CONSTRUCTION OF SOVIET TYPE IIIA ICBM LAUNCH SITES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T05439A000300370065-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 19
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 20, 2012
• Sequence Number: 65
• Publication Date: May 1, 1964
• Content Type: REPORT

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PHOTOCRAPHIC
PORT ,
TRUCTION OF SOVIET TYPE
ICBM LAUNCH SITE
CIA
Df4
NATO_ PHOTOGRAPHIC NTERPRET AflC4 CENTER.
TOP SCRE
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PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION REPORT
CONSTRUCTION OF SOVIET TYPE ITIA
ICBM LAUNCH SITES
NP IC/R-331 /64
May 1964
NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION CENTER
?111,
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INTRODUCTION
A detailed photographic study has been
made of Soviet Type IIIA hard ICBM launch
sites observed on large-scale photography from
' Mission 4006. This report is based on a re-
- quirement for extensive detailed information on
construction practices, methods of operation,
degree of hardness, and similar items.
The ten sites studied included those in a
midst-age of construction and those that have
been completed for some time. It was not pos-
NPIC/R-331/64
sible to provide data on seirne impbrfahrfeatures
such as the thickness of silo covers, diameter
of tanks, and details of a typical spray pond.
The photography did not provide many additional
details of construction within a site under con-
struction, because of quality or lack of stereo
coverage.
CO-nclusitins regarding the facilities srnd the
various stages of construction at Type IIIA sites
are given at the end of the report.
MENSURATION DATA
Some of the more significant mensuration
data are listed below. Additional measurements
are included in the graphics and textual descrip-
tions for specific launch sites.
The separation of the silos at t e comp e e
sites z had a variation
with an average separation
The
variation in separation of silos under construc-
tion was 15 feet, with an average separation
The rectangular silo covers measure
The square pad-like areas
adjacent to the left edge of the covers are 20 by
20 feet. The, small structure adjacent to the
rear of the rear pad-like area varies in measure-
A number of measurements were made of the
inside diameter of the open silo at Launch Area
F at Verkhnvaya Saida and the most consistent
figure obtained The edges of the
light-toned wall or collar around t-he top of the
silo are difficult to determine but it appears to
rrhe cover fits' a rectan-
gular enclosure around this silo that has an
The construction ramps observed at Launch
Areas E and F at Drovyanava varied in measure-
ment from 110 to 120 feet in length and are
about 20 feet wide.
The width of the probable passageways
constructed at Launch Areas B and C at Olov-
yannilya, and Launch Area E at Drovyanaya,
ranged
SITES IN ,THE MIDSTAGE OF CONSTRUCTION
LAUNCH AREA E, DROVYANAYA
Excellent photography of this
midstage of .construction (Figure
many details previously not seen, but the lack
of stereo coverage hampers interpretation. The
site in the three silos are under construction, with ramps
1) reveal_ extending out over the excavation. A square
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NP1C/R-331/64
^ 101.
ea.!.
?
/
? -"C--
/
\ ?
PROBABLE BUILDING\
FOUNDA TIONS
- - x It?CO-
?-
UNIDENTIFIED
AREA
I
I \/
I / \
fI / \
4050
CONTROL BUNKER
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
SILO UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
... ? ^ ;,:*6.7,?;.
/ RAMP
INCLINED
COVEY ER
. ,?,---?35' X 55' /
/
SCARRING
P- robable passageway
, Probable passageway
under construction
Road:
Traclvtrail
Ditching
Building under construction
Unidentified objects
. ?,,)).? Concrete arches
Open storage
eic Concrete rings
? Excavation
Earth mound
200 0 200 400
5,00
FEET (A PPR OXIMA TE) .
FIGURE 1. LAUNCI-TrAREA E, DROVYANAYA.
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f=aPi C J-0072 (5/64)
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framework or structure appears to arise from
the bottom of the excavation around the silos.
At the right- silt) - this "strutture appears to
consist of three or four equal-sized sections
around the silo.
