The Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) are armed with the 15Zh58 Topol intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on a ground launcher. Engineers have for the first time described in detail the principle of operation of this terrible weapon.
The firing range is more than 10,000 km. The exact power of the charge on board is not disclosed, but according to open sources, Topol is included in the megaton class of nuclear warheads.
How Topol starts
The 15Zh58 intercontinental ballistic missile is launched from a transport and launch container (TPK) using a powder pressure accumulator. The system actually "pushes" the missile out, after which the first stage engine is activated at a safe altitude in the air.
This start can be compared to the principle of operation of a mortar, it increases the stealth of the complex and protects the launcher.
Control at the first two stages
The first stage is controlled by aerodynamic and gas-jet rudders working in conjunction. After the fuel has completely burned out, the first engine is turned off, and after a short "pause" the next one is turned on.
The second and third stages of the 15Zh58 use fixed nozzles with a gas injection system, which gives the missile precise directional control without turning the nozzles. Roll control is carried out by asymmetric injection, which provides Topol with high maneuverability and stability in the active phase of the flight.
Range correction and targeting
The flight range of Topol is clearly controlled by the cut-off of the third stage thrust. A special unit allows you to stop the engine at the right moment so as not to exceed the calculated distance.
After that, the afterburning stage is separated — a compact unit that performs the final maneuvers. It compensates for course errors, brings warheads to a given trajectory and separates the payload.
What's inside the afterburning unit
The afterburning stage includes an aggregate module with a small engine, an instrument compartment with a control system, telemetry equipment and a warhead.
It is this element that completes the flight, turning a complex launch into an accurate hit at an intercontinental distance.
Earlier www1.ru reported that an engineer's initiative accelerated the production of protection for the T-90M and the Okhotnik combat modules.
Read also the materials:
Modified T-90S tanks were spotted at exercises abroad
The manufacturer of communications for the Su-57 and Tu-160M "White Swan" will sharply expand production
