In the mid-fifties, France began to create its own nuclear forces. Over the next few decades, a number of complexes of various classes and for different purposes were developed and put into service. Land-based ballistic missiles, aerial bombs and strategic missile carrier submarines were commissioned. As part of the development of Force de frappe, not only strategic, but also tactical complexes were created. So, by the mid-seventies, the Pluton self-propelled operational-tactical missile system was developed and put into service.
Work on the creation of a promising OTRK, which later received the designation Pluton ("Pluto" - one of the names of the ancient Greek god of the underworld), started in the early sixties. The reason for their beginning was the proposal to create a self-propelled missile system capable of sending a special warhead at a distance of up to 30-40 km. The first result of this proposal was the emergence of two preliminary projects from the companies Sud Aviation and Nord Aviation. At the end of 1964, experts of the armed forces studied both projects, after which it was decided to continue the development of the topic with the efforts of several different organizations.
Pluton complexes of one of the regiments. Photo Chars-francais.net
After the decision to combine the work, the military formed a new version of the tactical and technical requirements for the missile system. Subsequently, the terms of reference were changed several times in the direction of increasing the main characteristics. The latest version of the requirements came out in 1967. The main innovation of this assignment was a ballistic missile firing range of at least 100 km. The update of the requirements led to another redesign of the project. In the future, the military did not correct the main documents of the project, thanks to which the development organizations were able to successfully complete all the necessary design work.
In accordance with the final version of the technical assignment, the Pluto complex was supposed to be a self-propelled combat vehicle with a launcher for firing guided ballistic missiles carrying a special warhead. The project proposed a fairly widespread use of existing components and assemblies, both as part of the chassis and in the design of the rocket. The maximum firing range was supposed to exceed 100 km, and the power of the warhead should have been increased to 20-25 kt.
Despite the repeated changes in the technical requirements for the project, its main provisions and the general architecture of the combat vehicle were formed at the earliest stages of development. As the basis for the self-propelled launcher, it was planned to use the tracked chassis of the existing type, modified accordingly. Various special equipment should be installed on the chassis, including a launcher for a rocket and a complex control system.
The chassis of the AMX-30 main tank was chosen as the basis for the Pluton OTRK, which, however, needed to be seriously modified. The new project proposed a change in the design of the armored hull in order to obtain volumes to accommodate all the required components and assemblies. At the same time, other chassis elements could be used without any modifications.
General view of the museum complex. Photo Wikimedia Commons
In the course of creating an updated chassis for the missile system, the body of the existing tank lost its powerful armor and turret installation means. At the same time, a new large compartment appeared in its front part to accommodate the crew and equipment. A new wheelhouse with an inclined frontal plate was developed. On the left side there was an inclined sheet coupled with a box-shaped unit. To the right of the wheelhouse, on the hull, a place was provided for installing its own crane. Behind the new wheelhouse there was a roof with a set of necessary units, including elements of the launcher.
The front compartment of the hull was given over to accommodate the crew's workplaces, controls and systems necessary to control the operation of equipment and the use of weapons. The feed, as in the case of the base tank, contained the engine and transmission.
As a further development of the existing tank, the self-propelled launcher received a Hispano-Suiza HS110 diesel engine with 720 hp. A mechanical transmission was mated to the engine. It included a manual transmission with five forward speeds and five reverse. An electric starter was used to start the engine. The power plant and transmission provided torque to the rear drive wheels. Also, the chassis received an auxiliary power unit of reduced power, necessary for the operation of various systems without using the main engine.
The chassis was retained on the basis of five pairs of medium-diameter road wheels equipped with an individual torsion bar suspension. The front and rear pairs of rollers also received additional telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers. Front idler wheels, stern drive wheels and a set of support rollers were used.
View of the port side and the missile container. Photo Wikimedia Commons
On the stern sheet of the chassis hinge, hinges were provided for installing the rocking part of the launcher. For the installation of the container with the rocket, it was proposed to use the L-shaped profile design, on the short parts of which there were lugs for installation on the chassis mounts. The upper part of the structure had a triangular shape and was equipped with fasteners for installing a container with a rocket. With the help of hydraulic cylinders located on the roof of the hull with the possibility of slight movement in the vertical plane, the swinging part of the launcher could be set to the required elevation angle.
The Pluto project did not provide for the construction of a separate transport-loading vehicle. To prepare for firing, the self-propelled launcher had to use its own crane. In the front part of the hull, to the right of the main wheelhouse, there was a slewing support with a two-section boom. With the help of its own crane, the combat vehicle could reload missiles and warheads from a regular vehicle to a launcher. The boom of the crane was equipped with hydraulic drives and could lift a load of about 2-2.5 tons - the lifting capacity was initially determined in accordance with the parameters of the rocket used.
In the forward wheelhouse of the chassis, there were several jobs for the crew. In its front part, on the longitudinal axis of the car, there was a driver's seat. Directly behind him was the second crew member. The third workplace was located in the left box-type cabin unit. All crew members had their own roof hatches, as well as a set of observation devices. The crew included a driver, commander and missile systems operator.
