SAN CRISTOBAL MRBM LAUNCH SITE 3 CUBA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04560A001500010076-9
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 17
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 22, 2002
• Sequence Number: 76
• Publication Date: July 1, 1963
• Content Type: REPORT

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N P I C/R-1393/63
July 1963
PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION REPORT
SAN CRISTO AB L MRBM LAUNCH SITE 3
CUBA
Declass Review by NIMA / DoD
NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION CENTER
RETURN TO ARCHIVES & RECORDS CENTER
IMMEDIATELY AFTER US[
JOBZg_ ,NeBOX //
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rte' ~ i ~'
GROUP
Excluded lrom
downgrading e?.d daclazze('ico?ion
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WA It NING
This document contains information affecting
the n;.. onal doferise of the united States,
within the meaning of Title 18, sections
793 and 794, of the 17.5. Code, as amended.
Its tr,sxrsmission or rovektion of it.~ contents
to or receipt by an unauthori~ed person is
prohib:ied by?_aw.
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PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION REPORT
SAN CRISTOBAL MRBM LAUNCH SITE 3
CUBA
N P I C/R-1393/63
July 1963
NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION CENTER
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This report was prepared under NPIC Project JN-310/62 in
response to ONI requirement 132-62. The photographic material used in
port was extracted from high- and low-level missions flown
The quality of the photog-
raphy ranges from goo to excellent. This study has emphasized the
chronology of site development rather than the description and mensura-
tion of equipment because the latter data have been adequately presented
in published documents. 1/
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San Cristobal MRBM Launch
first observed on photography
here was no evidence
of the site on photography
I I the last previous coverage
of permanent support facilities might have been
of greater urgency than the construction of launch
facilities.
In its most advanced stage, the site contained
4 launch positions h erectors and associated
control equipment
vy `L1Whenfirst observed, the launch facilities 4 missile-rea y tents,
were in an early stage of development, although a microwave communication facility, a tempo-
the support facilities were more extensive than rary tent support area, 8 buildings under con-
those observed at other Cuban missile sites. struction, foundations /excavations for 7 addi-
The construction of eight permanent, sin le- tional buildings, a loop road network, an AA
story, frame, barracks-type buildings battery, and defensive trenching. The develop-
intended function of this site was different from of CU11 L Ul.Lwwn
that of the other sites. If, for example, this were bility was accomplished
to have been a headquarters site, the construction
ONI requirement 132-62 requested an analy-
sis of the development of San Cristobal MRBM
Launch Site 3. A description of day-by-day
construction progress at that site therefore
forms the main body of this report. A description
of a typical MRBM launch site construction
pattern based on data from all four San Cristobal
sites and the Sagua la Grande sites precedes the
study of San Cristobal MRBM Launch Site 3.
This composite description was included because
not all elements of atypical deployed MRBMsite
in Cuba were observed at San Cristobal MRBM
Launch Site 3. A glossary of missile-related
equipment and pertinent photographs follow the
introduction.
The group of Soviet MRBM sites referred to
as the San Cristobal sites were situated on the
south side of the east-west Sierra del Rosario
mountain range. The four sites extended approx-
imately 25 nautical miles (nm) from the vicinity
of San Diego de los Banos in the west to the
vicinity of Candelaria in the east. They were
designated from west to east as: San Cristobal
MRBM Launch Site 1, near San Diego de los
Banos; San Cristobal MRBM Launch Site 2,
near Los Palacios; San Cristobal MRBM Launch
Site 3, near San Cristobal; and San Cristobal
MRBM Launch Site 4, near Candelaria (Figure 1).
The following general statements pertain to
developmental progress at the four sites during
the period
1. San Cristobal MRBM Launch Site 1 was
at all times the furthest advanced of the four
sites and was probably operational shortly after
it was identified.
2. San Cristobal MRBM Launch Site 2 was
in a very early stage of development when first
observed and progressed to an advanced level
of readiness.
3. San Cristobal MRBM Launch Site 3 was
in an early stage of development when first ob-
served and showed the least progressive opera-
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tional development of all the sites, notably in the
lack of missile transporters, missile-fuel trail-
ers, and oxidizer tank trailers.
