SOVIET SS-20 IRBM EQUIPMENT UPDATE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91T01115R000100250002-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 21
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 30, 2010
• Sequence Number: 2
• Publication Date: August 1, 1984
• Content Type: REPORT

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Soviet SS-20 IRBM
Equipment Update CCU
A Reference Aid
Secret
IA 84-10056
August 1984
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Summary
Information available as
of I June 1984 eras
used in this report.
Soviet SS-20 IRBM
Equipment Update (C)
This research aid is a supplement to a 1981 research paper which re-
viewed the basic table of organization and egaipme-it of Soviet SS-20
intermediate-range ballistic missile regiments.
Since 1980 several new types of support units and pieces of equipment
have been identified in association with the SS-20 system. These include:
? Two new types of mobile radio relay stations at the regimental level.
? Two new types of communications equipment at the divisional level,
including a satellite communications vehicle and a mobile radio relay
unit.
? Three new types of divisional support units, including helicopter
detachments and mobile air defense and nuclear-biological-chemical
decontamination units.
? SS-20-unique driver training vehicles at nearly all regimental bases
and divisional training facilities.
? Two new types of missile support vehicles.
? Two new features on SS-20 missile support vehicles-a turret, which
may serve as a ground defense gun mount or an optical sighting de-
vice; and modular work stations, which may be used in several func-
tional roles.
The introduction of these units and pieces of equipment does not dra-
matically change the capabilities of the SS-20 system. However, it does
show that the Soviets are continuing efforts to improve the capabilities
and redundancy of the SS-20 command and control network, and to
enhance the field survivability of the SS-20 system.
This information is Secret
Secret
/A 84 10056
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Divisional Helicopter Detachments
5
Non-SRF Divisional Support Units
6
New SS-20 Vehicles and Equipment
11
Missile Support Vehicles
I I
Missile Support Vehicle Turrets
12
Missile Support Vehicle Modular Work Stations
12
Driver Training Vehicles
14
v Secret
1A 8410056
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Figure 1
Location of Soviet SS-20 IRBM Divisions and Helicopter Detachments
Moscow o
a\
International boundary
National capital
Railroad
I Postavy SS-20 Division
Divisional Heliport
2 Lida SS-20 Division
3 Lutsk SS-20 Division
4 Yurya SS-20 Division
Divisional Heliport
Secret
IA 84-!0056
5 Mozyr SS-20 Division
Divisional Heliport
6 Romny SS-20 Division
Divisional Heliport
7 Verkhnyaya Salda SS-20 Division
Divisional Heliport
8 Kansk SS-20 Division
Divisional Heliport
9 Novosibirsk SS-20 Division
Divisional Heliport
10 Drovyanaya SS-20 Division
Divisional Heliport
I I Barnaul SS-20 Division
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Soviet SS-20 IRBM
Equipment Update (C)
The basic table of organization and equipment
(TO&E) of a Soviet SS-20 intermediate-range bal-
listic missile (IRBM) regiment has remained rela-
tively stable since 1980. At that time, five func-
tional areas were identified as typical of an SS-20
regimental base: operations, command and control
C2
units have been observed: a possible new type of
Twin Ear troposcatter radio relay set and a Wood
Bine satellite communications vehicle. Is I
Mobile communications equipment observed at the
regimental level includes the following types and
numbers of vehicles (figure 2):
and ground support equipment (GSE) stor- R-400/404 Radio Station
age. These areas contain a total of 110 to 170 Antenna van
vehicles, depending on the extent of available sup- Transmitter/receiver van
port facilities. (S
This report is a supplement to a research paper on Mast truck
Soviet SS-20 regimental TO&E prepared in 1981.1 Antenna/transmitter/receiver van
That paper discusses the standard complement of Generator van
equipment housed at an SS-20 regimental base as (s
of late 1980. This report presents updated informa-
