TYURA TAM MISSILE TEST CENTER, USSR A COMPARISON OF 1957, 1958 AND 1960 PHOTOGRAPHY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T05439A000200030010-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 48
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 13, 2007
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: February 27, 1999
• Content Type: REPORT

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This joint photographic intelligence 'report, prepared by the Army,
Navy, and Central Intelligence Agency, uses KEYHOLE
photography to update previous analyses of the Tyura Tam
Missile Test Center. As with previous PIC joint reports on this center
1/-4/, this report is confined primarily to the analysis of new develop-
ments.
While the KEYHOLE photography provides the most extensive cov-
erage of the Missile Test Center to date, the small scale and lack of image
definition necessarily limit detailed analysis. Accordingly, most of the
mensural data included are only approximate. All mile distances given
are in nautical miles, and all directions are referenced from true North.
Also, it should be noted that, for convenience, the present tense has been
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SUMMARY ........................................
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INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . .
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RANGE HEAD ......................................
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Launch Complex "A`' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Launch Complex "B" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Launch Complex "C" .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?. . . . . . . . . . . . .
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SAM Defenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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GUIDANCE AND INSTRUMENTATION FACILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Instrumentation Control Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Interferometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Down-Range Instrumentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Possible Electronics Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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SUPPORT BASE ....................................
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Operational Support Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Logistical Support Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . ' . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Central Support Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Transportation Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Administrative Support Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM AT TYURA TAM . . . . . .
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CONCLUSIONS .....................................
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REFERENCES .....................................
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LAUNCH COMPLEX'A'
LAUNCH AREA
1
LA~NCH SUPPORT
AREA I
SUPPORT BAS
TYURA TAM
4~-~ VILLAGE
' . - SAM S IT E~ _. ,
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1_ f
RANGE HEAD
LAUNCH COMPLEX "0'
POSSIBLE EL EC TRONI S
CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT FACILITY
AND HOUSING AREA 14 I LAUNCH AREA
LAUNCH AREA1\ e r
SAM SUPPORT
FACILITY UDC
e
T 1 `A
ROADBED U'C
LAUNCH SUPPORT
AREA
LAUNCH C0MPLEX
CgNTRAL SUPPORT
FACILI TV
U/I CONSTRUCTION
COMMUNICATIONS
AREA 'A*
PROPELLANT PRODUCTION.
AREA
0
10
SURVEY LINE
x}71-U.1N'1.t
~I~rlcuu df
MAIN
COMMO
AREA 'B' POWER PLANT 6 0 5
I I I I
ADMINISTRATION NAUTICAL MILES
ND HOUSING AREA
FIGURE 1. TYURA' TAM MISSILE TEST CENTER, Features newly Identified on
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25X1 since the photography. The launch area, as anticipated, shows
many similarities to the original launch site at Launch Complex "A", al-
though no counterpart exists here. for Launch Site 2-A. Continuing con-
struction activity at Launch Complex "B" suggests that an expansion pro-
gram may be under way.
The construction of Launch Complex "C", first glimpsed through a
25X1 hole in the clouds on the photography, has proceeded as antici-
25X1 -
The KEYHOLE photography of the Tyura Tam Missile
Test Center shows that expansion of the Center is continuing. The Test
Center now contains a total of five launch sites for ICBMs or space ve-
hicles, located at three launch complexes. Two Launch Complexes, "A"
and "B", are primarily research and development areas. The third,
Launch Complex "C", was designed as a prototype operational ICBM
launch site, with a capability for training troops as well as testing deploy-
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ment concepts and ground support equipment.
provides the first cloud-free photography of the Missile
Test Center since the TALENT coverage of During the 0
period between the two missions a number of significant develop- 25X1
ments have occurred throughout "the Range Head; only a small portion of
the new developments were observed on TALENT photography. 25X1
At Launch Complex "A" -- which had not been observed since
- - a new launch site has been identified. This site, designated Launch
Site 2-A, is relatively simple in construction. It was built between 0 25X1
and may have been designed to test some of the
f
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C
h Complex
concepts which will be further developed at Launc
being utilized at deployed sites.
Launch Complex "B", now probably operational, shows few additions
pated in CIA/PIC/JR-17/60. / The launch area, now about 95 percent
complete, contains two road-served "soft" launch pads. The support area
contains a rail-served assembly and checkout facility.
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Since the photography, the Soviets have begun to provide
the Range Head with a surface-to-air missile (SAM) defense system. A
ring of six SA-2 SAM sites is under construction around the Range Head,
and a SAM Support Facility is under construction near the center of the
Range Head. 25X1
A new roadbed, constructed since is being built to the east
of Launch Complex "C". It now extends a distance of 6.5 miles, and a
faint track, possibly a survey line, continues eastward 5 more miles from
the end of the roadbed construction. This new roadbed may indicate the
initiation of new launch site construction.
The area midway between Launch Complexes "A" and "B", formerly
designated "Construction Support Ares," has been redesignated "Central
Support Facility". A new unidentified construction project is under way
in this area. Although its purpose cannot be determined at the present
stage of construction, it is probable that it will be of a sensitive nature.
Its 'location and relationship to surrounding facilities, however, indicate
that it is probably not a launch area under construction.
Few changes have been noted in the Test Center Support Base, al-
though a few facilities, which were not visible because of the photographic
"holiday" on the photography, have now been. identified. -
Figure 1 shows the general layout and facilities in the Test Center as
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(PIC/JR-8/61
KEYHOLE I I provides the fifth, and in many respects the
most productive, photographic coverage of Tyura Tam. While the small
scale and lack of image definition leave much to be desired in the detailed
interpretation of facilities, the broad extent of coverage of the Missile
Test Center, combined with the grevious photography, provides many in-
dicators of Soviet development practices in ICBM and space programs.
This report not only discusses new construction at Tyura Tam but
also provides an analysis of the Soviet ICBM development program over
the Examination of
comparative photography of the Missile Test Center has made it possible
to draw a number of conclusions relating to the ICBM construction pro-
gram at Tyura Tam, and, as a corollary, to the probable ICBM deployment
program.
This report is concerned primarily with new developments at the
Missile Test Center. Its organization generally follows that of the pre-
ceding PIC reports, although several changes in area designation have
necessitated some reorganization. Where no .changes are noted from in-
formation given in one or more of the previous reports, there is no repe-
tition of data, and discussion is accordingly being confined to those items
newly identified on photography.
Facilities discussed under this heading of -this report include Launch
Complexes "A", "B", and "C", with their associated launch support areas,
and the newly constructed SAM defense system. The Central Support
Facility, included in the Range Head discussion in PIC/JR-2/60 2/, is
now described in detail under "Support Base." Figure 2 shows the Range
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Head facilities, as well as the Central Support Facility, as they appear on
the photography.
LAUNCH COMPLEX "A"
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provides the first complete photographic coverage of
Launch Complex "A_ -since The most significant change since
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that time is the addition of a new launch site north of the original launch
site. Several new buildings, probably associated with the new launch site,
have also been added. To facilitate identification, the original launch site
has been redesignated Launch Site 1-A, while the new launch site is des-
ignated Launch Site 2-A. The line drawing, Figure 3, includes only those
portions of Launch Complex "A" in which changes have taken place since
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The double fence, which originally enclosed an area 2,925 by 1,620
feet, has been extended 1,300 feet north to include an additional area of
about 87 acres. The area now enclosed by a security fence has approx-
imately doubled.
