LAUNCH AREA 'A' A REANALYSIS OF THE LAUNCHING STRUCTURE MISSILE LAUNCHING COMPLEX, TYURA TAM, USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T04751A000100010002-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 7, 2001
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: March 1, 1961
• Content Type: REPORT

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JOINT PHOTOGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE REPORT
PIC/JR-2/61
March 1961
LAUNCH AREA "A"
A REANALYSIS OF THE LAUNCHING STRUCTURE
MISSILE LAUNCHING COMPLEX,
CI%
eZt4
1774-33asi
TYURA TAM, USSR
ARMY
NAVY
CIA
Handle Via TALENT Control Only
WARNING
This document contains classified information affecting the national security of the United States within
the meaning of the espionage laws U.S. Code Title 18, Sections 793, 794, and 798. The law prohibits its
transmission or the revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person, as well as its use
in any manner prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United States or for the benefit of any foreign
government to the detriment of the United States. It is to be seen only by U.S. personnel especially indoc-
trinated and authorized to receive TALENT information. Its security must be maintained in accordance
with TALENT regulations.
Published and Disseminated by CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY Photographic Intelligence Center
Declass Review by
NIMA/DOD TOP SECRET
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JOINT PHOTOGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE REPORT
LAUNCH AREA "A"
A REANALYSIS OF THE LAUNCHING STRUCTURE
MISSILE LAUNCHING COMPLEX,
TYURA TAM, USSR
PIC/JR-2/61
March 1961
Published and Disseminated by
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
PHOTOGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE CENTER
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PREFACE
This joint photographic intelligence report has been prepared by the
Army, Navy, and Central Intelligence Agency in response to CIA Require-
ment SI/R78/60. It presents the results of a reanalysis of TALENT pho-
tography of the launching structure, with emphasis on the servicing tower,
at Launch Area "A", Tyura Tam Missile Launching Complex. This report
supersedes those portions of PIC/JR-2/60 1/ which deal with the servicing
tower and the launching structure.
In the preparation of this report a number of improved techniques
were used to arrive at a more definitive interpretation of significant fea-
tures. Minicard Film, with a high image definition and wide tonal range,
was used on all photography. In addition, a model of the launching struc-
ture was constructed and a number of model towers made in order to
duplicate shadows appearing on TALENT photography.
While horizontal measurements appearing in this report may be con-
sidered accurate, vertical measurements can be considered only approxi-
mate, with accuracy All vertical mea- 25X1 D
surements included herein are based on shadow analysis, with varying
accuracy dependent on the definition of shadow images and ground clutter
within shadows. Because of the lack of image resolution on critical fea-
tures, vertical measurements taken with the Nistri Stereocomparator and
similar instruments proved less accurate.
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INTRODUCTION
Launch Area "A" was covered by usable photography on
While the quality of photography was generally good,
the relatively small scale and lack of resolution of the photography
and the time of day of the photography (about 0615 local time) made
interpretation of minute detail extremely difficult. The two previous re-
ports covering the Tyura Tam Missile Launching Complex (PIC/JR-2/60
1/ and HTA/JR-4/58 2/) dealt comprehensively with activities throughout
the complex. Consequently, expanded treatment of the structural details
on the launching structure itself was not undertaken. Continued interest
in the intelligence community in the capabilities and limitations of the
launching structure and the servicing tower in particular have necessi-
tated this expanded treatment of these two items. To illustrate the struc-
tural details of the servicing tower as clearly as possible, both a line
drawing (Figure 1) and a perspective (Figure 2) are included. Figure 1
supersedes corresponding portions of Figure 6 of JR-2/60. Dashed lines
indicate probable locations of items not visible on photography. For clar-
ity, fences are omitted from the front view.
DETAILS OF THE REANALYSIS
Most of the mensural data and configuration analysis of the launching
structure presented in JR-2/60 remains unchanged, although the inter-
pretation of some features has been revised through the use of improved
photographic materials.
Launching Structure
Interpretation of the structure remains unchanged, with two exceptions.
The dark circular area beneath the servicing tower, previously measured
as 65 feet in diameter, has been re-examined. Through the use of im-
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PROBABLE LIQUID PROPELLANT
HANDLING SHED
TOP VIEW
CONDUIT CABLE TRAY
138'
UNDERGROUND SUMP
POSSIBLE
END-COMPARTMENT
f
55' RETAINING WALL
?
CASCADE FACILITY
110'
FRONT VIEW
UNIDENTIFIED DEVICES
POSSIBLE UMBILICAL MAST
SERVICING
TOWER
POSSIBLE
IDDLE-COMPARTMENT
POSSIBLE
END-COMPARTMENT
PROBABLE LIQUID PROPELLANT
HANDLING SHED
TERRACE LEVELS
CIA/PIC G-3986
POSSIBLE BASE OF
FLAME DEFLECTOR
PIT BASE
TRENCHES
_CABLE TRAY
APPROX. ALIGNMENT
RETAINING WALL
FIGURE 1. PLAN VIEW AND FRONT
ELEVATION
OF LAUNCHING STRUCTURE AT LAUNCH AREA "A".
