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R-29RMU2 Sineva


NATO: SS-N-23A Skiff


Overview

R-29RMU2 Sineva

R-29RMU2 Sineva being loaded onto a submarine.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Russia
Type
Submarine launched ballistic missile
Entered service
2008
Status
In service
Development
1999 - 2007 (design project)
2007 (passed Russian state trials)
Developer
Russia - Makeyev design bureau
Production
2004 - 2010's
Producer
Russia - Krasnoyarsk machine-building plant
Number produced
Just over 100 planned
Designations
SS-N-23A Skiff (NATO reporting name)
RSM-54 (START index)
3M27 (GRAU index)
Notable users
Russia - Navy

Description

Introduction

The R-29RMU2 Sineva is a modern submarine launched ballistic missile of Russian origin. It is a further development of the R-29RM developed that was adopted in the 1980's. The collapse of the Soviet Union halted missile design and production for a decade. With many R-29RM reaching end of service life, and the R-39 Rif taken out of service, Russia needed to produce new submarine launched ballistic missiles. Teething issues with new designs, such as solid fueled Bulava, triggered development of the liquid fueled Sineva. Sineva was adopted in 2007 and operational in 2008.

Design

The Sineva uses a three stage liquid fuel rocket motor design. The missile is launched at a ballistic arc. Apart from course corrections it is not maneuverable. The warhead section contains multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles with thermonuclear warhead. The warhead section uses astro-inertial guidance and GLONASS inputs when releasing its warheads on multiple targets. The liquid fuel rocket motor introduces a range of complexities, but has the advantage of energy efficiency. The Sineva has a similar range and throw weight as the R-39 Rif (NATO: SS-N-20 Sturgeon) at about half the weight.

Firepower

The Sineva carries 4 MIRV with thermonuclear warhead of 500 kT yield. It is also possible to carry up to 10 MIRV of 100 kT yield, but this configuration is not in common use. With full payload the maximum range is 8.300 km. A test flight reached over 11.500 km with no or limited payload. Accuracy of the reentry vehicles is a CEP of about 500 meters.

Launch platform

The Sineva is used on the Project 667BDRM Delfin class ballistic missile submarines. These submarines are known as Delta IV in the West. Seven of these submarines were produced, with six upgraded for use of Sineva. Each submarine holds 16 missiles of the R-29RM Shtil, R-29RMU2 Sineva or R-29RMU2.1 Layner variant. Amongst these the Sineva is currently the most numerous. Many Sineva are reported to be rebuilt to Layner standard over time.

Details

Facts R-29RMU Sineva
General
Origin
Russia
Type
Submarine launched ballistic missile
Dimensions
Weight
40.3 t
Length
14.8 m
Diameter
1.9 m
Warhead
Throw weight
Up to 2.8 t
Layout
4 or 10 MIRV
Type
Single thermonuclear warhead per reentry vehicle
Yield
4 MIRV of 500 kT each
10 MIRV of 100 kT each
Guidance
First phase
Gyro-stabilized inertial navigation
Warhead release phase
Astro-inertial guidance
GLONASS satellite system
MIRV
Unguided
Accuracy
500 m CEP per MIRV
Engine
Booster
Three stage liquid fuel rocket
Maximum range
8.300 km with full payload
Over 11.500 km with no or limited payload
Launch system
Type
D-9RMU2 missile system
Ejection
Cold launch gas booster
Gas generator for cavity creation
Launch depth
Up to 55 m
Submarine speed
Up to 6 - 7 kt

Media