Launch Site 1-A. Few discernible changes have been made at this
launch site. The launching structure is probably unchanged, and, while
details are indistinct, no changes are evident in the rail embankment which
abuts the launching structure. Several rail cars are discernible on the
embankment.
Two buildings, one about 150 by 50 feet and the other about 75 by 50
feet, have been added just southwest of the high-bay building north of the
launching structure p
Launch Site 2-A. This site consists of a road-served octagonal con-
crete launch pad, an adjoining rail spur, and at least one associated prob-
able building. The site is reached by a new service road and rail line
built from the existing rail and road network. The road and the rail line
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LANDING AREA
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500 0 1000 2000
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MISSILE ASSEMBLY AND
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ARE A
PRO B
ALIGNMENT
[:AUN,H SITE lA
FIGURE 3. LAUNCH COMPL EX 'A'. The most significant change at this complex since
tion of a second launch site.
GROUND SPARS
1 / / 1
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75'X75''
/-y 75'X50'
50'X50'
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which are on separate parallel embankments, curve to the northeast and
then to the east before entering the fenced area. From this point the new
road extends due east, directly to the pad, while the rail line angles to
the east-southeast, terminating at a probable building 50 feet square south
of the pad. From the fence line west the road and rail line share a com-
mon embankment. This embankment is fan-shaped and is about 1,000 feet
long and 350 feet wide at the east end. The rail spur on the embankment
may have several dead-end sidings comparable with those at Launch Site
1-A. However, no rail spurs or sidings appear to abut the launch.pad
itself. -
The launch pad, shown in the inset on Figure 3, measures about 190
by 120 feet. Its long axis is oriented northwest-southeast. The road
serving the pad approaches from the west and abuts the northwest end of
the pad. A second road may extend due south from the southeast end of
the pad to join the embanked road which leads to the rail embankment at
Launch Site 1-A.
While most of the facilities within Launch Site 2-A appear to repre-
sent a departure from the concepts developed at Launch Site 1-A, the re-
lationship between the two sites suggests that they may share a number
of common facilities. Although the pad at Launch Site 2-A lies about 200
feet west of a line projected between the launching structure at Launch
Site 1-A- and the control bunker, the two launch sites are equidistant from
the bunker, about 650 feet in each instance. Furthermore, the road which
connects the rail embankment at Launch Site 1-A with the "Hi-Hat" build-
ing and the two new buildings in its vicinity may be used to support oper-
ations at both launch sites.
The relative simplicity of Launch Site 2-A, compared with Launch
Site 1-A, appears to represent a radical change of concept. However, a
number of similarities to facilities at Launch Complex "C" are readily
apparent. These similarities will be discussed in detail in that portion
of this report.
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Relatively few changes have been made in the Launch Support Area,
and most of these are apparently linked to the construction of Launch Site
2-A.
A possible landing area for light liaison-type aircraft has been added
4, 000 feet northwest of Missile Assembly and Checkout Facility No 1. The
area consists of two graded-earth strips, one 2,000 by 300 feet and ori-
ented on an azimuth of and the other about 1,400 by 200 feet, 25X1
oriented on an azimuth of If this area is a landing area, the 25X1
length of the runways is adequate for use by light aircraft, but it is unusual
to find two intersecting runways at a field which apparently has not been
designed to accommodate aircraft larger than single-engine liaison types.
Two low shop-type buildings have been added within the fence line
enclosing Missile Assembly and Checkout Facility No 1. One is 160 by
60 feet and the other is 100 by 40 feet. A third building, the largest nevy
building at Launch Support Area "A", measures 250 by 50 feet and may
be several stories high. It is east of the power substation, near the junc-
tion of the road leading to the instrumentation control center and the main
road which passes through the Launch Support Area and serves the launch
sites. An unidentified object, possibly a building, is just southwest of the
power substation.
Two groups of buildings, probably associated with Launch Site 2-A,
are north of Missile Assembly and Checkout Facility No 1, about 4,000 feet
west of Launch Site 2-A. The group farthest to the west contains four
buildings, one 150 by 50 feet, two 50 feet square, and one 75 by 50 feet.
The road which provides access to this group of buildings is well defined;
its orientation suggests that the main traffic flow from this group of build-
ings is toward Launch Site 2-A_ TheJ unction of these four buildings has
not been determined. _
A second group, containing seven buildings, is about 1,000 feet far-
ther east. Six of the buildings, varying in size from 50 feet square to 75
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by SO feet, are clustered, while the seventh, about 75 feet square, is at
the apex of a clearing which looks like a segment of a circle. The building
is unlike any of the other new structures in that it may be as much as
75 feet high. This group of seven buildings may have some instrumenta-
tion function. A new trail leading north from the area ends at a cleared
site containing two small structures: This site resembles several of the
older Range Head instrumentation sites and may have been added/to aug-
ment or replace one or more of t4em. _
LAUNCH COMPLEX "Ef*'
Launch Complex "B" was last seen in its entirety on the
photography. During the 18-month interval between then and the
coverage, relatively few additions have been made to the Com-
plex. Construction within the Launch Area has proceeded approximately
as anticipated in PIC/JR-2/60. 2/ The Launch Area now contains a single
rail-served launch structure, similar to that at Launch Site 1-A, and a
rail-served assembly and checkout building. Construction has continued
at the Construction Support and Housing Area, with few changes noted
since those observed on the photography of and reported in
PIC/JR-17/60. J Figure 4 shows the new features identified in the Com-
plex since the last readable photography. Features shown in green within
the Launch Area reflect changes made since while features
shown in green within the Construction Support Area consist solely of
those items added since 25X1
Few unexpected changes in the Launch Area have been made since
The launching structure and its associated features are now
complete, and bear a marked resemblance to their counterparts at Launch
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LAUNCH AREA \`~!
ASSEMBLY AND
CHECKOUT BUILDING
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CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT
AND HOUSING AREA
~~ tit `\\ \\
MOTOR POOLS \\ \
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FIGURE 4. LAUNCH COMPLEX 'B'. The launch area is
activity continues throughout the-complex.
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Site 1-A. The launching platform is rail-served, and has approximately
the size and shape of the 135-foot-square launching platform at Launch
Site 1-A. The shadow of a servicing tower similar to that at Launch Site
1-A is clearly visible, falling against the side of the pit. The quality of
the photography precludes measurement of either the platform or the
tower.
The pit itself is appreciably smaller than its counterpart at Launch
Complex "A". It is only about 400 by 300 feet, against 880 by SSO feet for
the pit at Complex "A". This difference is due in part to the gradient of
the terrain around the launching structure, which necessitated less exca-
vation than was required at Launch Complex "A". Also, the pit at Launch
Complex "A" may have been larger than necessary, and/experience gained
in the construction of Complex "A" may have resulted in construction of
a smaller facility at Launch Complex "B".