4. San Cristobal MRBM Launch Site 4 was
observed at the very beginning of its development
and progressed to a fairly advanced stage.
GLOSSARY OF MISSILE-RELATED EQUIPMENT
Missile transporter -- A six-wheeled canvas-
covered trailer used to transport missiles by
road (Figure 2). The trailer has two wheels
in front and dual wheels at the rear. The canvas
is supported by inverted U-shaped metal ribs.
The trailer may be drawn by truck or prime
mover.
Prime mover -- A wheeled or tracked tractor
similar to a tractor for a semitrailer (Figure 3).
It is used to pull heavy trailers.
Missile erector - - A semitrailer of heavy struc-
tural steel which is used to erect a missile on
its launch stand (Figure 4). It also serves as the
transporter of the missile launch stand. It may
be equipped with a heavy duty winch.
Launch stand -- A heavy steel table on which a
SITE4\ ?
SAN
C RI STOB AL
SITE I
Bahia Honda Maliel
SAN CRISTOBAL ?
Pinar ?
Del Rio
0 25_50 70 TOO
NAUTICAL MILES
Havana Matanzas
Guines
Nuevitos
Camaquey
Santa Cruz Holguin ?
,Del Sur
BAHAMAS
Manzdlillo ~ Jiguani
Santiago De Cuba a
i
i
JAMAIC4
HAITI
FIGURE I. LOCATION OF SAN CRISTOBAL MRBM LAUNCH SITES.
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Isabela
Sagua La ,e
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missile is erected for firing (Figure 6). The
launch stand probably has a large hole in its cen-
ter and a cone-shaped flame deflector beneath it.
Missile-fuel tank trailer -- A 12-wheeledsemi-
trailer with an oval-shaped tank similar to those
used to deliver gasoline to service stations
(Figure 5). It has six dual wheels, two in front
and four at the rear.
Missile oxidizer tank trailer -- A 12-wheeled
trailer with a cylindrical tank having six dual
wheels, two in front and four at the rear
(Figure 3).
Missile-ready tent -- A long narrow tent in
which a missile on its transporter is placed
for shelter and for prelaunch checkout (Figure 7).
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FIGURE 3. PRIME MOVERS AND MISSILE OXIDIZER TANK
TRAILERS.
FIGURE 4. MISSILE ERECTORS.
Launch position -- The missile launch stand
from which the missile is fired and its associ-
ated equipment (Figures 6 and 7).
Theodolite station -- A small shedlike structure
without walls which houses a theodolite used in
missile orientation (Figure 7).
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TYPICAL LAUNCH SITE CONSTRUCTION PATTERN
This section presents a composite descrip- missile erectors, missile-fuel and oxidizer tank
tion, based on data from all four San Cristobal trailers, missile control vans, electronics vans,
sites, of the sequence of development of a de- and generators are brought to the site in convoy
ployed MRBM site in Cuba. The development of and parked throughout the area. The units are
a typical site is arranged in four overlapping
phases.
PHASE 1 -- SITE SELECTION )HYPOTHETICAL)
Although the site selection phase cannot be
verified from photography, it is considered likely
that a preconstruction effort to acquire and
survey land suitable for a launch area was under-
taken for an undetermined length of time. Con-
siderations probably included the availability of
land, terrain characteristics, natural conceal-
ment, and the presence of access roads. A pre-
cise survey of geodetic positions of the intended
launch positions was probably accomplished
during this phase.
Support Facilities. Trucks, vans, trailers, CONCRETE
MISSI L E
miscellaneous equipment such as generators, IRAN 5PORTER
WHEEL LEVELING
and personnel concerned with the establishment BLOCKS -
of support facilities are the first elements to
arrive at the launch site. Personnel tents for
messing and berthing, field kitchens, latrines,
and other housekeeping facilities are set up.
Support vehicles, taking advantage of natural
concealment, are parked at random throughout
the area. Road construction and/or improve-
ment is started. Tracked prime movers and
trucks equipped with scraping blades have been
observed, indicating that support vehicles may
6 uaau ol,l ul./i1I ULLL 111 , L111S O W - -'
UNKNOWN THICKNESS
initial construction stage.
