against our countries. In Russia, November 19 is considered the professional day of the missile forces and artillery. This Day was approved by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 549 of May 31, 2006. On the right in the photo is the emblem of the Russian Missile Forces.

The origin of the Strategic Missile Forces is associated with the development of domestic and foreign missile weapons, then nuclear missile weapons, and the improvement of their combat use. In the history of RV:

1946 - 1959 - creation of nuclear weapons and the first samples of guided ballistic missiles, deployment of missile formations capable of solving operational tasks in front-line operations and strategic tasks in nearby theaters of military operations.

1959 - 1965 - formation of the Strategic Missile Forces, deployment and putting on combat duty missile formations and units of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and medium-range missiles (RSMs), capable of solving strategic problems in military-geographical areas and in any theaters of military operations.

In 1962, the Strategic Missile Forces took part in Operation Anadyr, during which 42 R-12 and R-14 RSDs were secretly deployed in Cuba, and made a significant contribution to resolving the Cuban Missile Crisis and preventing the American invasion of Cuba.

1965 - 1973 - deployment of a group of intercontinental ballistic missiles with single launches (OS) of the 2nd generation, equipped with monoblock warheads (MC), the transformation of the Strategic Missile Forces into the main component of the strategic nuclear forces, which made a major contribution to the achievement of military-strategic balance (parity) between the USSR and USA.

1973 - 1985 - equipping the Strategic Missile Forces with 3rd generation intercontinental ballistic missiles with multiple warheads and means of overcoming the missile defense of a potential enemy and mobile long-range missile systems.

1985 - 1992 - arming the Strategic Missile Forces with intercontinental stationary and mobile missile systems of the 4th generation, liquidation in 1988 -1991. medium range missiles.

Since 1992 - the formation of the Strategic Missile Forces of the RF Armed Forces, the elimination of intercontinental ballistic missile systems on the territory of Ukraine and Kazakhstan and the withdrawal of mobile Topol ballistic missile systems from Belarus to Russia, the re-equipment of obsolete types of missile systems on ballistic missile systems with standardized monoblock missiles of stationary and mobile Topol bases -M” 5th generation.

The material basis for the creation of the Strategic Missile Forces was the deployment in the USSR of a new branch of the defense industry - rocketry. In accordance with the resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated May 13, 1946 No. 1017-419 “Issues of jet weapons,” cooperation between the main ministries of industry was determined, research and experimental work began, and a Special Committee on Jet Technology was created under the Council of Ministers of the USSR.

The Ministry of the Armed Forces has formed: a special artillery unit for the development, preparation and launch of V-2 type missiles, the Research Jet Institute of the Main Artillery Directorate, the State Central Range of Jet Technology (Kapustin Yar range), and the Directorate of Jet Weapons within the GAU. The first missile formation armed with long-range ballistic missiles was the special purpose brigade of the RVGK (commander - Major General of Artillery A.F. Tveretsky). In December 1950, the second special purpose brigade was formed, in 1951 - 1955. - 5 more formations that received a new name (since 1953) - engineering brigades of the RVGK. Until 1955, they were armed with ballistic missiles R-1, R-2, with a range of 270 km and 600 km, equipped with a warhead with conventional explosives (general designer S.P. Korolev). By 1958, brigade personnel conducted more than 150 combat training missile launches. From 1946 to 1954, the brigades were part of the artillery of the RVGK and were subordinate to the artillery commander of the Soviet Army. They were managed by a special department of the artillery headquarters of the Soviet Army. In March 1955, the position of Deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR for special weapons and rocket technology was introduced (Marshal of Artillery M.I. Nedelin), under which the headquarters of the rocket units was created.

The combat use of engineering brigades was determined by the order of the Supreme High Command, the decision of which provided for the assignment of these formations to the fronts. The front commander led the engineering brigades through the artillery commander.

On October 4, 1957, from the Baikonur test site, the personnel of a separate engineering test unit carried out a successful launch of the first artificial Earth satellite using the R-7 combat rocket for the first time in world history. Thanks to the efforts of Soviet rocket scientists, a new era in the history of mankind began - the era of practical astronautics.

In the 2nd half of the 50s. The strategic RSD R-5 and R-12 equipped with nuclear warheads (general designers S.P. Korolev and M.K. Yangel) with a range of 1200 and 2000 km and ICBMs R-7 and R-7A were adopted into service with formations and units. (general designer S.P. Korolev). In 1958, the engineering brigades of the RVGK, armed with operational-tactical missiles R-11 and R-11M, were transferred to the Ground Forces. The first ICBM formation was the facility with the code name “Angara” (commander - Colonel M.G. Grigoriev), which completed its formation at the end of 1958. In July 1959, the personnel of this formation carried out the first combat training launch of ICBMs in the USSR.

The need for centralized leadership of troops equipped with strategic missiles determined the organizational design of a new type of armed forces. In accordance with Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the USSR No. 1384-615 dated December 17, 1959, the Strategic Missile Forces were created as an independent type of armed forces. According to Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1239 of December 10, 1995, this day is celebrated as an annual holiday - Strategic Missile Forces Day.

On December 31, 1959, the following were formed: the Main Headquarters of the Missile Forces, the Central Command Post with a communications center and a computer center, the Main Directorate of Missile Weapons, the Combat Training Directorate, and a number of other departments and services. The Strategic Missile Forces included the 12th Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, which was in charge of nuclear weapons, engineering formations previously subordinate to the Deputy Minister of Defense for Special Weapons and Jet Technology, missile regiments and directorates of 3 Air Force air divisions, arsenals of missile weapons, bases and warehouses of special weapons. The Strategic Missile Forces also included the 4th State Central Training Ground of the Moscow Region (Kapustin Yar); 5th Research Test Site of the Ministry of Defense (Baikonur); separate scientific testing station in the village. Keys in Kamchatka; 4th Research Institute of Moscow Region (Bolshevo, Moscow region). In 1963, on the basis of the Angara facility, the 53rd Scientific Research Test Site for Missile and Space Weapons of the Ministry of Defense (Plesetsk) was formed.

On June 22, 1960, the Military Council of the Strategic Missile Forces was created, which included M.I. Nedelin (chairman), V.A. Bolyatko, P.I. Efimov, M.A. Nikolsky, A.I. Semenov, V.F. Tolubko, F.P. Tonkikh, M.I. Ponomarev. In 1960, the Regulations on combat duty of units and subunits of the Strategic Missile Forces were put into effect. In order to centralize the combat control of the Missile Forces with strategic weapons, organs and control points at the strategic, operational and tactical levels were included in the structure of the Strategic Missile Forces control system, and automated systems for communication and control of troops and combat assets were introduced.