The excavation for the control bunker which appeared on
photography of the Launch Area has been largely filled in, although the
appearance of shadows on the KEYHOLE photography suggests that, while
the control bunker has probably been constructed in the excavation, the
surrounding terrain has not been filled up to grade level, as was done at
Launch Complex "A".
The rail-served assembly and checkout building which was under con-
struction in is now complete. It measures approximately 285 by
70 feet and 75 feet high, with a shop section 285 by 30 feet along the south-
west side (measurements from 1959 TALENT photography). The rail line
now passes through the building and continues in a straight line to the
launching structure. A service road parallels the rail and is traceable to
a point some 400 feet east of the launching structure. The large circular
tanklike structure which appeared on the 1959 photography some 250 feet
southeast of the launching structure is no longer visible, and has probably
been buried beneath the rail embankment serving the launching structure.
The rail spur which branched to the west from a point southeast of the
building on the 1959 photography is still present Ind may serve as a stor-
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age spur, since it does not appear to serve any visible structure. A pos-
sible second rail spur, added since leaves the main line about
100 feet southeast of the building and extends about 500 feet to the north-
northwest. Near the terminus of this spur are five new buildings, possibly
for housing.
At least four other new buildings have been erected within the launch
area. Three of these are adjacent to the rail line, and the fourth is about
300 feet southwest of the control bunker. Its position, compared with the
arrangement of buildings at Launch Site 1-A, suggests that it may be a
counterpart for the "Hi-Hat" building at Launch Complex "A". Construc-
tion details are not distinct enough to confirm this possibility.
Several features within the Launch Area suggest that, while the area
is operational, construction is not yet complete. A large rectangular
excavation, almost 300 feet square, has been dug on the northwest side
of the rail line about 350 feet west-northwest of the assembly and check-
out building. The purpose of the excavation is unknown, but its shape and
location suggest that it may represent the beginning of construction of a
large new building. Two small buildings, possibly associated with theme
excavation, have been erected on the southwest side of the excavation.
Several other excavations, scarred areas, and construction-type roads
within the launch area also suggest that additional construction 'is under
way.
The Y-shaped earth embankment outside the southeast end of the
fence line enclosing the launch area remains apparently unchanged. It
cannot be determined whether a rail track has been laid on the embank-
ment; if so, however, no rail is visible beyond the end of the embankment.
Accordingly, its function remains unknown.
Construction Support and Housing Area
Few visible changes are evident in the Construction Support and
Housing Area since the photography. The area appears active,
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however, and no construction support equipment appears to have been
removed.
A new fenced area, resembling the fenced storage areas north and
east of the Construction Support and Housing Area, has been added south
of the largest storage area east of the rail line. At least one, and possibly
two, buildings are evident in the area.
A rail spur almost 1,500 feet long has been identified south of the
original spur line serving the Construction Support and Housing Area.
Although it was not previously reported, re-examination of the
photography reveals that the spur, although barelg visible through the
cloud cover, was present and probably complete at-the time of that pho-
tography.
A cluster of at least three buildings, constructed since the
photography, is located on the north side of the road connecting the Con-
struction Support and Housing Area with the Launch Area, opposite the
point where the mounded water line, a road, and two power lines probably
intersect the road and rail line serving the Launch Area. Their location
midway between the Launch Area and the Construction Support and Housing
Area suggest that they may serve as a water pumping station and/or a
power substation.
A further indicator of continuing construction activity at Launch Com-
plex "B" is the presence of four additional borrow pits about 1,000 feet
northwest of the Construction Support and Housing Area.
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LAUNCH COMPLEX "C"
Launch Complex ''C in the early stages of construction in
is now nearly complete. Although a number of features now found
within the complex were not visible in because of the extensive
cloud cover over the entire Test Center, most of the facilities now present
were probably either present or under construction in as evidenced
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by the uniformity of construction scarring throughout the area.
The Complex contains two major components: (1) a double-fenced
Launch Area containing two "soft" road-served launch pads, and (2) a
Launch Support Area containing an Assembly and Checkout Facility, a
Possible Warhead Handling Facility, and an Administration and Housing
Area. A third component, a Possible Electronics Facility, has been added
since (see Figure 5).
A significant new development in the vicinity of Launch Complex "C",
but probably not directly associated with?it, is the construction of a new
roadbed extending east-northeast of the Launch Area. At the time of the
photography, only about 250 feet of the roadbed had been con-
structed. By however, the bed had been extended nearly
6.5 miles to the east-northeast. A faint straight-line vehicle track con-
tinues beyond the end of the roadbed for approximately 5 more miles.
The roadbed has been extended in a straight line which coincides with
an extension of the main service road, within Launch Complex "C". The
construction technique involved, however, is typical of railroad construc-
tion evidenced elsewhere at Tyura Tam. Careful attention has been given
to alignment, and the gradient has been kept uniform by extensive fill
where required, as evidenced by numerous scars appearing on both sides
of the roadbed.
It is possible that a railroad crossover, not visible on photography,
has been or will be constructed within Launch Complex "C", and that the
roadbed construction may represent a new rail line rather than a road.
The construction of the new roadbed provides a strong indication that
further expansion of the Tyura Tam Missile Test Center is under way and
that the construction of additional launch sites is contemplated.
Figure 5 shows the Launch Complex as it appears on the
photography.
Shown in green are those items known to have been
added since Features appearing in the shaded portions of the
drawing were not visible in but were probably present or under
construction and are therefore shown in-black.
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The Launch Area is nearly complete, with a few facilities still under
construction. The most prominent feature apparent within the Launch
Area is the road net, which forms a heart-shaped loop passing through
the two launch sites and paralleling the north side of the fence just south
of a drive-through building. Three secondary loop roads provide addi-
tional access to facilities within the loop. At_at least four of the inter-
sections formed by these secondary roads, wide, sweeping turns provide
easy access for vehicles traveling in either direction. A single-track
rail line, present in passes just east of the road which bisects
the heart-shaped loop. I
A detailed description, of facilities within the Launch Area follows
(item numbers are keyed to Figure 5).
1 and 2 -- Launch Sites 1-C and 2-C. The two launch sites are now
apparently complete and are nearly identical. Each launch pad is octag-
onal, and measures approximately 180 by-120 feet, with the long axis ori-
ented generally north-south. The loop road passes along the outside of
each pad. The vehicle stalls, under construction in F ::1 cannot be
clearly distinguished from the launch pads themselves, but appear to have
been roofed at the same level as the surface of the pads, providing a uni-
form surface. Two major differences between the two launch sites are
evident. First, Launch Site 1-C appears uniformly darker in tone than
Site 2-C, suggesting that the two sites are in a different stage of final
construction. Second, the secondary service roads which probably pro-
vide access to the vehicle stalls for each launch site are aligned differ-
ently. Although each road intersects the upper portion of the primary
loop service road at about the same relative distance from the launch site
it serves, the road serving Launch Site 1-C returns to the loop road after
passing the vehicle stalls, whereas the road serving Launch Site 2-C turns
to the west after passing the service stalls, then passes just north of the
two buried tanks, and intersects the central secondary road. This differ-
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POSSIBLE
\ ELECTRONICS
FACILITY
1
~ 11
\ 1 11 1
LAUNCH AREA
B
FIGURE 5. L AUNCH COMPLEX C. Analysis of this complex as-a prototype operational ICBM site provides a
number of indicators which should be helpful in Identifying deployed ICBM sites.