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FIGURE 2. CONCEPT OF SERVICING TOWER AT LAUNCH AREA "A". This illustration shows many features
newly identified since PIC/JR-2/60,
proved photographic materials it has been determined that the area con-
The hole has a semi- 25X1D
opaque appearance on the photography, suggesting that it may have a gra-
ting of some sort over it. In addition, although there is no photographic
evidence, there are probably a number of supporting members within the
hole sufficient to support the gantry tracks beneath the ser- 25X1D
vicing tower, the standard-gauge rail line which passes between the gantry
tracks, and a launching table or similar device, if the missile is to be
fired from the top of the launching platform.
It was reported in JR-2/60 that the four concrete pillars supporting
the launching platform were 30 feet wide, but that their thickness could
sists of a circular hole about
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not be determined. Analysis of new photographic materials reveals that
at least one, and probably both, of the two front (east) pillars may be only
about 10 feet thick. The base of the pillar on the northeast corner of the
launching structure is visible on newer photographic material and its
south side, while poorly defined, appears to nearly coincide with the north
side of the northernmost of the two trenches which connect the launching
structure and the underground sump within the pit. However, it should be
noted that the corresponding pillars at Launch Area "B", under construc-
tion in were square and measured about 25 feet on a side.
Launching Platform
In the re-evaluation of facilities on the launching platform, the inter-
pretation of a number of minor features has been revised. It was reported
in JR-2/60 that the rail spur which extended onto the north side of the
25X1 D launching platform in had been removed before the photography.
Better quality photographic materials reveal that the spur had not been
removed, but had, in fact, been extended 10 feet farther east. A small
25X1D building, has been identified on the west side of the launching
platform, about 60 feet northwest of the servicing tower. The size and
location of this building suggest that it may serve as a covered entryway
for a stairway leading below the surface of the launching platform. A low
wire fence, probably for personnel safety, is set in 15 feet from the outer
edge of the launching platform, and runs parallel to it along the three
sides which overhang the pit.
Servicing Tower
Previous reports portrayed the servicing tower as being essentially
25X1D square, with lattice framework extending the full height, and
supported on all four corners and two sides by angled struts. Examination
of improved quality photography has resulted in a number of changes in
the analysis of the tower. The tower is only 60 feet high, and consists
of three major components: a tower base section, an upper extension con-
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sisting of a circular collar supported by four lightweight struts, and a
group of eight angled supporting struts.
The tower base section consists of two parallel inner sides, about
and 40 feet high and about apart. These are posi- 25X1
tioned on the north and south sides of the tower, with the east-west opening
between them generally unobstructed. The top of the tower base section
is nearly square and is visible only on photography of the tower. The 25X1
surface of this area is indistinct, and may consist of a temporary cover
over an aperture sufficiently wide to enclose the missile. The outer sides
of the tower base cannot be seen but probably taper outward to a base
width of sufficient to straddle the gantry tracks. Shadows on the
photography of the tower indicate that a pair of possible working-
level platforms is hinged to the sides of the tower base section at a point
about above the surface of the launching platform. At the time of
the photography these platforms were angled upward, about 45 degrees
above the horizontal. 25X1
The upper extension, clearly visible on the =photography, consists 25X1
of a circular ring or collar whose inside diameter measures between.
supported by four vertical members which describe a semi-
circle around the east side of the collar. The collar, 60 feet above the
surface of the launching platform, is the highest part of the servicing tower.
The eight supporting struts are positioned on two sides and all four
corners of the tower, two each on the north and south sides and one on
each corner. Each corner strut has three converging members, which
angle sharply near the point where they intersect the tower. All eight
struts are attached to the tower at the top of the tower base section, about
40 feet above the surface of the launching platform. The bases of the
struts are outside the from the 25X1
center of the tower.
Unidentified Devices
The 110-foot masts identified in previous reports as "probable colli-
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mation towers" have been re-examined, and it is now felt that their func-
tion cannot be determined. There are numerous inconsistencies in the
identification of these masts as collimation towers. First, masts 110 feet
high would be extremely un3teady even if guyed. Use of ground-mounted
theodolites for collimation would be far simpler and would provide more
accurate alignment of the missile. Second, it would not appear necessary
to provide two collimation devices, when a single one would suffice. (The
tower previously called a "possible third collimation tower" 400 feet west
of the servicing tower probably supports floodlights.)
Another possible function, that these taller masts also support flood-
lights, appears equally unsound, for several reasons. First, the northeast
corner of the launching platform has been purposely extended to allow the
placement of one of the masts. Second, the masts seem unnecessarily high
to provide adequate illumination. Third, it is probably more than coinci-
dental that the masts are positioned precisely equidistant from the center
of the launching platform. Furthermore, a line drawn between the two
masts passes through the center of the servicing tower; a projection of
this line passes through the center of the interferometer, nearly a mile
away.
In the absence of concrete evidence to support either of these hypo-
theses, no positive identification of these devices can be made.
