Editing RT-2PM2 Topol-M

{{Short description|Russian ICBM}}
{{Infobox weapon
|is_missile=yes
|name= Topol-M <br /> SS-27 "Sickle B"
|image=[[File:Испытательный пуск ракеты «Тополь-М» на космодроме Плесецк.webm|border|300px]] 
|type=[[Intercontinental ballistic missile]]
|caption=
|origin=Russia
|used_by=Russian [[Strategic Rocket Forces]]
|designer=[[Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology]]
|manufacturer=[[Votkinsk Plant State Production Association|Votkinsk Machine Building Plant]]
|unit_cost=
|propellant=
|production_date=December 1994–2010
|service=December 2000–present
|engine=Three-stage [[Solid-fuel rocket]]
|engine_power=
|weight= 47,200 kg (104,000 lb)
|length={{convert|22.7|m|abbr=on}}
|height=
|diameter={{convert|1.93|m|abbr=on}}
|wingspan=
|speed={{convert|7520|m/s|km/h mph Mach}}<ref name="Mputtre.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.mputtre.com/id19.html |title=Topol-M: Missile Defense Penetrator by Michal Fiszer |publisher=Mputtre.com |access-date=2011-05-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230165047/http://www.mputtre.com/id19.html |archive-date=2012-12-30 }}</ref>
|vehicle_range={{convert|11000|km|abbr=on}}
|ceiling=
|altitude=
|filling= 1 x 1.0 Mt<ref name="sipri.org">[https://global.oup.com/academic/product/sipri-yearbook-online-2011-9780199695522?cc=us&lang=en& SIPRI Yearbook Online 2011]</ref>
|guidance=[[Inertial guidance system|Inertial]] with [[GLONASS]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-threat-and-proliferation/missile-proliferation/russia/ss-27-topol-m/|title=Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance » SS-27 / Topol-M|last=www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org|website=missiledefenseadvocacy.org}}</ref>
|accuracy=200 m [[Circular error probable|CEP]]<ref name="Mputtre.com"/>
|detonation=
|launch_platform=Silo, road-mobile [[Transporter erector launcher|TEL]]
}}
[[File:19-03-2012-Parade-rehearsal - Topol-M.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[MZKT-79221]] Transporter erector launcher carrying missile container during rehearsals for the [[2012 Moscow Victory Day Parade]].]]
The '''RT-2PM2 «Topol-M»''' ({{langx|ru|РТ-2ПМ2 «Тополь-М»}}, [[NATO reporting name]]: '''SS-27 "Sickle B"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Ballistic-Missiles/Topol-M_a001014001.aspx |title=SS-27 Sickle B |publisher=Deagel.com |date=2011-03-10 |access-date=2011-05-23}}</ref>''', other designations: '''SS-27 Mod 1''',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fas.org/blogs/security/2014/05/russianmodernization/|title=Russian ICBM Force Modernization: Arms Control Please!}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/207196/crowdsourcing-russian-icbms/|title=Crowdsourcing Russian ICBMs|website=www.armscontrolwonk.com}}</ref> '''RS-12M1''', '''RS-12M2''', formerly incorrectly '''RT-2UTTKh''')<ref name="janes1">[https://archive.today/20120904131630/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jsws/jsws0463.html RS-12M1/2 Topol-M (SS-27/RT-2PM2) (Russian Federation), Offensive weapons]</ref> is one of the most recent [[intercontinental ballistic missile]]s to be deployed by Russia,<ref>{{Cite web |title=RT-2PM2 Topol-M (SS-27 Mod 1 "Sickle B") |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-27/ |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=Missile Threat |language=en-US}}</ref> and the first to be developed after the dissolution of the [[Soviet Union]]. It was developed from the [[RT-2PM Topol]] mobile [[intercontinental ballistic missile]].