In 1960 - 1961 On the basis of long-range aviation air armies, missile armies were formed, which included RSD formations. The engineering brigades and regiments of the RVGK were reorganized into missile divisions and RSD missile brigades, and the directorates of artillery training ranges and ICBM brigades were reorganized into the directorates of missile corps and divisions. The main combat unit in an RSD formation was a missile division, and in an ICBM formation - a missile regiment. Until 1966, the intercontinental ballistic missile systems R-16 and R-9A were put into service (general designers M.K. Yangel and S.P. Korolev). In the RSD troops, subunits and units were formed armed with the R-12U, R-14U ballistic missile launchers with cluster silo launchers (general designer M.K. Yangel). The first missile formations and units were staffed mainly by officers from the artillery, navy, air force and ground forces. Their retraining for missile specialties was carried out at training centers at test sites, at industrial enterprises and at courses at military educational institutions, and subsequently by instructor groups in units.

In 1965 - 1973 The Strategic Missile Forces are equipped with ballistic missile systems OS RS-10, RS-12, R-36, dispersed over a large area (general designers M.K. Yangel, V.N. Chelomey). In 1970, in order to improve troop leadership and increase the reliability of combat control, missile army directorates were created on the basis of the missile corps directorates. Formations and units with single silo launchers were capable of delivering a guaranteed retaliatory strike in any conditions at the start of the war. The 2nd generation missile launchers ensured remote launch of missiles in the shortest possible time, high accuracy of hitting the target and survivability of troops and weapons, and improved operating conditions for missile weapons.

In 1973 - 1985 The Strategic Missile Forces adopted the stationary DBK RS-16, RS-20A, RS-20B and RS-18 (general designers V.F. Utkin and V.N. Chelomey) and the mobile ground DBK RSD-10 (“Pioneer” ”) (general designer A.D. Nadiradze), equipped with multiple individually targeted warheads. Missiles and control points for stationary ballistic missile systems were located in especially highly secure structures. The missiles use autonomous control systems from an on-board computer, providing remote re-aiming of the missiles before launch.

In 1985 - 1992 The Strategic Missile Forces were armed with missile launchers with RS-22 silo- and railway-based missiles (general designer V.F. Utkin) and modernized RS-20V silo-based and RS-12M ground-based missiles (general designers V.F. Utkin and A.D. Nadiradze). These complexes have increased combat readiness, high survivability and resistance to damaging factors nuclear explosion, operational re-aiming and increased autonomy.

The quantitative and qualitative composition of nuclear weapons carriers and warheads of the Strategic Missile Forces, as well as other components of strategic nuclear forces, has been limited since 1972 by the maximum levels established by the Treaties between the USSR (Russia) and the USA. In accordance with the Treaty between the USSR and the USA on the Elimination of Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles (1987), RSDs and launchers for them were destroyed, including 72 RSD-10 (“Pioneer”) missiles - by launching from field combat launch positions in districts Chita and Kansk.

In 1997, the Strategic Missile Forces, the Military Space Forces, and the missile and space defense forces of the Air Defense Forces of the RF Armed Forces were united into a single branch of the RF Armed Forces - the Strategic Missile Forces. Since June 2001, the Strategic Missile Forces have been transformed into 2 types of troops - Strategic Missile Forces and Space Forces.

The priority directions for the further development of the Strategic Missile Forces are: maintaining the combat readiness of the existing group of troops, maximizing the extension of the operational life of missile systems, completing the development and deployment at the required pace of modern stationary and mobile-based Topol-M missile systems, developing a system of combat command and control of troops and weapons, creating scientific and technical groundwork for promising models of weapons and equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces.

Purpose of strategic missile forces

Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN), a branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the main component of its strategic nuclear forces. Designed for nuclear deterrence of possible aggression and destruction as part of strategic nuclear forces or by independent massive, group or single nuclear missile strikes of strategic targets located in one or several strategic aerospace directions and forming the basis of the enemy’s military and military-economic potentials.

The role and place of the Strategic Missile Forces in the emerging system of ensuring strategic stability and national security

The modern world is characterized by a highly dynamic transformation of the system of international relations. After the end of the era of bipolar confrontation, contradictory trends emerged towards the formation of a multipolar world and the establishment of dominance by one country or group of countries. Moreover, their implementation is often based on military force methods of solving problems of world politics, which run counter to existing standards world law. Thus, relying on military force still tops the list of measures to resolve crisis situations in the world.

Russia, as one of the largest states in the world with a unique geostrategic position, centuries-old history and rich cultural traditions, possessing significant economic, scientific, technical and military potential, cannot remain aloof from ongoing global processes. To achieve your national interests it is interested in maintaining stable international relations between the most economically and militarily powerful states and strategic stability in general, both on a global and regional scale. Therefore, Russia considers strengthening a set of measures to maintain strategic stability, prevent military conflicts and prevent their escalation as priority areas for ensuring its military security. In implementing these measures, Russia relies on deterrence potential, the main purpose of which is to prevent and suppress attempts by states or coalitions of states to resolve contradictions with the Russian Federation and its allies through military force through a convincing demonstration of determination and readiness to use force.

Today Russia has sufficient military power. The plan for the construction and development of the Armed Forces provides for their further organizational improvement and the qualitative development of weapons and military equipment. However, an important feature of the current situation is that the reform of the Russian Armed Forces has not yet been completed. A number of states and their alliances have gained significant superiority in general-purpose forces. In the current economic situation in the country, the main real military force capable of compensating for potential military threats to Russia remains strategic nuclear forces (SNF).

It should be noted that if in the initial period of its existence nuclear weapon was considered as a powerful offensive means of achieving superiority in war, today it has largely become a political means of achieving goals, fulfilling its function of deterring a potential aggressor. Therefore, in the current conditions, Russia, as defined in the Military Doctrine of the Russian Federation, considers nuclear missile weapons as one of the most important factors in deterring aggression, ensuring its military security, maintaining international stability and peace.

However, what is holding back is not only and not so much the presence of nuclear weapons, but their actual combat characteristics and high capabilities for its combat use in any situation. Today, Russia's strategic nuclear forces are most consistent with the country's geostrategic and economic position. Possessing global reach, enormous destructive power and without requiring prohibitive maintenance costs, they make it possible to provide deterrence functions at the lowest cost relative to countries that have significant superiority in economic and human resources, as well as in the level of equipment of troops with modern, highly effective conventional weapons. In addition, the presence of strategic nuclear forces and their high combat readiness enable Russia to carry out long-term and economically difficult reform of the Armed Forces and the entire military organization of the state.

The Strategic Missile Forces are one of the three components of strategic nuclear forces (along with naval and aviation strategic nuclear forces). Due to their geostrategic position, the Soviet Union, and then Russia, traditionally gave priority in the development of their strategic nuclear forces to the ground component - the Strategic Missile Forces. Therefore, even today, approximately 2/3 of all carriers and warheads of strategic nuclear forces are concentrated in their combat composition. The role of the Strategic Missile Forces in the strategic nuclear forces is determined not only by quantitative parameters, but also by their inherent qualitative characteristics, such as: high combat readiness and survivability of missile systems, efficiency and stability of combat control, including under enemy influence.

