SS-NX-20 SUBMARINE-LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILE SYSTEM

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84T00171R000300560001-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 21
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 13, 2012
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: December 1, 1983
• Content Type: REPORT

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To ret
NOFORN
25X1
basic imagery interpretation report
SS-NX-20 Submarine-Launched
Ballistic Missile System (S)
STRATEGIC WEAPONS INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
BE: Various
USSR
RCA-125X121/83
DECEMBER 1983
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NOFORN
ine-Launched Ballistic Missile System
SAC. USATC; Series 200; Sheets 0092-22, 0161-21, 0164-07, 0250-25; scale 1:200,000
Geographic
Installation Name Coordinates BE No
Balaklava Missile 44-30-01N
Test Center 033-32-23E
Balaklava Submarine 44-30-1 ON
Base and Ship 033-35-49E
Repair Yard
Biysk Solid Motor 52-28-49N
Production Plant II 085-02-30E
Biysk Solid Motor 52-30-51N
Test Area I 085-05-01 E
Biysk Solid Motor 52-31-16N
Test Area I I 085-02-07E
Nenoksa Naval 64-38-35N
Missile Test Center 039-11-45E
Severodvinsk Naval 64-34-20N
Base West 039-45-50E
Zlatoust Rocket 55-08-38N
Engine Test Facility 059-54-55E
Zlatoust SLBM 55-08-33N
Assembly Facility 059-52-56E
ABSTRACT
COMIREX NIETB
Category No (MRN) No
1. The SS-NX-20 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) is a three-stage, solid-propellant mis-
sile carried on Typhoon-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. The missile is the first Soviet
solid-propellant SLBM intended for series production and the first Soviet SLBM to use encrypted teleme-
try during flight testing. A concentrated effort has been made to conceal as many details of this strategic
missile as possible; the procedures used in handling the missiles have effectively prevented the acquisi-
tion of detailed mensuration from satellite image y. The missile is estimated to be approximately 15
meters long with a constant diameter of(TSR)
2. This report discusses the SS-NX-20 from the development and testing of its rocket motors
through its flight test programs toward deployment, probably in 1984. The report contains a location map,
an imagery-derived chart of program milestones, four tables, and 22 annotated photographs. The
information cutoff date for this report is (S/WN)
INTRODUCTION
3. Activity that appeared to be associated with the SS-NX-20 SLBM program was first observed in
January 1969, when construction for production line 2 began at Biysk Solid Motor Production Plant II. It is
unclear, even at this time, whether this activity was directly related to the SS-NX-20 or to another system.
Construction of line 2 progressed at a very slow rate until late 1974 or early 1975, when construction
activity increased. Activity also occurred at other facilities that became involved in the SS-NX-20 program
in 1975. A major commitment of resources was also evident in 1975, when the construction of new
facilities at Zlatoust, Nenoksa, and Severodvinsk and the conversion of an existing submarine for use as a
test platform began. Additionally, the construction of a pop-up test platform, first observed at Nikolayev
Shipyard Nesenko 444 in February 1976, probably began in late 1975. In late 1976,
renovation of a part of Zlatoust Rocket Engine Test Facility (RETF) to assemble test missiles began. During
1978, a second line at Biysk Production Plant II may have been dedicated to this program. Initial flight
testing and the first successful flight occurred in 1980, at-sea testing began in 1981, and the entire system
(missile and submarine) is estimated to become operational in 1984. The locations of these SS-NX-20
SLBM-related facilities are shown in Figure 1. Chart 1 presents a chronology of SS-NX-20 program
milestones. (S/WN)
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BASIC DESCRIPTION
Motor Production
4. The presence of three production lines at
Biysk Solid Motor Production Plant II could indi-
cate that all three motors for the SS-NX-20 are be-
ing produced at this plant. A direct association of a
specific motor with a specific line cannot be deter-
mined from imagery; however, some associations
can be made. The identification of motors and
motor cases at line 2 indicates that it is associated
with the second stage. The arrangement of cradles
on railcars in line 2 is evidence that it is associated
with both first- and second-stage motors. The
need for motors for testing before lines 2 and 3
were complete suggests that some motor pro-
duction (stages undetermined) was underway in
line 1. The apparent priority given to the recon-
struction of line 3 after an accident in one of the
buildings in the line during a critical period of
system development is evidence that motors
(stages undetermined) were being produced.