tion obtained from subsequent observations, and Equipment observed at the divisional level includes
deals only with additional equipment identified at the following types and numbers of mobile commu-
the divisional and regimental levels since 1980. nications vehicles (figure 3):
Some of the equipment described in this report has
been observed only in isolated instances. Based on Twin Ear Troposcatter Radio Relay Unit
past practices, however, deployment is expected to 13.7-meter-long generator missile
be forcewide throughout the 48 bases that currently support vehicle (MSV) I
make up the 1 1 Soviet SS-20 divisions (figure 1). Twin Ear transmitter/receiver vans 2
Therefore, this equipment is presented as standard Wood Bine Satellite Communications Vehicle
divisional or regimental assets. (s Antenna transmitter receiver van 1
Since 1980 the Soviets have deployed four new
mobile radio systems with their SS-20 forces to
provide additional capability and redundancy to the
SS-20 command and control network. At the regi-
mental level, R-400/404 radio stations and R-412
troposcatter sets have been identified. At the divi-
sional level, two probable mobile communications
'CIA. IS 81-10048 (Secret July 1981, Soviet
S'S-20 IRBM Regimental Equipment and Equipment Facilities. (S)
(S
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IA 84 /0056
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Figure 2 Figure 3
New Mobile Communications Vehicles Identified New Mobile Communications Vehicles Identified
With the SS-20 IRBM-Regimental Level With the SS-20 IRBM-Divisional Level
Antenna
Van
Transmitter/
Receiver Van
Antenna/
Transmitter/
Receiver Van
Generator
Van
Generator
Van
13.7-meter-long
Generator MSV
Antenna Van
Without Antenna
Transmitter/Receiver
Van
Antenna/Transmitter/
Receiver Van
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The R-400/404 radio station transmits and receives
signals through the UHF and lower SHF (super-
high-frequency) bands, operating as a relay station
or as a terminal. An R-400/404 station has been
operating at Yurya Mobile IRBM Base 3 since
1982, probably as a terminal for base communica-
tions (figure 4). A possible R-400/404 station em-
ployed as a terminal had been imaged previously
during a field exercise at Novosibirsk in 1979.
The R-412 troposcatter radio relay set has the
capability to elevate two parabolic antennas up to
20 meters above ground level, providing a clear line
of sight beyond the horizon even in heavily wooded
areas. To date, the R-412 troposcatter set has been
observed at only one field deployment, an SS-20
communications unit at Novosibirsk (figure 5). The
set was observed 24 kilometers from the nearest
base, indicating its role in remote deployments.
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A possible new type of Twin Ear troposcatter radio
relay set has been seen at two SS-20 divisions:
Drovyanaya and Verkhnyaya Saida. The Twin Ear
set generally consists of two vehicles, a Twin Ear
van and a generator van. At both Drovyanaya and
Verkhnyaya Saida, however, two Twin Ear vans
were present, and the vans apparently were pow-
ered by a MAZ missile support van
(MSV) (figure 6). The introduction of this three-
vehicle set may be unique to the Soviet Strategic
Rocket Forces' (SRF). The additional Twin Ear
antenna van in this new type of radio relay set
should double the current capability for simultane-
ous reception and rebroadcast of signals between a
divisional or regimental command post and a re-
motely deployed SS-20 command and control (C2)
unit. The addition of the relay unit will also allow
SS-20 C2 units to deploy at greater distances.
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The Wood Bine satellite communications vehicle
has been observed at three of the II SS-20 divi-
sional headquarters: Drovyanaya, Verkhnyaya
Salda, and Barnaul. At Drovyanaya, the Wood
Bine has replaced the previously observed Park
Drive satellite communications set. Because the
Wood Bine consists of only one vehicle, it provides
a simpler and more versatile system than the four-
vehicle Park Drive unit. Figure 7 shows the Wood
Bine vehicle observed at Verkhnyaya Salda.
