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Soviet Nuclear Weapon Photos - 1During the Cold War of the 1960s and '70s, the US kept most of their ICBMs (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles The Soviet Union, in contrast, kept a number of their nuclear missile systems mobile, and were thus much less easy to locate and destroy. This Blog, in 2 parts, brings you some photos of two different mobile Soviet nuclear weapon systems that I photographed on my recent trip to Russia: the 'RT-2PM Topol', and the 'RT-23 Molodets'. The 'RT-2PM Topol' ![]() View of Missile Launch Vehicle through fence Its not everyday that one chances upon land-based nuclear weapon systems, so I was more than surprised to see a full RT-2PM Topol detachment when rounding a corner in down-town St Petersburg. The first glimpse I had was through a thick fence, topped with barbed wire. A sentry box stood close by, but was un-occupied at the time. Was it safe to stand and look? Was I breaking a whole bunch of military regulations by just being there? On my last visit to the Soviet Union in 1981, I had unwittingly photographed the notorious Lubyanka Prison ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station, Mobile command post, and Transporter Erector Launcher behind fence Making my way along the fence, I cast furtive glances at the impressive RT-2PM Topol missile and its huge 7-axle multi-terrain transport vehicle. Parked alongside were the Communications truck, with its tropospheric dishes deployed, and the large Command and control truck. All was quiet, no guards were in the vicinity... ![]() RT-2PM Topol mounted on its MAZ-7917 14x12 artillery truck I then noticed that other members of the public were walking by without a second glance. Was it a daily occurence for a nuclear launch facility to be parked there? Were they keeping their eyes averted for a reason? Then a party of school children ran by, swung on the railings, rounded another corner, and started climbing on a range of other military vehicles parked in a group. A ticket office stood nearby, and the explanation dawned at last - I was looking into the grounds of the Saint Petersburg Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signals ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station, Mobile command post, and Transporter Erector Launcher. Note the guard-dog kennel on the left! Once I realised that all was OK, I wasted no time in getting my camera out and taking some shots of these impressive vehicles. I hope you enjoy taking a look too. Please note that all images are available for commercial licensing, in a range of sizes - contact me with your detailed requirements for further details. ![]() RT-2PM Topol mounted on its MAZ-7917 14x12 artillery truck ![]() RT-2PM Topol mounted on its MAZ-7917 14x12 artillery truck - diagonal view ![]() RT-2PM Topol mounted on its MAZ-7917 14x12 artillery truck - side view ![]() RT-2PM Topol mounted on its MAZ-7917 14x12 artillery truck - side view ![]() Missile Launch Vehicle - closeup of front ![]() Missile Launch Vehicle - closeup of centre ![]() MAZ-7917 14x12 artillery truck - front view ![]() Mobile command post - diagonal view ![]() Mobile command post - side view ![]() Mobile command post - side view ![]() Front of Mobile command post ![]() Mobile command post: note the armored turret with machine gun at the rear ![]() Mobile command post - detail of front side ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station - diagonal view ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station - closer view ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station - side view ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station - detail of dishes and extending lattice-mast ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station - side view ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station - diagonal view ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station - front view ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station - diagonal view ![]() Tropospheric Relay Station, Mobile command post, and Transporter Erector Launcher. Note the guard-dog kennel on the left! Please visit the second part of this Blog to see photos of another ex-Soviet nuclear weapon system, the 'RT-23 Molodets' - known to NATO by the name 'SS-24 Scalpel' - its a rail-based intercontinental ballistic missile system. |
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