(S/W N)
5. Motors for at least the first and second
stage of the SS-NX-20 are produced at line 2 (Fig-
ure 2 and Table 1). Line 2 construction began dur-
ing 1969, and by early 1978, security fences en-
closed several of the buildings assessed to be nec-
essary to cast, cure, and inspect motors. The secur-
ing of these buildings and the movement of the
bay charger within this line indicated that pro-
duction of motors for test articles and missiles for
flight tests had begun. The bay charger is used to
move the motors between various buildings on
the production line. The presence of an SS-NX'20
second-stage motor case and a railcar with a cradle
arrangement that can be used to transport either a
first- or second-stage SS-NX-20 motor are the
primary indicators that the motors for the first two
stages are being produced at line 2. (S/WN)
NORTH
SEA
BLACK
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but by F--Ionly its foundation and 225X1
FAST S/ ER/AN
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NGOLIA
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GJ18B LITS
ODVIN K
6. All buildings in line 2 had been externally
completed by late 1979. The continual observa-
tions of crates and materials near these buildings
during the next few years indicated that work con-
tinued inside the buildings and that they were not
yet operational. By November 1982, these crates
and materials had been removed, indicating that
the buildings were internally complete and that
the production line was capable of series pro-
duction of motors. (S/WN)
7. A probable SS-NX-20 second-stage motor
case,
was identified on a railcar at line 2 on
(Figure 3). Railcars used to transport similar
motors have been observed wit
cradles either These
separations permit the transportation of either a
first- or a second-stage motor. No cradle arrange-
ment that could be associated with a third-stage
motor has been seen within the production line.
(S/W N)
8. Although no specific imagery-derived in-
formation is available to indicate that line 1 and
line 3 have been/are associated with SS-NX-20 mo-
tor production, the timing of production line con-
struction and SS-NX-20 test motor production sug-
gest an association. SS-NX-20 testing could have
begun as early as late 1977 but probably did not
begin until early 1978. The first few motors for this
phase of testing may have been produced in line
1. Line 2 had only a limited capability by early
1978. Construction of line 3 (Figure 2 and Table 1)
began in early 1976, and the line became opera-
tional in late 1978. Other evidence indicating that
line 3 was involved in the production of motors for
the SS-NX-20 was observed in 1980, when an ex-
plosion and/or fire destroyed a possible castin
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building on line 3. The building was intact on" 25X1
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OKHOTSK
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Table 1.
Production Lines 2 and 3 at Biysk Solid Motor Production Plant II, USSR
(Items keyed to Figure 2)
Item Dimensions* First Observed
No Description (m) Ucon Complete
1 Poss casting bldg
2 Prob casting bldg
a
b
Mid-76 Late 78
Early 76 Late 77
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Table 1. (Continued)
Item
Dimensi
ons* First Observed
No
(m)
W
Ucon
Complete
5
Ingredients prep bldg
Early 70
Mid-78
6
Ingredients prep bldg
Early 69
Late 72
7
Case prep bldg"
Early 69
Late 79
8
a
b
c
Support bldg
Early 69
Late 71
9
a
b
Support bldg
10
a
b
c
Support bldg
11
a
b
Support bldg
12
a
b
c
Propellant mix bldg
13
Control bldg
Mid-77
Mid-78
14
6-bay curing bldg
Late 76
Late 78
15
Control bldg
Late 76
Mid-78
16
10-bay curing bldg
Early 69
Late 78
17
Casting pit bldg
Early 70
Mid-76
18
Control bldg
Early 74
Mid 75
19
Control bldg
Mid-75
Late 76
20
10-bay curing bldg
Early 69
Early 76
21
Casting pit bldg
Mid-75
Mid-77
22
Admin/engr bldg
Early 76
Late 78
23
Control bldg
Early 76
Late 76
24
10-bay curing bldg
Early 69
Early 78
25
a
b
Finishing bldg
Late 69
Late 73
26
a
b
c
Nondestruct test bldg
27
a
b
X-ray bldg
28
Nondestruct suppport/
storage bldg
a
Mid-77
Mid-78
b
Mid-78
Late 79
c
Early 71
Mid-73
29
a
b
Nondestruct test bldg
Early 70
Early 72
30
Transshippment bldg
"The western one-third of the overall building was constructed during the same time as the rest of line two, thus associating it with
production line two.
