RT-15 Credit - Arsenal

The RT-15 IRBM used the second and third stages if the RT-2 ICBM. After protracted development in 1961-1970 with a range of alternative self-propelled mobile launchers, limited numbers ('few' to 19) of two types of launchers were deployed in 1970. The various transporters tested created confusion in the West (with designations SS-14 Scapegoat and Scamp being applied).

Decree 316-157 of 4 April 1961 authorised development of a family of solid propellant launch vehicles utilising various combinations of three stages (the RT-2, RT-15, and RT-25). The RT-15 IRBM used the second and third stages of the RT-2 ICBM and was to be developed at TsKB-7 Arsenal in Leningrad under the direction of Pyotr A Tyurin. Both mobile and silo-based versions were designed. However work was stopped from 16 July 1963 to 25 December 1964 due to delays in development of the RT-2 on which the missile was based.

Trials of the RT-15 using two 15P696 mobile launchers finally took place in 1965-1966. By that time the planned silo version was cancelled. The launcher was revealed publicly at the mammoth Moscow parade in 1967. TsKB-7 itself designed the first stage motors, with the solid propellant being developed by Vladimir S Shpak at GIPKh and produced by Yakov Savchenko at the Altaisk State Research Institute for Chemical Technology. Two variants of the second stage were developed in parallel. That flown on the first ten flights was developed by Mikhail Tsirulnikov at SKB-172 in Perm. The later variant was developed by the same team that produced the first stage.

A variant using the Object 272 self-propelled-launcher based on the chassis of the T-10 tank was designed by Zh Ya Kotin at KB-3 at the Kirov Factory in Leningrad. The TTZ specification for this version was issued by GURVO on 24 September 1964. System integrator was V V Cherneskin at TsKB-34. A regiment of these launchers consisted of six launchers, one control vehicle, a MAZ-543 command vehicle, a position preparation vehicle, two diesel generators, and three 'Relef' communications/liaison vehicles. Trials were conducted at Kaputsin Yar in 1965 to 1966 from launch areas 84 and 105. This version was paraded in Moscow in 1966.

The complete mobile land-based launch complex (PBRK) underwent trials from November 1966 to March 1970. Twenty launches were made with this variant, including two dual salvo launches. Although series production was cancelled on 6 June 1969, it was recommended that an experimental regiment be formed to test the military utility of a mobile solid propellant missile. Some claim that this regiment went into service in Byelorussia in 1970 with 19 launchers of various types. Reportedly the Arsenal factory produced only 15 series RT-15's before production was ended.

Manufacturer: Arsenal. Launches: 20. Success Rate: 100.00%. First Launch Date: 1965-01-01. Last Launch Date: 1970-03-01. Launch data is: incomplete. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 412.000 kN (92,621 lbf). Total Mass: 16,000 kg (35,000 lb). Core Diameter: 1.49 m (4.88 ft). Total Length: 11.90 m (39.00 ft). Standard warhead mass: 500 kg (1,100 lb). Maximum range: 2,500 km (1,500 mi). Number Standard Warheads: 1. Standard warhead yield: 50 KT. Standard warhead CEP: 2.26 km (1.40 mi). Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise Propulsion: Solid rocket. Total Number Built: 19.

RT-15M. Submarine-launched ballistic missile. Article Number: 4K22. Manufacturer's Designation: RT-15M. Launch System: D-7. Complex: 4K22.

Under the original resolution in 1961 starting the RT-2 programme, Makeyev was to develop a submarine-launched version of the RT-15, consisting of the first and second stages of the RT-2. It did not proceed beyond the study stage.

Manufacturer: Makeyev.