| Country: |
Russian Federation |
| Alternate Name: |
Snipe, RS-16 |
| Class: |
SLBM |
| Basing: |
Submarine launched |
| Length: |
11.99 m |
| Diameter: |
1.72 m |
| Launch Weight: |
26800 kg |
| Payload: |
Single warhead |
| Warhead: |
Nuclear 500 kT |
| Propulsion: |
2-stage solid |
| Range: |
3900 km |
| Status: |
Obsolete |
| In Service: |
1980-1991 |
Details
Russian Designation: RS-16
The SS-N-17 was an intermediate-range, submarine-launched, solid propellant ballistic missile. It was the first Soviet Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) to utilize solid propellant, as well as the first with a Post-Boost Vehicle (PBV). The introduction of PBV technology indicates an intention to produce a MIRV version but this was never developed for the SS-N-17. This was likely due to the greater success of later designs over the SS-N-17. It was a cold-launched, inertial guided missile with independent computer guidance on the PBV.
The SS-N-17 used a new underwater launch system, the first that did not use a flooded launch tube. Rather, the missile was ejected with a pressure accumulator and surfaced in cavitation mode, basically carried to the surface in a gas bubble. The first-stage engine ignited after the missile reached the surface.
The SS-N-17 had significantly improved range over the previous designs, as well as being easier to use than liquid fuel designs. However, it had a lower accuracy and decreased yield. Though the superior range increased the number of effective targets and decreased the ability of the US to intercept the submarine, it was significantly less effective than the SS-N-18. The SS-N-17 deployed a 450 kg PBV to a maximum range of 3,900 km (2,423 miles). The single reentry vehicle carried a 500 kT yield warhead with an accuracy of 1,400 m CEP. The launch weight was 26,800 kg and had a length of 11.99 m with a width of 1.72 m. The missile used a two-stage solid propellant.
The development of the SS-N-17 started in 1971, with flight tests beginning in 1973. It was deployed in 1980 on a single ‘Yankee 2’ boat with 12 launch tubes and the deployment was not expanded. It is reported that Russia withdrew the SS-N-17 from service in 1991 as a result of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and the high cost involved in the limited deployment.(1)
Footnotes
- Duncan Lennox, Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2007), 586.
LA Times: North Korea-Iran Ties Strengthening
July 27, 2006 :: LA Times :: News
The Los Angeles Times today published a report on the growing ties between North Korea and Iran, including the possible sale of ballistic missiles to Tehran. The report quotes Israeli intelligence sources, who believe that the Islamic Republic recently bought 18 intermediate-range missiles from Pyongyang. In April 2006, Israeli intelligence chief Amos Yadlin stated that Israel had evidence that the sale had taken place, and that the 18 missiles in question were based on the Russian SS-N-6 submarine-launched ballistic missile. According to Yadlin, the North Korean variant has a range of 2,500 km, which would allow Iran to attack Israel and much of southern Europe. The Los Angeles Times also quotes Uzi Rubin, former head of the Israeli missile defense program, who recently stated that Iran is also interested in North Korea’s long-range Taep’o-dong 2 ballistic missile, which would greatly extend its striking power.
According to the Times, the North Korea-Iran nexus dates back to the 1980s when Pyongyang sold missiles and launchers to Tehran for use in the Iran-Iraq War. The two nations later collaborated on the development of Iran’s Shahab missiles, which are based on the North Korean No-dong. In recent years, satellites have spotted Iranian cargo planes at Pyongyang’s Sunan Airport, and U.S. intelligence now believes that Iran conducted a missile test on North Korea’s behalf on at least one occasion. Last week, reports emerged that Iranian observers had been on hand to witness North Korea’s July 4 test launch of seven long- and short-range missiles, including the Taep’o-dong 2. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Iran, Israel, North Korea, Proliferation
» Missile details: SS-N-17, Tien Ma 1
Russia Aided North Korean Export Missiles
September 20, 2003 :: Geostrategy-Direct :: News
Russia aided North Korea’s Taepo’ Dong missile development, reports Geostrategy-Direct. The Taepo-Dong may well have been a copy of the Russian SS-N-6, or R-27. Iran is the most likely client to purchase Taepo’ Dongs, when they become available. China has also been using North Korea as a front to export missiles. “Although China recently issued updated regulations on the export of chemical and biological agents, as well as missile-related export controls, full implementation and effective enforcement are still lacking,” Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week. “We continue to see disturbing cases of proliferation activities by certain Chinese firms.” (Article, Link)
» More stories on: China, North Korea, Russia
» Missile details: SS-N-17, Tien Chi, Tien Ma 1