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ence in road alignment may have been dictated by terrain irregularities,
although it is more likely that road construction was kept to a minimum
while still providing access to all facilities within the launch area.
25X1 3 -- Control Bunker. This bunker, which measured 60 by 45 feet on
the photography, has now been buried. Its top appears to be
nearly flush with the surrounding terrain, and its outlines are no longer
distinct. The cable ditches shown on the April photography connecting the
control bunker to the launch sites have now been filled in.
25X1 4 -- Possible Missile Ready Building. This building, 160 by 45 feet,
under construction in mow appears complete. Although the
building is north of the main loop service road, a 49econd road, faintly
visible, passes through the building and intersects the. ;Hain road north
of each launch site. The building appears to be of ample size to hold at
least one missile; the width of the road passing through it suggests that
only one missile would be handled in the building at any time. The build-
ing could perform one or more of several functions: it could be used for
minor recycling of a missile which had previously been on a launch pad;'
or, if a rapid refire capability were desired, two missiles could be em-
placed at the launch sites while a third missile was stored in the building.
5 -- Two Semiburied Tanks. It was concluded in PIC/JR-17/60 3/
that these tanks were to be used for water stor-
age. It is also possible that these tanks may be used for fuel storage.
Their proximity to the rail line suggests that fuel could be easily trans-
ferred from rail tank cars to the tanks.
6 -- Unidentified Structure. This structure, approximately 60 by 45
feet, has been built in an area which had been graded on the
photography. It is possible that the four cylindrical tanks, each measuring
and lying at random along the rail
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location within the Launch Area and their proximity to the circular semi-
buried tanks suggests that they may be LOX tanks and that a similar
transfer method may be employed for both fuel and oxidizer.
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7 -- Paved Hardstand. This hardstand, 95 by 20 feet (measurement
from TALENT photography), was graded, although not paved,
in Although contiguous to the main service road, it does not
appear to provide access to the rail line. It may serve as a temporary
parking apron for service vehicles.
8 - - Building. This building is 95 by 35 feet (measurement from
TALENT photography). Its function cannot be determined. Al-
though located within the Launch Area, it does not appear suitable for an
operational support function. It may houseopersonnel, although there ap-
pear to be ample facilities for this purpose within the Support Area.
9 -- Buildig. This building is
(measurement from
gests a security function.
TALENT photography). Its location sug-
Support Area
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Although most of the facilities within the Support Area were not visi-
ble in because of cloud cover, most of them probably were
either present or under construction at that time. The cloud-free=
photography reveals an extensive rail net throughout the Support
Area, with at least six dead-end sidings, two of which were not yet con-
structed in providing on-rail storage space throughout the
Support Area. The rail net bears little resemblance to that found at the
other launch complexes at the Test Center, although a short spur (which
has since been removed) similar to several spurs at Complex "C" was
visible on photography of Launch Complex "B".
Facilities within the Support Area appear to be divided into three
major areas: an Assembly and Checkout Facility, containing a rail-
served industrial-type building and several associated outbuildings; a
Possible Warhead Handling Facility, containing a drive-through building
under construction; and an Administrative and Housing Facility, contain-
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keyed to Figure 5).
10 -- Unidentified Facility. This facility, new since the
ing about 13 buildings. Several other groups of buildings and miscella-
neous structures are located throughout the Support Area. A detailed
description of items within the Support Area follows (item numbers are
photography, contains three, possibly four, small buildings served by a
circular loop road. Located just south of the Launch Area, this group of
buildings appears to be equally accessible from the Assembly and Check-
out Facility, the main access road to the Launch Area, and the rail line
which enters the Launch Area. However, none of the access roads ap-
pears- to pass through the Unidentified Facility, suggesting that the build-
ings are not within the flow pattern between tee Launch and Support Areas.
11 -- Assembly and Checkout Facility. This facility, at the end of
the main access rail entering the Launch Complex, contains a total of six
buildings, two of which have been constructed since The most
significant of the six buildings is the Assembly and Checkout Building it-
self, a monitor-roofed, rail-served structure measuring
In the building was not yet served by rail. The
photography reveals that at least one, and possibly two, rail lines
enter the building from the west end, at points corresponding to the doors
which were visible on the photography. No rail lines are visible on
the east end of the building, but heavy track activity leading north from
the east end suggests that road construction is under way, connecting the
east end of the building with the east-west road which serves the Launch
Area. It is probable that missiles and/or component parts arrive at this
building by rail, final assembly and checkout operations are performed
on the missile, and the missile is then transferred to a road transporter
within the building for transportation to the Launch Area.
The remaining five buildings within the Assembly and Checkout Fa-
cility are aligned in two rows parallel to the long axis of the Assembly
and Checkout Building and vary in size from 85 by 30 feet to 35 by 25 feet.
They may serve as laboratory and/or shop-type buildings. A rail spur,
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new since the
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photography, passes between the two rows of
The road net within the Assembly and Checkout Facility is indistinct.
The extensive scarring suggests that the road net is not yet complete. A
probable fence, visible on the
photography, cannot be discerned
on the photography, but it is probable that the area is
secured. 25X1
12 -- Transloading Facility. A rail-to-road transloading facility,
which was visible but not identified on the photography, has
The dock measured on the photography, with a 25X1
projection n the north side of the east end, providing an 25X1
lies between a through rail spur, leading to the Launch Area and a dead- 25X1
end spur which terminates at the L-shaped projection of the loading dock.
been constructed north of the Assembly and Checkout Facility, immediate-
ly adjacent to the road and rail lines connecting the Support Area and the
Launch Area. The facility consists of an L-shaped loading dock which
overall width at that end of about 45 feet. The east end slopes down grad-
ually, and a road, added since provides a connection between
this end and the main access road to the Launch Area. The dock appears
suitable for the transfer of wheeled vehicles from flatcars to a road, and
may have been constructed to handle vehicles used to support ground
servicing equipment.
13 -- Possible Warhead Handling Facility.
This area contains a
single drive-through building, under construction, measuring 130 by 60
feet (measurement from photography). In only the
footings for the building were in place, and no road net -was discernible.
Since that time the walls have been erected, but the roof is not yet in
place. A wide rectangular scar resembling a road under construction
surrounds the building, and a road trace through the center of the rec-
tangle passes through the long axis of the building. Although no positive
identification can be made, both the location and the dimensions of the
building suggest that it may serve as a handling area for missile nose-
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cones. Its size is compatible with the dimensions of the majority of the
other "Hi-Hat" buildings, and the road net which serves it is similar to
those found at the two "Hi-Hat" buildings in Launch Complex "C" at Ka-
pustin Yar. However, there are no structures which can be equated with
either the three-bay concrete storage bunker at Launch Complex "A" at
Tyura Tam or the revetted storage bunker associated with each of the
"Hi-Hat" buildings found at Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM) Launch
Complexes "C" and "G" at Kapustin Yar.
