LAUNCH ASSIST DEVICE TEST PROGRAMS, PAVLOGRAD SOLID MOTOR TEST FACILITY, USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T00250A000100100001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 13
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 8, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: September 1, 1979
• Content Type: REPORT

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Top Secret
PHOTOGRAPHIC
I NTERPRETATION
REPORT
NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION CENTER
LAUNCH ASSIST DEVICE TEST
PROGRAMS, PAVLOGRAD SOLID
MOTOR TEST FACILITY, USSR (S)
Top Secret
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LOA-1
PI R-064/79
SEPTEMBER 1979
copy 131
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Top Secret RUFF
LAUNCH ASSIST DEVICE TEST PROGRAMS
PAVLOGRAD SOLID MOTOR TEST FACILITY, USSR (S)
ABSTRACT
1. (TSR) This report is an analysis of the SS-17 and SS-18 Launch Assist Device
(LAD) test area and associated LAD test programs at the Pavlograd Solid Motor Test
Facility USSR. The LAD test position previously referred to as the SS-17
LAD test position is in fact a LAD test position for both missile systems. The position
referred to as the SS-18 LAD test position is probably an SS-18 canister test position.
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2. Probable LADs and airframe/canister sections for the SS-17 and SS-18 25X1
missiles were identified at the LAD test position during this study. At least four series of
static tests were observed at the LAD test position between May 1971 and October 1978;
these tests correlate with the observation of flight tests of new SS-17 and SS-18 modifica-
tions (mods) or variants.
3. (U) The information cutoff date for this report is The report con- 25X1
tains two tables, a graph, and 11 photographs.
INTRODUCTION
4. (TSR) The SS-17 and SS-18 missiles are cold-launched from silos. The LADs for
these missiles are probably filled with solid propellants at the Pavlograd Solid Motor
Production Plant The design, research, and development of the LADs is 25X1
performed at the Pavlograd Ordnance Research and Development Facility 0 25X1
LADs have been static tested at the Pavlograd Solid Motor Test Facility for design 25X1
characteristics and performance specifications. The testing of LADs, with the ejection of
the complete airframe from the missile canister, has occurred at Tyuratam ICBM Launch
Test Site Hl/2 25X1
5. (TSR) The LAD test position at Pavlograd consists of a lattice-type c lindrical
tiedown structure approximately F 7 the test 25X1
position has at least two detachable circular tops used for containing test articles. Air-
frame and canister sections from both the SS-17 and SS-18 missile systems can fit into the
cylindrical tiedown structure. At least four series of static tests were observed at this LAD
test position from May 1971 through October 1978. Probable LADs and airframe/canister
sections for the SS-17 and SS-18 missile systems were identified at this test position
during those static tests.
6. (TSR) The SS-18 canister test position at Pavlograd consists of a probable full-
depth silo that has been used in training and/or silo loading exercises. This silo has been
used infrequently since late 1971.
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BASIC DESCRIPTION
7. (TSR) Several distinct test articles have been identified at the LAD test area of
the Pavlograd Solid Motor Test Facility. These include probable SS-17 LADS 25X1
meters long b in diameter, probable SS-18 LADS EEI 25X1
in diameter, and probable SS-17 and SS-18 airframe/canister sections. 25X1
e average diameter of the probable SS-17 LAD is approximately 62 percent of the
diameter of the SS-17 missile canister, and the average diameter of the probable SS-18
LAD is approximately 75 percent of the diameter of the SS-18 missile canister (Figure 1).
8. At least four series of static tests of LADs have been identified at the 25X1
Pavlograd LAD test position (Table 1). The first three static test series were followed by
new modifications and/or variant flight testing for the SS-17 and/or SS-18 missiles at
Tyuratam Missile and Space Test Center SSM The fourth static test 25X1
series, occurring late in 1978, indicates that additional variants, new modifications, or
follow-ons for the SS,-17 and/or SS-18 might be flight tested during 1979.
