The R-29R submarine ballistic missile became the first domestic product of its class capable of carrying a MIRV with individual warheads. This made it possible to significantly increase the number of deployed warheads and strengthen the naval component of the strategic nuclear forces, as well as increase the combat capabilities of each of the missile submarines. Soon after the adoption of the R-29R, the development of a new version of the missile for submarines with increased characteristics began. The resulting R-29RM missile and its modifications are still the main strategic weapons of the Russian submarine fleet.
The D-9R complex with the R-29R missile was put into service in 1977. At the same time, SKB-385 (now the State Missile Center) on the initiative of General Designer V. P. Makeeva began developing a project to modernize a new rocket. Within the framework of the project with the symbol D-25, it was planned to introduce a number of innovations and, with their help, significantly improve the characteristics of the weapon, ensuring a significant superiority over existing products. At the end of the 77th, the preliminary design of the D-25 complex was completed and protected.
Despite this, the continuation of work on the new project did not receive the approval of the potential customer. The command of the armed forces believed that submarines should be equipped with solid-propellant missiles and doubted the need for new liquid systems. The development of such weapons, however, was seriously delayed due to the high complexity and the need to solve a number of difficult tasks. As a result, it was decided to start developing a new liquid-propellant rocket that could "replace" the projected solid-propellant systems. The decree of the USSR Council of Ministers on the beginning of a new project was issued in January 1979. The project of the new missile system was designated D-9RM, missiles - R-29RM. As the name suggests, the new complex was supposed to be an improved version of the existing one.
General view of the R-29RM missiles. Photo Rbase.new-facrotia.ru
To speed up the development of a new project, it was decided to use the existing developments on the previous missiles of the R-29 family. In particular, it was necessary to apply proven solutions concerning architecture, layout and body materials. At the same time, the R-29RM rocket should have had a number of differences. The main one was the increase in the number of stages: now it was proposed to arm the submarine with a three-stage rocket. The introduction of the third sustainer stage required the use of original equipment placement ideas. So, the third stage was proposed to be combined with a breeding stage carrying warheads.
The rocket of the D-9RM complex was supposed to receive a body of the "traditional" design for the R-29. Its main units were to be made of an aluminum-magnesium alloy. Lightweight body panels were used, joined by welding. Inside the hull, a set of bottoms should be placed, separating the stages and their fuel tanks. As before, the bottoms had a curved shape, which made it possible to place engines and other units in the released volume. The tanks were divided by double bottoms. The compartments between the steps and between the tanks were not used.
The design of the first two stages of the rocket was borrowed from previous projects and did not undergo major changes. At the same time, the stages received new engines that differed from the previous ones in basic characteristics. The lower bottom of the first stage housed a 3D37 liquid engine with a single-chamber sustainer and four-chamber steering units. It was proposed to control all three channels by moving the steering chambers on the existing suspensions. The second stage was to receive a single-chamber 3D38 engine with a swinging suspension. The two-stage cruise engines were to use unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide.
Scheme of the R-29RM rocket. 1 - head part; 2 - fuel tanks of the 3rd and combat stages; 3 - compartment of warheads; 4 - 3rd stage engine; 5 - 2nd stage fuel tanks; 6 - 2nd stage engine; 7 - 1st stage fuel tanks; 7 - 1st stage engine. Figure Makeyev.ru
The third stage was made on the basis of the units of the combat stage of the previous missiles. At the same time, it was decided to convert the existing product into an additional means of accelerating the warhead. On a single body of the third stage, mounts were provided for the sustainer liquid engine and warheads. In addition, the third stage was equipped with engines for maneuvering when launching warheads to the required trajectories. The cruise engine of the third stage was rigidly installed, and it was proposed to use steering chambers for maneuvering. At a given moment in time, the stage was supposed to shut off the pipelines and dump the main engine. After that, the stage had to start working in the breeding system mode. The cruise and steering engines had to use common fuel tanks.
In the body of the rocket, elongated charges were to be installed, designed to separate the stages. With the help of an explosion in a certain plane, it was proposed to break the strength elements of the hull. Also, the separation was supposed to be facilitated by the pressurization of the tanks. The separation system of the first and second stages were similar.