Missile Equipment. Mobile missile-re-
FIGURE 6. DETAILS OF LAUNCH STAND
LEV-
lated equipment including missile transporters, ELING BLOCKS.
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usually parked together by type and take ad-
vantage of natural concealment. The missile-
fuel and oxidizer trailers are pulled by truck
or prime mover on good roads and have been
seen being pulled by tracked prime mover
within the sites in areas with no roads.
PHASE 3 -- LAUNCH POSITION
CONSTRUCTION
After the support facilities have been es-
tablished and missile- related equipment is pres-
ent at the site, the launch positions are prepared.
Probably precast concrete forms--used as bases
for launch stands and wheel leveling blocks for
missile transporters and erectors--are em-
placed in previously leveled launch positions.
Bases for launch stands are octagonal and wheel
leveling blocks for transporters and erectors
are oblong. Two pairs of wheel leveling blocks- -
arranged on opposite sides of the base--are used
at each launch position (Figure 6). The missile
erector is then brought into position adjacent to
the octagonal base and the launch stand, which
is transported on the erector, is put in place on
the base.
Cabling is then installed from the launch
stand to an unidentified piece of equipment,
possibly a junction box, and thence to a control
van usually situated in a concealed position.
Next, missile-ready tents are erected in close
FIGURE 7. TYPICAL COMPLETED LAUNCH POSITION
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proximity to each launch position and missile
transporters are moved into the tents. Cabling
is then installed between the tents and nearby
generators. Missile checkout probably takes
place at this point. In one instance, two vans
were parked adjacent to a missile-ready tent
and were connected to it by two large socklike
tubes, indicating that some form of environ-
mental control was being exercised within the
tent. At this point the launch position is prob-
ably operational (Figure 7).
PHASE 4 -- LAUNCH SITE IMPROVEMENT
After the launch position is operational,
attention is devoted to improving existing fa-
cilities and to making the site more habitable.
Handstands or earth stabilizations for erectors,
transporters, and missile-ready tents are con-
structed adjacent to the launch positions in
appropriate places. Surfaced walkways in
support areas, outdoor movie theatres, and
volleyball courts are installed during this phase,
indicating that some leisure time is available
for site personnel. Camouflage in the form
of nets, canvas, and tree branches is put in
place, both vertically and horizontally. Cabling
is raised above ground on T-shaped stakes and
protective fencing is placed around generators.
Microwave communications towers are set up
in conjunction with communications vans. A POL
facility is established and construction is begun
on permanent buildings. Finally, defensive
positions consisting of personnel trenches and
AA positions are emplaced.
SAN CRISTOBAL MRBM LAUNCH SITE 3
San Cristobal MRBM Launch Site 3 (Fig-
ure 8) was located 5 rim west of San Cristobal
at 22-42-40N 83-08-25W. An improved dirt
road extending from Highway 1-25 provided
access to the site. This highway joins the
Carretera Central 2 nm east-southeast of the
FIGURE 8. SAN CRISTOBAL MRBM LAUNCH SITE 3
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site at Santa Cruz de los Pinos. A description
of day-by-day construction progress at the site
follows (Figure 9).
ITwo roads
on Me groun near he excavation. About 1,300
feet northeast of the driveway is a loop road ex-
tending to the northwest. Nine buildings which
predate the site are located near the northern
road. About 700 feet southeast of the northeast
ROAD
-___-^ ROAD U/C
? TENT
- CABLE
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end of this road are seven building foundation
excavations, each 40 by 20 feet.
The southern road leads to the support area.
In this area are 36 tents: 15 measure
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feet; 12 measure 20 by 15 feet; and 9 measure
10 feet square. On the north side of the road are
eight single-story frame buildings under con-
struction which measure ach. The 25X1 D
buildings are arranged in a row. Seven of them
have walls but no roofs and the eighth has only a
foundation. Approximately 30 vehicles, mostly
trucks, are parked at random throughout the
area. Seven buildings which predate the site are
located near the southern road.
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I A launch
position has been established on the south side
of the loop road. The position consists of an
octagonal concrete base and two pairs of concrete
wheel leveling blocks. Two missile-ready tents
have been erected--one within the loop road and
the other 325 feet northwest of Launch Position A.
