The design of the RSM-52 missile was started in 1971 and it was accepted into production in 1983. This was the first Soviet three-stage solid fuel missile and carried ten individually targeted warheads. Unlike previous Soviet submarine missiles, this one is "dry launched", which means that the launch tube is not filled with water prior to firing. The engine starts while the the missile is leaving the tube and the exhaust makes a gas bubble around the missile during the water transit which significantly reduces friction. During acceptance trials there were 13 launches made of which 11 were successful.
| Designation | RSM-52 |
|---|---|
| Ship Class Used On | Typhoon class (Pr. 941) (20 missiles) |
| Date In Service | 1983 |
| Weight | 198,416 lbs. (90,000 kg) |
| Dimensions | First Stage: 629.9 x 90.6 x 94.5 in (1,600 x 240 x 230 cm) Second Stage: 94.5 in (240 cm) Third Stage: 90.6 in (230 cm) |
| Payload | Ten warheads Total payload weight 5,622 lbs. (2,550 kg) |
| Range | Intercontinental |
| Propulsion | Three-stage solid 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