In the head compartment of the third stage, it was proposed to place guidance equipment, built on the same principles as in previous projects. The R-29RM rocket was to be controlled by an inertial system with astrocorrection devices. This made it possible to follow the flight path and correct the course in a timely manner. The astrocorrection session after the second stage was reset was supposed to improve the accuracy to a certain extent. According to reports, the new guidance system has improved accuracy by about one and a half times in comparison with existing missiles.
First stage engine. In the center is the nozzle of the cruise block, on the sides of it are the steering chambers. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
On the tail section of the third stage, which was located in the conical niche of the second stage, mountings were provided to accommodate special warheads. Within the framework of the new project, two variants of combat equipment were developed, with four and ten warheads. Blocks of the first type had a capacity of 200 kt, the second - 100 kt each. The original design of the third stage with the ability to maneuver to the end of the active phase of the flight made it possible to increase the size of the breeding area of warheads. Now it is possible to optimize the distribution of targets between missiles and their warheads.
The original layout solutions made it possible to significantly redesign the rocket design, but at the same time keep its dimensions at an acceptable level. The R-29RM product was supposed to have a length of 14, 8 m and a maximum diameter of 1, 9 m. The launch weight was 40, 3 tons with a maximum throw weight of 2, 8 tons. two times lighter than the solid-propellant R-39.
The maximum firing range of the new missile was determined at 8300 km. The new guidance systems led to a decrease in the circular probable deviation (when firing at maximum range) to 500 m. Thus, the power of the warheads fully compensated for a possible miss and made it possible to effectively solve the assigned combat missions. Combat effectiveness was also increased due to the possibility of attacking multiple targets with the deployment of warheads within a large area.
As part of the D-9RM missile system project, an updated set of equipment was developed for installation on carrier submarines. A slight increase in the size of the rocket in comparison with the previous R-29R led to the need to change the size of the launch silo. At the same time, despite the increased cross-section of the rocket, the diameter of the shaft remained the same: the increase in the rocket was compensated by the reduction in the annular gap. At the same time, it became necessary to increase the height of the launcher with appropriate modifications to the carrier.
The third stage connected to the head, bottom view. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
Together with the D-9RM / R-29RM missile system, it was proposed to use the "Gateway" space navigation system, which could significantly increase the accuracy of determining the coordinates of the submarine cruiser and improve the firing accuracy. In addition, the carrier was supposed to receive a set of other equipment for calculating the rocket's flight mission, entering data into the product's automation and subsequent firing control.
At the beginning of the development of a new project, the procedure for testing a promising rocket was determined. During the first stage of checks, it was proposed to carry out throw launches of mock-ups from a submersible stand. Then the tests were planned to be carried out at a ground test site. The final stage of test launches was to be carried out from a new type of carrier submarine. A similar verification technique has already been worked out and used in several previous projects, including the R-29 family.
The first stage of testing started at the very beginning of the eighties. Until the fall of 1982, nine throw launches were carried out on the submersible stand, only one of which was not recognized as successful. The use of proven and proven units and technologies made it possible to complete the necessary throw tests relatively quickly and without significant difficulties, check the launch of the rocket and then proceed to the next stage of checks.
The site for the next checks was the Nyonoksa test site. These launches were carried out with firing at different ranges, up to the maximum. 16 missiles were launched from the ground stand, 10 successfully completed the assigned task, hitting training targets. This opened the way for the final tests using the carrier submarine.
Launcher of the D-9RM complex. Photo Rbase.new-factoria.ru
The development of the future carrier of the D-9RM complex began even before the start of work on the complex itself. In accordance with the resolution of the Council of Ministers of September 1, 1975, the Rubin TsKBMT was supposed to create a new version of the nuclear submarine of the basic project 667A. The project received the symbol 667BDRM and the code "Dolphin". Initially, it was planned that such a nuclear submarine would become the carrier of the D-9R complex with increased characteristics. After the start of work on the D-9RM / R-29RM complex, the requirements for the new submarine have changed - now it has become a carrier of a new weapon system.