An indirect confirmation of the “weight” of the Strategic Missile Forces in the strategic nuclear forces is that the United States for many years considered the ground-based ICBMs of the Soviet Union as nuclear weapons that pose the greatest threat to their national security. That is why during the START negotiations they always sought to limit the capabilities of the Strategic Missile Forces to a greater extent. Thus, more than 80% of the restrictions of the START I Treaty relate to ICBMs. Further restrictions on ground-based missiles are provided for by the START-2 Treaty (elimination of ICBMs with MIRVs, special procedures for the elimination of heavy ICBMs and their silos). The draft START-3 Treaty, as well as the START-1 and START-2 Treaties, imposes the main restrictions on the ground force strategic missiles nal complexes of stationary and mobile types.

From June 1 this year The Strategic Missile Forces were transformed from a branch of the Armed Forces into two independent but closely interacting branches of troops under central command: the Space Forces and the Strategic Missile Forces. During the process of reorganization, the Strategic Missile Forces retained their combat capabilities and ability to timely carry out the combat missions assigned to them for nuclear deterrence. As before, the Missile Forces with the entire existing nuclear missile group, the centralized combat command system and the previously created infrastructure remain combat ready and now, as a branch of the centrally subordinate troops, continue to carry out the tasks assigned to them.

At the same time, the Construction and Development Plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, developed for the period until 2005, provided for the qualitative development of the Strategic Missile Forces by re-equipping them with the new Topol-M missile system with more advanced combat and technical characteristics. This complex subsequently formed the basis of the Strategic Missile Forces grouping.

The planned reduction of the Strategic Missile Forces group in the coming years will be carried out taking into account international agreements on strategic offensive arms and the expiration of the operational life of the corresponding missile systems and combat control systems.

Based on this, the prospects for the further development of the Strategic Missile Forces provide for the solution of two main tasks:

• Guaranteed provision of nuclear deterrence against aggression against Russia at a minimum sufficient level;
• Bringing the strength of the Strategic Missile Forces into line with the new organizational structure and the combat missions assigned to them.

The quantitative and qualitative parameters of the Strategic Missile Forces grouping are determined by a number of factors, of which the following are of paramount importance:

• Firstly, the economic capabilities of the state. It is no secret that these opportunities are currently quite limited. Therefore, the chosen path to ensure Russia’s military security, relying on nuclear potential, maintained at a level minimally sufficient to solve the problems of deterrence, today seems to be the most appropriate;
• Secondly, fulfillment of contractual obligations. As is known, in accordance with the START-2 Treaty, by 2007 the Missile Forces had to eliminate all heavy PC-20 missiles with multiple warheads and re-equip the PC-18 missile with a monoblock warhead, that is, switch completely to a group of monoblock missiles;
• Thirdly, the state of the military-political situation in the world and the level of military threats to Russia. Today the situation is such that we have no reason to talk about the possibility of large-scale aggression against Russia in traditional forms in the foreseeable future, even if the nuclear deterrent potential is maintained at a lower level. Expert assessments show that in the modern military-political situation, the task of nuclear deterrence can be solved by reducing the total number of warheads in strategic nuclear forces to 1,500 units. Taking into account the economic situation in the country, a mutual reduction to this level of the nuclear potentials of the parties would meet the long-term interests of Russia.

Composition of the Strategic Missile Forces and location

The Strategic Missile Forces include three missile armies: the 27th Guards Missile Army (headquarters located in Vladimir), the 31st Missile Army (Orenburg), and the 33rd Guards Missile Army (Omsk). The 53rd Missile Army (Chita) was disbanded at the end of 2002. It is also planned that over the next few years the 31st Missile Army (Orenburg) will be disbanded. As of July 2004, the missile armies of the Strategic Missile Forces include 15 missile divisions that are armed with combat missile systems. According to the Strategic Missile Forces development plan, published in November 2004, the number of missile divisions will be reduced to 10-12.

Now in the Strategic Missile Forces, the main areas for the deployment of silo launchers of intercontinental ballistic missiles are six areas: Kozelsk, Tatishchevo, Dombarovsky, Uzhur, Kartaly, Aleysk, in which RS-20, RS-18, UR-100UTTH and some others missiles are on combat duty, as well as nine patrol areas of mobile DBK "Topol" and "Topol-M": Yoshkar-Ola, Teykovo, Novosibirsk, Kansk, Irkutsk, Barnaul, Nizhny Tagil, Vypolzovo, Drovyanaya. 12 RS-22 “Scalpel” launchers at the railway complex are located at permanent deployment points in Kostroma, Krasnoyarsk and Perm.

Missile systems of the Strategic Missile Forces

As of July 2004, the Strategic Missile Forces were armed with 608 missile systems of five different types, which were capable of carrying 2,365 nuclear warheads:

Missile complex	Power of one warhead, kt	Number of warheads	Total power, kt	Locations
R-36MUTTH/R-36M2 (SS-18)	108	10	1080	Dombarovsky, Kartaly, Uzhur
UR-100NUTTKH (SS-19)	130	6	780	Kozelsk, Tatishchevo
RT-23UTTH (SS-24)	15	10	150	Kostroma
Poplar (SS-25)	315	1	315	Teykovo, Yoshkar-Ola, Yurya, Nizhny Tagil, Novosibirsk, Kansk, Irkutsk, Barnaul, Vypolzovo
Topol-M (SS-27)	40	1	40	Tatishchevo

Technical equipment of the Strategic Missile Forces

At the end of 2003, the new Iskander operational-tactical missile system will enter service with the Russian Ground Forces. Its deliveries, as reported by Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Moskovsky, are provided for by the state defense order for the current year.

Iskander is designed to strike particularly important small targets. The firing range of the complex does not exceed 300 km. It has two missiles per launcher, which significantly increases the firepower of missile battalions and brigades. It hits targets with exceptional accuracy, which is equivalent in effectiveness to the use of nuclear weapons. Iskander was developed at the Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau.

Its sample was first demonstrated at the Ural exhibition of weapons and military equipment in Nizhny Tagil in July 2000.

The development of the R-36MUTTH (also known as RS-20B and SS-18) and R-36M2 (RS-20V, SS-18) missiles was carried out by the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine). The deployment of R-36MUTTH missiles was carried out in 1979-1983, and the R-36M2 missiles in 1988-1992. The R-36MUTTH and R-36M2 missiles are two-stage liquid-fueled and can carry 10 warheads (there is also a monoblock version of the missile). The production of missiles was carried out by the Southern Machine-Building Plant (Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine). The development plans of the Strategic Missile Forces provide for the preservation of all R-36M2 missiles (about 50 missiles) on combat duty. Subject to the planned extension of service life to 25-30 years, the R-36M2 missiles will be able to remain on combat duty until approximately 2020. The R-36MUTTH missiles were planned to be withdrawn from service by 2008.