In its Russian designation '''РТ''' stands for "ракета твердотопливная", raketa tverdotoplivnaya ("solid fuel rocket"), while '''УТТХ''' – for "улучшенные тактико-технические характеристики", uluchshenniye taktiko-tekhnicheskie kharakteristiki ("improved tactical and technical characteristics"). "Topol" (тополь) in Russian means "[[populus alba|white poplar]]". It is designed and produced exclusively by the [[Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology]], and built at the [[Votkinsk Machine Building Plant]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/icbm/rt-2pmu.htm |title=RT-2PMU? – Topol-M SS-27 – Russian / Soviet Nuclear Forces |publisher=Fas.org |access-date=2011-05-23}}</ref><ref>[http://www.aeronautics.ru/archive/wmd/ballistic/ballistic/ss27-01.htm Land-Based Ballistic Missiles]{{dead link|date=May 2011}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
The Topol-M is a [[Cold launch|cold-launched]], three-stage, solid-propellant, silo-based or road-mobile [[intercontinental ballistic missile]].<ref name="missilethreat.csis.org">{{cite web|url=http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-25-topol/|title=SS-25 (RS-12M Topol) - Missile Threat}}</ref> The missile's length is 22.7 meters and the first stage has a body diameter of 1.9 meters. The mass at launch is 47,200&nbsp;kg, including the 1,200&nbsp;kg [[Payload (air and space craft)|payload]]. Topol-M carries a single [[warhead]] with an 800 [[TNT equivalent|kiloton]] yield<ref name="sipri.org"/> but the design is compatible with [[MIRV]] warheads. According to chief designer Yury Solomonov, the missile can carry four to six warheads along with decoys.<ref name="missilethreat1">{{cite web |url=http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-25-topol |title=Missile Threat &#124; SS-25 (RS-12M Topol) |access-date=2016-11-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104081523/http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-25-topol/ |archive-date=2016-11-04 }}</ref> It is claimed to have the highest accuracy of any Russian ICBM.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=http://www.nti.org/db/nisprofs/russia/weapons/icbms/topovr.htm |title=Russia |newspaper=The Nuclear Threat Initiative |publisher=Nti.org |access-date=2011-05-23}}</ref>  The body of the rocket is made by winding carbon fiber.

The Topol-M may be deployed either inside a reinforced [[missile silo]] or from an APU launcher mounted on the [[MZKT-79221|MZKT-79221 "Universal"]] 16-wheeled [[transporter-erector-launcher]].<ref name="autogenerated1"/> The designation for the silo-based Topol-M missile is believed to be '''RS-12M2''', while the mobile version is '''RS-12M1'''.<ref name="janes1"/>

[[Image:Topol LAS.JPG|thumb|right|Combat Support Vehicle (MOBD) 15V231 of Topol/Topol-M at the [[Saint-Petersburg Artillery Museum]]]]
[[Image:Topol TRS.JPG|thumb|right|Troposphere Relay Station R-406VCh of Topol/Topol-M at the [[Saint-Petersburg Artillery Museum]]]]
[[File:Moscow 2012 Victory Day Parade Rehearsal, Topol-M nuclear missile launchers 2, Russia.jpg|thumb|right|Topol-M mobile launchers on the streets of Moscow during Victory Day Parade Rehearsal]]
The first stage has rocket motors developed by the Soyuz Federal Center for Dual-Use Technologies. These give the missile a much higher acceleration than other ICBM types. They enable the missile to accelerate to the speed of 7,320&nbsp;m/s and to travel a flatter trajectory to distances of up to 10,000&nbsp;km.<ref name="Mputtre.com"/>

As a solid propellant design, the missile can be maintained on alert for prolonged periods of time and can launch within minutes of being given the order.<ref name="missilethreat1"/>