The nuclear submarines of the Dolphin project were supposed to be a further development of the boats of the previous project with a number of modifications. It was planned to reduce the main physical fields, install new equipment, and also ensure full compatibility with oversized missiles. Also, the technical task required to increase the capabilities of boats when working in the Arctic. The new requirements for the carrier of ballistic missiles led to the preservation of some features of the submarines, while other features of the appearance were changed. In particular, the new submarines were supposed to receive a higher superstructure behind the wheelhouse enclosure, under which launchers of increased length were placed.
The development of the 667BDRM project was completed in 1980. At the beginning of the 81st, the laying of the lead boat of a new type took place, which was to become the first carrier of promising missiles. At the very end of 1984, the K-51 submarine missile cruiser "Named after the XXVI Congress of the CPSU" (now "Verkhoturye") was accepted into the Northern Fleet. Even before the final delivery to the fleet, the lead submarine of the project became a direct participant in the testing of new systems.
Project 667BDRM "Dolphin" submarines. Figure Apalkov Yu. V. "Submarines of the Soviet fleet 1945-1991. Volume II"
Soon after the launch of the K-51 nuclear submarine, it entered trials with new weapons. Until the end of 1984, the boat "Named after the XXVI Congress of the CPSU" several times went to sea to fire experimental R-29RM missiles. 12 missiles were used, 10 of which completed the assigned tasks. According to reports, two missiles were launched at the minimum and maximum ranges. The remaining products were fired at the intermediate. 11 launches were made from a submerged position. Six times the crew of the K-51 submarine performed single firing, two more checks were carried out with volleys of two and four missiles.
At the end of 1984, the submarine K-51 "In the name of the XXVI Congress of the CPSU" became part of the navy, but its missile system still needed to be tested. At the end of July 85, a two-missile salvo took place, which was recognized as unsuccessful. On October 23 of the same year, two missiles were successfully launched. Soon, the K-84 boat joined the tests, which became the second ship of its project.
Unfortunately, the general designer V. P. Makeev did not have time to study the results of a successful salvo of two missiles. He passed away on October 25, 1985. The D-9RM complex with the R-29RM missile was the last system created under his direct supervision. Other specialists were responsible for the further development of the R-29 ballistic missile family.
Loading the R-29RM rocket into the carrier's launcher. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
According to the test results, the new complex was recommended for adoption. In February 1986, the Council of Ministers issued a decree on the adoption of the D-9RM / R-29RM complex with a missile carrying ten warheads. A product with four warheads required additional testing. In the last months of 1986, three test launches of missiles with four high-yield warheads took place. In October 1987, this version of the rocket was also adopted. The fleet was able to begin full-fledged operation of new weapons with increased range and combat effectiveness.
In connection with the political and economic problems of the second half of the eighties, it was possible to build only seven submarines of the 667BDRM project, designed to carry R-29RM missiles. Subsequently, the nuclear submarine K-64 underwent re-equipment according to project 09787 and became the carrier of a special underwater vehicle. Thus, at the moment the navy has only six Dolphins. Each such submarine carries 16 missiles and is capable of attacking targets using from 64 to 160 warheads of different power. In total, the capabilities of such boats allow deploying up to 96 missiles with 384-960 warheads. This makes the project 667BDRM submarines one of the most important elements of the Russian strategic nuclear forces.
Soon after the adoption of the new missile system into service, work began on its modernization. In February 1986, an order appeared on the further improvement of the D-9RM complex within the framework of the project with the symbol D-9RMU / R-29RMU. The modernization consisted in increasing the survivability of missiles when the enemy used nuclear weapons, improving control systems, etc. Due to the improvement of the control equipment, it became possible to shoot missiles in the Arctic regions, up to 89 ° north latitude, and also a flight mode appeared along a flat trajectory with a reduction in flight time. The R-29RMU missile was supposed to carry four warheads, and also had the ability to install ten warheads. The new complex was put into service in March 1988.
Nuclear submarine K-18 "Karelia" at sea. Photo Wikimedia Commons
The next updated version of the rocket, designated R-29RMU1, was distinguished by new combat equipment. According to reports, a new high-security warhead was developed for this missile. This missile was put into service in 2002.