Divisional Helicopter Detachments
Since the late 1970s, the SRF has deployed helicop-
ter detachments to seven of its 11 SS-20 IRBM
port. (S
divisions (figure 1). These detachments provide an
airborne command post capability and perform a
variety of technical and logistical support functions,
including personnel and equipment transport, area
reconnaissance, and security surveillance. Each of
the seven detachments is comprised of from six to
10 MI-8/HIP helicopters and up to 50 associated
support vehicles. These support vehicles are as-
signed to operations, signals and communications,
and airfield support subunits.' Figure 8 shows the
heliport at Novosibirsk, a typical divisional heli-
'Further discussion of SS-20 helicopter detachment su ort units is
provided in two CIA reports: IS 82-10015 (Secret
April 1982, Ileli opter Nniis :irrurhed to SS-20 IRB11 Dirisiurzs:
and IAM 83-10071 (Secret May 1983,
Neer SS-20 Helicopter Dcrwhineti I. (S)
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Non-SRF Divisional Support Units
Since 1980, two types of support units drawn from
non-SRF forces have been identified exercising with
SS-20 divisions: a mobile air defense platoon, ob-
served at Drovyanaya, and a mobile decontamina-
tion unit, seen at Novosibirsk. Although these
support units have not yet been identified at other
SS-20 IRBM divisions, observations of similar units
exercising at SRF ICBM divisions indicate that
such units probably will be used to provide support
to the SRF forcewide. The units observed at Drov-
yanaya and Novosibirsk are probably parts of
larger non-SRF military units, normally garrisoned
elsewhere, that would be detached to SS-20 divi-
sions to support wartime operations. (S
Mobile Air Defense Units
Mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) units would be
positioned with SS-20 IRBM forces to provide air
defense for launch and C2 units when they deploy
away from their divisional garrison areas. From
mid-1982 through early 1983, elements of an SA-9
platoon were imaged within the secured operations
area of Drovyanaya Mobile IRBM Base 3 (figure
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9). This was the first identification of the SA-9
system supporting the SS-20. The SA-9, a tactical
air defense system, is designed to counter subsonic
and rotary-wing (helicopter) aircraft; it is effective
at ranges out to 7 kilometers and at altitudes below
6 kilometers. We believe the platoon was field
deployed with the SS-20 launch battalions, indicat-
ing a probable wartime air defense role with the
SS-20 system. (S
A typical SA-9 missile platoon, like the one seen at
Drovyanaya, includes the following types and num-
bers of vehicles (figure 10):
BTR-60 PA command vehicle
(s
The SA-9 TEL is a modified BRDM-2 amphibious
reconnaissance vehicle chassis with four missiles
mounted on a single rotating pedestal. The GAZ-66
resupply vehicle is believed to have a load capacity
of 24 missile canisters; it also has the mobility to
operate with the TEL except in amphibious opera-
tions. The BTR-60 PA command vehicle is a basic
amphibious armored personnel carrier modified
with extra communications systems. (s
Chita. (S
SA-4 units have also been observed near the Drov-
yanaya SS-20 remote site and exercising in the
vicinity of SS-20 deployment areas to the north of
the Drovyanaya IRBM/ICBM complex. It is not
yet possible, however, to associate the SA-4 with
any SS-20 air defense role, because this is an
established SAM training area for the SA-4 brigade
garrisoned at Domna, as well as for SA-4 and SA-8
units exercising at the SAM training facility at
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Figure 10
Vehicles Associated With SS-20 SA-9 SAM Platoon
P
aP
Mobile Decontamination Units
The primary role of a mobile decontamination unit,
like the one observed at Novosibirsk in June 1983,
is to maintain the combat capabilities of SS-20
IRBM forces in a nuclear-biological-chemical
(NBC) environment. A decontamination unit can
provide an SS-20 division with several important
NBC survival capabilities:
? Location and marking of boundaries of chemi-
cally and radiologically contaminated areas along
road march routes.
? Decontamination of roads and terrain selected
for deployment.
? Decontamination of SS-20 vehicle exteriors and
equipment.
? Decontamination of clothing and provision of
showers for SS-20 crews. (s
The mobile decontamination unit observed at No-
vosibirsk included several types of vehicles (figures
II and 12):
Van-body and flatbed trucks (not shown)
The three types of decontamination vehicles in this
unit provide specialized decontamination capabili-
ties. The ARS-14 is designed to wash down roads
and terrain to remove light contamination, and to
disinfect combat weapons and equipment. ARS-14
vehicles would probably be used in conjunction
with the SS-20 division's combat engineering com-
pany to clear contaminated areas along road march
routes and field deployment sites. The TMS-65 is a
nozzle-type sprayer, usually used in pairs. The two
TMS-65 vehicles park on opposite sides of a
roadway, and use a fine spray to decontaminate
vehicles passing between their nozzles. Towed truck
tank trailers are used with the TMS-65 vehicles to
provide an additional supply of water or chemical
decontaminant. The AGV-3, employed as a three-
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vehicle set, is designed to decontaminate clothing
and equipment and to provide showers for division
personnel. This decontamination set could relocate
to different SS-20 field locations to provide person-
nel-related decontamination. (s
The decontamination unit observed at Novosibirsk
includes three types of reconnaissance vehicles, de-
signed for use in varying conditions and terrain: the
BRDM-2 RKH, the UAZ-69 RKH, and the RKM.