An erector is parked alongside a hedgerow 160
feet south of Launch Position A and one definite
and one possible missile transporter are parked
alongside the hedgerow just north of the launch
position. Two erectors are parked within the loop
road near the north side, and a probable erector
is located among the trees near the southwest
edge of the loop road. The installation of security
fencing has been started at the southwest end of
the site. Sixty-one vehicles, including vans,
trucks, cranes, and generators, are in the area..
construction are now partially roofed. Twenty-
two additional personnel/utility tents have been
erected. There are 73 miscellaneous vehicles
visible in the area.
At Launch Position A, a roadtothe ready tent is
being constructed. The launch stand is in place
and an erector is parked just to the southeast.
At Launch Position B, the launch stand is in
place and an erector is parked just to the
southeast. Grading is in progress on the
northwest side of the launch position. The third
missile-ready tent is completed. The launch
stand is in place at Launch Position C and an
erector is parked just to the south. At Launch
Position D, both the launch stand and the erector
are in place. A fourth missile-ready tent has
been erected 220 feet southeast of the launch
Two addi-
tional launch positions (B and C) have beencon-
structed and grading for a fourth one (D) is in
progress. Launch Position B is located 600 feet
northwest of Launch Position A; Launch Posi-
tion C is located 880 feet north of Launch Posi-
tion A and 550 feet northeast of Launch Posi-
tion B. Launch Position D, still being graded, is
located 520 feet east of Launch Position C and
1,060 feet northeast of Launch Position A.
Launch Position A, first observed
Cabling has not been installed. An erector
is parked nearby. Launch Position B has
a base, a launch stand, and wheel blocks in
place but no cabling. An erector is parked
nearby. Launch Position C has a base, a
launch stand, and wheel blocks in place and
cabling has been installed between the launch
stand and a piece of unidentified equipment,
possibly a junction box, 90 feet to the west.
A third missile-ready tent is being erected
adjacent to the one between Launch Positions
A and B. Seven of the eight buildings under
stand, alongside of one observed
The previously identified missile trans-
porter is not visible and is presumed to be in one
of the ready tents. The possible missile trans-
porter remains in the same position and still
cannot be positively identified. Elsewhere in the
area, concrete arches are being put in place at
the 60- by 35-foot building under construction.
The installation of security fencing continues
along the south edge of the site and has begun
along the north side. Three of the
buildings under construction have roots, four
are partially roofed, and one has only a founda-
tion. Four more tents have been erected. There
are approximately 90 miscellaneous vehicles in
the area.
I I The erec-
tor and aunc stand are in place at Launch Posi-
tion A. An unidentified piece of equipment has
been placed 75 feet southwest of the launch stand.
Cabling runs southwest from this piece of equip-
ment into a patch of woods.
The launch stand is in place at Launch Posi-
tion B, but the erector is not visible. An uniden-
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tified piece of equipment has been placed 75 feet
northwest of the launch stand. Cabling runs west
from this piece of equipment into a wooded area.
The launch stand is in place at Launch Posi-
tion C; the erector is parked just to the south.
Cabling has been extended west from the previ-
ously identified piece of equipment to a clump of
trees.
The launch stand and erector are in place at
Launch Position D. Cabling runs from a clump
of trees toward the launch position but is not
complete. The clump of trees is located 270
feet west of the launch position. Eight addition-
al tents have been erected.
The
launch stand and erector are in place nch
Position A and both are canvas covered. Cabling
has been installed from the launch stand to an un-
identified piece of equipment- -enclosed on three
sides by walls--and thence into a wooded area.
Control vans are probably located in the wooded
area. Launch Position A is probably operational.
The launch stand and erector are in place
at Launch Position B and both are canvas
covered. Cabling is not visible. Launch Posi-,
tion B is possibly operational.
The launch stand and erector are in place at
Launch Position C and both are canvas covered.
Cabling has been installed from the launch stand
to an unidentified piece of equipment to the west
and thence to a clump of trees. Control vans are
probably located among the trees. A second cable
runs at right angles to a probable generator.