scattered debris remained. Reconstruction ro-
gressed rapidly; between the
new building was externally completed, and con-
struction, debris was removed from the site.
The building appeared to be operational by late
summer 1980. The rapid reconstruction of this
possible casting building suggests that a high
priority was attached to the missile program asso-
ciated with line 3. Additionally, the entire line,
although small, was constructed during a relatively
short period, further suggesting that this was a
high priority missile system. The period of con-
struction of line 3 coincides with the estimated
time that the SS-NX-20 motor was produced for
testing. The size of motors produced on lines 25X1
1 and 3 cannot be determined because neither
motors nor shipping containers have been
observed. (S/WN)
Motor Testing
9. Improvements to Biysk Solid Motor Test
Area II were made between May and November
1977. As a result of these improvements, this test
area is the largest horizontal test position for test-
ing solid-propellant motors within the USSR. The
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improvements included upgrading the instrumen-
tation for the test position, installation of addi-
tional heat resistant blocks near the thrust block,
and enlargement of the thrust block itself. The im-
provements were probably made to support static
testing of SS-NX-20 motors, which had probably
begun by early 1978. (S/WN)
10. A crate,
was first observed on a transporter in Biysk Solid
Motor Test Area I in early 1980. This 10-meter-long
crate is used to transport motors between Test Ar-
eas I and II. Test Area I is the checkout and sup-
port area for articles tested in Test Area II. When
not in use, the crate and transporter are usually
stored at the H-shaped checkout building in Test
Area I (Figure 4). (S/WN)
11. In March 1980, two events occurred that
provided evidence of an association between Test
Area II and the SS-NX-20 missile system. Between
the 10-meter-long crate and the
transporter were in Test Area II. On a
blast mark, 300 meters long and 71 meters wide,
was present. A correlation of 10-meter-long crate
and transporter appearances and probable SS-NX-
20 motor tests is made in Table 2. (S/WN)
12. A probable SS-NX-20 second-stage motor
was mounted in a test fixture against the thrust
block at Biysk Test Area II on (Fig-
ure 5). The motor was this in-
cluded a nozzle, and approximately
in diameter. The diameter was difficult
to determine because the motor was partially can-
vas covered. The framework in which the motor
was mounted was approximately in di-
ameter. This was the first observation of the 10-
meter-long crate with the probable SS-NX-20 mo-
tor and also the first observation of a motor test
after the rapid reconstuction of the possible cast-
ing building in line 3. (S/WN)
13. The August 1980 test, some eight months
into the flight test phase of the program, probably
reflects concern about the series of setbacks in the
SS-NX-20 program during 1980. The five initial test
flights, all flown during 1980, resulted in failures.
Also, the rapid reconstruction of a possible casting
building on line 3, destroyed by an explosion and/
or fire between mid-March and April 1980, sug-
gests the necessity of returning line 3 to pro-
duction during this period of flight test failures.
(S/W N)
Pop-Up Testing
14. The SS-NX-20 test program was the first
in which both static and underway pop-up tests of
an SLBM were performed at the Balaklava Missile
Test Center (MTC) on the Black Sea. Previously,
static testing had been conducted at Balaklava, and
the underway testing had been conducted at the
facilities of the Northern Fleet missile complex.