Elements of the launcher. Photo Wikimedia Commons
The total length of the Pluton missile system with a ready-to-use missile was 9, 5 m, width - 3, 1 m. The available engine allowed the combat vehicle to reach speeds of up to 60-65 km / h on the highway. The power reserve depended on the type of fuel used. Diesel fuel made it possible to travel up to 500 km at one filling station, while gasoline - only 420 km. The chassis climbed a slope with a steepness of 30 ° and a wall with a height of 0.93 m, overcame a ditch 2.9 m wide and could cross water obstacles along fords up to 2, 2 m deep.
A new ballistic missile was developed for OTRK "Pluto". This product had a large elongation body with an ogival head fairing and a cylindrical tail section. On the tail section of the hull there were four longitudinal protrusions that mated with the tail. For stabilization and control in flight, the rocket received X-shaped trapezoidal stabilizers. On each of the stabilizers, at some distance from its tip, swept aerodynamic rudders were placed perpendicularly. The design of the mounting means and drives allowed the rudders to swing in the plane of the stabilizers.
The layout of the Pluton rocket was relatively simple and in line with the basic concepts of its time. The warhead was placed in the head of the product, next to which was the control equipment. A large tail compartment was allocated for the placement of a solid propellant engine. An unregulated nozzle was placed on the tail section of the body.
The tail of the rocket, the nozzle and stabilizers with rudders are visible. Photo Wikimedia Commons
The rocket received a simplified power plant in the form of a single solid-propellant engine that performs the functions of a launch and sustainer. To solve both of these problems, a dual-mode engine was created without the possibility of changing the nozzle configuration. The change in the parameters of the engine was achieved by using a fuel charge consisting of two parts with different combustion rates. At the starting mode, the engine had to show increased thrust, providing acceleration of the rocket with a tenfold overload. After leaving the launcher and gaining a certain speed, the engine switched to cruising mode, in which it continued to accelerate the product. At the end of the active section, the rocket speed reached 1100 m / s.
To keep the rocket on the required trajectory, an autonomous inertial control system of a simplified design was used. The speed and position of the rocket in space was monitored by a gyroscopic device, which determined the deviation from a given trajectory. With the help of an analog calculating device, the information about deviations was converted into commands for the steering machines that control the rudders on the stabilizers. The control was carried out throughout the flight. After the completion of the active section of the trajectory, the rocket retained the ability to maneuver.
In accordance with the terms of reference, the Pluton complex missile received a special warhead. In order to accelerate the development and economy in production, it was decided to use a different-purpose ammunition, which had been developed since the late sixties. The warhead of the new missile was based on the AN-52 tactical nuclear bomb. In its original form, this product had a streamlined body with a length of 4.2 m with a diameter of 0.6 m with a span of 0.8 m. Ammunition mass - 455 kg. Two versions of the AN-52 bomb were developed. The first made it possible to destroy targets with an explosion of 6-8 kt, the second was distinguished by a yield of 25 kt.
In the course of adaptation to use as a warhead of an operational-tactical missile, the AN-52 product lost its original hull and received a new one. In addition, some other minor changes have been applied. The warhead of the "Pluto" missile complex was made in the form of a separate unit, connected to other units using special connectors.
Installing a container on a combat vehicle. Photo Chars-francais.net
There was also a conventional warhead, which in its design resembled a special one as much as possible. A large explosive charge was placed inside its streamlined body. Such a warhead was significantly inferior in power to a nuclear one, but it could also find application in solving some problems.
When assembled, the rocket had a length of 7.44 m with a body diameter of 0.65 m. The launch weight was 2423 kg. The parameters of the solid-propellant engine made it possible to send the rocket to a range of 10 to 120 km. The circular probable deviation provided by the inertial guidance system was set at 200-400 m. The rocket took about 170 seconds to reach its maximum range. The height of the trajectory reached 30 km.
The rocket of the new type was to be used together with the original transport and launch container. The container was relatively long and had a square cross-section with cut outside corners. On the outer surface of the container, some parts were provided for mounting on the launcher and performing other operations. Inside there was a set of guides that held the rocket during transportation and provided access to the correct trajectory at launch. During transportation, the ends of the container were closed with removable lids. The front end received a square cover with a cylindrical casing for the rocket, the rear was a product of a simpler design.
The ballistic missile of the Pluton complex was to be transported disassembled. On any available vehicles with the appropriate characteristics, a container with a rocket tail compartment, as well as a thermostated container with a warhead, should be transported. In preparation for firing, the crew of the self-propelled launcher, using its crane, had to reload the rocket container onto the swinging unit. After removing the protective covers, the warhead of the required type could be moved and installed in its place. It took about 45 minutes to reload and assemble the rocket. Having completed all these operations, the crew could move to a firing position, prepare for firing and launch a rocket. After arriving at the position, preparation for shooting took no more than 10-15 minutes.