The UR-100NUTTKH (SS-19) missiles were developed by NPO Mashinostroeniya (Reutov, Moscow region). The missiles were deployed in 1979-1984. The UR-100NUTTH missile is a two-stage liquid-fueled missile that carries 6 warheads. The production of rockets was carried out by the plant named after. M. V. Khrunicheva (Moscow). To date, some of the UR-100NUTTH missiles have been withdrawn from service. At the same time, based on test launch results, the missile's lifespan appears to have been extended to at least 25 years, meaning these missiles could be stored for several years. In addition, Russia purchased 30 UR-100NUTTH missiles from Ukraine, which were in storage. Once deployed, these missiles are planned to remain in service until approximately 2030.

The RT-23UTTH (SS-24) missiles were developed at the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (Dnepropetrovsk). Versions of the rocket were created for the silo-based complex and the railway-based complex. The deployment of the railway version of the complex was carried out in 1987-1991, the mine version in 1988-1989. The RT-23UTTH three-stage solid-fuel missile carries 10 warheads. The production of missiles was carried out by the Pavlograd Machine-Building Plant (Ukraine). To date, the process of removing RT-23UTTH missiles from service is underway - all silo-based complexes have been eliminated, and in 2005 it is planned to eliminate the last railway complexes.

The Topol (SS-25) ground-based missile systems were developed at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. The missiles were deployed in 1985-1992. The Topol complex missile is a three-stage solid-fuel missile that carries one warhead. The production of missiles was carried out by the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant. To date, the process of removing the Topol complexes from service has begun due to the expiration of the missiles’ service life.

Brief description of missiles

Pioneer-3

"Pioneer-3" is a mobile ground-based missile system with a two-stage medium-range ballistic missile. The development of the complex was carried out by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. Tested in 1986.

A more advanced launcher and new, more efficient and accurate warheads have been developed for the missile. The design bureau of the Minsk Automobile Plant developed a rocket carrier with more comfortable and cozy cabins for personnel. Tests of the complex were interrupted during negotiations on the elimination of medium- and shorter-range missiles. Serial production of missiles was not launched.

R-36M. 15A14 (RS-20A)

R-36M is a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile. It was equipped with a monoblock warhead and a MIRV IN with ten warheads. Developed at Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Mikhail Yangel and Vladimir Utkin. Development began on September 2, 1969. LCTs were carried out from 1972 to October 1975. Tests of the warhead as part of the complex were carried out until November 29, 1979. The complex was put on combat duty on December 25, 1974. Entered service on December 30, 1975.

The first stage is equipped with an RD-264 main engine, consisting of four single-chamber RD-263 engines. The engine was developed at Design Bureau Energomash under the leadership of Valentin Glushko. The second stage is equipped with a propulsion engine RD-0228, developed at the Chemical Automation Design Bureau under the leadership of Alexander Konopatov. The fuel components are UDMH and nitrogen tetroxide. The OS silo was finalized at KBSM under the leadership of Vladimir Stepanov. The launch method is mortar. The control system is autonomous, inertial. Developed at NII-692 under the leadership of Vladimir Sergeev. A set of means for overcoming missile defense was developed at TsNIRTI. The combat stage is equipped with a solid propellant propulsion system. The unified control gear was developed at TsKB TM by the leadership of Nikolai Krivoshein and Boris Aksyutin.

Serial production of missiles began at the Yuzhny Machine-Building Plant in 1974.

Performance characteristics of the missile"Voevoda" R-36M2. 15A18M
Maximum firing range with a “light” monoblock warhead	16,000 km
Firing range of a missile with a “heavy” warhead	11,200 km
Firing range of a missile with MIRV IN	10,200 km
Maximum launch weight	211 t
Head weight	7.3 t
Rocket length	34 m
Maximum body diameter	3m
Fuel weight	188 t
	400 tf
	450 tf
	293 kgf s/kg
	312 kgf·s/kg
Pressure in the combustion chamber of the first stage propulsion engine	200 atm
Inner diameter of reinforced concrete silo shaft	5.9 m
Silo barrel depth	39 m
Missile combat readiness	30 s

R-36M UTTH. 15A18 (RS-20B)

R-36M UTTH is a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile. Developed at Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Vladimir Utkin. Equipped with a MIRV with ten warheads. Development began on August 16, 1976. LCTs were carried out at the Baikonur test site from October 31, 1977 to November 1979. The complex was put on combat duty on September 18, 1979. Entered service on December 17, 1980.

• The maximum firing range is 11,500 km.
• The initially established guaranteed shelf life is 10 years.

The main characteristics of the R-36M UTTH missile are similar to those of the R-36M.

"Voevoda" R-36M2. 15A18M (RS-20V)

R-36M2 is a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile. It was equipped with a MIRV IN with ten warheads and a monoblock warhead. Developed at Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Vladimir Utkin. The technical proposal was developed in June 1979. Development began on August 9, 1983. LCTs were carried out from March 1986 to March 1988. The complex was put into service on August 11, 1988. Placed on combat duty in December 1988.

The first stage is equipped with an RD-274 main engine, consisting of four autonomous single-chamber RD-273 propulsion blocks. Developed under the leadership of Valentin Glushko and Vitaly Radovsky. The second stage is equipped with a single-chamber main engine RD-0255, made in a closed circuit. The liquid-propellant rocket engine was developed at the Chemical Automatics Design Bureau under the leadership of Alexander Konopatov. The second stage steering engine has four rotary combustion chambers and one fuel pump. The fuel components are UDMH and nitrogen tetroxide. The autonomous inertial control system was developed under the leadership of the chief designer of the Kharkov NII-692 (NPO Khartron) Vladimir Sergeev. The unified control gear was developed at TsKB TM under the leadership of Boris Aksyutin. The missile is equipped with a set of means to overcome enemy missile defenses.

Serial production of missiles has been launched at the Southern Machine-Building Plant in Dnepropetrovsk.

Performance characteristics of the missile "Voevoda" R-36M2. 15A18M
	11,000 km
	15,000 km
Maximum launch weight	211 t
Head weight	8.8 t
Rocket length	34.3 m
Maximum body diameter	3m
Thrust of the first stage propulsion engine at the ground	144 tf
	296 kgf s/kg
	15 years.

MR-UR-100. 15A15 (RS-16A)

MR-UR-100 is a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile. It was equipped with a MIRV IN with four warheads and a monoblock warhead. Developed at Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Mikhail Yangel and Vladimir Utkin. Development of the project began in 1967. The government decree was issued on September 2, 1969. Flight development tests were carried out from December 26, 1972 to December 17, 1974 at the Baikonur training ground. The complex was put into service on December 30, 1975. Placed on combat duty on May 6, 1975.