Two identical large buildings, both of which were under construction
are located between the drive-through building and the ac-
cess road to the Launch Area and may be associated in some way with
the Possible Warhead Handling Facility. Their dimensions (based on the
photography) are 160 by 50 feet.
The rest of the buildings within the Support Area appear to be asso-
ciated with administration, service, and housing functions. The majority,
a group of at least 13 buildings, are west of the Possible Warhead Han-
dling Facility and vary in size from 160 by 45 feet to about 80 by 50 feet.
Four of the buildings were visible on the photography and re-
sembled barracks.
In addition to the group of 13 buildings, at least four structures are
farther north, scattered throughout the area in no discernible pattern.
The function of these additional buildings cannot be determined.
Possible Electronics Facility
A new facility, probably still under construction, is located one mile
north of the Support Area and may serve an undetermined electronics
function. It consists of a cluster of three small buildings, each about 20
feet square, positioned in the center of a scarred area approximately
1,850 feet square- At each corner of the square is a small object, possi-
bly a building. Trails connect each of the four corners. Faint tracks
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also connect the diagonally opposite corners of the square. A road or
trail enters the area through the middle of the southwest side of the square
and extends to the group of buildings in the center; a second trail, an ex-
tension of an older trail; present in intersects the southeast
side of the square but does not appear to continue into the center.
The function of this facility cannot be determined from existing pho-
tography. It closely resembles Communications Areas "A" and "B" in
both size and general appearance of facilities, but it is questionable whe-
ther an extensive antenna farm would be found at a single launch site, in
view of the excellent communications facilities already apparent at the
Test Center. It is equally possible that this area may contain a guidance
facility. While it has been generolly concluded that the interferometer
at Launch Complex "A" -- if it serves a guidance function -- could act as
a guidance facility for both Launch Complexes "A" and "B", it is probable
that a separate guidance facility would be required for Launch Complex
"C" in view of the radically different concept displayed in site configu-
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ration.
Functional Analysis
The examination of Launch Complex "C" as it neared completion on
PIC/JR-17/60
photography tends to confirm the conclusion, reached in
3/, that the complex has been designed to serve as a
prototype operational ICBM site and as a facility for training troops. The
Complex contains none of the elaborate research and development (R&D)
facilities evidenced at Launch Complexes "A" and "B", but appears to
provide the minimum elements necessary to service and support the
missile, while requiring a minimum of construction time.
A comparison between Launch Complex "C" and Launch Site 2-A
reveals a significant number of similarities which suggest that Launch
Site 2-A may have been constructed as an interim facility to test the con-
cepts to be employed at Launch Complex "C". It is possible that the
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transition from a rail-served launch stand to a rail-to-road concept may
have required an interim test facility to develop the ground support equip-
ment required for such an operation. By utilizing existing facilities at
Launch Complex "A", the development of road-mobile equipment, as well
as the simpler launching facilities, could be effected with a minimum of
,new construction. An examination of counterpart facilities at Launch Site
2-A and the Launch Area at Complex "C" reveals a number of physical
similarities. The launch pads are nearly identical, in both size and con-
figuration, although the road pattern for vehicular traffic is somewhat
different. Launch Sites 1-A and 2-A are each about 650 feet from the
control bunker; Launch Sites 1-C and 2-C are also each 650 feet from a
central control bunker. Although vehicle stalls comparable with those at
Launch Complex "C" are not in evidence at Lunch Site 2-A, the 50-foot-
square probable building adjacent to the pad at that site may serve the
same function.
Certain dissimilarities between the two sites are also evident. There
appear to be no counterparts at Launch Site 2-A for the possible fuel and
oxidizer storage found at Launch Complex "C". However, the transfer
of both propellant and oxidizer could be effected from tank cars on the
rail spur adjacent to the launch pad at Site 2-A. It should be noted that
the photographic quality is not sufficient to provide positive identification
of all facilities at Launch Site 2-A, and propellant and/or oxidizer storage
may be present. Most of the identifications of facilities at Launch Com-
plex "C" were greatly facilitated by a comparison with larger scale
TALENT photography. No comparative photographic cover was available
for analysis of facilities at Launch Site 2-A.
A major dissimilarity between the two sites lies in the probable con-
cept of warhead handling. While warhead handling at Launch Complex "A"
is probably done at the "Hi-Hat" building within the fenced launch area,
the Possible Warhead Handling Area at Launch Complex "C" is located
within the Support Area.
Analysis of Launch Complex "C" as a prototype operational ICBM
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site provides a number of indicators of Soviet concepts which will be
recognizable at deployed sites. tilthough the exact number of launch areas
within any deployed ICBM complex cannot be determined from examination
of facilities at Tyura Tam, it. is probable that each launch area will re-
semble that found at Launch Complex "C" in many respects, and that the
support area for the deployed launch complex will contain certain basic
facilities evidenced at Tyura Tam. Terrain features may dictate the
layout of individual deployed sites. The principal recognizable facility
at the support area of a deplo ?ed complex will probably be a rail-served
assembly and checkout building similar to the building 25X1
at Complex "C". A warhead handling facility, probably served only by
road, will be in the near vicinity, as will sufficient housing facilities for
personnel. Access from the support area to the launch area (or areas)
will be by road, although it is possible that service rail lines, for the
transportation of fuel and oxidizer, may also be present. While the con-
figuration of the deployed ICBM launch areas may vary from that found
at Tyura Tam, it is probable that a number of features will be consist-
ently the same: each launch area would contain two road-served launch
pads, a buried control bunker, and a building comparable to the Possible
Missile Ready Building at Complex "C". The launch area will be secured,
and the road pattern will be similar to the heart-shaped pattern at Launch
Area "C". If deployed sites follow the pattern evidenced at Tyura Tam,
they will be readily recognizable on good-quality KEYHOLE photography,
even if it is of small scale.
A comparison between the Soviet ICBM program and other Soviet
missile programs tends to support the conclusion that deployed ICBM
sites will closely resemble an operational prototype site. General terrain
features may demand a slight variation to i this design. Examination of
photography of facilities for two SAM systems and at least two SSM bal-
listic missile systems has revealed an unmistakable pattern in the devel-
opment of each system. In every case, a pure R&D launching facility was
first constructed to develop the missile. The Soviets then constructed a
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prototype operational launching facility, which was also used for training
troops. The configuration of deployed sites closely resembled the config-
uration of the prototype site at the test range.
The most extensive implementation of this concept evidenced on
photography has been in the SAM systems. Examination of 1957 and 1959
photography of the SAM Facilities at the Kapustin Yar/Vladimirovka
Missile Test Center disclosed an R&D launching facility designea to
develop - both the SA-1 and SA-2 missile systems. Immediately. adjacent
to this R&D facility, a complete 60-launcher herringbone launch site was
constructed, and immediately south of the herringbone site a complete
prototype SA-2 launch site was constructed- Both the SA-1 and SA-2
deployed sites are almost exact replicas of the prototype sites at Kapustin
Yar. While variations in site configuration, often dictated by terrain
irregularities, are evident, even the small SA-2 launch sites are readily
identifiable on KEYHOLE photography.