Static pop-up testing of the SS-NX-20 at Balaklava
began sometime after August 1977 and probably
ended in mid-November 1978. No pop-up testing
was possible after August 1979, when the launch
tubes were removed from the test platform.
(S/WN)
15. The initial indications of pop-up testing
of a new SLBM were observed in February 1976,
when a new pop-up test platform (designated plat-
form 8) was observed under construction at Niko-
layev Shipyard Nesenko 444. This shipyard had
previously been associated with the construction
of other pop-up test platforms. The overall size of
platform 8 (29 by 15 meters) was larger than that of
platform 5 (24 by 11 meters), which had been used
for pop-up tests of the SS-N-17 and possibly the
SS-N-18. Since platform 5 was the largest platform
then in use, platform 8 was assessed to be for an
SLBM that would be larger/heavier than these ear-
lier missile systems. (S/WN)
16. Indications of pop-up testing of an SLBM
were observed at Balaklava in 1977. By March, two
new large stabilization bouys (Figure 6) were deliv-
ered to Balaklava Submarine Base and Ship Repair
Yard, and by July, the bouys were positioned in
the offshore pop-up test area. In May, the first of
two new SLBM transporters (modified flatbed trail-
ers) arrived in the missile handling area at the
MTC (Figure 7). In July, a cylindrical object,
meters long and approximately in
diameter, was on one of the transporters (Figure
8). Because the object was longer than an SS-NX-
20 launch tube, the object was probably a missile
canister. (S/WN)
Static Pop-Up Testing
17. Platform 8 (Figure 9) arrived at Balaklava
Submarine Base in August 1977. The platform was
at the base on all subsequent imagery; however,
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Table 2.
Activity at Biysk Solid Motor Test Area 11, USSR
Description
Prob test fixture
in front of TB
Blast mark, 300 m by 71 m;
transporter w/10-m-long crate on road
east of test position
ES over TB; transporter w/10-m-long crate
on road east of test position
Poss SS-NX-20 second-stage motor
on test fixture in front of TB;
transporter w/10-m-long crate inside test
position beside motor
ES over TB; transporter w/10-m-long crate
on road east of test position
ES moved to west side of test
position; transporter and 10-m-long crate
remained on road east of test
position
ES over TB; transporter w/10-m-long
crate east of test position
ES over TB; transporter w/10-m-long
crate absent
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Table 2. (Continued)
Description Remarks*
Transporter w/10-m-long crate east of
test position; unid object in
front of TB
CR moving poss cylindrical
object at TB
Motor/test fixture in front
of TB
Blast mark, approx 300 m long;
ES at side of test position
ES and CR at TB
10-m-long crate location unknown
Blast mark, approx 300 m long;
ES and CR at TB
CR at TB; ES at side of test
position
ES over TB; 10-m-long crate at
entrance of test area
ES removed from TB; 10-m-long crate
at entrance of test area; dark-
toned area north of test position
Test activity
ES over TB; CR beside TB; 10-m-long
crate at entrance to test area
Blast mark, 290 m by 100 m
ES over TB; CR outside test
position
10-m-long crate near test area
entrance
10-m-long crate gone
ES over TB; CR inside test
position
10-m-long crate on access road
10-m-long crate gone
ES over TB; CR inside test
position
10-m-long crate on access road
ES over TB
280-m-long blast mark; ES still over
TB; CR moved in test position;
10-m-long crate on access road; unid
object on dolly west of test position
outside test
Prob solid motor) and
prob solid motor/test fixture
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cell; size suggests assoc with
SS-NX-20; ES removed
280-m-long blast mark; 10-m-long crate on
access road
*KEY: ES environmental shelter
TB thrust block
CR crane
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on several occasions, the orientation of the plat-
form with respect to its berthing position had
changed. This probably indicates that the platform
had been removed from and returned to the base.