One of the most famous modifications of the R-29RM rocket is the R-29RMU2 "Sineva". In the late nineties, another decision was made to upgrade the existing ballistic missiles of submarines. The Sineva missile received an updated hull design with different dimensions of the steps and a more advanced complex of means of overcoming the anti-missile defense, and was also equipped with an upgraded control system. A satellite navigation system was added to the inertial equipment with astrocorrection. By 2004, a new missile was tested, and in July 2007, the R-29RMU2 product was put into service. Serial production of such weapons began with the delivery of finished products to the fleet.
In 2011, the R-29RMU2.1 "Liner" rocket, which is a modified version of "Sineva", was presented for testing. According to known data, the new missile differs from its predecessor in improved means of overcoming missile defense and the ability to combine a combat load, depending on the task at hand. At the same time, the main characteristics remained the same. In 2014, the Liner was adopted and put into production.
Submarine K-84 "Yekaterinburg" after repair, 1984. Photo Wikimedia Commons
There is information about the continuation of the modernization of products of the R-29RM family. The development known as R-29RMU3 "Sineva-2" may become a new missile of the family. This version of the rocket will have to differ from its predecessors in both design and combat load. Information about the current work and plans for this project is not yet available. The emergence of newer developments may lead to the rejection of the further development of existing systems in service.
In 1998 and 2006, two launches of carrier rockets of the Shtil family took place. This project involves the installation of a third stage on the R-29RM rocket with a compartment for carrying spacecraft or other cargo weighing up to 70-90 kg, depending on the parameters of the orbit. Three versions of the "Calm" project were developed, differing in different design features, as well as launch methods. While the Shtil-1 and Shtil-2 missiles were proposed to be launched from submarines or ground stands, the Shtil-3 was to be carried by a specially modified military transport aircraft. Only two launches of Shtil carrier rockets with small spacecraft on board took place. After 2006, these products were not used.
The construction of seven Project 667BDRM submarines made it possible to significantly increase the strike potential of the naval component of the strategic nuclear forces. Theoretically, it was possible to deploy up to 112 missiles with 1,120 warheads, but the actual number of weapons was always much less. Due to the existence of limiting international treaties, the Dolphin boats were mainly equipped with R-29RM missiles with four warheads and could simultaneously attack no more than 448 targets. After the conversion of the K-64 submarine, the maximum number of deployable missiles and warheads was reduced to 96 and 384, respectively.
Rocket R-29RM on a transport trolley. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
Project 667BDRM nuclear submarines regularly go to sea on combat patrols. In addition, training launches of ballistic missiles are carried out on a regular basis. Several similar training events in the past are of particular interest. In 1989, the submarine K-84 (now Yekaterinburg) went to sea to participate in Operation Begemot. The purpose of the campaign was a salvo using the entire ammunition load. For a number of reasons, a few minutes before the launch of the missiles, malfunctions appeared, due to which one of the missiles was destroyed, with damage to the launcher and the hull of the submarine. The crew took measures to prevent the development of an emergency and soon returned to base. At the end of the year, a new attempt was made to perform salvo firing, which also ended in failure.
On August 6, 1991, the crew of the K-407 Novomoskovsk submarine completed its combat mission as part of Operation Begemot-2. With an interval of 14 seconds between launches, the submarine launched two R-29RM combat missiles and 14 dummies. For the first time in history, a submarine fired in a salvo using the entire ammunition load, as it should be in combat conditions.
Currently, the Russian Navy's submarine forces are armed with R-29RM ballistic missiles of several modifications. These weapons remain the most widespread and, therefore, the main means of delivery in the naval component of the nuclear forces. Thus, three Project 667BDR “Kalmar” nuclear submarines with 16 R-29R missiles on each (48-336 individually guided warheads) are still in service. In addition, construction of new Project 955 Borey submarines is underway. The Navy has already received three such boats, each carrying 16 R-30 Bulava missiles (6-10 warheads each).
Simple calculations show that the Dolphin-class submarines to this day remain the main carriers of the fleet's strategic weapons. In addition, they can outpace other submarines in terms of the number of deployed warheads. Thus, the nuclear submarines of project 667BDRM are deservedly considered the main strategic missile cruisers, and the R-29RM missiles retain their most important position in the structure of our country's nuclear weapons. Over the next few years, the D-9RM / R-29RM missile systems will maintain their position, after which they will probably gradually give way to newer systems and their carriers.
