The Stiletto missile (SS-19 Stiletto), as it passes according to the NATO classification, or the RS-18 of the UR-100N UTTX class, as it is labeled in our country, still remains one of the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world. And this despite the fact that she entered the armament in the Strategic Missile Forces more than 40 years ago …
Chelomei's concept
In early autumn 1969, the central engineering design bureau, headed by V. N. Chelomey, together with the Branch No. 1 of the Central Design Bureau, led by V. N. Bugaysky, began the development of the RS-18 Stiletto intercontinental ballistic missile, ground-to-ground class.
Starting work on the project, V. N. Chelomey tried to follow the concept, which was based on the creation of a reliable and efficient missile system, which would have a low cost. Such an approach would increase the total number of missiles deployed, which almost 100% guaranteed a retaliatory strike in the event of nuclear aggression, since the enemy simply could not suppress the numerous launchers scattered throughout the country.
The first missile tests at the Baikonur training ground began in April 1973, and successfully completed in October 1975. At the end of December of the same year, the RS-18 was adopted by the strategic forces of the USSR.
Unexpected misfire
But after the new missile was put on combat duty, work on improving its performance characteristics (UTTX) was continued. The reason for this was the incident that happened during the next launch of "Stiletto".
The leadership of the USSR Ministry of Defense decided in practice to verify the compliance of the missile flight range indicators specified in its performance characteristics (10, 000 km), since until that moment the RS-18 actually flew only 7, 500 km (the distance from Baikonur to Kamchatka). This time, the launch of "Stiletto" was carried out in the Pacific Ocean. The result of the test was unexpected - the rocket fell, not reaching the given square of 2000 km.
The investigation showed that the cause of the fall was the increased vibration, under the influence of which the RS-18 case was destroyed. Vibration, however, arose after the rocket produced most of the fuel, as a result of which it lost much in mass. This state of affairs was completely unacceptable. A new rocket had to be urgently modified.
Upgraded "Stiletto"
After the misfire, the designers had to completely recycle the machine, while due to the changes made it was possible to significantly improve its performance. First of all, the changes affected:
- engines included in the accelerator block;
- control systems;
- aggregate-instrument unit, breeding warheads.
As a result, the maximum possible efficiency of the entire Stiletto design was achieved. Now its flight characteristics even exceeded those declared in the performance characteristics.
In 1977, a new cycle of flight tests of the already improved RS-18B rocket (UR-100N UTTH) began, which ended two years later, and in December 1980 the improved Stiletto (RS-18B) was also adopted by the Strategic Missile Forces.
Deployment of the new ICBM complex
The deployment of a new complex of improved missiles continued until 1984. The complex was unfolding with the simultaneous replacement of the "old" "Stiletto" with a new, revised version. By 1983, all of the RS-18 rockets on the DB were replaced by the RS-18B. Under this missile, specially designed underground launchers with increased security measures were specially created. The first missile regiments, which were armed with updated ICBMs, entered the database in January 1981. In total, 360 missiles were delivered to protect the country by the end of the deployment of the complex.
Rocket "Stiletto" characteristics
- The mass of the rocket at launch is 105 tons of 600 kg.
- The weight of the abandoned part is 4 tons 350 kg.
- The length of the ICBM is 24 m 30 cm.
- Diameter - 2.5 m.
- The possible range for casting a warhead is over 10, 000 km.
- The accuracy of the defeat is 350 meters.
- The engine is a liquid type.
- The total capacity of nuclear warheads is 3300 ct.
The missile uses a separable warhead (MF) of the MIRV type, that is, consisting of units carrying a warhead, each of which is equipped with its own guidance system and the ability to change the aiming points immediately before launch. A total of six such units are installed in the warhead rocket.
Also, "Stiletto" is equipped with the perfect means of overcoming enemy missile defense systems.
