N-III 1962

It was originally planned the N1 would form the basis of a family of launch vehicles that could replace existing ICBM-derived boosters. The N111 would use the third and fourth stages of the N1, and the second stage of Korolev’s R-9 ICBM. This would result in a lift-off mass of 200 tonnes and a five tonne payload. It could replace the R-7 derived boosters (Vostok and Soyuz) in this payload category.

Manufacturer: Korolev. LEO Payload: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). to: 300 km Orbit. at: 51.60 degrees. Liftoff Thrust: 2,325.500 kN (522,793 lbf). Total Mass: 215,900 kg (475,900 lb). Core Diameter: 4.80 m (15.70 ft). Total Length: 33.00 m (108.00 ft).

• Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: N-111 - A. Gross Mass: 192,000 kg (423,000 lb). Empty Mass: 20,000 kg (44,000 lb). Thrust (vac): 2,540.000 kN (571,010 lbf). Isp: 331 sec. Burn time: 216 sec. Isp(sl): 296 sec. Diameter: 4.80 m (15.70 ft). Span: 6.80 m (22.30 ft). Length: 12.00 m (39.00 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 12. Engine: NK-19. Status: Study 1962. Variant of N1 Block V for first stage use. Number of engines would have to be increased and reduced expansion ratio nozzles fitted for sea level use. Least attractive of N1 variants and seems not to have been pursued after draft project.

• Stage Number: 2. 1 x Stage: N-11GR - V. Gross Mass: 8,200 kg (18,000 lb). Empty Mass: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb). Thrust (vac): 88.200 kN (19,828 lbf). Isp: 346 sec. Burn time: 246 sec. Diameter: 2.40 m (7.80 ft). Span: 2.40 m (7.80 ft). Length: 5.00 m (16.40 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: 8D726. Status: Study 1962. Orbital MIRV stage. Six of these stages clustered around Block B; each stage would have had a 1500 kg nuclear warhead.

• Vetrov, G S, S. P. Korolev i evo delo, Nauka, Moscow, 1998. ISBN: 5020036846. The collected papers of Soviet Chief Designer Korolev. A tremendous source of new information and insight on the Soviet space program. Russian language. More at amazon.com...