The works on development of the R-36M2 strategic missile system began in August 1983. Their main purpose is to further develop the previous version of the system – R-36M UTTH. The updated system, called Voevoda (or Satan missile according to NATO classification), was supposed to have higher antinuclear protection and the ability to overcome the prospective U.S. missile defense system. The development of the system was headed by Stanislav Ivanovich Us, one of the leaders of Yuzhnoye Design Bureau.
See also: Russia’s Nuclear Weapons.
Implementation of advanced technical solutions
The development of the unique system was completed in September 1989. As a result of colossal efforts of the Soviet military-industrial complex it was possible to create the world’s most powerful missile delivery vehicle for nuclear weapons, which for many years became the «headache» of our potential adversaries.
Thanks to the introduction of the latest scientific advances, it was possible to almost 1.5 times increase the hit precision, 3 times the duration of autonomous flight, 2 times reduced the time of readiness for launch. The upgraded missile «Satan» could «throw» a dozen constantly maneuvering invulnerable to missile defense nuclear warheads on the head of an aggressor, weighing about 9 tons in total.
Struggle for survivability
The survivability of the system, in particular the underground silos, has increased considerably, making it possible to launch even after a nuclear strike. The missile in flight became virtually invulnerable to the effects of nuclear explosion. This was achieved through the use of a special multi-functional coating and a unique head shroud.
Beyond compare
The «Voevoda» missile, like all of its predecessors, has a tandem staging scheme. It is the most powerful missile in the world in every respect, weighing over 210 tons and over 34 meters long. By comparison, her American counterpart, the Minuteman III, is twice as short and almost 7 times lighter.
Another Soviet know-how embodied in the «Voevoda» missile is the mortar launch. The missile launches from the silo not with the first stage engines turned on, but by triggering the powder pressure accumulators, which literally shoot it out of the transport and launch container, after which the engines are started.
However, the biggest problem for our enemies is the advanced anti-missile defense system, which includes a whole cloud of decoys that fully simulate combat blocks on the final leg of the flight. In the event of war, the «Voevoda» turns into a destructive «Satan» for his enemies, a waking nightmare, glorified in Hollywood blockbusters, from which there is and can be no salvation.
Safety factor
The «Voevoda» system has passed its quarter-century mark at the zenith of its glory and power. It is still unmatched, and it is on the duty as before. Five years ago, after another successful firing, the Russian Defense Ministry decided to extend its service life for at least the next 23 years.
The «Voevoda» is a retaliatory weapon. According to some reports, one-fifth of the 350 strategic missiles in service today are accounted for by it. And in 3-4 years is expected a solid strengthening – a strategic system of the new generation «Sarmat».