Management system "Stiletto"
The ballistic missile "Stiletto" is equipped with an autonomous control system (ACS), which, together with a remote ground command post (CP), provides constant monitoring of all systems of both the missile itself and the launcher. The rocket is put into combat mode remotely from the CP.
Fuel system RS-18
The "Stiletto" missile is equipped with "ampulized" fuel tanks.
The use of such a system saved combat crews when announcing an “alarm” from having to refuel the rocket manually before launching, which often led to spills of heptyl, which is one of the most poisonous components of fuel. The release of vapors of this substance into the air threatened with at least severe poisoning, and at the very least fatal outcome. To exclude such cases, as well as to accelerate the process of preparing the rocket for launch, the designers of the RS-18 redesigned the fuel system of the rocket. In the new version, its refueling was carried out directly at the factory in special ampoules. That is, the rocket went to the database already completely charged and did not need to be refueled until it was removed from the database and decommissioned.
In addition, the Stilet rocket was placed in a transport container, which was also a launch vehicle. That is, the RS-18 mine was lowered assembly, along with the container. This ensured the smooth functioning of all ICBM systems for the entire period of its operation.
Propulsion system RS-18
The propulsion system of the RS-18 Stilet intercontinental ballistic missile may well be considered unique for its time. In it, both installation steps are structurally combined into a common accelerator block.
Fuel tanks, which, in essence, occupy 80% of the entire useful area of the rocket hull, have been converted into load-bearing elements. Such reconstruction has reduced the total weight of the "Stiletto", making it more compact.
In the housing of the first stage of the "Stiletto" four marching liquid-type engines with rotary nozzles are installed. One of the engines during the flight is used to control and maintain a given mode of operation of the entire propulsion system.
Two engines are installed on the second stage: marching and steering.
The head part (MS) of the Stiletto intercontinental ballistic missile
In the separable warhead RS-18, a block is installed containing a set of control system instruments and a propulsion system designed for breeding combat elements. That is, the Stilet rocket, the warhead of which contains 6 independent nuclear units with individual targets, carries out their gradual discharge. The permissible deviation of the entry of a combat element from the target is 350 meters, which, taking into account the zone of damage to a nuclear charge weighing 550 kg, does not play a special role.
RK UR 100N UTTH
The structure of the combat launch complex UR 100 N UTTH includes:
- 10 missiles installed in silos 15P735 launchers.
- command post (15V 52U);
- repair and technical base.
Each of the missiles has a gas-dynamic launch scheme, upon activation of which it takes off, leaving the transport-launch container installed in the mine, along special guides. The necessary traction force to start is created by a propulsion system located in the first stage.
In the mine, the rocket container is secured with highly effective shock absorbers, which will provide additional protection for the installation in the event of a nuclear attack. To protect the "Stiletto" systems and create the necessary microclimate, the transport and launch container in which it is located is filled with nitrogen (inert gas).
A missile is regularly subjected to an intermediate routine check (every 3 months), and to the main regulation once every three years.
High reliability is the key to longevity
Due to the high reliability and excellent performance properties of the Stiletto, confirmed by more than 150 launches (test and educational), it was possible to increase the warranty period of the RK, which was originally 10 years.
The decision to keep the RS-18 ICBM group in service with the deterrence forces up to 2030 was made after the next successful launch of the rocket in the fall of 2006. Despite the fact that the launched "Stiletto" was more than 20 years old, this did not affect its characteristics.
In addition, most recently, Russia purchased completely new 30-level steps for RS-18s stored in warehouses in Ukraine, which made it possible to update the Stiletov complexes already on the database. By the way, such an update was an unpleasant surprise for a potential adversary of Russia, who believes that the country's aging nuclear potential no longer carries the threat that he had previously posed. But it turned out that they rejoiced early. This was confirmed by the next control launch of the "Stiletto".
American experts believe that the RS-18 Stiletto ballistic missile is one of the most technologically advanced products since the Cold War. It is noted that in the case of a nuclear strike against Russia, a massive response by SS-19 missiles will occur after three minutes.
