RT-2UTTKh Topol M, Russian Ballictic Missile

The RT-2UTTKh Topol-M (NATO reporting name: SS-27 Sickle B, other designations: RS-12M1, RS-12M2, RT-2PM2) is one of the most recent intercontinental ballistic missiles to be deployed by Russia (see RS-24), and the first to be developed after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

In its Russian designation РТ stands for "ракета твердотопливная," Raketa Tverdotoplivnaya ("solid fuel rocket"), while УТТХ - for "улучшенные тактико-технические характеристики," uluchshenniye taktiko-tekhnicheskie kharakteristiki ("improved tactical and technical characteristics"). "Topol" (тополь) in Russian means "poplar". It is designed and produced exclusively by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology, and built at the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant.

RT-2UTTKh Topol-M SS-27 Sickle B
Type	Intercontinental ballistic missile
Place of origin	Russia
Service history
In service	December 1997
Used by	Russian Strategic Rocket Forces
Production history
Designer	Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology
Manufacturer	Votkinsk Machine Building Plant
Produced	December 20, 1994
Specifications
Weight	47,200 kg (104,000 lb)
Length	22.7 m (74.47 ft)
Diameter	1.9 m (6 ft 3 in)
Warhead	Single 550 kt warhead
Engine	Three-stage solid propellant
Operational range	11,000 km (6,800 mi)
Speed	10,800 mph (17,400 km/h)
Guidance system	Inertial with GLONASS
Accuracy	200 m CEP
Launch platform	Silo, road-mobile TEL

Missile defense evasion capabilities

According to Russia the missile is designed to be immune to any current or planned U.S. missile defence system. It is claimed to be capable of making evasive maneuvers to avoid a kill by terminal phase interceptors, and carries targeting countermeasures and decoys. It is shielded against radiation, EMP, nuclear explosions at distances over 500 meters, and is designed to survive a hit from any laser technology.

One of the Topol-M's most notable features is its short engine burn time following take-off, intended to minimize satellite detection of launches and thereby complicate both early warning and interception by missile defense systems during boost phase. The missile also has a relatively flat ballistic trajectory, complicating defense acquisition and interception.

According to The Washington Times, Russia has conducted a successful test of the evasive payload delivery system. The missile was launched on November 1, 2005 from the Kapustin Yar facility. The warhead changed course after separating from the launcher, making it difficult to predict a re-entry trajectory.