The two equipment bunkers between the
-silos, approximately 80 by 50 feet, are under
construction, with half of the bunkers roofed.
Two inside walls in the unroofed half divide
the bunkers into three S-ectiaiis ff"parallelin the
long axis of the excavation'. The control bunker,
about 135 by 95 feet, is under Construction with
structural supports erected- for three of the
_ Probable passageways are under construc-
tion ,within the site. What appear to be large
concrete rings observed outside the large ex- ;
cavation : may be used for constructing these
probable: passageways by placing them in a
system of ditching around the Site. A probable
passageway at the front of the site has been built
between the center and right silos, with a seg-
ment extending toward the right silo. A wide
ditch for a probable passageway extends for
some distance beyond the ends of the excavation,
running the long axis of the excavation between
_ the control bunker and the silos. A section of
this probable passageway has been laid in the
left end of the ditch which probably will connect
to a system of ditches extending some distance
to the rear of the launch site. This network of
ditches, with an average and
characterized by sharp turns, has small cutouts
in the side at intervals suggesting provisions
for expansion joints. The access road behind
the control bunker has been cut by ditching
in six praces.
To the, left -of the control bunker is a large
oval-shaped excavation about 370 by 95 fee,
which may be for burying tanks. Two large
scarred areas, with p.robable building founda-
NPIC/R-331/64
tiogs, are northwest of the excavation. Numerous
concrete arches, are stacked
around these areas. Along the front of the
excavatioh are three rows of small objects or
foundations in scarred areas. Their locations
and positions equate to those of three structures
found later in the construction phase.
There are about 20 various-sized buildings
scattered around the site, and foundations are
evident----for the construction of several more.
One odd-shaped structure 235 by 55 feet is lo-
cated about 2,400 feet south-southwest of the
launch site. Jr is near one of the ditches from
the launch site, and has an inclined conveyer
extending upward from one end and a ramp at the
other end. Three ramps ex-
tend from one side of the building, and scarring
is evident directly opposite these on the other
side.
LAUNCH AREA F, DROVYANAYA
Launch Area F (Figure 2) is in the midstage
of construction, somewhat behind that of Launch,
Aec-a E. The lack of stereo coverage hampers
identification and interpretation of construction
details. The three silos are under construction,
with ramps extending out over the extaN-iation.
There appear to be square construction plat-
forms at the ends of the ramps, with the silo
itself in the center. This square area around
the silo may have been built up from the bottom
of the excavation at the center silo. Excavation
for the equipment bunkers is evident between the
silos. Some foundations for the control bunker
have been laid in the notch of the excavation.
A minor amount of ditching is apparent for lay-
ing the probable passageways within the site.
About 10 buildings of various sizes, some under
construction, are scattered around the sit4with
scarring and foundations for 'Several others.
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LAUNCH AREA B, OLOVYANNAYA
0
Launch Area B (Figure 3) is in the midstage
of construction, with extensive 'activity within
the excavation. Forms and structures are evident
around the silos at the ends of the construction
ramps, although the silos cannot be seen. The
two equipment bunkers have been roofed and
some backfilling has talen place along their
forward sides; the backfilling also covers some
of the probable passageway running the long axis
of the front side Of c aCrrat ion T hepr ob able
passageway running the long axis of the excava-
tion between the control bunker and the silos is
well along in construction. A deep notch in the
excavation has been cut for the control bunker,
and two walls of the bunker are. up with the
others under construction. Two deep L-shaped
ditches extend from the rear of the control
bunker. A shallow irregular excavation left of
the control bunker may be for the location of
buried tanks. At least seven various-sized
buildings, probably for construction support,
are around the site.,_ ?One structure, approxi-
110' X
BUILDING UNDER
CONSTRUCTION 61:VX 35'
75'X 35'
?
111111 s ? ?/
------
SILO
NDER
TRUC TION
55'X
?
.91
FIGURE 2. LAUNCH AREA F, DR
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NAYA.
