The Stiletto missile (SS-19 Stiletto), as it passes under the NATO classification, or RS-18 of the UR-100N UTTKh class, as it is marked in our country, is still one of the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world. And this is despite the fact that it entered service with the Strategic Missile Forces more than 40 years ago…
Chelomey's concept
In the early autumn of 1969, the Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering, headed by V. N. Chelomey, together with Branch No. 1 of the Central Design Bureau, headed by V. N. Bugaisky, began developing the RS-18 Stiletto intercontinental ballistic missile, class ground to ground.
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 at the same time would have a low cost. Such an approach would make it possible to increase the total number of deployed missiles, which would guarantee a retaliatory strike in the event of nuclear aggression by almost 100%, since the enemy simply would not be able to suppress numerouslaunchers scattered across the country.
The first rocket tests at the Baikonur test site began in April 1973 and were 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 (UTTH) was continued. The reason for this was an incident that happened during the next launch of the Stiletto.
The leadership of the USSR Ministry of Defense decided in practice to check the compliance of the missile flight range indicated in its performance characteristics (10,000 km), since up to this point the RS-18 had actually flown only 7,500 km (the distance from Baikonur to Kamchatka). This time, the Stiletto was launched into the Pacific Ocean. The result of the test was unexpected - the rocket fell before reaching the specified square of 2000 km.
The investigation showed that the cause of the fall was increased vibration, under the influence of which the body of the RS-18 was destroyed. The vibration arose after the rocket produced most of the fuel, as a result of which it lost a lot of mass. This state of affairs was absolutely unacceptable. The new rocket had to be urgently finalized.
Upgraded "Stiletto"
After the misfire occurred, the designers had to almost completely rework the car, and thanks to the changes made, it was possible to significantly improve its performance. First of all, the changes affected:
- engines,accelerators included in the block;
- control systems;
- of the aggregate-instrument unit that distributes 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 missile (UR-100N UTTKh) 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 a 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" "Stilettos" with a new, modified version. By 1983, all RS-18 missiles on the DB were replaced by RS-18B. Under this missile, underground launchers with increased security measures were specially created. The first missile regiments armed with updated ICBMs entered the DB in January 1981. In total, by the end of the deployment of the complex, 360 missiles were delivered to the defense of the country.
Stiletto missile characteristics
- The mass of the rocket at launch is 105 tons 600 kg.
- The weight of the thrown part is 4 tons 350 kg.
- The length of the ICBM is 24 m 30 cm.
- Diameter – 2.5 m.
- Possible throwing range of the warhead is over 10,000 km.
- The accuracy of defeat is 350 meters.
- Engine - liquid type.
- Total yield of nuclear warheads - 3300 kt.
The missile uses a MIRV-type multiple reentry vehicle, that is, consisting of units carrying a warhead, each of which is equipped with its own guidance system and the ability to change the endpoints of aiming immediately before launch. In total, six such blocks are installed in the warhead of the rocket.
Also, the "Stiletto" is equipped with a perfect means of overcoming enemy missile defense systems.
Stiletto control system
The Stiletto ballistic missile is equipped with an autonomous control system (ACS), which, together with a ground-based remote command post (CP), constantly monitors all systems of both the missile itself and the launcher. The transfer of the missile into combat mode is carried out remotely from the command post.
RS-18 fuel system
The Stiletto missile is equipped with "ampouled" fuel tanks.
The use of such a system relieved the combat crew when declaring an "alarm" from the need to refuel the rocket manually before its launch, which often led to spills of heptyl, which is one of the most toxic fuel components. The release of vapors of this substance into the air threatened at least the strongest poisoning, and at the maximum - death. To exclude such cases, as well as to speed up the process of preparing the rocket for launch, the designers of the RS-18 reworked the rocket's fuel system. In the new version, its refueling was carried out directly onfactory in special ampoules. That is, the rocket was sent to the database already fully fueled and did not need to be refueled until it was removed from the database and written off.
In addition, the Stiletto missile was placed in a transport container, which was also a launcher. That is, the RS-18 assembly was lowered into the mine, together with the container. This ensured the trouble-free operation of all ICBM systems for the entire period of its operation.
RS-18 propulsion system
The propulsion system of the intercontinental ballistic missile RS-18 "Stiletto" for its time may well be considered unique. In it, both stages of the installation are structurally combined into a common block of accelerators.
Fuel tanks, which, in fact, occupy 80% of the entire usable area of the rocket body, have been converted into load-bearing elements. This redesign reduced the overall weight of the Stiletto, making it more compact.
In the body of the first stage of the "Stiletto" there are four sustainer engines of liquid type with rotary nozzles. One of the engines during the flight is used to control and maintain the specified mode of operation of the entire propulsion system.
Two engines are installed on the second stage: sustainer and steering.
The warhead (warhead) of the intercontinental ballistic missile "Stiletto"
In the split warhead RS-18, a unit is installed containing a set of control system instruments and a propulsion system designed for breeding combat elements. That is, the Stiletto missile, the warhead of which contains 6 independentnuclear blocks with individual targets, carries out their gradual dumping. The permissible deviation of the hit of a combat element from the target is 350 meters, which, taking into account the zone of destruction of a nuclear charge weighing 550 kg, does not play a special role.
RK UR 100N UTTH
The Combat Launch Complex UR 100 N UTTH includes:
- 10 missiles installed in silo 15P735 launchers (silos).
- 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 and launch container installed in the mine, along special guides. The thrust required for the launch is generated by the propulsion system located in the first stage.
In the mine, the missile container is secured with high-performance shock absorbers, which will provide additional protection for the installation in the event of a nuclear attack. To protect the Stiletto's systems and create the necessary microclimate, the transport and launch container in which it is located is filled with nitrogen (an inert gas).
Regularly, the rocket is subject to an intermediate routine check (once every 3 months), and the main regulation once every three years.
High reliability for longevity
Thanks to the high reliability and excellent operational properties of the Stiletto, confirmed by more than 150 launches (test and training), it was possible to increase the warranty period of the RK, which was originally 10years.
The decision to keep the group of RS-18 ICBMs in service with the deterrence forces until 2030 was made after another successful missile launch in the fall of 2006. Despite the fact that the launched Stiletto was over 20 years old, this did not affect its performance in any way.
In addition, quite recently, Russia bought out completely new stages for the RS-18 in the amount of 30 pieces stored in warehouses in Ukraine, which made it possible to update the Stiletov complexes already on the database. By the way, such an update came as an unpleasant surprise for Russia's potential adversary, who believes that the country's aging nuclear potential no longer poses the threat that it previously posed. But it turned out that they rejoiced early. This was confirmed by the next test 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. At the same time, they note that in the event of a nuclear strike on Russia, a massive response with SS-19 missiles will occur after three minutes.
Control launch of "Stiletto"
On October 25, 2016, the Stiletto rocket was launched in Yasnoye. The RS-18 launched from a position area located on the territory of the Yasnenskaya division of the Strategic Missile Forces (Orenburg region, Yasny), to the area of the training ground located in Kamchatka. The purpose of the launch was to check the stability of the planned flight and technical characteristics of the rocket, in connection with the next extension of its service life.
According to the message published by the press service of MORF, the check passedsuccessful.
The Stiletto missile (the photo of the launch of which was also presented by the military), clearly, without technical failures, completed the entire verification program. This was another confirmation of the reliability of the complex, and its ability to continue combat duty, while maintaining Russia's defense capability at the proper level.
