UR-500DH1 Credit - © Dietrich Haeseler

The original UR-500 two stage configuration was designed as a monster ICBM. It was flown in 1965, but never deployed as an operational missile. The design was succeeded by three and four stage versions for launching of large payloads into space.

Data is accurate. Tsniimash has 1:10 model.

Manufacturer: Chelomei. Total Mass: 688,000 kg (1,516,000 lb). Standard warhead mass: 20,000 kg (44,000 lb).

During February 1962 - Launch Vehicle: UR-200, UR-500, R-16, R-56, R-9, N1.

• Pitsunda Conference - Decision to start design of UR-500 and N1 lunar boosters Nation: USSR. The Soviet leadership attends a secret exhibition of Soviet rocket technology in a sporting hall at Pitsunda, on the Black Sea. The Chief Designers offer competing designs. It is decided that the R-16, R-9, UR-200, UR-500, and N1 will go forward. Yangel's R-56 is rejected.Additional Details: Pitsunda Conference - Decision to start design of UR-500 and N1 lunar boosters(27080). References: 539.

• Pervov, Mikhail, Raketnoye Oruzhiye RVSN, Violanta, Moscow, 1999.. Narrative overview of the missiles of the Russian strategic missile forces.

• Karpenko, A V, Utkin, A F and Popov,A D, Otechestvenniye strategischeskiye raketnoye kompleks, Sankt-Peterburg: Nevskii bastion; Gangut 1999.. Well-illustrated encyclopedia of the missiles of the Russian strategic missile forces.