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200
Road
Track/trail
Structures
under construction
Excavation
Equipment bunker
under construction
0 200 400
FEET (APPROXIMATE/
NPIC J-0073 1.3/ 641
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matelv 95 by 20 feet, is to the left front of the
left silo at about a 45-degree angle to the long
excavation.
A possible pipeline parallels the acceSs
road from the site support facility.
LAUNCH AREA C, OLOVYANNAYA
This launch site ("Figure 4) is in a slightly
earlier stage of construction than Launch Area
B. Construction ramps extend out over the
excavation to the positions of the three silos.
The actual silos, in various stages of construc-
tion, are not apparent. At the position of the
right silo there are structures and forms at the
bottom of the excavation below the end of the
construction ramp. Very little finished con-
struction is evident around the positions of the
other two silos. The walls are up for the equip-
ment bunker between the right and center silos,
but only the foundations are in for the other
equipment bunker. Only portions of two walls
of the control bunker have been constructed in
the notch of the excavation.
Probable passageways are under construc-
tion throughout the site. The long one between
the silos,and control bunker extends beyond the
excavation, passes Linder the ?site loop road,
and connects to an extensive system of ditch-
ing. This ditching. with an average width of
10 feet and characterized by sharp turns,
apparently will serve several different facilities
SPOIL
EMBANKMENT
, BUNKER
/C CONTROL
/ UNDER
/ CONSTRUCTION
I 1 .
I \
i \
P \
/ \
UNIDENTIFIED , / \ \135 X 35
\
OBJEC
// \ Ns
I \
T
\
,77---
/ 13
--___.!
, \ 10,X 35'
\
'1.? ? \ ,
\
.'
`...
Probable passageway
Road
Trail
? Ditch
Excavation
100 0 100 200 300 400 .57
FEET 'APPROXIMATE
SILO UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
aw POSSIBLE PIPELINE
3 POSSIBLE VEHICLES
IMII.100' X 35'
?
CONCRETE ARCHES
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NPIC/R-331 '64
within the launch area. The probable paiisageway
under construction along the front side of the
'
excavation appears to have segments branching
off at right angles and extending between the
right silo and the equipment hunker, and between
the center silo and left equipment bunker. A
shallow oval-shaped excavation to the left of the
control bunker may be the future location of
buried tanks. A possible pipeline extends from
behind the left rear of the control bunker out
to a small structure. There are at least 14
buildings and structures of various sizes, some
under construction, around the perimeter of
the launch. site
LAUNCH AREA K, YURYA
Dark photography obscures most of the
details of construction within the site (Figure 5).
Three light-toned, vague images appear at the
points where the silos are under construction.
The construction ramps to the silos are barely
discernible. There appear to be excavations
under the ramps around the forward side of the
silos. The control bunker and one of the equip-
ment bunkers are under construction. There is
evidence of probable passageways being con-
structed on both sides of the silos, running the
_long axis -of-- -the exca-vaA4on. Two irregular,
511_ 0-- UN 0 E R
CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION
't FRAMEWORK RAMPS
'
BUILDING UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
100 LONG
35' X 30'
eo' X 30'
?
?
No ,
SILO UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
POSSIBLE RIM FACILITY
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
// 10,11111'-'4
/ POSSIBLE INCLINED
CONVEYER
---- Probable passageway
under construction
Road
- Track 'trail
Possible pipeline
Ditching
Excavation
100 0 100 200 300 400
90' X? 3014*
EQUIPMENT BUNKER %
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
P- OSSIBLE
VEHICLE _PARK
FEET 'APPROXIMATE'
FIGURE 4. LAUNCH AREA C, OLOVYANN AYA.
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NPIC/R-33I/64
shaped excavations at the left end of the site
may be for buried tanks. To the left rear of
the control bunker is a probable shallow exca-
vation with an adjacent roughly circular exca-
vation which may be the location of a possible
spray pond. Three long narrow structures ap-
proximately 100 by 15 feet, and probably round
or curved, are positioned on the bank opposite
the control bunker. Two large buildings and
several small ones, probably for construction
support, are located around the site. Evidence
of ditching can be seen leading to the launch
site from the site support facility.