The primary role of all three types is to find safe
road march routes to SS-20 field sites. These recon-
naissance vehicles would be used to identify the
presence of contaminants, determine their concen- 25X1
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Figure 12
Vehicles Associated With SS-20 Divisional Decontamination Unit
o ^
ARS-14
Decontamination Vehicles
AGV-3
Decontamination Set
UAZ-69 RKH
Reconnaissance Vehicles
TMS-65 Decontamination Vehicles
With Truck Tank Trailers
BRDM-2 RKH
Reconnaissance Vehicles
RKM
Reconnaissance Vehicle
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New SS-20 Vehicles and Equipment
have been observed at the Shumerlya Possile Mis-
sile GSE Plant; theMSV was probably
Missile Support Vehicles being outfitted with electronics equipment. A=
Since 1980, two new types of missile support vehi- OMSV has also been observed at the
cle (MSV) have been observed: a Moskva Guided Missile and Space Research Cen-
vehicle, ter, Reutov, where it apparently underwent some
MSV (figure 13). Both of these new
vehicles were observed at Postavy Mobile IRBM
Base, parked with standard vehicles in the ground
support equipment (GSE) garage area (figure 14).
The role of these new vehicles is unclear, and the
extent of th it eployment is not known. Both the
MSV and thel vehicle
Figure 13
Missile Support Vehicles (MSVs) Associated
With SS-20 IRBM Divisions
MSV and the newt vehi-
cle, it is possible that this new vehicle has been
widely deployed but has not been recognized.
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kind of electronic emissions testing. Because of the
small size difference between the standard
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Missile Support Vehicle Turrets. Some of the MSVs
identified with the SS-20 IRBM system, including
both MSVs, have a small
turret located on the top of the vehicle near the
rear of the van body (figure 15). On two occasions
in 1982, MSVs of this type were
observed at the SS-20 regimental firing range at
Novosibirsk. The vehicles were parked facing away
from the range, and the turret barrels were oriented
straight back, downrange toward the targets (figure
16). The turret observed on these MSVs may be a
standard BTR/BRDM-type gun turret; this would
provide an enhanced ground defense capability to
SS-20 launch battalions. The turret may also, how-
ever, be some sort of optical sighting device; this
kind of equipment could facilitate calibrationactiv-
ities during vehicle deployment setups. (S
Missile Support Vehicle Modular Work Stations. A
probable modular component has been identified
on an MSV undergoing repair at Postavy Mobile
IRBM Base. The component station, placed to one
side of the MSV, had been removed through a trap
door in the roof of the MSV's body, and the hatch
of the MSV was open (figure 17). A probable
observed on a flatbed truck parked next to the
This type of large modular work station may have
any of several functional roles, including communi-
cations, computer support, command, and power.
A modular system would allow replacement of
major MSV subsystems at regimental facilities or
out of garrison, and would greatly increase the
MSV's operational ease of maintenance. (S
Figure 15
SS-20 Missile Support Vehicles With Turret
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Driver Training Vehicles
Driver training vehicles have been used with the
SS-20 system since the late 1970s. These vehicles
are usually garaged in the vehicle maintenance/
storage space of the base GSE area. Driver training
MSVs can easily be stored in garages, and are
indistinguishable on imagery from operational
MSVs, they are therefore very difficult to identify
outside of training areas. The vehicles used to
simulate SS-20 TELs, however, are more readily
identifiable. (S
In 1978 the Soviets began using a six-axle modified
MAZ-543 chassis to train TEL operators. Starting
in 1979 and continuing into the 1980s, these vehi-
cles were gradually replaced by driver training
TELs, which are equipped with a training canister
instead of a standard missile canister (figure 18).
The canister of a driver training TEL has a dis-
tinctly different shape than the missile canister of
an operational TEL, and it is secured to the TEL
by three crossbands instead of the missile canister's
can normally be positively identified. (S
five (figure 19). Thus, driver training TELs, now
commonly deployed throughout the SS-20 force,
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Figure 19
Comparison of Crossbands on SS-20 Training and Operational TELs
Driver Training TEL
With Shortened Training Canister
Operational TEL
With Missile Canister
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