The launcher was developed at the Leningrad Special Engineering Design Bureau under the leadership of Alexei Utkin. The launch method is mortar. A unified mine-type high-security gearbox was developed at TsKB TM under the leadership of Nikolai Krivoshein and Boris Aksyutin. The first stage is equipped with a sustainer single-chamber fixedly mounted liquid propellant rocket engine RD-268, made in a closed circuit. The steering engine has four rotary combustion chambers. The first stage propulsion rocket engine was developed at the Energomash Design Bureau under the leadership of Valentin Glushko. The second stage is equipped with a single-chamber fixed-mounted 15D169 engine, developed at KB-4 of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Ivan Ivanov. Control of the second stage is ensured by gas injection into the supercritical part of the nozzle and four steering nozzles. The fuel components are UDMH and nitrogen tetroxide. The propulsion of warheads is carried out using a solid-fuel rocket engine. The control system is autonomous, inertial. Developed at the Research Institute of AP under the leadership of Nikolai Pilyugin. Gyroscopic devices were developed at the Research Institute of Applied Mechanics under the leadership of Viktor Kuznetsov. Solid propellant charges of powder pressure accumulators were developed under the leadership of the chief designer of LNPO Soyuz Boris Zhukov. The missile is equipped with a missile defense penetration system developed at TsNIRTI. For the MR-UR-100, R-36M and UR-100N missile systems, the Leningrad NPO Impulse developed a unified automated combat control system.

Serial production of missiles began at the Yuzhny Machine-Building Plant in 1973.

Performance characteristics of the missile MR-UR-100. 15A15
Maximum firing range of a missile with MIRV IN	10,200 km
Maximum firing range of a missile with a monoblock warhead	10,300 km
Maximum launch weight	71 t
Head weight	2.5 t
Rocket length	21 m
Maximum first stage casing diameter	2.25 m
Maximum diameter of the second stage body	2.1 m
Thrust of the first stage propulsion engine at the ground	117 tf
Specific thrust impulse of the first stage engine at the ground	296 kgf s/kg
Initial warranty period	10 years

MR-UR-100 UTTH. 15A16 (RS-16B)

MR-UR-100 UTTH is a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile. It was equipped with a MIRV IN with four warheads and a monoblock warhead. Developed at Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Vladimir Utkin. Development began on August 16, 1976. Flight development tests were carried out from October 25, 1977 to December 15, 1979 at the Baikonur training ground. The complex was put on combat duty on October 17, 1978. Entered service on December 17, 1980.

The main characteristics of the MR-UR-100 UTTH missile are similar to those of the MR-UR-100.

"Perimeter" 15A11

"Perimeter" is a command missile. The development of a preliminary design for the command missile of the Perimeter system began at the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Vladimir Utkin in accordance with the government decree of August 30, 1974. In December 1975, a preliminary design of the rocket was developed.

In December 1977, a preliminary design of the 15A11 command missile with the 15B99 warhead of the Perimeter system was developed. In December 1979, the first launches of 15A11 missiles were carried out to test and issue missile launch commands during a special period. In March 1982, flight tests of the rocket were completed.

UR-100N. 15A30 (RS-18A)

UR-100N is a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile. Equipped with MIRV IN with six warheads. Developed at the Central Design Bureau for Mechanical Engineering under the leadership of Vladimir Chelomey and at Branch No. 1 of the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering under the leadership of Viktor Bugaisky. Development began on September 2, 1969. Tests were carried out at the Baikonur test site from April 9, 1973 to October 1975. The complex was put on combat duty on April 26, 1975. Entered service on December 30, 1975.

The OS silo launch complex was developed at Branch No. 2 of TsKBM (GNIP OKB Vympel) under the leadership of Vladimir Baryshev. The launch method is gas-dynamic. The first stage was equipped with four sustaining single-chamber rotary liquid propellant engines RD-0233 and RD-0234. The engines are made in a closed circuit. For the second stage, single-chamber liquid propellant rocket engines were created: RD-0235, made in a closed circuit, and RD-0236, made in an open circuit. The second stage propulsion engine is installed motionless. Main stage liquid propellant engines of the first and second stages and combat stage liquid propellant engines were developed at the Chemical Automatics Design Bureau under the leadership of Alexander Konopatov. The second stage is controlled by a steering motor with four rotary combustion chambers. The fuel components are UDMH and nitrogen tetroxide. Brake motors were developed in KB-2 of plant No. 81 (Iskra MKB) under the leadership of Ivan Kartukov. The autonomous inertial control system was developed at the Kharkov Research Institute-692 (NPO Khartron) under the leadership of Vladimir Sergeev.

Serial production of missiles began in 1974 at the Moscow Machine-Building Plant named after M.V. Khrunichev.

UR-100N UTTH. 15A35 (RS-18B)

UR-100N UTTH is a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile. Equipped with MIRV IN with six warheads. Developed at the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering under the leadership of Vladimir Chelomey and Herbert Efremov. Development began on August 16, 1976. Tests were carried out at the Baikonur test site from December 1977 to June 1979. The complex was put into service on December 17, 1980. Placed on combat duty in January 1981. Serial production of missiles at the Moscow Machine-Building Plant named after M. Khrunichev continued until 1985.

The main characteristics of the UR-100N UTTH missile are similar to the characteristics of the UR-100N missile.

RT-23. 15Zh43

RT-23. 15Zh43 is a combat railway missile system with a solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile. Development was carried out at the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Mikhail Yangel in accordance with the order of the Minister of General Engineering “On the creation of a mobile combat railway missile system (BZHRK) with the RT-23 missile” dated January 13, 1969. In October 1975, construction of the solid fuel engine assembly housing for the RT-23 ICBM began at the Pavlograd Mechanical Plant.

RT-23. 15Zh44

RT-23. 15Zh44 is a solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile for silo launchers. Development was carried out at the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Mikhail Yangel in accordance with the decree of the government of the country dated July 23, 1976. The control system was created at the Research Institute of Automation and Instrumentation under the leadership of Nikolai Pilyugin and Vladimir Lapygin.
The first preliminary design of a rocket with a monoblock warhead was completed in March 1977. On June 1, 1979, a government decree was issued on the development of the MIRV IN missile. The second, modified, preliminary design of a rocket with MIRV IN 15F143 and increased energy was completed in December 1979. Flight testing of the silo version began in December 1982. On February 10, 1983, by decision of the USSR Defense Council, the RT-23 missile was launched. 15Zh44 is not accepted for service.

RT-23. 15Zh52 (RS-22)

RT-23.15Zh52 is a solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile for the BZHRK. Equipped with a MIRV with ten warheads. Developed at Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Mikhail Yangel and Vladimir Utkin. Development began in 1976. The government decree was issued on July 6, 1979. The complex was put into trial operation on February 10, 1983, but was not accepted for service.

The autonomous control system was developed at the Moscow Research Institute of Automation and Instrumentation under the leadership of Vladimir Lapygin. The launcher was developed at the Leningrad Design Bureau Spetsmash under the leadership of Alexey Utkin. The launch method is mortar. The missile is equipped with a set of means to overcome missile defense. The mixed fuel and solid propellant charge of the first stage of the rocket were developed in Biysk under the leadership of Yakov Savchenko, the second and third stages - in Dzerzhinsky under the leadership of Boris Zhukov. The command module was developed at TsKBTM under the leadership of Boris Aksyutin and Alexander Leontenkov.

