For the first time, a new Russian intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) "Sarmat" can be launched in the fall. Earlier it became known that this year they want to conduct several tests of the product.
The Sarmat missile system will become one of the most destructive Russian weapons systems and one of the main guarantors of the country's security.
Now a TASS source in the defense industry called the timing of the first test launch. "The first launch of the Sarmat within the framework of the LKI is expected to take place in the autumn, the second-at the end of 2021," the agency quoted him as saying.
There is no official confirmation of this information. It is worth noting, however, that the announced data are confirmed by earlier reports, according to which, this year, three ICBM launches should be carried out under the flight design test program.
As it was reported at the time, the launches will be carried out using a mine installation, which is located at the Plesetsk cosmodrome. One of the tests may involve launching a rocket at the maximum range.
For today, the rocket has several throwing launches from Plesetsk behind its back. During the tests, the product was fired from a mine launcher using a powder pressure accumulator. Then there was a short-term activation of the main engine.
The RS-28, or "Sarmat", is a new-generation mine-based missile system with a heavy multi-stage liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile. In the future, it will replace the P-36M2 "Voevoda".
R-36M2 rocket
Image source: wikipedia
The rocket has an important conceptual difference from the complex of the previous generation. In the case of the Sarmat, the emphasis is not on the maximum mass of the warheads being thrown, but on the methods that make it difficult to intercept them.
According to open sources, the maximum launch range is 18 thousand kilometers. The starting weight is more than 200 tons. A missile can have more than ten combat blocks.
Recall that this year it became known about the beginning of the development in Russia of a new generation strategic missile system with the symbol "Cedar" (while the project is at the earliest stage).
In turn, the Americans are actively developing a new generation of Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) ICBMs, which should replace the well-known Minuteman III. They want to launch a new rocket for the first time in the first half of the decade. The initial combat readiness of the complex is scheduled for 2029. Full — around the middle of the 2030s.
