ABM-RELATED ACTIVITY AT SARY-SHAGAN MISSILE TEST CENTER, LAUNCH COMPLEX F, USSR (TSR)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T06493A000200020004-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 14
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 31, 2010
• Sequence Number: 4
• Publication Date: April 1, 1978
• Content Type: REPORT

NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION CENTER
PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION
REPORT
Top Secret
ee ins a er)
ABM-RELATED ACTIVITY AT
SARY-SHAGAN MISSILE
TEST CENTER, LAUNCH
COMPLEX F, USSR (TSR)
Top Secret
APRIL 1978
Copy ;:13 3
PI R-015%78
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ABM-RELATED ACTIVITY AT SARY-SHAGAN MISSILE TEST CENTER,
LAUNCH COMPLEX F, USSR (TSR)
ABSTRACT
1. This report contains a detailed description of ABM-related activity at Sary-Shagan
Missile Test Center, Launch Complex F
It includes a map, 11 photographs, and two drawings.
INTRODUCTION
2. Launch complex F, Sary-Shagan Missile Test Center (SSMTC), is 2 nautical miles
(nm) north of launch complex A, 30 nm northeast of launch complex B, and 50 nm northwest of
launch complex D (Figure 1). Launch complex F supports the testing and development of the ABM-
X-3 system. Components of this system include the FLAT TWIN tracking radar, a command
guidance radar, and a canister-launched interceptor missile designated the SH-04. A conical missile
observed on one occasion is tentatively associated with the ABM-X-3 system and
may be the Soviet prototype of a high-acceleration endoatmospheric interceptor similar to the US
Sprint missile. Construction at two launch sites at launch complex F indicates Soviet interest in the
development of a silo-launched interceptor. There are currently six operational launch positions at
complex F and three launch silos under construction.
Launch Site 1
3. _ Concrete pavin blocks were removed from the access aprons at inactive launch
positions 1A and 1B w The concrete ready apron at launch site 1
was also dismantle The instrumentation arrays for each of the launch positions
remained intact. Paving blocks from launch site 1 were probably used to supplement construction
materials at launch site 3, launch complex F.
Launch Site 2
4. Launch site 2 is the only active SH-04 launch area at the com lex. An SH-04
canister was continually observed engaged in the launchei at position 2
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was occupied with an SH-04 caniste The Soviets test fired an
SH-04 missile from launch complex F he SH-04 canister had
been removed from position 2C, and the blast mark discoloring the concrete to the rear of the
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launcher was more pronounced. A MAZ-543-type vehicle is used to transport the SH-04 canister
and erect it to a vertical firing position. The transporter-erector was first identified at launch com-
plex F ::]and was observed at launch site 2 The second sighting of
the vehicle at launch site 2 coincided with the SH-04 test activity.
A MAZ-537 prime mover accompanied the transporter-erector. The purpose of the prime mover in
the launch area is unclear, since the MAZ-543 is a self-propelled vehicle.
5. = SH-04 missiles test fired from launch site 2 are checked out and assembled at Sary-
Shagan Operations Support Bas an SH-04 canister and
transporter-erector were observed i e at a new location, the yard adjacent to the main
hangar at Sary-Shagan Airfield Several SH-04 canisters have also been identified
at the yard since that time in conjunction with GALOSH ABM 113 canisters and canister dollies.
6. 0 Electronics-related activity was also noted at launch site 2 during the reporting
period. The third dish antenna on the command guidance radar at the site was replacec~_~
radar at site 2 was observed in a reoriented position. It usually faces a calibration tower and a series
of intermediate clutter screens he radar was facing
Although the FLAT TWIN radar is trainable in elevation, it had consistently been observed with a
0-degree boresight elevation except during assembly of the radar in early 197
however, the radar was facing zenith; it had resumed its regular orientation b
Launch Site 3
7. OThree new launch positions at launch site 3 are in the final stage of construction.
The aboveground ABM test position will be referred to as position 3A. The eastern and western silos
will be referred to as positions 3B and 3C, respectively (Figure 2).
8. L___1 Launch position 3A appears to be operational. While the launcher mechanism for
the position has been installed since at least October 1976, the associated blast-deflecting flame
bucket was not completed until July 1977. At that time, concrete pouring forms were attached to
the edge of the flame bucket, and concrete was poured into the construction framework. The area
around the flame bucket was backfilled. The fan-shaped instrumentation array to the rear of the
launch position was completed by September 1977. Because of space constraints, the array is shor-
ter and less symmetrical than the corresponding instrumentation array behind launch site 5 at
launch complex F. Also there are no provisions at position 3A for the series of vertical masts forming
the more remote rows of sensors in the launch site 5 array. A previous NPIC report contains a com-
parison of the geometry and dimensions of the two arrays.' Sensing elements were installed in the
concrete blocks for the position 3A array, and cable trenching connects the individual elements
along the length and width of the array to the control building. After completion, the trenching and
concrete blocks for the array were then covered by earth.