Launch Position C is probably operational.
The launch stand and erector are in place at
Launch Position D and both are canvas covered.
This position is situated in a wooded area and
cabling and associated control vans are not visi-
ble on this coverage. Launch Position D is
possibly operational.
There is one missile transporter parked
along a hedgerow between Launch Positions
A and B. Four tents have been taken down and
si erected; the present total is 75.
1 1 There is
no significant change in t e aunc positions ex-
cept that theodolite stations have been identified
at Launch Positions- A, B, and C. One, masked
by trees, may be located at Launch Position D.
No missile-fuel or oxidizer trailers have been
observed at the site and only one missile trans-
porter has been confirmed. Otherwise, the site
is probably operational.
Four of the eight buildings under construc-
tion have roofs, three are partially roofed, and
one has prefab sections lying on the ground.
A sawmill has been set up just north of these
buildings under construction.
no significant change in the launch positions.
One missile transporter is evident. Vertical
and horizontal camouflage has been erected at
numerous points, concealing items of equip-
ment. Roadways and walkways are being
graveled. The arched-roof building appears to
have all of its arches erected. Six of the eight
buildings under construction are now completed;
one is partially roofed, and one has only walls
in place. Personnel trenches are being dug.
There is
no change in the launch positions. A' are prob-
ably operational, although no fuel or oxidizer
vehicles have been observed and only two missile
transporters have been noted, one of these not a
positive identification. Personnel trench con-
struction continues and a six-gun AA battery has
been emplaced on the east perimeter of the
site.
I Tsere
is no change in the launch positions. All of the
eight buildings previously identified as under
construction have been completed (Figure 10).
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Construction activity is evident at the seven
foundations /excavations on the east side of the
site
(Figure 11).
The
si ' is eing abandoned. Equipment and camou-
flage have been removed and the launch positions
are being destroyed.
The Soviet MR BM missile system which was
deployed in the San Cristobal area in Cuba is a
highly mobile system. It is probably organized
into units--possibly battalions--which are indi-
vidually capable of transporting, erecting, and
servicing missile launch facilities and firing
missiles. These units appear to have standard
allowances of missile equipment, enabling them
to establish four launch positions with a refire
capability of one missile per launch position.
The length of time required to achieve
operational capability from the start of construc-
tion cannot be ascertained because the level of
Soviet effort at the San Cristobal sites is in-
determinate. For example, if the progress ob-
served represented an 8-hour workday, a period
of 10 to 14 days would probably be required.
This period, therefore, could be shortened con-
siderably if an all-out effort were made. Con-
versely, the period would be longer if the ob-
served progress at San Cristobal was in fact an
all-out effort.
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Miscellaneous vohi-
elos/ equipment
Road construction/
improvement
Missile
transporters none
Missile-fuel
tank trailers
Missile oxidizer
trailers
Missile-ready
tents
Launch positions
graded
x 73 '~3O 6
continuing continuing
same ar. Launch at Launch
Position A Positions
A and B
1 firm I firm I pose non.
1 pose 1 pose
none 3 firm
1 prob same
2
graded
I
Positions with
wheel block. none 2
Cable
connectors
Theodolite
station
probably
4
nothing
further
identified
none 1. position 1 position 4 4 probably
partial partial positions positions Complete
Communications not microwave
identified lower
Permanent
buildings
Sn/c,
7 founda-,_..
bons
4
graded
3 complete,
foundations
Security force net. begun on begun on
identified south .sole same north sido,._,.:~;
Defensive
weapons noon
There w?s no phoLOgr?phic coverage
* IIigh-level photography.
*** Low-level photography.
not
complete
16-gun
AA position
ow-level coverageI howl site being dismantled.
I firm 1 firm incomplete I firm 1 firm invemplet. coverage
coverage I pegs
3 probably probably probably 4
4 4 4
vert and
ho riz
4 complete, incomplete 6 ,.mpteto
4 u/c coverage 2 u/c
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I. Army. ID, SS-4 Ballistic Missile System, Nov 62 (SECRET)
AMS. Series E 723, Sheet 3584 II, lst ed, Dec 60, scale 1:25,000 (OFFICIAL USE ONLY)
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