RT-2PM Topol, SS-25 Sickle, Russian Ballistic Missile

The RT-2PM Topol (NATO reporting name SS-25 Sickle) is a mobile intercontinental ballistic missile designed in the Soviet Union and in service with Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces.

RT-2PM Topol SS-25 Sickle
Type	Intercontinental ballistic missile
Place of origin	Soviet Union
Service history
In service	1988-present
Used by	Russian Strategic Rocket Forces
Production history
Designer	Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology
Manufacturer	Votkinsk Machine Building Plant
Specifications
Weight	45,100 kg (99,000 lb)
Length	21.5 m (71 ft)
Diameter	1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
Warhead	Single 550 kt warhead
Engine	Three-stage solid propellant
Operational range	10,500 km (6,500 mi)
Speed	approx. 7 km/s
Guidance system	Inertial, autonomous
Accuracy	200 m CEP
Launch platform	Road-mobile TEL

RT-2PM Topol Design

The RT-2PM ICBM was designed to be road mobile and is mounted on a heavy truck (MAZ-7310 or MAZ-7917). Development began in 1977, flight tests of the missile were conducted between 1983 and 1987. After the first series of tests, the first missiles became operational in 1985. Full deployment of 360 missiles was achieved in 1996, and in 2005 300 remained on duty. As of January 2008 the figure had dropped to 201 active missiles. In December 2008 Russian rocket forces had 189 RT-2PM operational missiles. With 276 ICBMs of other types (including 75 R-36 missiles and 75 Topol-M missiles), that gives Russia an ICBM arsenal of 465 missiles - larger than US ICBM arsenal of 450 LGM-30 Minuteman rockets.

The RT-2 is a road mobile 3-stage, single warhead ICBM. Its 29.5 meter length and 1.7 meter diameter are approximately the same size and shape as the U.S. Minuteman ICBM. It has a throw-weight of 1000 kg and carries a single warhead with a yield of 550 kt and accuracy (CEP) of 900 m according to Russian sources [as opposed to 300m according to Western sources]. Its road mobile capability gave the RT-2PM Topol an extremely high probability of survival. It can fire from field deployment sites or through sliding roof garage bases. The RT-2PM Topol joined operational Soviet SRF regiments in 1985. A total area of approximately 190,000 square kilometers could be required to deploy a force consisting of 500 road-mobile Topol ICBMs. Mobile units require a much higher number of personnel for maintenance and operation than fixed systems. Consequently, the RT-2PM Topol was significantly more costly to maintain and operate than silo launched systems.

All three stages are made of composite materials. During first stage operation the flight control is implemented through four aerodynamic and four jet vanes. Four similar trellised aerodynamic surfaces serve for stabilization. During the second and third stage of flight gas is injected into the diverging part of the nozzle for flight control.

The missile is deployed in a Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) canister mounted on cross-country 7-axle chassis on a mobile launch vehicle. The chassis incorporates jacks, gas and hydraulic drives and cylinders, with a power of several hundred tons, for jacking and leveling of the launcher, speeding up (combat) and slowing down (maintaining) elevation of the container with the missile in the vertical position. The TEL is accompanied by a Mobile command post, carrying support facilities mounted on cross-country 4-axle chassis with unified vans. The complex is equipped with an onboard inertial navigation system which gives the TEL group the capability to conduct the launch independently from its field deployment sites. This topo-geodesic support and navigation subsystem, created by the “Signal” Research Institute, provides a quick and highly precise tie-in of the launcher in a field position and enables its crew to carry out missile launches from any combat patrol route point. The launch can also be carried out at regimental bases from the aforementioned garrison garage.