9. =Grading for the access apron serving position 3A was begun The a ron
was surfaced with concrete paving blocks and cleared of construction materials at
which time the launch position could be considered operational. In addition to the control building,
launch position 3A is also supported by a small building approximately 105 meters to the north that
probably houses a tracking camera and a new building adjacent to the access road between launch
sites 2 and 4. The buildings and launch position are integrated into the electrical/communications
network connecting the individual launch sites with the main operations building at complex F (for-
merly referred to as Electronics Site C).
10. launch tube/canister was delivered to the concrete apron at position
3A by (Figure 3). Shadows precluded an accurate determination of the forward
diameter, but the base diameter of the tube/canister Two reinforcing rings and a
rear flange were observed on the tube/canister. the tube/canister had been installed
horizontally in the launcher mechanism for position 3A. Figure 4 shows the com leted la richer on
coverage and a conceptual drawing. The rectang launcher
mechanism framework supported the tube/canister approximate) bove the base of the
flame bucket. A crossbeam divides the launcher mechanism into two sections with approximately
equal dimensions. One section overhangs the forward edge of the flame bucket by
approximate) The launcher mechanism is probably attached to a pair of pivot supports
that would allow the tube/canister to be elevated to a preferred firing angle of 45 to 50 degrees.
Launch position 3A has a fixed launch azimuth of 285 degrees. Both the launch tube/canister and
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the launcher mechanism had been stored at the transshipment yard of the Sary-Shagan Operations
Support Base since at least April 1976. Construction on the launch position began in July of the
same year.
11. = The existing aboveground ABM test position at launch site 5 launch complex F, is
of similar desi n but employs a different type of launc chanism
a conical missile was slung unde aunch rail at this posi-
tion and elevated to a firing angle of approximately 50 degrees. This was the first and only iden-
tification of a conical missile at complex F. Precise dimensions were difficult to determine, but the
missile was estimated to be between
The launcher mechanism was modified in 1974 by the substitution of a
launcher arm of open-frame lattice construction in place of the launcher rail.
12. Both positions 3A and launch site 5 at complex F appear to be associated with
the development of a high-performance interceptor. Position 3A is expected to accommodate a
smaller conical missile with dimensions compatible with the size of the new launch tube/canister. A
missile of conical design is particularly suited to a high-acceleration ABM role. A recent NPIC
report contains a discussion of new rocket motors at Soviet rocket motor research, development,
and production facilities that may be related to high-performance conical missiles under develop-
ment at SSMTC.3
13. = Similar ground support equipment has been identified at both launch positions 3
and 5 at complex F. A transporter trailer serving launch site 5 was see It was
= with a possible rail mechanism and a ste ed forward section. A MAZ-537 prime
mover was attached to the transporter a transporter trailer with the same
dimensions was observed aligned with the forward end of the horizontal launch tube/canister at
position 3A. A MAZ-537 also accompanied this transporter. No missile was visible, suggesting that
a training exercise may have been in progress.
Launch Positions 3B and 3C
14. 0 The missile launch silos at positions 3B and 3C, complex F, are nearly complete.
Identical silo construction is underway at two new launch positions at facility C, Sary-Shagan
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Launch Complex B 2bX1
A previous NPIC report details the early stages of silo con-
struction at both complexes .4 The missile system intended for the silos has not been determined nor
has the relationship between the silos and the collocated aboveground position 3A been established.
15. 0 Silo dimensions at 3B and 3C are si nificantly larger than the tube/canister at 25X1
position 3A. The silos have exit and estimated depths of 21 meters based on 25X1
the number of wall segments inserted into the initial silo corings. Segments with three different
heights were adjacent to the two silos 25X1
Six 3.0-meter-high segments appear to have been inserted first in each silo followed by a 2.0-meter-
high and 1.0-meter-high segment. The top of the silo wall was visible at or slightly below grade level
in the center of the silo corin_when this insertion had been accomplished. Mobile con- 25X1
struction cranes instead of overhead gantry cranes were used at launch site 3, during insertion of the
silo wall segments into the 7.0-meter silo corings. Temporary covers were then placed over the silo
apertures. Excavations for the silo headworks were dug around the peripher of the corin and the
arched facing blocks forming the upper sections of the corings were remove d13 meters 25X1
of the silo wall was exposed in the enlarged excavation around position 3C (Figure 6). The space be-
tween the silo shafts and the silo walls at both positions was probably backfilled with earth instead
of concrete.