LAUNdf-i AREA F, PERM
The quality and obliquity of the photography
of Launch Area F (Figure 6) does not permit
a detailed examination of this site in the mid-
stage of construction. It was not possible to
obtain reliable mensuration data on this site.
Structures and facilities within the excavation
are well along in construction. Construction
ramps are evident but the exact positions of the
silos cannot be identified. Structures of an un-
definable shape, with considerable height above
the bottom of the excavation, are at the ends of
the construction ramps. At the center silo
position this structure appears rectangular,
similar to the rectangular enclosure around the
silo, and supporting the cover, at a completed
_ _ . _
site. Probable passageways are being con-
structed within the site; the one between the
silos and the forward side of the excavation is
\
X
? .\
-------__ i so c,
' x ? \
/STRUCTURES / 200
/
, A 100.X 15' 4111111144, I'
I EQUIPMENT BUNKER \ FEET (APPROXIMATE/
? I 1
/ 4 'UNDER CONSTRUCTION I 40' LONG
..--- - *-- - ---I' - _______________
Probable passageway
Probable passageway
under construction
Road
Track/trail
Power trace
4:// Silo under construction
Ditch
Excavation
400 600
COMPLEX MAIN ROAD
POSSIBLE
CONSTRUCTION
FOR BUILDINGS
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NPIC/R-331 /64
apparently in place, with a segment outside the
left silo leading toward the rear of the exca-
vation. The equipment bunker between the left
and center silos apparently has been roofed.
The one between the right and center silos
presents an uneven appearance and there appear
to be two connections,
passageways, running
control bunker in the
rear of the silos is
although a portion has
smaller than the probable
to the center silo. The
notched excavation to the
still under construction,
been roofed.
Three structures are positioned in front of
the excavation just outside the loop road at about
a 45-degree angle from the long axis of the
excavation.
A possible spray pond under construction
appears as a shallow excavation or basin to the
left rear of the control bunker. A long narrow
excavation or ditch extends from near the right
silo eastward to a point beyond the security
fence. Seven buildings or structures are lo-
cated around the site.
SII-0 UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
? ? %
CONTROL BUNKER
UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
POSSIBLE SPRAY POND
\ UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Probable passageway
Road
Trail
- Fence
Ditch
Excavation
500 0 500 1000
FEET ,APPROXIMATEI
FIGURE 6. LAUNCH AREA F PERM.
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COMPLETED SITES
LAUNCH AREA G, VERKHNYAYA SALIDA coverage from Mission 4006 revealed several
small details, although the site was under a
Launch Area G (Figure 7) has been corn- heavy snow cover. One peculiar feature of this
pleted since mid-1963. The excellent photo site is the height of the earth mounding over
Road
Silo covers
cover position (open)
? Fence
p, Control bunker entrance
-,2)- Possible buried tanks
Tower
100 0 100 200 300 400
FEET (APPROXIMATE
UNIDENTIFIED
UNDERGROUND
FACILITy
VEHICLES/LARGE
EQUIPMENT
PROBABLE TRANSPORTER/ERECTOR
SERRATED EDGES
PROBABLE SMALL
VEHICLES
VEHICLES
PROBABLE
ENTRANCE
POSSIBLE COVERED
SPRAY POND
CONTROL_
BUNKER
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the control bunker. This extends for some dis-
tance above ground level, indicating the control
bunker is only s-emiburied. IWO small struc-
tures,
are atop the bunker.
and an object
A probable entrance is
located on the right front side of the bunker but
the main entrance is at the rear along the loop
road. At the left end of the site. are two pos-
sible buried tanks; there is no earth mounding
over this area and only a faint indication of their
possible location. Just forward of this area is a
large earth-mounded area with a small structure
similar to those atop the control
bunker. The -n-ature- of the urr.de-rground-f-a-keil-itie