The assembly of missiles was mastered at the Pavlograd Mechanical Plant. The railway launcher was mass-produced by the Yurga Machine-Building Plant.

“Well done” RT-23UTTH. 15Zh60 (RS-22)

RT-23 UTTH is a solid-fuel three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile for three types of deployment. Equipped with a MIRV with ten warheads. The development of the Molodets RT-23 UTTH complex began at the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau under the leadership of Vladimir Utkin on August 9, 1983. Tests of the 15Zh60 mine version at the Plesetsk test site took place from July 31, 1986 to September 26, 1988. The complex in the OS silo was put on combat duty on August 19, 1988. Entered service on November 28, 1989.
The silo was developed at the State Scientific Research Institute "OKB Vympel" under the leadership of Oleg Baskakov. The launch method is mortar. The autonomous control system was developed at the Moscow Research Institute of Automation and Instrumentation under the leadership of Vladimir Lapygin. The mixed fuel and solid propellant charge of the first stage of the rocket were developed in Biysk under the leadership of Yakov Savchenko, the second and third stages - in Dzerzhinsky under the leadership of Boris Zhukov. The system of temperature-humidity conditions and heat removal was created at the Moscow Design Bureau of Transport and Chemical Engineering. The missile is equipped with a set of means to overcome missile defense.

Topol-M (SS-27)

The Topol-M (SS-27) missile system was developed at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. The complex is being created in a mine-based version and in a ground mobile version. The deployment of the mine version of the complex began in 1997. Testing of the mobile version of the complex was completed in December 2004. The deployment of mobile complexes is planned to begin in 2006. From three to nine complexes will be put into operation annually. The Topol-M missile is a three-stage solid-fuel missile, created in a monoblock version. The production of missiles is carried out by the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant.

Three engines allow it to gain speed much faster than all previous types of rockets. In addition, several dozen auxiliary engines and control equipment provide flight that is unpredictable for the enemy.

R-1. 8A11

R-1 is a single-stage tactical ballistic missile (long-range ballistic missile). Developed at NII-88 under the leadership of Sergei Korolev. Chief designer - Alexander Shcherbakov. The work was started by Korolev in 1946. The government decree on development was issued on April 14, 1948. Tests at the Kapustin Yar test site were carried out from September 17, 1948 to October 1949. The complex was put into service on November 25, 1950.
The RD-100 (8D51) sustainer single-chamber liquid propellant engine was developed at OKB-456 under the leadership of Valentin Glushko. The fuel components are ethyl alcohol and liquid oxygen. The complex of ground-based equipment was developed at GSKB Spetsmash under the leadership of Vladimir Barmin. The starting device is a stationary ground table. The launch method is gas-dynamic (the launch was carried out by the main engine). The control system is autonomous, inertial. Developed at NII-885 under the leadership of Nikolai Pilyugin and at NII-944 under the leadership of Viktor Kuznetsov. The transport units of the missile system were developed by the Moscow KBTM under the leadership of Anatoly Gurevich. The rocket installer was developed at the Central Design Bureau for Heavy Engineering under the leadership of Nikolai Leikin. Fuel tanks are suspended (non-load-bearing). Controls: air and gas jet rudders. The missile has a monoblock non-nuclear warhead that cannot be separated in flight.
The production of missiles has been launched at the Experimental Plant NII-88 in Podlipki. Serial production of R-1 missiles and RD-100 engines was launched in November 1952 at the State Union Plant No. 586 in Dnepropetrovsk.

Performance characteristics of the missile R-1. 8A11
	270 km
Maximum launch weight	13.4 t
Dry weight of the rocket	4 t
Head weight	1 t
	785 kg
Fuel weight	8.5 t
Rocket length	14.6 m
Maximum body diameter	1.65 m
	27 tf
	31 tf
	199 kgf s/kg
	232 kgf·s/kg
	206 pp.
Main engine weight	885 kg

R-2. 8Zh38

R-2 is a single-stage operational-tactical ballistic missile (long-range ballistic missile). Developed at NII-88 under the leadership of Sergei Korolev. Sergei Korolev began the project of a rocket with a doubled flight range in 1946. A government decree defining the stages of work on the project was issued on April 14, 1947. The preliminary design of the rocket was approved on April 25, 1947. Tests were carried out at the Kapustin Yar training ground from September 21, 1949 to July 1951. The complex was put into service on November 27, 1951.

The RD-101 (8D52) sustainer single-chamber liquid propellant engine was developed at OKB-456 under the leadership of Valentin Glushko. The fuel components are ethyl alcohol and liquid oxygen. The complex of ground-based equipment was developed at GSKB Spetsmash under the leadership of Vladimir Barmin. The launch device is a stationary ground launch pad. The launch method is gas-dynamic. The transport units of the missile system were developed by the Moscow KBTM under the leadership of Anatoly Gurevich. The installer was developed at the Central Design Bureau for Heavy Engineering under the leadership of Nikolai Leikin. The autonomous inertial control system was developed at NII-885 under the leadership of Nikolai Pilyugin and at NII-944 under the leadership of Viktor Kuznetsov. The radio correction system was developed under the leadership of chief designer Mikhail Borisenko. The rocket's controls are air and gas-jet rudders. The fuel tank is load-bearing, the oxidizer tank is suspended. The missile has a monoblock non-nuclear warhead detachable in flight.

Serial production of R-2 missiles and RD-101 engines was launched at the State Union Plant No. 586 in Dnepropetrovsk in June 1953.

Performance characteristics of the missileR-2. 8Zh38
Maximum firing range	600 km
Maximum launch weight	20.4 t
Head weight	1.5 t
Weight of a conventional explosive charge	1,008 kg
Fuel weight	14.5 t
Rocket length	17.7 m
Maximum body diameter	1.65 m
Main engine thrust at ground level	37 tf
Main engine thrust in the void	41 tf
Specific thrust impulse of the main engine at the ground	210 kgf·s/kg
Specific thrust impulse of a propulsion engine in vacuum	237 kgf·s/kg
Main engine weight	1,178 kg

R-3. 8A67

The R-3 is a single-stage medium-range ballistic missile (long-range ballistic missile). Development was carried out at NII-88 under the leadership of Sergei Korolev from April 14, 1947. The preliminary design was approved on December 7, 1949 at a meeting of the Scientific and Technical Council NII-88. On October 4, 1950, a government decree was issued on the creation of the R-3 ballistic missile with a firing range of up to 3000 km. In December 1951, S.P. Korolev stopped working on the project in favor of the R-5 project.

