Tests of ICBM "Sarmat" on the eve of completion
The first test launch of Sarmat, April 20, 2022
A promising strategic missile system with an intercontinental ballistic missile "Sarmat" is currently at the stage of flight design tests. A few months ago, the first test launch of this product took place, and the next one is expected in the coming weeks. In addition, in the foreseeable future, the missile system will be adopted by the Strategic Missile Forces and will take up combat duty.
Rockets at the range
Almost five years ago, at the end of December 2017, the first launch of the RS-28 Sarmat test product took place at the Plesetsk training ground. In the spring of next year, two more similar tests took place at the same site, during which they collected the necessary information for the further development of the project.
Preparation for flight design tests (LKI), for unknown reasons, was delayed. The long-awaited first launch took place on April 20, 2022, again at the Plesetsk test site. An experienced ICBM passed along a given trajectory and successfully sent a combat load to a conditional target (targets) at the Kamchatka Kura training ground.
In the future, it was repeatedly reported that the next test launch as part of the LCI would take place in the coming months, although its exact date remained unknown. For example, in mid-July, the leadership of Roskosmos announced the preparation of a new experimental rocket for testing. In addition, a curious photo was published with one of the new missiles in a transport and launch container under a cover.
Officials have reported and confirmed several times this year that the Sarmat will enter service before the end of the year. Soon after that, by the beginning of 2023, the first missile regiment armed with new systems will take up combat duty.
The current state of affairs with the testing of "Sarmat" on November 8 was revealed by the TASS agency. From its unnamed source close to the Ministry of Defense, it learned that the LCI could be continued until the end of this year. The second launch, like the first, will take place at the Plesetsk training ground, and the rocket will send inert warheads to Kamchatka.
The source says that the second launch is of great importance for the entire program. After evaluating its results, the Ministry of Defense may decide to deploy the first regiment of Sarmat complexes.
Another source told TASS about future deliveries of missile systems. According to the contract signed with the contractor at the end of 2020, the regimental kit "Sarmatov" will first go into service with the Strategic Missile Forces. The exact timing of the transfer of the complete set with all the required funds remain unknown.
Test program
Thus, the Ministry of Defense and industry represented by Roskosmos, GRC them. Makeev and related organizations continue to prepare for a new test launch as part of full-fledged flight design tests. According to the latest newswork is proceeding according to the previously established schedule. There are no reasons for negative forecasts.
However, the observed situation raises questions. To date, the Sarmat has flown only once, and a second launch will take place in the coming weeks. According to its results, a decision will be made on putting the complex into service. This means that the entire cycle of flight tests, design and government, will be limited to just two launches.
It should be recalled that the tests of other strategic missile systems for the Strategic Missile Forces and the Navy lasted longer, and more launches were carried out within their framework. Why the LCI program of the promising Sarmat looks different is unknown.
It is possible that the RS-28 project is distinguished by its technical excellence, and already at the stage of bench and preliminary tests of individual units, it showed its best side. In addition, modern design and simulation technologies could be used in its creation, and preliminary “tests” were carried out using computer models.
One way or another, the customer and contractor found an opportunity to shorten and speed up the flight design and, possibly, state tests of the new missile system. Due to a properly drawn up test program, after the second launch it will become clear whether the Sarmat is suitable for deployment and combat duty.
It is curious that the announced test launch program does not provide for a demonstration of the full potential of the new ICBM. Previously, it was repeatedly reported that the Sarmat has a global range and in this respect surpasses all other domestic and foreign missiles. However, such opportunities will not be shown during the LCT. Flights will be carried out on a "non-global" route from Plesetsk to Kura.
Obviously, the two starts in 2022 will not be the last. After being put into service, the new missile will regularly participate in the exercises of the Strategic Missile Forces. At the same time, the missile forces will be able to gain the necessary experience in operating and using such weapons. In addition, at this stage they can test and show fundamentally new capabilities of the complex in the context of range and flight routes.
In turn, the industry during such combat training events will again collect data on the operation of ground systems and units of the rocket itself. Perhaps this will allow us to identify previously overlooked shortcomings and correct them. In addition, it will be possible to find ways to further improve the complex as a whole.
New opportunities
RS-28 "Sarmat" is a heavy-class ICBM and is intended for deployment as part of ground-based missile systems of the Strategic Missile Forces. With its help, in the foreseeable future, the remaining R-36M Voevoda missiles, which are ending their service life, will be replaced. As reported, the missile division in Uzhur will be the first to receive new ICBMs. The next regimental kit will go to the division from Yasnoe. In the future, as new deliveries are made, the connections will be completely transferred to modern complexes.
"Sarmat" was built according to a three-stage scheme with a payload dilution stage. The total length of the product will exceed 35 m, weight - approx. 210 tons. All three stages of the rocket are equipped with liquid rocket engines. It is reported that the propulsion system is characterized by increased characteristics, due to which faster acceleration is provided and the active section of the trajectory is reduced.
The flight range is indicated as global. According to various data and estimates, this parameter may exceed 15-17 thousand km. Thanks to this, the rocket will be able to send warheads to targets almost anywhere in the world, incl. with flight along optimal trajectories, which makes it possible to bypass enemy missile defense position areas.
It is known that the RS-28 will carry a multiple reentry vehicle with individual targeting units. The number and power of warheads are unknown. Up to ten units are expected to be installed. In addition, the Sarmat will become the carrier of the latest Avangard hypersonic gliding warhead.
In general, "Sarmat" in all respects surpasses the well-deserved, but outdated missile "Voevoda". In addition, it is new and will be able to continue serving for the next few decades. A high unused resource and special characteristics will make the RS-28 missile an effective deterrent.
Finishing line
Due to the overall complexity, the development of the RS-28 Sarmat project took longer than originally reported. The full test cycle has also been delayed - several years have passed between the throwing and flight tests, and now a new test launch is expected. Based on its results, a decision will be made on adoption.
Thus, the Sarmat project is at the finish line. What exactly the plans of the Ministry of Defense and Roskosmos look like for the near future and when the new launches will take place is not yet known. However, these issues will be clarified in the very near future, and then the Strategic Missile Forces will receive a new tool for solving the tasks of strategic deterrence.
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