If this occurred, static pop-up tests may have been
conducted between:
Additional evidence that a static o -up test oc-
curred between was the pres- 25X1
ence of a floating crane at the submarine base on
Such cranes are necessary for missile 25X1
loading and are not kept at Balaklava; they must
be brought from Sevastopol and are returned
there after a test. On a floating
crane of the type associated with e-loading
operations at deployed facilities was moored next
to platform 8. However, the Golf-V ballistic missile
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submarine (SSB), used as the underway pop-up
test platform, was also alongside. The crane could
have been used to load either the platform or the
submarine. The change in orientation of platform
8 between and the fact that
the submarine had only arrived in October suggest
that the activity was related to the platform and a
static test. (S/WN)
eter. The length included the door assembly. The
tubes were removed intact and have remained in
storage at the Balaklava Submarine Base. (S/WN)
were 16 meters long and in outer diam- 25X1
moved by (Fi ure 10). The tubes 25X1
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18. No further movement in platform 8 was
observed until when it had been 25X1
repositioned in preparation for the removal of its
launch tubes. By a floating crane had 25X1
arrived (Figure 9). Both launch tubes had been re-
Underway Pop-Up Testing
19. The Golf-V SSB (Figure 11) arrived at Ba-
laklava Submarine Base in October 1978 and was
used in the underway pop-up test phase of the SS-
NX-20 program. The submarine had been con-
verted from a Golf-I SSB at Severodvinsk Shipyard
402 between May 1975 and August 25X1
1978. The SSB was originally assessed to be the at-
sea test platform for live firings of the SS-NX-20;
however, it was transferred via the inland water-
way to the Black Sea and was never returned to
Severodvinsk for at-sea testing of the missile.
(S/WN)
20. Underway pop-up testing may have be-
gun as early as November 1978. The Golf-V SSB
was alongside a floating crane on 25X1
The first time the Golf-V was not observed at the
submarine base was when it was un- 25X1
derway, on the surface, near the base. It was again
absent from the base on 25X1
one of the two missile 25X1
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transporters in the missile-handling area had been
moved. The Golf-V was in the roadstead on
E and had not returned to the base on E
If this activity was related to a pop-up test, it
indicates that the underway pop-up phase and the
land-based phase overlapped because, by that
time, several launches from Nenoksa had already
occurred. The underway po u test phase had
probably been concluded by when the
two missile transporters were covered with cam-
ouflage canvas. The subsequent movement of the
Golf-V was probably not test related. (S/WN)
21. A unique feature of the pop-up test
phase of the SS-NX-20 program was the lack of rail
service. All other phases of testing and production
had required rail service. Since pop-up test mis-
siles may be inert, road transportation may have
been acceptable. Another unique feature of this
phase was the use of standard floating cranes for
missile loading at Balaklava. At Nenoksa, an
erector-loader was specially constructed for mis-
sile loading, and at Severodvinsk, a special trans-
porter crane was built for this purpose. Although
the standard crane may have been used because
of the inert state of the test missiles, it also
demonstrates that the Soviets are capable of
loading an SS-NX-20-sized missile without using
specially configured equipment. (S/WN)
Flight Test Missile Assembly
22. All SS-NX-20 flight test missiles have
probably been assembled in two specially modi-
fied buildings at Zlatoust RETF. An assembly/
checkout building (inset a, Figure 12) was modified
and expanded between late 1977 and January 1979,
and a receiving and inspection building (inset b)
was expanded and equipped with new production
equipment between 1976 and 1978. The associa-
tion of the RETF with the SS-NX-20 was confirmed
in January 1979, when a 19-meter missile railcar
was first observed within the facility. The 19-meter
missile railcar is used to transport the SS-NX-20;
this railcar has been identified only at facilities as-
sociated with the SS-NX-20. This observation fur-
ther indicates that the facility was producing flight
test missiles at this time and would be consistent
with the start of the land-based testing, which be-
gan on with the launch of the first
test missile from Nenoksa. (S/WN)