==Development and deployment==
The development of the missile began in the late 1980s as a response to the American [[Strategic Defense Initiative]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bleek|first=Philipp C.|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1P3-56100141|title=Russia Approves Topol-M, Warns Missile Could Defeat U.S. Defense|date=1 June 2000|journal=Arms Control Today|volume=30|issue=5|page=26|access-date=|url-access= |via=}}{{dead link|date=July 2021}}</ref> Initially an evolutionary upgrade of the [[RT-2PM Topol]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jsws/jsws0463.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904131630/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jsws/jsws0463.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 4, 2012 |access-date=October 22, 2008 |title=Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's &#124; IHS }}</ref> the missile was redesigned in 1992.{{Citation needed|date=May 2015}} The missile's principal designer was Yuri Solomonov, who would later oversee the development of the [[RSM-56 Bulava]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Champlin|first=Luke|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1P3-1893129611/russia-defends-struggling-missile-program|title=Russia Defends Struggling Missile Program|date=October 2009|journal=Arms Control Today|volume=39|issue=8|page=45|access-date=|url-access=|via=|archive-date=2015-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524023257/https://www.questia.com/read/1P3-1893129611/russia-defends-struggling-missile-program|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The first flight test took place on December 20, 1994, during which the missile, launched from [[Plesetsk]], hit its target {{Convert|4,000|mi|km|order=flip}} away.<ref name="Bulletin">{{Cite journal|last1=Norris|first1=Robert S.|last2=Arkin|first2=William M.|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-63794409.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924161731/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-63794409.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Russian Nuclear Forces, 2000|date=1 July 2000|journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|access-date=15 May 2015|url-access=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-15974595.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924142637/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-15974595.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2015|title=Russia tested a prototype for a new intercontinental ballistic missile successfully|date=22 December 1994|journal=Defense Daily|access-date=15 May 2015|url-access=}}</ref> Two missiles were put on experimental combat duty in December 1997 at [[Tatishchevo (airbase)|Tatishchevo]].<ref name=Bulletin/> The fifth test flight on 22 October 1998 was unsuccessful as the missile exploded after being launched; the sixth test flight two months later was successful.<ref name=Bulletin/> The 104th Regiment of the Taman Missile Division, based in [[Saratov]], introduced 10 missiles into service on 30 December 1998; another ten entered service with a second regiment in December 1999.<ref name=Bulletin/><ref>{{Cite news|first=David|last=Hoffman|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-688535.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108195934/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-688535.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 January 2016|title=Russia Set To Deploy Topol-M Missiles; Move Comes Amid Dispute on Control|date=27 December 1998|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=15 May 2015|url-access=}}</ref>

Silo launcher Topol-M entered service by presidential decree on 13 July 2000, the third, fourth and fifth regiments entered service in 2000, 2003, and 2005. The last regiment was to arrive in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/pub/topol_tomorrow/topol_tomorrow.shtml|title="Тополь-М": история создания и перспективы - Ракетная техника|website=rbase.new-factoria.ru}}</ref>

On December 12, 2006, the first three mobile Topol-M missile systems entered duty with a missile unit stationed near the town of [[Teykovo]].<ref>Strategic Missile Forces spokesman Col. Alexander Vovk, quoted by ''ITAR TASS''.</ref>

'''Current Strategic Rocket Forces Order of Battle lists the following sites with Topol-M missiles:'''<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Strategic Rocket Forces |url=http://russianforces.org/missiles/ |title=Strategic Rocket Forces – Russian strategic nuclear forces |journal=Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces |date= 2007-12-13|access-date=2011-05-23}}</ref>
* [[27th Guards Rocket Army]] (HQ: Vladimir)
** 60th Missile Division at Tatishchevo with 60 silo-based Topol-M
** 54th Guards Missile Division at Teykovo with 18 mobile Topol-M

The Topol-M missiles have a lifetime between 15 and 20 years.

==Missile defense evasion capabilities==
According to Russia this missile and its derivatives, [[RS-24 Yars]], [[RS-26 Rubezh]] and [[RSM-56 Bulava]] are designed to counter and evade current or planned United States [[missile defense]] system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-05-27-us-russia_N.htm |title=General says Russia will counter U.S. missile defense plans |work=USA Today |date=2008-05-27 |access-date=2011-05-23}}</ref> It is said to be capable of making [[Maneuverable reentry vehicle|evasive maneuvers]] to avoid a kill by interceptors, and carries targeting countermeasures and [[decoy]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CyD8dla8oM|title=Así es el Topol-M, el misil ruso que burla el Escudo Antimisiles|last=Confidencial Digital|date=11 March 2014|via=YouTube}}</ref>

