| Country: |
Russian Federation |
| Alternate Name: |
Sawfly, RSM-40, R-29, Vysota |
| Class: |
SLBM |
| Basing: |
Submarine launched |
| Length: |
13.90 m |
| Diameter: |
1.80 m |
| Launch Weight: |
33300 kg |
| Payload: |
Single warhead |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear 1 MT |
| Propulsion: |
2-stage liquid |
| Range: |
7800 km |
| Status: |
Obsolete |
| In Service: |
1973 |
Details
Russian Designation: RSM-40, R-29, Vysota
The SS-N-8 is an intercontinental-range, submarine-launched, liquid-propellant ballistic missile. When the SS-N-8 was developed in the late 1960s, it represented a substantial improvement over past submarine launched ballistic missiles. It was the world’s first intercontinental-range Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), as well as the first SLBM to carry penetration aids. It was specifically built for the ‘Delta I’ class submarines, each of which could carry twelve missiles. The missile is capable of being launched from a submerged depth of 50 m, providing the capability of launch from safety.
The SS-N-8 is designed as a strategic asset which could be easily secured against US attack. With a range sufficient to strike the continental US from Russian territorial waters, anywhere in the world can be attacked with the SS-N-8. It is an outdated and possibly withdrawn weapon built specifically for counter-value strikes. Despite a large warhead, the SS-N-8 is too inaccurate to be effective against hardened targets. However, its 1 MT yield is easily capable of destroying major population centers. As it was carried on submarines, it was almost impossible to successfully intercept the system prior to launch. The significantly improved range enabled missile submarines carrying the SS-N-8 to make combat patrols completely protected by the Soviet Navy and anti-submarine defenses.
The SS-N-8 Mod 1 has a range of 7,800 km (4,846 miles) with an accuracy of 1,500 m CEP. It carries a single 1 MT nuclear warhead equipped with an inertial navigation system coupled with a stellar reference sensor. The stellar reference sensor is the primary reason for the improved accuracy over previous designs. The SS-N-8 Mod 1 missile is 13.9 m long, 1.8 m in diameter with a launch weight of 33,300 kg. It uses a two-stage liquid propellant engine.
The SS-N-8 began development in 1961 and the Mod 1 became operational in 1973. The SS-N-8 Mod 2 entered service a year later. At peak levels, the Soviet Union deployed some 280 SS-N-8 missiles on 22 submarines. An obsolete design today, all save one of the ‘Delta I’ class submarines have been withdrawn from service. The one remaining boat, the K-447, is used as a training vessel for the Russian ballistic missile submarine fleet. This last boat possibly carries 12 SS-N-8 missiles, though the missiles could have been removed from service already and the submarine will be retired once its reactor is expended.
There was an operational test of the SS-N-8 in 1996. By 2004 there were no longer any 'Delta 1' or 'Delta 2' boats in service. In 1994 it was proposed that the 'Delta 1' should be used as a launch vessel for satellites but nothing more has been heard about this program. It is possible that all missiles have been destroyed.(1)
Footnotes
- Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems, Issue 46, ed. Duncan Lennox, (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2007) 584-585.