Land-Based Testing
23. Land-based testing of the SS-NX-20 be-
gan at the Nenoksa Naval Missile Test Center
(NMTC) in January 1980 (Table 3). Indications that
a new system would be tested were first observed
in July 1975, when ground clearing for a new
launch facility (designated launch facility D) be-
gan. The facility had probably been completed by
July 1979, when tests of the erector-loader mecha-
nism were conducted. A 19-meter missile railcar
was observed in this facility in November 1979, two
months before the first launch. (S/WN)
24. Launch facility D (Figure 13) is approxi-
mately 1 nautical mile (nm) south of the main sup-
port area. The main structures in the facility are an
earth-covered subsurface launch building and an
earth-covered launch control building. A =
meter-long missile erector-loader is on top the
launch building. The erector-loader is frequently
covered with a =meter-long cover. The cover
separates into three sections, each approximately 8
meters long. The launch building houses a single
SS-NX-20 launch tube. The facility is served by a
single rail line that divides into two spurs just
before entering the north end of the facility. The
terminus of one of the rail spurs is at the north
end of the erector-loader and is surrounded by
lightning arresters. The other rail spur parallels the
east side of the launch building and is used to
move support equipment to and from the site. A
concrete pad, where the erector-loader cover is
stored during tests, is just south of the facility. The
key recognition feature of facilities involved in the
testing or storage of live SS-NX-20 missiles has
been rail service. (S/WN)
25. The SLBM assembly/checkout building
(Figure 14), constructed in the main support area
originally for the SS-N-18 program, was renovated
for the SS-NX-20 program. As part of this renova-
tion, two new TT-EL-01 telemetry antennas were
installed in early January 1980, several weeks
before the first launch. The installation of these
antennas indicated that a new type of telemetry,
not previously associated with naval missile sys-
tems, would be used in the SS-NX-20 program.
Analysis of telemetry data collected from the =
launch indicated that about 70
percent of the data was encrypted. This was the
first use of encrypted telemetry on a Soviet SLBM
system.' (S/WN)
SS-NX-20 Launch Cycle
26. Because of the extensive imagery collec-
tion of Nenoksa NMTC throughout the land-based
testing phase, the activity involved in the launch of
an SS-NX-20 is well documented. Not all of these
events have been observed in conjunction with
each launch. However, the events have been ob-
served frequently enough to indicate that they al-
ways occur. (S/WN)
27. The launch scenario has been consistent.
First, the test missile is delivered to the SLBM
checkout area from Zlatoust RETF in a uniquely
configured 19-meter missile railcar (Figure 15). The
missile is moved inside the checkout building sev-
eral days before the launch. After checkout, the
missile is transported to launch facility D in the 19-
meter missile railcar. The missile is pulled from the
railcar onto the erector-loader, and the erector-
loader (with two sections of its cover still in place)
is elevated over the launch tube (Figure 16A). Dur-
ing loading, the two TT-EL-01 antennas on the
checkout building are rotated (Figure 16B) toward
the launch facility to monitor the telemetry pack-
age. Since these antennas do not usually face the
launch facility, rotation to that direction is an indi-
cation that a missile is in the launch tube and that
checkout of the telemetry package is underway.
After the missile has been loaded into the launch
tube, the three sections of the erector-loader cov-
er are removed and placed on a concrete pad
south of the facility (Figure 17) to prevent damage
during launch. Blast marks are sometimes ob-
served on postlaunch imagery (Figure 18), particu-
larly in the winter. After a launch, the erector-
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loader cover sections are returned to the launch
area (Figure 19). Two sections are usually placed
back on the erector-loader, and one section is
placed over the launch tube. The section over the
launch tube allows enough clearance so that refur-
bishment of the tube can take place. Although the
erector-loader cover is only two
sections are required on the erector-loader during
loading. This indicates that is
enough to conceal the SS-NX-20 during loading
operations. (S/WN)
At-Sea Testing
28. The at-sea test phase of the SS-NX-20
SLBM program began in December 1981 (Table 3).