Test Series 1 (May 1971-January 1972)
9. (TSR) Construction of the LAD test position began between July and August
1970; the position was ex
ternally complete by
etween
at this position occurred b
was being assembled on
probable SS-17 LAD, and
rst series of static tests
The LAD test position
(Figure 2). The presence
one probable SS-17
of a van, a crane, one
airframe/canister section near the test
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position suggests that test preparations were in progress. The probable SS-17 LAD wasu 25X1
meter long and in diameter, and the probable SS-17 airframe/canister section 25X1
was in diameter. 25X1
10. (TSR) Test preparations were observed on An airframe/canister 25X1
section at least and at least in diameter was being lowered into 25X1
the LAD test position (Figure 3). Extension poles approximately 19 meters long (probably
used as alignment guides) had been placed onto the LAD test structure. Three probable
SS-18 LADs and two probable SS-17 LADs were on the concrete apron between the two
test positions. A fourth probable SS-18 LAD was in the storage area. Dimensions of these
six probable LADs and all additional test articles seen within this test area since 25X1
are given in
Table 2. The top portion of the LAD test position had been removed by 25X1
Although the test position was unoccupied on that date, a large crane and 25X1
a van were near the test position. The SS-18 canister test position had been covered. Three
probable SS-18 LADs were on the concrete apron near the SS-18 canister test position and
a fourth probable SS-18 LAD was in an area where expended test articles are temporarily
stored before removal from the site.
11. (TSR) The LAD test position had been disassembled by and 25X1
remained inactive until The SS-18 canister test position had been covered 25X1
by and remained covered until 225X1
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Top Secret RUFF
Test Series 2 (January 1973-January 1974)
12. (TSR) A new series of LAD tests had begun by A new cylindri-
cal tiedown structure had been emplaced at the LAD test position by that date, and
activity which indicated additional tests was observed at the test position. One probable
SS-18 LAD long and in diameter was near the new cylindrical
tiedown structure (Figure 4). The original cylindrical tiedown structure had been removed
from the test position and temporarily placed in storage near a lightning arrester, although
this tiedown structure did not appear to be damaged. The replacement of the original
structure may indicate a new design for the LAD test program. Test-related activity at this
test position continued from
13. (TSR) The test position was observed only four times during 1974; on
were near the test position on
A large crane and a large cylindrical container
The large cylindrical container was probably a
discarded test article from a prior test. There was no evidence, of test activity or prepara-
tions for test activity at the test position during the latter three dates in 1974.
Test Series 3 (October 1975-August 1977)
14. (TSR) Sporadic activity was observed at the test position between and
No evidence of test preparations or activity related to test preparations
was observed at the test position until) when four cylindrical objects
long and in diameter were observed on the concrete apron near the LAD test
position (Figure 5). These cylindrical objects were dissimilar to any test articles previously
seen at this test position. It could not be determined whether these four cylindrical objects
were used as test articles, or whether they were used to modify the cylindrical tiedown
structure.
15. (TSR) The circular top was removed from the LAD test structure on
but had been rejoined to the structure by (Figure 6). A probable SS-18
airframe/canister section long and in diameter was on the apron on
and had probably been inserted into the cylindrical test structure by
is probable airframe/canister section was seen on
temporary storage area, indicating that it was tested some
SS-18 canister test position was inactive on all three dates
Two robable SS-18 LADs were observed on th
(Figure 7) in the
The
e edge of the storage area on
These probable LADs were with diameters of
respectively. Both probable LADs may have been used in static tests
prior to
16. (TSR) Test activity continued through 1975 and into 1976. The test series activ-
ity that began in October 1975 may have continued through August 1977 or may have been
a test series that ended in June 1976 and was followed by another series from June 1976
through August 1977.
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Top Secret RUFF 25X1
17. TSR Extension poles were observed on the ground near the test structure onu 25X1
These poles, probably used as alignment guides during preparations for 25X1
certain static tests, had not been at the test position since Additional 25X1
poles had been delivered to the site by and appeared to have been removed by 25X1
Probable airframe/canister sections of various sizes were seen near both test 25X1
positions between (Figure 7) and Four probable airframe/- 25X1
canister sections were in the temporary storage area on indicating that they 25X1
were expended test articles. The original cylindrical tiedown structure had also been
moved closer to the temporary storage area between Two 25X1
additional probable airframe/canister sections were on dollies near the LAD test position
on indicating test preparations. By these probable air- 25X1
frame/canister sections had been placed in the temporary storage area with the other four
probable airframe/canister sections and the original cylindrical tiedown structure. All
seven test articles had been removed from the site between 25X1
18. (TSR) Evidence of additional test activity was observed at the LAD test position
on Figure 8) when a probable airframe/canister section was observed within 25X1
the test structure. The probable airframe/canister section was in diameter. Two 25X1
large shipping crates, were observed near the SS- 25X1
18 canister test position. Two circular detachable tops were observed on the ground next to
the LAD test position. This was the first time that two detachable tops had been seen at
the test position and may indicate that the original detachable top had to be replaced.