16. F___1 The bottom of onrh o....~..o*: ............._,.~,.__A __LL __-- - 25X1
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form the bases for the silo headworks. The headworks base component for the Soviet offensive SS-11
(III-D) missile silos is prepared in a similar manner. Prefabricated components for the two silo
headworks were assembled on site on a single construction teMD]ate The headworks for position 3B
was constructs dworks for position 3C 25X1
was constructs the heaEach headworks, with 25X1
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inner and outer) lis probably formed from
steel plates. Figure 7 includes a photograph and conceptual drawing of the silo headworks. A rec-
tangular appendage, approximate) was attached at 90 degrees to the
side of each headworks after it was emplaced in the excavation. A linear trench was then extended
from each appends a in the general direction of the control building for the silos. Conduits of prefor-
med wedge-shape ections were constructed on a concrete base in each trench
and were joined to the headworks appendages. The shape and dimensions of the conduit sections
appear similar to the steel and concrete pieces used to assemble the silo headworks component for
the III-D missile silos0 the silo excavations had been backfilled; the headworks,
appendages, and conduits were covered by earth, leaving only the small vents in the headworks ap-
pendages and the personnel entrances for the conduits exposed. Environmental control and silo
monitoring/maintenance equipment will be housed in the headworks with access provided through
the conduits and appendages. Permanent silo doors and door pockets have yet to be installed. Con-
crete aprons have yet to be constructed at both positions. Figure 8 shows the status of the silos at
launch position 3B and 3C o Both silo apertures were temporarily covered and
tracks had been installed at both positions. Movable environmental shelters will probably be con-
structed over these tracks.
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The MAZ-543-type transporter has an engine compartment on the left
side and is 15.0 meters long. A rail device and cradle extend 5.0 meters from the rear of the vehicle.
Transport of an ABM-sized missile or silo-loading operations can be performed by a vehicle of this
type.
17. L__] A V-shaped pattern of trenches and small blocks probably for an instrumentation
array extended approximately 75 meters north from the center of position 3B bThe
array is still under construction and may eventually contain sensing elements similar to those used
with the position 3A array. The azimuth through the center of the array at 3B is 265 degrees while
the azimuth through the center of both silos is 285 degrees.
18. A new transporter that is probably related to the ABM program at complex F was
0 the silo structure appeared to consist of two separate components (Figure a outer
that year section of a cylindrical, probably concrete structure with an inner
diameter o was visible in the center of the excava-
tion at 4E (Figure 10). Although the depth of the possible silo could not be determined, a significant
spoil pile was nearby. The silo aperture was capped in July 1972 and eventually covered with earth
between July and August 1974. The earth cover was removed and
the silo was uncappe Silo facing blocks simr ar to those used to
shore the silo corings at launch site 3 were probably added to the top of the original silo wall within
the excavation at position 4E. a work platform had been placed over the silo
Launch Site 4
19. Activity at launch position 4E has resumed after a hiatus of approximately five
silo wall was wrapped with light-toned materials, giving the structure a polygonal configuration. A
dark-toned inner-wall segment protruded above the outer wall and stop above the base
of the excavation. The distance across the top of the outer silo wall The dark-toned
segment has inner and the area
around the outer silo wall was backfilled and tracks were installed on either side of the silo aperture.
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Canvas was stretched over frameworks mounted on the tracks to form an environmental shelter
(Figure 12), which was complete The silo aperture was exposed between the
sections of the shelter during the remainder of the reporting period.
20. ~ Launch position 4E represents a departure from the silo construction techniques
used at positions 3B and 3C at complex F. The original 4E silo may have been designed to ac-
comodate a silo-launched version of the SH-04 ABM interceptor. Preliminary trenching behind the
position for a possible instrumentation array indicated a firing azimuth of 285 degrees, consistent
with the firing azimuths of other launch positions at complex F. With the signing of the ABM
Treaty in May 1972, this program was apparently terminated and the launch position rendered in-
active. The renewed construction and the nearly identical exit diameters at positions 3B, 3C, and
4E indicate involvement with the same silo-launched interceptor program. Position 4E is served
by its own control building and would be integrated into the same electrical and communications
network supporting the various launch sites at complex F. However, the internal configuration of
the 4E silo is unclear. Numerous silo wall segments were inserted into the silos at 3B and 3C. Posi-
tion 4E, however, has a single dark-toned segment of undetermined depth within the outer silo wall.
It also lacks a headworks component. The position may be designated for preliminary silo testing of
system components with later flight testing concentrated at the launch site 3 silos.
Launch Site 5
21. A platform had been placed over the forward ed e of the launch position flame
bucke The presence of the plat-
form during the seconcl period may ha a been related to launc er preparation for the test of a high-
performance interceptor that probably originated from the launch site 5 position.' No
22. ~ A truck was aligned with the front of the launcher mechanism0 and a
similar truck was next to the launche~ A flatbed truck with an unidentified cargo was
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Main Operations Building (Formerly Electronics Site C)
23. The electrical and communications network between the main operations building
and the rtes at complex F is being expanded. New trenching for electrical lines and cable
trays will connect the building with the site 2 and site 4 FLAT TWIN radar and command guidance
radar areas and the two new site 3 control buildings.
MAPS OR CHARTS
SAC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet 0245-9, scale 1:200,000 (UNCLASSIFIED)
DOCUMENTS
1. CIA/OWIE:=:kpt No 036, Weapons Intelligence Daily Review, 22 Feb 78 (TOP SECRET RUFF
2. NPIC. ary-Shagan Missile Test Center (S), Oct 77 (TOP SECRET
RUFF
3. NPIC PIR-004 78 Soviet Research and Development of Conical Defensive Missiles=~VIar 78
(TOP SECRET RUFF
4. NPIC Silo Construction Activity at Launch Complexes B and F, Sary-Shagan Missile
REQUIREMENT
Project 13000ONV
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