Typhoon nuclear-powered ballistic missile subma-
rine (SSBN) unit 1 has served as the at-sea test plat-
form. The test missiles are brought to the SS-NX-20
checkout building at Nenoksa NMTC from Zia-
toust RETF. After preparation, they are transferred
to the SS-NX-20 loading facility at Severodvinsk
Naval Base West (Figure 20) by rail. Construction
of this loading facility began in early 1975. The
large transporter crane was constructed specifical-
ly for the Typhoon/SS-NX-20 system. Two large
lightning arresters have been installed to protect
the missile during the loading operations. At-sea
testing has included four multilaunches. (S/WN)
Table 3.
Chronology of SS-NX-20 SLBM Launches
SLBM
Launch(s)* Date*
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 & 23
24 & 25
26
27 - 29
30-33
34
"Reduced-range test
this table in its entirety is classified
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Typhoon unit 1
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Nenoksa
Typhoon unit 1
Typhoon unit 1
Typhoon unit 1
Typhoon unit 1
Typhoon unit 1
Typhoon unit 1
Typhoon unit 1
Typhoon unit 1
Nenoksa
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Single launch; failure
Single launch; failure
Single launch; failure
Single launch; failure
Single launch; failure
Single launch; successful
Single launch; successful
Single launch; failure
Single launch; failure
Single launch; successful
Single launch; successful
Single launch; successful
Single launch; successful
Single launch; successful
Single launch; failure
Single launch; successful**
Single launch; successful
Single launch; successful
Single launch; successful
Single launch; successful
Single launch; successful**
Dual launch; successful
Dual launch; successful
Single launch; successful
Triple launch; successful
Quadruple launch; successful
Single launch; successful
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Table 4.
Zlatoust SLBM Assembly Facility, USSR (Items keyed to figure 22)
Item
No
Description
L
Dimensions*
(m)
W H
1
Support bldg
Nov 79
2
Firehouse
Mar 80
a
25
19 5
b
7
5 20
3
Support bldg
a
36
13 11
b
19
13 6
4
A-D underground storage
30
25 -
Nov 79
5
Motor storage/stage prep bldg
Nov 79
a
43
40 8
b
55
32 24
c
38
12 13
6
Final assembly and checkout bldg
a
33
13 7
b
67
32 24
c
37
19 13
7
Support bldg
55
19 13
Oct 80
8
Support bldg
31
25 7
Apr 80
9
Support bldg
57
16 7
Jan 82
10
Inspection bldg
Feb 80
a
72
16 14
b
72
13 10
11
Support bldg
25
10 6
Apr 80
12
Support bldg
49
8 -
Ucon
13
Assembly/fab bldg
Ucon
a
37
b
43
c
31
14
Service bay
670
Nov 82
15
Storage bldg
19
Apr 82
16
Spill pond
Oct 80
a
b
Inside
Outside
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Renewed Land-Based Testing
29. Onl an SS-NX-20 SLBM was
launched from Nenoksa launch facility D after a
hiatus of just over one year. The facility had been
in caretaker status during most of that time. Activ-
ity at the launch building in April and June was
thought to be periodic maintenance because the
land-based phase of the program had ended. Im-
agery of the facility acquired on (Figure 21)
showed the same type of posttest activity as that
previously observed after other launches. Sections
of the erector-loader cover were being returned
to the launch area. All subsequent imagery
showed work being performed on the launch tube
that may be indicative of additional launches from
Nenoksa. Since the at-sea test program has appar-
ently been successful, the return to the land-based
test facility is probably related to the testing of a
modification to the SS-NX-20 missile. (S/WN)
Series Production
30. In mid-1975, ground clearing for Zlatoust
SLBM Assembly Facility, a new final assembly facil-
ity (Figure 22) for series production of the SS-NX-
20, began next to the Zlatoust RETF. Table 4 is a
listing of all buildings, their dimensions, and the
dates that construction was observed complete.
The appearance of the final assembly facility is
similar to the assembl area at Perm Solid Motor
Production Plant and indicates that 25X1
even though Zlatoust has traditionally been associ-
ated with liquid-propellant SLBMs, it is being
expanded, and solid-propellant systems are being
produced. (S/WN)
Deployment Platform
33. The SS-NX-20 SLBM will be operationally
deployed on Typhoon SSBNs, probably in 1984.
