The modernized version of the R-29RM (SS-N-23) missile, known as Sineva, has been officially accepted for service. This step formally completes the missile development process. The flight tests of the missile were completed several years ago (in 2004 or 2005) and it has been deployed on submarines of the Project 667BDRM (Delta IV) class that are currently undergoing overhaul. The missile was reported to carry new nuclear warheads.
UPDATE 12/27/07: According to a representative of the Makeyev Design Bureau, President Putin signed the decree on July 9, 2007.
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Is it known yet if these modernised Sinerva missiles will be carrying three warheads each, rather than the previous four?
Pavel:
Is it fair to assume only one Delta IV class boat has operationally deployed with this system, the “Tula”? Or have the previously updated “Verkhoturie” and “Ekaterinburg” also so converted with the Sineva R-29RM (SS-N-23)? Do we think all three of the remaining submarines, the “Bryansk”, “Karelia”, currently in overhaul and the “Novomoskovsk” yet to so will be so converted?
Frank Shuler
USA
As far as I understand, all submarines that underwent overhaul carry Sineva missiles. As for the number of warheads, one report mentioned three, but START data lists four.
Hi guys,
I read this on ria novosti :
"Recently two Project 667BDRM boats have been modernized, and two more submarines are being repaired and upgraded at Severodvinsk. A new sonar system is being installed to enable them to "see" and "hear" better. Other equipment includes new fire fighting systems, nuclear reactor protection devices, and the RSM-54 Sineva strategic missile system. Unlike its predecessor, the Skif, the Sineva carries 10 independently targetable re-entry vehicles instead of four."
So is this true? I mean 10 warheads? But what i would realy appreciate is new info about the project 885, because all I hear is just russian admirals singing about how great it will be...
RSM-54 aka R-29RM Sineva is listed in START data exchange as carrying four warehads. I don't know where RIAN gets its "ten warheads" stories.
"I don't know where RIAN gets its "ten warheads" stories."
Vladimir Degtyar - Genereal Director /General Designer of FSUE "State Rocket Center "Academician V.P.Makeyev Design Bureau:
http://nvo.ng.ru/armament/2000-05-12/1_blueness.html
"...Принципиальное отличие этой машины от ее предшественницы заключается в том, что у нее изменены размеры ступеней, установлено 10 ядерных блоков, повышена защищенность комплекса от действия электромагнитного импульса, установлена система преодоления ПРО противника. Эта ракета вобрала в себя уникальную систему спутниковой навигации и вычислительный комплекс "Малахит-3", которые предназначались для МБР "Барк".
Why should we believe this statement and not the START MOU?
I am curious as to the yield of this "new" warhead from Chelyabinsk-70. I would guess at least equal to or more than the recently designed 550KT Topol-M warhead from Arzamas-16. Chelyabinsk-70 has traditionally developed more advanced warheads (single 24-25MT for SS-9, SS-18) than Arzamas-16; in the same way that Livermore's designs (B-41, W-71) are more advanced than those from Los Alamos.
May be the confusion arises from the fact that Sineva MAY carry 10 warheads. After all, its throw weight allow it. Meanwhile, if is declared as carrying 4,… just up to 4 is currently carrying.
"Changed dimensions of stages" also sounds quite suspicious. These are reported in START as well.
> Why should we believe this statement and not the START MOU?
- UP TO 10 'light' warheads. Or 4, more powerful, warheads.
- For RSM-54, the throw-weight is 2800 kg... If '50 %' rule is suitable for SLBMs, the weight of warheads should be 1400 kg, or 350 kg per warhead...
- OK, 350 kg per warhead needs to be converted to kilotons... I guess, this weight will be equal to 250 - 350 kT. 4 warheads 300 kTs each on RSM-54.
- As I guess, both configs (4 and 10 warheads) available.
Here the citation of Makeev's brochure:
'The D-9RM system provided simultaneous (or separate) launch of missiles from one submarine, with the missiles being armed with a four-RV OR ten-RV warhead. Pursuant to SALT-1, the R-9RM mount only four-RV warheads'.
Here the scans:
_rd.foto.radikal.ru/0708/64/8bdd6f867a33.jpg
_rd.foto.radikal.ru/0708/8f/379d52190748.jpg
Isn't the Sineva actually "R-29RMU"? That's what I've seen in some quarters.
The report of the minister of defence to the president:
http://www.kremlin.ru/appears/2007/08/03/1910_type63378_139763.shtml
"Хочу сказать, что мы в первом полугодии поставили 36 новых образцов вооружений в наши войска. Это, прежде всего, касается модернизированной баллистической ракеты морского базирования Р-29 РГУ «Синева». ...Провели достаточно успешно в первом полугодии ряд испытаний ракеты наземного базирования «Ярц», морского базировании «Булава» и крылатой ракеты авиационного базирования «Х-102». Мы вышли на завершающую стадию испытаний по всей триаде этих ракет."
What there write in MOU about R-29RGU?
And as in English will be "Ярц"? :-)))
The information I had says it's "Yars", not "Yarts". Not that any of that makes any sense in Russian or in English.
As for R-29RGU, they could call it whatever they want - it is still listed as having four warheads.