The RD-110 single-chamber liquid propellant rocket engine was developed at OKB-456 under the leadership of Valentin Glushko. The fuel components are oxygen and kerosene. The complex of ground-based assets was developed at GSKB Spetsmash under the leadership of Vladimir Barmin. The launch device is a stationary ground launch pad. The launch method is gas-dynamic. The autonomous control system with radio correction was developed at NII-885 under the leadership of Mikhail Ryazansky and Nikolai Pilyugin, as well as at NII-20 under the leadership of Boris Konoplev. Command instruments (gyros) were developed at NII-944 under the leadership of Viktor Kuznetsov.

R-5. 8A62

The R-5 is a single-stage medium-range ballistic missile (long-range ballistic missile). Developed at NII-88 under the leadership of Sergei Korolev. Leading designer - Dmitry Kozlov. Development began in 1949. The government decree on the creation of the rocket was issued in 1952. Tests took place at the Kapustin Yar training ground from April 2, 1953 to February 1955. In 1954, on the basis of the R-5 rocket, the development of the R-5M rocket began.
The RD-103 (8D54) single-chamber sustainer engine was developed at OKB-456 under the leadership of chief designer Valentin Glushko. The fuel components are ethyl alcohol and liquid oxygen. The starting device - a stationary ground launcher - was developed at GSKB Spetsmash under the leadership of Vladimir Barmin. The launch method is gas-dynamic. The control system is inertial with radio correction of the flight path. The inertial control system was developed at NII-885 under the leadership of Mikhail Ryazansky and Nikolai Pilyugin, and at NII-944 under the leadership of Viktor Kuznetsov. The radio control system was developed at NII-20 under the leadership of Boris Konoplev. The controls are gas-jet and aerodynamic rudders. The missile has a monoblock non-nuclear warhead detachable in flight. Pilot production of missiles was mastered at the Experimental Plant NII-88.

Performance characteristics of the missileR-5 8A62
Maximum firing range	1,200 km
Maximum launch weight	26 - 28.5 t
Head weight	1.42 t
Unfueled rocket mass	4.2 t
Rocket length	20.75 m
Maximum body diameter	1.65 m
The speed of the warhead upon entering the dense layers of the atmosphere at an altitude of 90 km	about 3 km/s
Main engine thrust at ground level	44 tf
Main engine thrust in the void	50 tf
Specific thrust impulse of the main engine at the ground	220 kgf·s/kg
Specific thrust impulse of a propulsion engine in vacuum	243 kgf·s/kg
Main engine operating time	219 s
Main engine weight	870 kg

R-5M. 8K51

The R-5M is a single-stage medium-range ballistic missile (long-range ballistic missile). Developed at OKB-1 under the leadership of Sergei Korolev. Leading designer - Dmitry Kozlov. Development began on April 10, 1954. Tests took place at the Kapustin Yar training ground from January 20, 1955 to February 1956. The missile entered service on June 21, 1956.

The RD-103M single-chamber sustainer engine was developed at OKB-456 under the leadership of Valentin Glushko. The ground launch complex was developed at GSKB Spetsmash under the leadership of Vladimir Barmin. Transport units were developed at KBTM under the leadership of Vladimir Petrov. The rocket installer was developed at TsKB TM under the leadership of Nikolai Krivoshein. The autonomous inertial control system was developed at NII-885 under the leadership of Mikhail Ryazansky and Nikolai Pilyugin, and at NII-944 under the leadership of Viktor Kuznetsov. The radio control system was developed at NII-20 under the leadership of Boris Konoplev. Controls: air and gas jet rudders. The missile has a monoblock nuclear warhead that is detachable in flight. The atomic warhead was developed in Arzamas-16 under the leadership of Samvel Kocharyants. Means for detonating an atomic warhead were created at Moscow Branch No. 1 (now the All-Russian Research Institute of Automation named after N.L. Dukhov) KB-11 (Arzamas-16) under the leadership of Nikolai Dukhov and Viktor Zuevsky.

Serial production of rockets and engines began in 1956 at the State Union Plant No. 586 in Dnepropetrovsk.

Performance characteristics of the missile R-5M 8K51
Maximum firing range	1,200 km
Maximum launch weight	29.1 t
Head weight	1.35 t
Nuclear warhead power	300 kt (there are data about warheads with a capacity 80 kt and 1 Mt)
Unfueled rocket mass	4.39 t
Mass of fuel, hydrogen peroxide and compressed air	24.5 t
Mass of liquid oxygen	13.99 t
Mass of ethyl alcohol	10.01 t
Rocket length	20.75 m
Maximum body diameter	1.65 m
Rocket speed at the moment the engine is turned off	3,016 m/s
Top of the trajectory	304 km
Flight time to target	637 s
Main engine thrust at ground level	43 tf
Main engine thrust in the void	50 tf
Specific thrust impulse of the main engine at the ground	216 kgf s/kg
Specific thrust impulse of a propulsion engine in vacuum	243 kgf·s/kg
Main engine weight	870 kg

R-7. 8K71

R-7 is a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile. Developed at OKB-1 under the leadership of Sergei Korolev. Leading designer - Dmitry Kozlov. Development began on May 20, 1954. Tests took place at the Baikonur test site from May 15, 1957 to June 1958. The missile system was put into service on January 20, 1960, but was not put on combat duty.
The first stage (four side blocks) is equipped with four four-chamber propulsion rocket engines RD-107 (8D74) and four two-chamber steering engines. The second stage is equipped with a four-chamber propulsion rocket engine RD-108 (8D75) and a four-chamber steering engine. The RD-107 and RD-108 propulsion engines were developed at OKB-456 under the leadership of Valentin Glushko. Steering motors were developed at OKB-1 under the leadership of Mikhail Melnikov. The fuel components are T-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen. The starting device - a stationary ground launcher - was developed at GSKB Spetsmash under the leadership of Vladimir Barmin. The launch method is gas-dynamic. The transport units of the complex were developed at KBTM under the leadership of Vladimir Petrov. Ground handling units were developed at the Central Design Bureau for Heavy Engineering under the leadership of Nikolai Krivoshein. The control system is inertial with radio correction of the flight path. The autonomous control system was developed at NII-885 under the leadership of Nikolai Pilyugin. The radio control system was developed at NII-885 under the leadership of Mikhail Ryazansky. Command devices were developed at NII-944 under the leadership of Viktor Kuznetsov. The rocket's controls are steering motors and air rudders. The electrical equipment complex was developed at NII-627 of the Ministry of Electrical Engineering Industry under the leadership of Andronik Iosifyan. The missile has a monoblock nuclear warhead that is detachable in flight. The atomic warhead was created under the leadership of chief designer Samvel Kocharyants.
Pilot production of missiles was carried out at the Experimental Plant OKB-1 in Podlipki. Serial production of missiles was launched in 1958 at the Kuibyshev Aviation Plant No. 1. Production of first and second stage main engines was launched at the Kuibyshev Engine Plant No. 24 named after M.V. Frunze.