Within the SSM facilities developed at Kapustin Yar, a similar devel-
opment is in evidence. Photography of Launch Complex "C" at Kapustin
Yar reveals that R&D of a 700-mile missile system were effected at
Launch Site 3-C, followed by the construction of a prototype and training
launch site immediately adjacent to the R&D launch pad. Later photog-
raphy of the Chelkar area revealed a field launch site almost identical
in size and arrangement of revetments to the prototype site at Kapustin
Yar.
A smaller ballistic missile system, probably the 300-nautical-mile
missile system, was probably developed at Launch Complex "A" at Ka-
pustin Yar. photography of. Kapustin Yar revealed a
complete prototype missile site configuration for the same missile system
at Launch Complex "G".
Such a development system as outlined above is necessary, not only
to evolve workable deployment concepts and suitable ground support
equipment, but also to provide a training environment as close as possible
to the ultimate deployed-site environment. It is probable that, in almost
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any missile system involving extensive R&D of the missile itself, the
facilities necessary would not be found at an operational site, and their
presence would' hamper the training of personnel. Conversely, the re-
quirement for training a relatively large number of personnel before
deployment would unquestionably hamper further R&D projects if such
training were given at an R&D facility. In the case of Tyura Tam, it
would be extremely difficult to attempt to train personnel at R&D facili-
ties while still utilizing those same facilities for space research, as well
as the development of improved ICBM systems, if such development is
under way.
It is therefore probable that Launch Complex "C" at Tyura Tam was
constructed to provide just such a training environment, unhampered by
R&D activities, and it can be further concluded that ICBM sites modeled
closely on the concepts evidenced at Complex "C" will probably be iden-
tified in field deployment.
A significant new development at the Tyura Tam Missile Test Center 25X1
is the construction of a SAM defense system. Six hexadic SA-2 sites and
a SAM support facility have been added to the Range Head since
The six SAM sites are arranged in an oval around the Range Head
(see Figure 1 for their locations). All are in an intermediate phase of
construction, with the launch and guidance revetments apparently com-
plete but no road pattern yet discernible.
The sites are nearly equally spaced, no less than 14 miles and no
more than 18 miles apart. The long axis of the defense pattern measures
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39 miles, and the short axis measures approximately 22 miles.
located at the following coordinates:
46-04-50N
46-09-SON
46-00-20N
45-49-OON
45-43-0016
45-52-OON
063-14-10E
063-36-40E
063-55-30E
063-44-20E
063-19-40E
063-01-40E
While the sites appear to be nearly equidistant from existing facili-
ties, the probable expansion of the Range Head evidenced by the new road-
bed under construction east of Launch Complex "C" suggests that addi-
tional sites may be constructed farther to the east to provide adequate
protection at some future time, and that at least one site (the third listed
above) may be relocated when such new construction is initiated.
SAM Support Facility
A SAM Support Facility (see Figure 6) is under construction near the
center of the oval pattern of SAM sites, at 43-53-30N 063-26-OOE. The
facility is similar in size, road layout, and number and type of buildings
to other SAM support facilities found elsewhere in the USSR and East
Germany. One feature found at the Tyura Tam site which is not evident
at other sites is the presence of five barracks-type buildings immediately
adjacent to the Support Facility. However, most other SAM support facil-
ities have been constructed at or near existing antiaircraft artillery bar-
racks or other military installations. Since no such facility exists at the
Test Center, it is probable that this group of buildings is used to 'house
personnel associated with the SAM defense system.
The SAM Support Facility is enclosed by a single fence, measu;ing
about 1,500 by 600 feet. The inte --ior road net skirts the inside of the
fence, and at least nine buildings, including one revetted bunker, are vi-
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AREA OF CONSTRUCTION
SUPPORT ACTIVITY
1000 0 1000
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FEET
2000
J
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FIGURE 6. CENTRAL SUPPORT FACILITY. A SAM Support Facility and on Area of Unidentified Construction
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sible. The assembly and checkout building, measuring about 190 by 90
feet, is incomplete. Only the two ends have been roofed, and the main
assembly bay is still open. The status of construction of the other build-
ings inside the fence cannot be determined.
The five barracks-type buildings are about 500 feet east of the support
facility. Four of them measure about 120 by 60 feet, and are probably
barracks. The fifth, a probable administration building, is L-shaped,
measuring about 100 by 50 feet, with a 60- by 40-foot wing on the west end.
An unidentified facility, which may be associated with the SAM Support
Facility, is located to the south, adjacent to the power line which serves
Launch Complexes "B" and "C". ? This facility consists of three or four
probable buildings. A faint track connects it to the SAM Support Facility.
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Because of the small scale of the KEYHOLE photography, it is gen-
erally impossible to identify the normally smaller facilities associated
with guidance and instrumentation. Accordingly, few changes in guidance
and instrumentation facilities can be discerned from Con-
struction of new instrumentation facilities has been insignificant. One
new site has been added near Launch Complex "A" (and is described under
that heading). No identifiable instrumentation sites have been found near
Launch Complexes "B" or "C".
This facility (see Figure 3) appears unchanged since The
only addition, visible in its immediate vicinity is a single building, meas-
uring 50 by 30 feet, which has been added in the northeast corner of the
vehicle park.
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The interferometer adjacent to the Instrumentation Control Center
appears unchanged.
DOWN-RANGE INSTRUMENTATION
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No significant changes have been made at the down-range instrumen-
tation stations. Of the two major stations, Sites 28 and 29/30, only Site 28
was covered by photography from Within that station six
new buildings have been added. When the site was photographed in
a landing area had been prepared on a dry lake bed just east of the
site. That area has now been abandoned, and a new graded landing area
measuring 700 by 90 feet has been prepared 1,300 feet northeast of the
site.
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The possible electronics facility north of Launch Complex "C" is
described in detail under that heading.
Most of the Support facilities have undergone few changes since they
were last covered by photography. For reporting purposes, a number of
facilities have been regrouped by functional categories, and will be listed
in the discussion that follows, even though no discernible changes may
have taken place. Generally, however, the discussion of the Support Base
follows the organization used in PIC/JR-2/60. 2/
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Support facilities have been grouped into three general categories,
regardless of their geographic locations in the Test Center: Operational
Support Facilities, Logistical Support Facilities (including a Central Sup-
port Facility, formerly included in the discussion of the Range Head), and
Administrative Support Facilities. In some cases the function of a parti-
cular facility may extend into several categories; in those cases, the fa-
cility is included under its primary functional category.
These facilities consist of the Communications Facilities and the
Propellant Production and Storage Area. No significant changes have been
noted at an3# of the three Communications Areas. There is no discernible
change at the Propellant Production and Storage Area.
These facilities include the Central Support Facility; the Storage and
Construction Support Area; the Water Treatment, Storage, and Distribu-
tion Facilities; the Transportation Facilities; and the Power Production
and Distribution Facilities. Only in the Central Support Facility and the
Transportation Facilities have there been any significant changes. These
are discussed below.
The Central Support Facility, previously designated the Construction
Support Area, has expanded twofold since the photography.
