On December 21, 2006 at 11:20 MSK (08:20 UTC) , the Strategic Rocket Forces conducted a successful test launch of a R-36M2 (RS-20V, SS-18) missile from the Dombarovsky division. Missile warheads were reported to have reached their targets at the Kura test site in Kamchatka.
The Rocket Forces announced that the launch was part of the program to extend service life of R-36M2 missiles. The missile that was launched had been in service for 19 years. The first launch of a R-36M2 from the Dombarovsky site was conducted on December 22, 2004. On July 12, 2006, an R-36MUTTH (RS-20B, SS-18) missile launched from Dombarovsky delivered a satellite into orbit. (See also an entry on failed R-36MUTTH launch from Baykonur on 28 July 2006.)
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Hi Pavel!
Regarding all the concerns some people do have about a situation in which Russia is left with "insufficient" numbers and effectiveness of a "pure" SS-27 / SS-N-30 Mix in the foreseeable future, is it stupid to ask why a re-opening of a SS-18 production is not considered?
I know that this most frightening missile was designed and produced in Ukraine (like nearly all missiles which were really "frightening" for the west) but it should be possible to transfer that tooling and to copy production facilities.
I mean, if I have a powerful instrument in hand which is able to provide MIRV capacity as well as mighty single warheads and moreover sufficient range and accuracy why not re-opening production to change old into new ones in already existing silos?
Looking to the mobile concept, I see no real advantage over silo-based systems. As far as I observed the situation the "mobile" ones are quite stationary at their bases - especialy if a sufficient accuracy is demanded.
Pls forgive this maybe unprofessional thinking, but for me it is just a matter of interest. Best Regards from bernd reuter
Bernd Reuter:
Interesting question.
Just my opinion, but I think trying to reconstitute the SS-18 production capability would just be an exercise in futility. The time for such a weapon has passed. The SS-18 R-36M series, and especially the M2 modification, were specifically designed to kill the US Minuteman ICBM force. It remains conjecture if the Minuteman force will even be replaced or whether America will move its deterrence entirely to the Trident replacement in the 2035 timeframe. I think too many resources would be tied up in a SS-18 remanufacturing project that could be put into increasing the numbers of the SS-27 Topol-M program.
Frank Shuler
USA
Hi Pavel!
Pls could you explain to a non-expert what are the basic differences between R-36MUTTH and R-36M2? Thanks in advance and best regards and all the best in 2007 for you personally and to the people who assist your fine work from bernd reuter!
Hi Bernd:
here are some data on the missiles of the R-36M family:
http://www.russianspaceweb.com/r36m_family.html
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/r-36m.htm
http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/r36m2.htm
The R-36M2 has improved engines in the first and a heavier second stage. Also the MIRV-bus was changed. The M2 is more accurate and has higher yield MIRVs.
Martin