RT-2
The RT-2 was an intercontinental ballistic missile deployed by the Soviet Union, which was in service from December 1968[1] until 1976.[2] It was assigned the NATO reporting name SS-13 Savage and carried the GRAU index 8K98. Designed by OKB-1,[1] about 60 were built by 1972.
RT-2 SS-13 Savage | |
---|---|
Type | Intercontinental ballistic missile |
Place of origin | Soviet Union |
Service history | |
In service | 1968-1976 |
Used by | Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces |
Specifications | |
Mass | 45,100 kg (99,400 lb) |
Length | 21.5 m (71 ft) |
Diameter | 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in) |
Engine | Three-stage solid propellant |
Operational range | 10,000 km |
Guidance system | autonomous inertial guidance |
Accuracy | Maximum error: 4 km, CEP: 1900 m, |
Launch platform | silo-based |
History
The RT-2 was the first solid-propellant ICBM in Soviet service, and was a development of the earlier RT-1 series. It was a three-stage inertially-guided missile comparable to the American Minuteman missile. It was armed with a single 600 kiloton warhead and was silo-launched, although a rail-based version was contemplated by Soviet planners. It was deployed in the Yoshkar-Ola missile field.
The Soviets used the two upper stages of the RT-2 to develop the RT-15 mobile IRBM system. The RT-2PM Topol is supposedly a modernized version of the RT-2
Operations
The RT-2 was capable of delivering a 540 kg (1,200 lb) class payload to a maximum operational range of approximately 10,000 km (5,500 nautical miles)[3]
Command and Control
A single launch control center (LCC) monitored numbers of launchers. The hardened and dispersed silo concept increased system survivability and provided steady environmental controls from the solid-propellant motors. Headquarters RVSN exercised normal control of the RT-2 missile force, through an intermediate RVSN Army and launch complex headquarters (HCC). A launch complex consisted of an HCC and several LCCs, monitoring numerous underground launchers.
Flight test history
Test Launches
RT-2 Test Launches | |||||
Date | System | Location | Range (NM) | Note | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
26 Feb 1966 | RT-2 Mod | Kapustin Yar |
General Characteristics
- Length: 20,000 mm (65.6 ft)
- Diameter: 1,700 mm (5.57 ft)
- Launch Weight: 34,000 kg (33.46 tons)
- Guidance: inertial guidance
- Propulsion: solid, three-stage
- Warhead: 600kt nuclear
- Range: 6,200 mi (10,000 km)
Operators
- Soviet Union
- The Strategic Rocket Forces were the only operator of the RT-2.
Photo gallery
- RT-2 coverage of United States
- RT-2 launch facility configuration
- RT-2 missile complex configuration
See also
References
- "Rocket RT-2P". RKK Energia. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
- Zak, Anatoly. "RT-2". RussianSpaceWeb. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
- Defense Intelligence Agency: "SS-13 Ballistic Missile System", 8 November 1973, DIA Task No. T74-10-03
- Hogg, Ian (2000). Twentieth-Century Artillery. Friedman/Fairfax Publishers. ISBN 1-58663-299-X
- S.P.Korolev RSC Energia Rocket RT-2P