While it has apparently continued to be a prime source of construction
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material for the construction of }Punch Complexes "B" and "C", it has
also expanded in function. Signin scant changes to the area since
are (1) addition of a SAM Support Facility (discussed above under SAM
Defenses) under construction north of the east-west rail line serving
Launch Complexes "B" and "C"; (2) new facilities in the area of construc-
tion support activity; and (3) an area of unidentified construction activity
approximately one mile south of the rail line (see Figure 6).
Area of Construction Support Activity.
The expansion of the con-
struction support facilities noted since appears to be commen-
surate with the expansion of range facilities during that period. New
facilities (shown in green on Figure 6) include two new rail spurs. One
of these has been added to the original rail spur near its north end to
form a wye (which, incidentally, provides the only point north of Tyura
Tam village where rolling stock can be turned around). The second spur
branches off the original spur to the southwest, for a distance of 2,500
feet. A third, shorter, spur, 850 feet long, branches off the second spur
near its midpoint. This spur may serve as a storage spur for construc-
tion material.
Some 15 miscellaneous buildings have been added within the area of
construction support activity. Eight of these, each about 120 by 50 feet,
are arranged in two parallel rows and may serve as temporary housing
for construction personnel or may provide storage space. The other
buildings, one of which is enclosed by a fence and is isolated from the
rest, are scttered at random throughout the area. Access to most of the
new buildings is by a new access road; the fenced site containing one
building is reached by a separate road running due south from the main
road which serves the launch complexes.
The crusher plant, which appeared active on I I photography,
is probably still in operation. Both the crusher and the pile of aggregate
near it remain in the same position as they were in One small
construction support building has been added east of the crusher.
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Area of Unidentified Construction Activity. Probably the most-sig-
nificant addition to the Central Support Facility since has been
the activation of a new construction project south of the construction
support facilities. The focal point of this new construction is a shallow
excavation which has been prepared at the site of a rock outcrop which
was visible on photography. The excavation is square, measu-
ring approximately 200 feet on a side. Near is center is a darkened,
irregular area, approximately 120 feet in diameter. In the center of this
darkened area are two mounded objects, whose outlines are indistinct,
each measuring about 50 by 20-25 feet and placed at right angles to each
other to form an "L". Earth spoil from the excavation has been piled on
three sides; the fourth side, to the northwest, has been left open to permit
access by construction vehicles. Two possible buildings, on the southeast
and southwest sides of the excavation, may serve as construction sheds.
Approximately 200 feet northwest of the excavation are two structures,
whose shape is indistinct, positioned on either side of the access road.
A possible overhead conduit or conveyer extends between the two struc-
tures.
Extensive scarring throughout the area between the excavation and
the end of the original rail spur line suggests the use of a considerable
amount of construction equipment. Two parallel earth scars, 150 feet
apart, extend from a point 800 feet east of the excavation in a northwest-
erly direction for a distance of about 2,100 feet. Two additional scars
intersect the southeast end of the parallel scars and extend southwest for
a distance of about 400 feet. These scars may indicate security fences.
However, scars from other security fences identified on
photography of Tyura Tam, even those recently constructed, do not re-
semble these scars in any way. Furthermore, both the long parallel
scars appear to terminate at the same point at their northwest end, which
would not be the case if that end represented the corner of a double secu-
rity fence. It is therefore considered equally possible that the scars may
represent open ditching.
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A road, newly constructed since I I provides access from the
main road serving the launch complexes to the area of unidentified con-
struction activity. It extends southeast a distance of 3,500 feet, part of it
crossing a dry lake bed, and then bends sharply northeast around the end
of the lake bed and continues an additional 600 feet before terminating
near the end of the original rail spur. At this point, a building, measuring
approximately 120 by 60 feet, has been constructed. If the parallel earth
scars do represent fences, : this building might then serve as a security
building. If so, however, there is no apparent explanation for the road
alignment to that point.
The function of the area of unidentified construction activity cannot
be determined, since construction within the area has not progressed to
the point where positive identification of any of the facilities can be made.
The most probable function of the area, based on its central location with-
in the range head, is a support function of an undetermined nature. If the
construction in progress within the excavation is to be enclosed by se-
curity fencing, it is probable that it will be of a sensitive nature. However,
the expansion of the older permanent construction support activities, to
support both the new construction of launch facilities and the construction
of the unidentified facility itself, would not be consistent with the addition
of a sensitive facility. Furthermore, the presence one mile away of the
SAM Support Facility, not associated with any of the operational aspects
of the Missile Test Center, suggests that the area of unidentified con-
struction may not be of particular significance.
In the examination of this area, several possible functions have been
considered. They are assessed below.
1. Possible launch facility under construction. The mere fact that
this facility is located at a missile test center requires that some consi-
deration be given to the possibility that it may be a launch facility under
construction. However, there is no tangible evidence to support such a
hypothesis, whereas there are many indications that the area is probably
not suitable for such a function. The location is probably not suitable for
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the construction of an additional launch facility, since missiles fired on
the known test range azimuth (40 degrees) would pass over a point midway
between Launch Complexes "B" and "C", which lie 8 and l0 miles away,
respectively. Four craters, indicative of missile malfunctions, were
found on the photography, varying in distance from 3.5 to 4.5
miles northeast of Launch Complex "A" and in azimuth from
degrees from the launch point. Unless a high degree of confidence in test
vehicles has now been obtained, it is not likely that the Soviets would
jeopardize their other launch facilities by placing a new launch facility
at the Central Support Facility. On the basis o` present evidence, there
is no reason to suspect that the Soviets intend to use a new test range.
The optimum direction of fire, to achieve maximum instrumented range
for ICBM test vehicles, is toward the Kamchatka Peninsula. Test firings
in other directions would either terminate in the Arctic, where instru-
mentation would be extremely difficult, or would pass over international
boundaries. It is therefore considered improbable that the facility is
suitably located for the firing of ICBM vehicles. The same geographic
restrictions would not apply, however, to the orbiting of satellites. It is
probable, however, that Launch Complexes "A" and "B" provide adequate
facilities for that purpose.
The relationship of the unidentified construction activity to surround-
ing facilities further decreases the likelihood that a new launch facility
is being constructed here. The presence of the SAM Support Facility, as
well as the area of construction support activity, both in the immediate
vicinity of the new construction activity, are not indicative of the activation
of a new, extremely sensitive project.
The lack of features normally associated with missile launch- facilities
further tends to indicate that this unidentified construction is not a launch
facility under construction. Regardless of the type of missile that might
be tested here, it is probable that at least one large building for handling
and checkout would also be under construction concurrently with the con-
struction of the launching structure itself.
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2. Storage facility under construction. The central location of the
unidentified construction activity with respect to the launch complexes
suggests that the facility may serve a support function for all three exist-
ing launch complexes and may serve as a storage point for liquids which
could be stored in bulk and readily accessible.
8. Interim handling facility. The facility could also serve as an
interim handling facility for some component which it was necessary to
handle at some distance from the launch facility. In this case, however,
the distance from ' the launch facilities seems excessive, and if distance
from launch facilities were a requirement, it would, again, be unlikely
that the SAM Support Facility would be located nearby.
TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
These facilities include Tyura Tam Airfield and the Tyura Tam Rail
Facilities. No significant changes in the rail facilities are discernible.