Performance characteristics of the R-7 8K71 missile
Maximum firing range	9,500 km
Maximum launch weight	283 t
Dry weight of the rocket with warhead	27 t
Head weight	5.4 t
Nuclear warhead power	3 Mt (5 Mt)
Fuel weight	250 t
Rocket length	31 - 33 m
Rocket central block length	19.2 m
Conical head length	3.5 m
Maximum transverse size of the assembled package	10.3 m
Thrust of the first stage propulsion engine at the ground	82 tf
Thrust of the first stage propulsion engine in the void	100 tf
Specific thrust impulse of the first stage propulsion engine at the ground	252 kgf·s/kg
Specific thrust impulse of the first stage propulsion engine in vacuum	308 kgf·s/kg
Operating time of the main engines of the side blocks (first stage)	120 s
	1,155 kg
	75 tf
	94 tf
	243 kgf·s/kg
	309 kgf·s/kg
Operating time of the main engine of the central block (second stage)	up to 290 s
	1,250 kg

R-7A. 8K74

R-7A is a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile. Developed at OKB-1 under the leadership of Sergei Korolev. Leading designer - Dmitry Kozlov. Development began on July 2, 1958. Tests at the Baikonur test site took place from December 24, 1958 to July 1960. The missile system was put on combat duty on January 1, 1960. Entered service on September 12, 1960.
The first stage (four side blocks) is equipped with four RD-107 four-chamber liquid propellant propulsion engines and four two-chamber steering engines. The second stage is equipped with a four-chamber propulsion rocket engine RD-108 and a four-chamber steering engine. The RD-107 and RD-108 propulsion engines were developed at OKB-456 under the leadership of Valentin Glushko. Steering motors were developed at OKB-1 under the leadership of Mikhail Melnikov. The fuel components are T-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen. The starting device - a stationary ground launcher - was developed at GSKB Spetsmash under the leadership of Vladimir Barmin. The launch method is gas-dynamic. The transport units of the complex were developed at KBTM under the leadership of Vladimir Petrov. Ground handling units were developed at the Central Design Bureau for Heavy Engineering under the leadership of Nikolai Krivoshein. The control system is inertial with radio correction of the flight path. The autonomous control system was developed at NII-885 under the leadership of Nikolai Pilyugin. The radio control system was developed at NII-885 under the leadership of Mikhail Ryazansky. Command devices were developed at NII-944 under the leadership of Viktor Kuznetsov. The rocket's controls are steering motors and air rudders. The electrical equipment complex was developed at NII-627 of the Ministry of Electrical Engineering Industry under the leadership of Andronik Iosifyan. The missile has a monoblock nuclear warhead that is detachable in flight. The atomic warhead was created under the leadership of chief designer Samvel Kocharyants.
Serial production of missiles has been launched at Kuibyshev Aviation Plant No. 1. Production of first and second stage main engines has been launched at Kuibyshev Engine Plant No. 24 named after M.V. Frunze.

Performance characteristics of the R-7A 8K74 missile
Maximum firing range	9,500 km
Maximum launch weight	276 t
Head weight	3.7 t
Nuclear warhead power	3 Mt
Fuel weight	250 t
Rocket length	31.4 m
Maximum diameter of housing package	10.3 m
Thrust of the first stage propulsion engine at the ground	82 tf
Thrust of the first stage propulsion engine in the void	100 tf
Specific thrust impulse of the first stage propulsion engine at the ground	252 kgf·s/kg
Specific thrust impulse of the first stage propulsion engine in vacuum	308 kgf·s/kg
Weight of the first stage propulsion engine	1,155 kg
Thrust of the second stage propulsion engine at the ground	75 tf
Thrust of the second stage propulsion engine in the void	94 tf
Specific thrust impulse of the second stage propulsion engine at the ground	243 kgf·s/kg
Specific thrust impulse of the second stage propulsion engine in vacuum	309 kgf·s/kg
Mass of the second stage propulsion engine	1,250 kg

Prospects and trends

The realities are such that there is currently no alternative to nuclear weapons in solving global problems of ensuring the country's security - both currently and in the foreseeable future. That is why the leadership of Russia and the Ministry of Defense, within the framework of the agreements reached, is taking persistent steps to preserve and strengthen the nuclear missile potential of our state. These issues are in the focus of attention of the country's military-political leadership and are highlighted as priorities by the President of Russia - Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces V.V. Putin at a meeting management team Armed Forces on October 2, 2001 and in the Address to the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. Decisions made allowed the Missile Forces to exclude early removal from combat duty of missile regiments with complexes that have not reached the end of their service life, including preserving combat railway missile systems until 2006.

Within the framework of existing solutions, the complete decommissioning of missile systems whose service life has expired is planned to be carried out only in the next decade. The strength characteristics of missile weapons and the emerging new technologies for assessing their objective condition, along with regular testing of the reliability of missiles through combat training launches, make it possible to implement programs to extend their life. As part of this work, in 2001, an examination was carried out and the storage of so-called “dry” missiles (“Stiletto”) was organized. As the examination showed, despite the long storage periods, there are no signs of aging of these missiles. Estimated general designer, this will make it possible to extend the maintenance of part of the missile regiments on combat duty until 2020 and, possibly, beyond. This work was highly appreciated by the President of Russia V.V. Putin and gave him the opportunity to declare at a meeting of the leadership of the Ministry of Defense that “...Russia has a significant stock of ground-based strategic missiles.”

This year, work has begun to extend the service life of “heavy” missiles, which will also allow us to preserve the most powerful missiles for the coming years.

After 2015, the basis of the Strategic Missile Forces grouping will be the Topol-M missile systems, both silo-based and mobile, with various combat equipment. Every year we will put on combat duty the number of these missile systems established by the plans. So these days, in the Saratov region, another regiment equipped with the Topol-M missile system will take up combat duty.

As for the longer term, the existing scientific, technical and design reserves allow us to respond flexibly to emerging challenges and threats. But it should be borne in mind that the development of a fundamentally new missile system will take 10–15 years. We still have such a reserve of time.

Thus, in the medium term, the Missile Forces will have the required number of missile formations and, accordingly, launchers, consistent in their capabilities with the country’s economic resources and modern military-strategic realities.

By December 31, 2012, according to the START Treaty, the Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces should have had no more than 1,700 - 2,200 nuclear warheads, which should ensure adequate nuclear deterrence under various options for the possible development of the military-strategic situation. Taking into account the above, in the nuclear triad, due to the inherent qualities of the Strategic Missile Forces (operability, reliability, independence from weather conditions), the Missile Forces will continue to be assigned the role of the basis of the Strategic Nuclear Forces of Russia, capable of reliably ensuring the deterrence potential from unleashing not only a nuclear, but also a large-scale war with using conventional means of destruction.

About how it works nuclear weapon, read

In the following articles you can learn how to significantly increase your chances of surviving a nuclear attack:

You can also learn about the missile, which became famous for its use against ISIS.