The Topol mobile intercontinental ballistic missile

The first ground-based RT-2PM/RS-12M (SS-25 Sickle) Topol mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles were placed in combat duty exactly 25 years ago, on July 23, 2010.

The RT-2PM Topol (Poplar; NATO reporting name SS-25 Sickle; Main Agency of Missiles and Artillery of the Ministry of Defense/GRAU designation: 15Zh58; other designations: RS-12M Topol) is the first Soviet mobile strategic system to feature the RT-2PM three-stage solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile.

The RT-2PM missile comprises three sustainer stages and one warhead stage. In contrast to the fillers of previous engines, all sustainer stages are filled with a new high-density fuel having longer specific thrust, and upper-stage bodies now feature continuous cocoon-shaped organic-plastic coils. These upgrades result in the missile’s impressive power-to-weight ratio.

The missile’s inertial guidance system features an onboard computer, highly integrated microcircuits and a new control-device assembly with high-sensitivity float switches. The guidance system’s computers facilitate the independent use of the self-propelled launcher.

Topol mobile ground-based missile system launchers rolling through Moscow’s Red Square during a military parade marking Victory Day.

One Topol missile is test-fired annually from the Plesetsk Space Center in northern Russia. About 50 Topol missiles have been successfully launched to date during their development and maintenance, highlighting the system’s high reliability. Photo: October 12, 2008. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev before a test-launch of an RS-12M Topol ICBM from the Plesetsk Space Center.

The civilian Start launch vehicle, based on the Topol ICBM, is launched from the Plesetsk and Svobodny space centers.