Changes at the airfield are described below.
The only significant change noted at Tyura Tam Airfield is the addi-
tion of a possible POL storage facility about 750 feet southwest of the
west end of the apron. This facility consists of a row of six low struc-
tures, possibly storage tanks, each approximately 60 feet in diameter. A
low wall or fence, measuring about 600 by 300 feet, encloses the area.
Five new buildings, approximately 75 feet square and evenly spaced in a
straight line, are located northeast of the parking apron. Five possible
aircraft are discernible on the parking apron.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FACILITIES
These facilities include the Administration and Housing Area and
Tyura Tam Village and Associated Facilities. No changes in the latter
are apparent.
a
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The Administration and Housing Area has been expanded to the east.
Part of this expansion is in the area which was not visible on the previous
photography of the Support Base because of the photographic "holiday".
A total of 11 new buildings have been -added, increasing the total floor
space of structures in the area from 1,608,000 to almost 1,780,000 square
feet. -
Seven identical new housing structured west of the Administration
and Housing Area, but probably serving the same function, have been added
to the group of 12 buildings outside the southeast corner of the"tence sur-
rounding Communications Area "B". _
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The mission was the fifth photographic mission over
the Tyura Tam Missile Test Center. The time interval between missions
has provided many indicators of construction time required for the oper-
ational complexes at the Test Center. Consultation with construction ex-
perts associated with US missile programs and information from colla-
teral sources have tended to corroborate the estimates of construction
time presented below and illustrated in Figure 7.
The first photographic coverage of the Test Center was from TALENT
Complex "A" was not usable because of extreme obliquity and haze, the
photography of the Support Base provided an indication that the Center had
only recently become operational: only two of the antennas within Com-
munications Area "B" had been erected.
Although the photography of Launch
TAL ENT
antennas had been erected within Communications Area "B" during the
plex "A" indicated that, while the Complex was coitiplete, the extent of
activity suggested that it had only recently achieved operational status.
between missions. Photography on that mission of Launch Com-
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FIGURE 7. TYURA TAM CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM. The time interval between photographic coverages pro-
vided many indicators of construction time and procedure required for a deployed Soviet ICBM site.
On 4 October 1957, Sputnik I was launched. Unless political and pro-
paganda considerations far outweighed normal research and development
procedures, it would be reasonable to assume that several actual launch-
ings, as well as a number of captive engine tests, had been conducted
before that time. Accordingly, it is probable that Launch Complex "A"
was operational; that is, capable of static engine tests as well as actual
25X1 missile or booster firings, before the photography, and prob-
ably as early as April or May 1957. A crater some 60 feet in diameter,
located about 4 miles from the launching structure on 1957 photography,
indicates that at least one missile had been launched from Launch Com-
25X1 plex "A" before
Launch Complex "B", essentially of the same type of construction as
Launch Complex "A", and requiring almost the same amount of prepara-
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tion of rail and road access in addition to construction of the launch area
itself, would also take from activation to operational
status. The construction at Launch Complex "B" at the time of the
was estimated to be about 50 percent
completed. Major excavations had been finished, but most of the heavy
concrete work, as well as extensive cabling and plumbing work, was yet
to be done. If the estimated construction time is valid, site
activation at Launch Complex "B" would have -been about July 1958, and
the complex would not have become operational until late spring or early
summer 1960.
Launch Site 2-A could have taken as little as possibly less,
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vided the first coverage of Launch Complex "A" since Launch
Site 1-A could have been started any time within an 18-month period. If
Launch Complex "C", first covered by TALENT
is considerably simpler than either Launch Site 1-A or Launch
Complex "B" and requires far less excavation, heavy concrete work, and
electrical and plumbing connections. On this photography, the
launch complex was about 25 percent completed; the pho-
tography of Launch Complex "C" shows the complex to be 90-95 percent
completed, as evidenced by the presence of an incomplete drive-through
building in the Support Area, a difference in surface toning between
Launch Sites 1-C and 2-C, the presence of construction spurs within the
launch support areas, and the fresh ground scarring in evidence around
many of the structures.
therefore be reasonable to infer that construction of Launch Complex "C"
It would
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Construction of actual ICBM operational sites, assuming that some
degree of concurrency is desired, could have begun at any time in 1960.
If the construction program was not proceeding on a "crash" basis, and
some lead time in overcoming unforeseen difficulties was desirable, the
construction of operational sites may have followed construction of Launch
Complex "C" by some 6 months; on that basis, the Soviets could have
some missiles on launchers at deployed sites modeled on Launch Complex
"C" by mid 1961.
1. Launch Complex "C", probably operational early in 1961, has
been designed as a prototype operational ICBM launch site, with the dual
capability of testing operational concepts for use in deployed sites and of
training troops. Launch Site 2-A, which was probably operational late in
1960, may have been constructed to test the missile-handling concepts
and ground support equipment to be used at Launch Complex "C", while
requiring a minimum of new construction through the use of existing fa-
cilities at Launch Site 1-A. It is also possible that Launch Site 2-A rep-
resents a separate prototype site configuration.
2. Launch Site 1-A and Launch Complex "B" probably serve nearly
identical purposes. Both can be utilized in research and development on
ICBM test vehicles and in space missions. Launch Complex "B" was
probably operational by mid-1960, although construction activity is con-
tinuing at the Complex.
3. Deployed ICBM launch sites will probably be operational some
time in 1961, depending on the initiation of construction and the availabil-
ity of trained personnel. Construction time for these sites will be ap-
proximately 18 months, and they will probably closely resemble Launch
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Complex "C", although any given launch complex will have an undeter-
mined number of launch areas with each support area. Such deployed
sites will probably be recognizable on good-quality KEYHOLE photography.
4. The probable function of the unidentified construction activity in
the southern portion of the Central Support Facility cannot be determined
at its present stage of construction. It will probably serve a support
function which will fill a common requirement of existing launch com-
plexes. It will probably not be a launch facility. -
5. The presence of SAM defenses at the Missile "Best Center indi-
cates a growing Soviet concern with the sensitive test activity in progress.
Tyura Tam is now an operational missile launch facility capable of deliv-
ering missiles against the US. It is possible that future ICBM sites,
deployed elsewhere in the USSR, will be similarly defended. Such SAM
defenses will be a further indicator of operational ICBM sites on KEY-
HOLE photography.
6. The construction of a new roadbed extending east of Launch
Complex "C" indicates that expansion of the Missile Test Center is con-
tinuing and that the construction of a possible additional launch complex
may be contemplated.
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CHART
ACIC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet 0246-13A, 1st ed, Jan
58, scale 1:200,000 (S)
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JR-4/58, Missile Launching Complex and Test Range,
Tyura Tam, USSR, Sep 58 (TSC)
2. CIA. PIC/JR-2/60, Missile Launching Complex, Tyura Tam,
USSR, Feb 60 (TSC)
3. CIA. PIC/JR-17/60, New Launch Area and Other Developments,
Missile Launching Complex, Tyura Tam, USSR, Jul 60 (TSC)
4. CIA. PIC/JR-2/61, Launch Area "A" - A Reanalysis of the
Launching Structure, Missile Launching Complex, Tyura Tam,
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