On May 20, 2014 the Strategic Rocket Forces carried out a successful launch of a Topol/SS-25 missile that was used to test "new combat payload for future ICBMs." The missile was launched at 21:08 MSK (17:08 UTC) from the Kapustin Yar test site toward the Sary Shagan test site in Kazakhstan.
The Kapustin Yar-Sary Shagan Topol launches has been conducted quite frequently recently. The most recent launch of this type took place in March 2014. Today's launch is most likely one of the two launches that, according to Kazakhstan, Russia was planning to conduct in March. Kazakhstan's ministry of defense identified the missiles used in these launches as Topol-E (Тополь-Э).
UPDATE: The missile left a nice trail in the sky. Also, the video of the launch shows the large warhead section characteristic for Topol-E launches from Kapustin Yar.
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Comments
What's a Topol-E?
It's a designation for a missile that is used for new warhead tests. There is a nice photo from the 2009 launch at militaryrussia.ru. If you look at the video, the missile has roughly the same warhead section.
I am curious as to the yield of the warhead used for the "new combat payload" assuming this is a test of the oft-talked about MARV reentry vehicle for Topol-M. I would guess this experimental RV to be designed for the same 550 kt warhead used in the SS-25/SS-27?