The design of the RSM-50 missile started in 1970s and it was accepted into service in 1977. The main difference from the RSM-40 was the ability to carry one, three or seven warheads. Each warhead was individually targeted. The missile had astronavigation, which could correct not only discrepancies in the missile course, but also any mistakes in the position of the launching boat. The trials of the missile started in November 1976 and lasted until September 1977. A total of 22 launches were made during the trials, most of them successful.
| Designation | RSM-50 |
|---|---|
| Ship Class Used On | Delta III class (Pr. 667BDR) (16 missiles) |
| Date In Service | 1977 |
| Weight | 77,823 lbs. (35,300 kg) |
| Dimensions | 555 x 71 in (1.4 x 1.8 m) |
| Payload | One, three or seven warheads Total payload weight 3,638 lbs. (1,650 kg) |
| Range | Intercontinental |
| Propulsion | Two-stage liquid fuel rocket |
Data from:
- "Ballisticheskie Rakety Otechestvennogo Flota" (Ballistic Missiles of the Fatherland Fleet) by Yu. L Korshunov and E.M. Kytovoy
Special help from Vladimir Yakubov