Probable Liquid Propellant Handling Shed
Remeasurement of this shed indicates that it is feet.
Cascade Facility
Remeasurement of this facility, previously qualified by "probable,"
25X1 D indicates that its dimensions are feet.
Possible Umbilical Mast
A shadow, appearing only on the photography of the launching
structure, extends through the center of the shadow of the servicing tower
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and terminates in an oblong loop. This shadow may be that of an umbilical
mast similar to that used with the Atlas ICBM. The mast itself is not
visible, since its base is located somewhere within the darkened circular
area. Its height may then be anywhere between 85 and 95 feet above the
launching platform, depending on its placement.
MISSILE CONFIGURATION AND METHOD OF OPERATION
Based on the foregoing analysis, a number of hypotheses can be ad-
vanced concerning a feasible method of operation at the launching struc-
ture, as well as some characteristics of the missiles and space vehicles
fired at Launch Area "A".
Missile Configuration
The servicing tower and associated facilities on the launching plat- 25X1D
form provide several indices of missile configuration. The width of the
tower base section limits the diameter of the missile to about at
the level of the launching platform, depending on the amount of working 25X1D
space required. The inner diameter of the collar 60 feet above the plat-
form restricts the diameter of the missile at that height to
although it does not limit the height of the missile. The possible umbilical
mast, which may be as much as 95 feet above the servicing platform,
provides some indication of missile height, although the point on the mis-
sile airframe at which umbilical connections might be made cannot be
determined.
Level of Launch
The configuration of the launching structure provides no conclusive
evidence concerning the level at which the missile is erected and launched.
A number of characteristics of the structure suggest that it might be
equally feasible to launch the missile either from the surface of the launch-
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ing platform or from below it. The photographic evidence for each hypo-
thesis is presented below.
Surface Launch. The support equipment present at the level of the
surface of the launching platform is an indicator, although by no means a
conclusive one, of surface launch. Both the cascade facility and the pro-
pellant shed are located at the surface of the launching platform. The fact
that so much of the logistical support equipment is apparently rail-borne
suggests a far simpler engineering problem in handling the items brought
in by rail, particularly the missile itself, if the missile is erected and
serviced at or near the surface of the platform rather than below it. In
addition, the great depth of the pit and the large number of observation
stations surrounding the launching structure indicate a capability for
static firings of large rocket engines as well as actual missile launchings.
Such static firings would probably be conducted at or near the surface
of the launching platform, to permit maximum observation of exhaust-
flame characteristics. ?
To conduct static firings from the platform surface and actual launch-
ings from below the surface would necessitate removable facilities at the
lower level and would also require a duplication of a number of facilities,
particularly fuel and electrical connections.
Subsurface Launch. Two prominent features on the launching struc-
ture provide some indication that the missile may be fired from a launch 25X1D
point somewhere below the surface of the launching platform. First the
cable conduit/passageway which was added between the
photography connects the control bunker with a point about
25X1D
elow
the surface of the launching platform. Second, although the open top of the
servicing tower suggests that the missile may extend above it, the rela-
tively low height of the tower suggests, that the missile may be lowered
somewhat below the surface of the launching platform to allow working
levels on the tower at or near the height of the missile nose.
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Method of Operation
A feasible method of operation at the launching structure can be in-
ferred from the foregoing data. The missile arrives at the launch struc-
ture by rail, fully assembled and resting on a flatcar which may have an
integral erection capability. The missile is transported tailfirst on the
center track, which passes between the two gantry tracks.
The west side of the servicing tower is opened, and the missile is then
erected within the tower, either on a launch table at the surface of the
launching platform or, after being lowered, on a launch table directly be-
neath the tower. If the missile is erected at surface level, the boom on
the rail car could support servicing platforms for work at levels higher
than the top of the servicing tower, in a manner similar to that employed
by the Soviets on missiles developed from German V-2 concepts.
After servicing of the missile, the rail car and servicing tower are
moved away to the west, along their respective rail tracks. To accomplish
this maneuver, the tower would be closed on the west side and opened on
the east side. It would also be necessary to remove or disconnect the
supporting struts on the north side (and undoubtedly also on the south side)
of the servicing tower, since the small building northwest of the tower
would obstruct movement of the tower if the angled supporting struts re-
mained in place.
CONCLUSIONS
1. The missile or space vehicle fired from Launch Area "A" is lim-
25X1 D ited in diameter to about or less, depending on the working space
required around it.
2. No determination of missile height or launch position relative to
the surface of the launching platform can be made. The height of the ser-
ivicing tower places no restriction on the height of the missile.
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25X1 D REFERENCES
CHART
ACIC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet 0246-13A, 1st ed, Jan 58
scale 1:200,000 (S)
DOCUMENTS
1. CIA. PIC/JR-2/60, Missile Launching Complex, Tyura Tam, USSR
Feb 60 (TSC)
2. CIA. HTA/JR-4/58, Missile Launching Complex and Test Range,
Tyura Tam, USSR, Sep 58 (TSC)
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