One of the Topol-M's most notable features is its short engine burn time following take-off, intended to minimize satellite detection of launches and thereby complicate both early warning and interception by missile defense systems during boost phase. The missile also has a relatively flat ballistic trajectory, complicating defense acquisition and interception.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.armscontrol.org/act/2000_06/topoljun |title=Russia Approves Topol-M; Warns Missile Could Defeat U.S. Defense |publisher=Armscontrol.org |date=June 2000 |access-date=2011-05-23}}</ref>

According to ''[[The Washington Times]]'', Russia has conducted a successful test of the evasive payload delivery system.<ref>{{cite web|last=Washington |first=The |url=http://www.washtimes.com/national/20051120-115514-2217r.htm |title=Russian warhead alters course midflight in test |work=Washington Times |date=2005-11-20 |access-date=2011-05-23}}</ref> The missile was launched on
1 November 2005 from the [[Kapustin Yar]] facility. The warhead changed course after separating from the launcher, making it difficult to predict a re-entry trajectory.

==Equipment of Topol-M with MIRV==
{{Main|RS-24 Yars}}
A new missile loosely based on Topol-M and equipped with [[Multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle|multiple re-entry vehicles]] (MIRV) is called [[RS-24 Yars]]. In January 2009 Russian sources hinted that the production of the mobile Topol-M missile would be shutting down in 2009 and that the new MIRVed [[RS-24]] version would replace it.<ref>{{cite web|author=Армс-Тасс |url=http://arms-tass.su/?page=article&aid=65371&cid=25 |script-title=ru:Армс-Тасс |language=ru |publisher=Arms-tass.su |date=2009-01-22 |access-date=2011-05-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003093859/http://arms-tass.su/?page=article&aid=65371&cid=25 |archive-date=October 3, 2011 }}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Загрузка МБР Тополь-М в пусковую шахту (1).png|thumb|Loading ICBM Topol-M into the launch silo]]
[[File:Загрузка МБР Тополь-М в пусковую шахту (2).png|thumb|The final stage of loading the rocket into the launch silo]]
;{{RUS}}:
The [[Strategic Missile Troops]] are the only operator of the RT-2PM2 Topol-M. As of March 2020,<ref>{{cite journal|title=Russian nuclear forces, 2020 |journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists |volume=76 |issue=2 |pages=73–84 |last1=Kristensen |first1=Hans M. |last2=Korda |first2=Matt |date=9 March 2020 |doi=10.1080/00963402.2020.1728985 |bibcode=2020BuAtS..76b.102K |doi-access=free }}</ref> 60 silo-based and 18 mobile RT-2PM2 Topol-M missiles are deployed with 2 rocket divisions:

Silo-based:
* [[27th Guards Rocket Army#Composition|60th Rocket Division]] at [[Tatishchevo Air Base]]
Road-mobile:
* [[54th Guards Rocket Division]] at [[Teykovo]]

It is believed that since 2010 no more RT-2PM2 Topol-M missiles have been purchased in favor of the newest [[RS-24 Yars]].

==See also==
* [[Strategic Rocket Forces]]
* [[RT-2PM Topol]]
* [[RS-24 Yars]]
* [[RS-26 Rubezh]]
* [[RS-28 Sarmat]]
* [[R-36 (missile)]]
* [[UR-100N]]
* [[LGM-30 Minuteman]]
* [[Agni-V]]
* [[DF-5]]
* [[DF-31]]
* [[DF-41]]
* [[Hwasong-18]]
* [[Hwasong-19]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|RT-2PM2 Topol-M}}
* [http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-27/ CSIS Missile Threat - SS-27 (Topol-M)]
* [https://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/icbm/rt-2pmu.htm Federation of American Scientists]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hesaGoYfyV8 Representation video of a mobile Topol-M on Youtube]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3eW76d9y18 RS12-M2 "Topol-M/Тополь-М" Launch from Silo]

{{Russian and Soviet military designation sequences}}
{{Russian and Soviet missiles|SSM}}

[[Category:Intercontinental ballistic missiles of Russia]]
[[Category:Strategic Rocket Forces]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1997]]
[[Category:Votkinsk Machine Building Plant products]]