Warhead reloading using our own crane. Photo Chars-francais.net
For joint operation with the Pluton OTRK and other elements of the nuclear forces, some auxiliary communications and control facilities were proposed. Target data had to come from control centers equipped with the most modern computing systems. In the system for issuing target designation to missile systems, unmanned aerial vehicles-repeaters of the Nord Aviation CT.20 type were to be used.
The development of the Pluto project was completed at the very end of the sixties, after which the contractor organizations began to manufacture experimental equipment. Soon, field tests began, the purpose of which was to test the new chassis. Subsequently, work on the rocket was completed, due to which the first test launch took place on July 3, 1970. According to the test results, some changes were made to the project aimed at correcting certain shortcomings. In addition, the timing of completion of the work was negatively affected by the pace of creation of the required nuclear weapons. So, the development of the AN-52 bomb was completed only in 1972, which was appropriately reflected in the related project.
After several years of testing and fine-tuning, the new operational-tactical missile system Pluton was recommended for adoption. This order was issued in 1974. In the same year, the supply of serial equipment and the creation of connections responsible for its operation began.
In 1974-78, five new artillery regiments were formed in the eastern and northern regions of France. The 3rd, 4th, 15th, 32nd and 74th regiments were supposed to operate missile systems and, upon receiving an order, use their weapons to strike the enemy. In addition, another regiment was created, which served as a training center and trained missile specialists.
Warhead installation. Photo Chars-francais.net
Each of the deployed artillery regiments had three batteries, armed with two self-propelled launchers. Two more combat vehicles of the regiment were reserve. Thus, the regiment was armed with eight Pluton vehicles. In addition, the regiment had three hundred units of other equipment of various types and classes. The regiment had a separate unit responsible for storing and transporting missiles, as well as their warheads. About a thousand soldiers and officers served in one regiment.
To equip five artillery regiments, four dozen Pluton OTRKs were required. Nevertheless, some sources claim that in the mid-seventies, over several years of mass production, the French industry produced only 30 units of such equipment. It should be noted that three dozen vehicles were enough to fully equip fifteen batteries from five regiments. Thus, without taking into account the reserve equipment, there were really only 30 self-propelled launchers in the ranks.
The main task of the Pluton missile systems was to strike at various areal targets on enemy territory. Missiles with a special warhead could be used to destroy command posts, communication systems, troops in prepared positions, artillery firing positions, airfields, etc. Depending on the order received, the complex could use a missile with a conventional or special warhead of the specified power. The firing range of the existing missile made it possible to hit targets both near the front line and at a certain depth.
Rocket launch. Photo Chars-francais.net
It was planned to use new missile systems in a hypothetical war with the countries of the Warsaw Pact. The outbreak of conflict in Europe was to lead to clashes in the center of the continent, dangerously close to French territory. Complex "Pluto" and some other latest developments made it possible to strike at enemy troops and positions, responding to a possible attack.
OTRK Pluton became the first system of its class, created by French designers. This was a good reason for pride and optimism. Nevertheless, even before the end of the development and the arrival of equipment in the troops, some disadvantages of the newest system were established, which were primarily tactical in nature. Despite the rather high characteristics, the firing range of the new missile could be insufficient in some situations. So, even with the deployment of complexes near the eastern borders of France, the missiles could not reach the most important targets. Moreover, there was even no possibility of a strike on the territory of the GDR, since most of the zone of responsibility of "Pluto" in this case fell on West Germany.
At the end of the seventies, a project was launched to modernize the existing complex, aimed at significantly increasing the firing range. By creating a new rocket and some modification of the combat vehicle, it was supposed to improve the main characteristics. The modernization project received the working designation Super Pluton. Work in this direction continued until 1983, after which it was decided to terminate them. Since the mid-seventies, the industry has studied the subject of the further development of OTRK. By the beginning of the eighties, it became possible to achieve an increased firing range, but its use in the Super Pluto project was considered inappropriate.
Launching a rocket from a different angle. Photo Military-today.com
In 1983, the preliminary development of the Siper Pluton complex was discontinued. The following year, the industry received an order for a more advanced system called Hadès. It had to be based on new ideas and solutions, as well as be distinguished by higher performance. Work on the Hadès project continued until the early nineties, when this complex was put into service.
The creation of a new operational-tactical missile system in the foreseeable future was supposed to put an end to the history of the existing Pluton system, which is not distinguished by high performance and therefore does not fully suit the military. In 1991, the Hadès complex entered service with the French nuclear forces, serial deliveries of which made it possible to abandon the existing Pluto. The replacement of obsolete equipment started, which lasted until 1993. All available missile systems of the old model were decommissioned. Most of this equipment went for recycling. Several units have been preserved and are now exhibits of museums of military equipment.
The operational-tactical missile system Pluton became the first example of equipment of its class, created by France. The appearance of such a missile system made it possible to a certain extent to increase the strike potential of the ground forces through the use of tactical-class nuclear warheads. At the same time, the firing range, which completely suited the military during the creation and the first years of operation, eventually became insufficient. This led to the need to create new technology and abandon the existing model. And yet it should be noted that claims for insufficient missile flight range did not prevent the Pluto complex from remaining in service for almost two decades, setting a kind of record among French OTRKs.