Unit 1 was launched in September 1980 and began
sea trials in June 1981. This SSBN operated from
the Litsa area of the Kola Peninsula during the
winter of 1982-1983 and the spring of 1983 for
crew training and final acceptance testing. Unit 1
returned to Severodvinsk in June 1983 for hull
inspection/minor maintenance. Unit 1 departed
between Unit 2 was launched in 25X1
September 1982 and began sea trials in July 1983.
Submarine components observed at Severodvinsk
indicate that four additional units will be pro-
duced. Each unit will carry 20 missiles. The six units
will provide 120 launch tubes for the SS-NX-20.
(S/WN)
Operational Support Base
34. Activity at the Kola Peninsula facilities,
subordinate to the Northern Fleet, suggests that
they will be the operational support facilities for
the Typhoon/SS-NX-20. These facilities will include
an operational base, support areas, and probably
missile storage facilities. (S/WN)
35. Construction activity in the Litsa Bay area
and the wintering-over of Typhoon unit 1 (Figure
23) at Guba Litsa Submarine Base Southwest (BE
suggest that Litsa Bay will eventually 25X1
support the Typhoon/SS-NX-20.2 Although expan-
sion of the missile storage area has not begun, a
23-nm-long rail spur is under construction from
the Murmansk-Pechanga railroad toward Litsa Bay.
Expansion of the facilities at Guba Litsa Submarine
Base Southwest and in the Guba Litsa housing area
are also underway. (S/WN)
36. The only facility capable of storing SS-
NX-20 missiles is the new, partially operational
missile storage facility at Nenoksa. Unlike other
Soviet missile storage facilities, each bunker is
directly rail served. The new missile storage facility
at Nenoksa is connected by rail to the loading
facility at Severodvinsk. However, the number of
missile storage bunkers at Nenoksa-three large
and one small-limits the storage capacity to 20 to
30 missiles, slightly more than the number needed
for one Typhoon SSBN. (S/WN)
37. Fifteen missile dollies of the type used at
both Nenoksa and Severodvinsk are stored at
Olenegorsk Naval Missile Storage Facility (BE
the regional missile support facility
for the Northern Fleet. These dollies may be kept
there until a Kola Peninsula site is prepared for the
SS-NX-20. (S/WN)
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31. A 19-meter missile railcar was observed at
the new final assembly facility for the first time in
June 1982. A motor storage/stage preparation
building, a final assembly and checkout building,
and an inspection building had been built and
separately secured by August. These three build-
ings are each connected to a 670-meter-long ser-
vice bay. When all the buildings in this line are
complete, they will probably be connected to this
bay. (S/W N )
32. Although these three buildings are com-
plete and secured, the production process does
not yet appear to be operational. This assessment
is based on the lack of a complete outer perimeter
fence and the low rate of rail traffic. Even though
security has been improved since mid-1982, im-
agery does not indicate that production equip-
ment has been installed in the final assembly
buildings. (S/WN)
IMAGERY
All relevant satellite imagery acquired from January 1969 through was used in the preparation of
this report. (S/WN)
MAPS OR CHARTS
SAC. USATC; Series 200; Sheets 0092-22, 0161-21, 0164-07, and 0250-25; scale 1:200,000 (SECRET)
DOCUMENTS
1. DIA. DST-1070S-198-80-SAO, Naval Guided Missile Test Ranges-U.S.S.R. (U), 15 Aug 80 (TOP
SECRET CODEWORDS/NOFORN*)
2. NPIC. Z-12060/83, IAR-0025/83, Submarine-Related Construction at Litsa Bay, USSR (S), Jun 83
REQUIREMENT
COMIREX J09
Project 543061.1
Distribution 86-004
Comments and queries regarding this report may be directed to the Soviet Strategic Forces Division, Imagery
Exploitation Group, NPIC. Those regarding the naval portions may be directed to or green
Those regarding t
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