These detachable tops had inner diameters of The two shipping crates 25X1
were also new to the test position and may have been used to bring new test articles to the
test position. One probable SS-17 LAD, in length and diameter, was on the 25X1
ground near a large crane.
19. (TSR) Test activity was observed on hen a canvas-covered proba- 25X1
ble airframe/canister section in diameter was on the ground 25X1
at the LAD test position (Figure 9). At least six extension poles had been mounted on top
of the cylindrical tiedown structure, increasing its height to 18 meters above ground level.
This was the third time that extension poles had been seen at this test position during test
preparations. The canvas-covered probable airframe/canister section had probably been a
test article in a test conducted between the probable test article 25X1
had been placed in a temporary storage area.
20. (TSR) Another canvas-covered probable airframe/canister section, 25X1
long by in diameter, was near the test position on and a possible 25X1
dome cover was on top of the LAD test position. By the test structure was empty. 25X1
A probable airframe/canister section in diameter was near 25X1
the test position onF__Iand may have been used as a test article prior to that date. 25X1
21. (TSR) Six probable SS-17 LADs, each in diameter, 25X1
were placed next to the SS-18 canister test position between 25X1
They were probably expended in static tests between April and October. Two probable
airframe/canister sections, one of which was canvas covered, were observed in the tempo-
rary storage area on These probable airframe/canister sections were 25X1 1
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Top Secret RUFF 25X1
meters long with respective diameters of I I The two shipping crates, 25X1
which had been onsite since had also been placed in the temporary storage area 25X1
by 25X1
22. (TSR) The LAD test position was inactive from 25X1
Figure 10), when a ladder was observed against the cylindrical tiedown structure at 25X1
the test position. Three towers, probably work stands, had been brought to 25X1
the test area by These towers or probable work stands remained in place 25X1
immediately south of the SS-18 canister test position through 25X1
they had been moved west of the SS-18 canister test position, possibly to make 25X1
room for more test activity.
Test Series 4 (September 1978-October 1978)
23. (TSR) The last series of static tests occurred b
A large-crane was at the LAD test position on
poles long were neatly stacked on the concrete
apron. One pole was being
inserted into the test structure (Figure 11). Only seven poles remained on
the ground on that date. Onon a large cylindrical container was on the ground
approximately midway between the LAD test position and the SS-18 canister test position.
Top Secret
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Top Secret RUFF 25X1
The diameter of this container appeared to be much larger than the diameter of the LAD
test structure. The environmental cover had been removed from the SS-18 canister test
position by This was the first clear evidence of activity at the SS-18 canister 25X1
test position since The large cylindrical container may have been a test 25X1
article for the SS-18 canister position. A probable airframe/canister section 25X1
in diameter, a canvas-covered object at least long on a dolly, and 25X1
the unmeasurable cylindrical container were observed on the concrete apron on imagery of
The probable airframe/canister section was in an area of the 25X1
test site where previously expended probable airframe/canister sections have usually been
stored prior to removal from the site. This probable airframe/canister sec- 25X1
tion was probably involved in a LAD test between The 25X1
canvas-covered object could ibly be for a later test, which could have occurred at this
site between oss No probable LADs were seen at the test site during the 25X1
latter static test series. The test site has been inactive since 25X1
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Top Secret RUFF 25X1
(TSR) All applicable KEYHOLE imagery through
tion of this report.
was used in the prepara- 25X1
MAPS OR CHARTS
ACIC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet 0234-22, scale 1:200,000 (UNCLASSIFIED)
DOCUMENT
1. DIAJ DST-1070S-311-76-SAO-the-2. Tvurn.tam. Missile Tp.ct Rnn.op (ll) 14 .find 7R 25X1
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CIA/NFAC.
(TOP SECRET
WI 79-10005K. The i - 7 ICBM Accelerometer Performance (S), Feb 79
REQUIREMENT
Project 130071NJ
(S) Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome. They may be directed to
Soviet Strategic Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC,
Top Secret
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