LAUNCH COMPLEX 'E' SURFACE-TO-SURFACE MISSILE FACILITIES KAPUSTIN YAR/VLADIMIROVKA MISSILE TEST CENTER, USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T04751A000100010012-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 16
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 7, 2001
• Sequence Number: 12
• Publication Date: February 1, 1961
• Content Type: REPORT

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JOINT PHOTOGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE REPORT
LAUNCH COMPLEX "E"
P I C/J R-1005/61
February 1961
SURFACE-TO-SURFACE MISSILE FACILITIES
KAPUSTIN YAR/VLADIMIROVKA
MISSILE TEST CENTER, USSR
VITAL RECCS COPY
Declass Review by
' NIMA/DOD
Published and Disseminated by
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
PHOTOGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE CENTER
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This material contains information affecting
the National Defense of the United States
within the meaning of the espionage laws,
Title 18, USC, Secs. 793 and 794, the trans-
mission or revelation of which in any manner
to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.
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LAUNCH COMPLEX "E"
KAPUSTIN YAR/VLADIMIROVKA
MISSILE TEST CENTER, USSR
SURFACE-TO-SURFACE MISSILE FACILITIES
PIC/JR-1005/61
February 1961
Published and Disseminated by
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
PHOTOGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE CENTER
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This joint photographic intelligence report has been prepared by the
Army, Navy, and Central Intelligence Agency as a partial answer to a
general requirement for a detailed analysis of the Kapustin Yar/Viadim-
irovka Missile Test Center. The purpose of this report is to present a
detailed photo analysis of Launch Complex "E", one of several comprising
the Surface-to-Surface Missile Facilities. Analysis is also under way on
other Test Center facilities, including the Surface-to-Air Missile Facili-
ties and the Probable Aerodynamic Missile Facilities. Each of these
remaining complexes or facilities will also be the subject of a 'subsequent 25X1 D
report.
Insofar as possible, this report includes a comparison of
photography, and the line drawings portray in
green all changes and additions subsequent to the =coverage. All
reported azimuths are referenced from true north, and the term miles
refers to nautical miles. 25X1 D
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I I I
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FIGURE 1. KAPUSTIN YAR/VLADIMIROVKA MISSILE TEST CENTER. Launch Complex ME", like other fac-
ilities shown in green, was added between
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INTRODUCTION
I
The Surface-to-Surface Missile Facilities constitute the largest, most
varied, and most widely dispersed group in the Center. They include the
following: Launch Complexes "A," "B," "C," and "E"; Troop Training
Launch Complexes "F" and "G"; the Rocket Launch Complex; and the
Test and Support Complex (Figure 1). All these complexes are supported
from Kapustin Yar, except Troop Training Launch Complex "G," which
is supported from Vladimirovka. The former V-2 Launch Site, now aban-
doned, is also located in the area of the SSM facilities.
Launch Complex "E", under construction in is the
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most recent of the SSM launch complexes.
Its presence is indicative of a
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new missile system under development.
The area of Complex "E" was
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covered by aerial photography in
and again in
_ At the time of the =coverage the Complex was in a late stage
of construction; there was no evidence on the -photography suggesting
its eventual establishment. It is estimated that the Complex should have
become operational by mid 1960.
Launch Complex "E" is road served and consists of a double-fenced
launch area (Launch Area "E") and a single-fenced Assembly and Check-
out Area (Figure 2). Launch Area "E" is situated at 48-46N 46-18E, 28
miles by road from Kapustin Yar. The Assembly and Checkout Area is
located four miles to the south of the launch area, adjacent to the support
area of Launch Complex "A".
No guidance or instrumentation facilities have been identified as being
associated with Complex "E", and therefore, the general direction of fire
cannot be determined. However, it should be noted that the orientation
of the large square launch pad (Item 1, Figure 4) is about 50? from north
or nearly coincident with that of the rhombic antennas under construction
near Launch Complex "C" (see CIA/PIC/JB-1001/61). If firings are to
be in an easterly direction, as evidenced at other SSM launch complexes,
then these firings would be over a diagonal of the pad. At the time of the
-5-
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AREA U/C
LAUNCH COMPLEX "A"
TO KAPUSTIN YAR CIA/PIC DG-3980
\`~Ll
FIGURE 2. LAUNCH COMPLEX "E". This illus-
tration shows the location and association of areas
comprising this Complex.
photo coverage, no 25X1 D
water, power, or communications
lines appeared to connect the as-
sembly and checkout area with the
launch area.
Two inactive areas of minor
importance, an Early Construction
Area and an Unidentified Area, are
located to the west of and along the`
road to the launch area. The Early
Construction Area, delineated by a
firebreak, covers about 20 acres.
It contains seven single-story build-
ings of various sizes and a group
of 38 tent bases. The area appears
abandoned and apparently was active
only during the early construction
phase of the launch area. The Uni-
dentified Area, also delineated by
a firebreak and .covering about 35
acres, was probably in existence
prior to the construction of the road
to the launch area, since the road
is superimposed over the extreme
western end of the surrounding fire-
break. There are no structures or
buildings in the area, 'and there is
no evidence that it will be used in
the future. -
LAUNCH AREA "E"
Launch Area "E" (Figures 3
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and 4), situated at the terminus of a new all-weather road from Launch
Complex "A", is a nearly square double-fenced area 1,840 by 1,680 feet
covering about 70 acres. Security consists of two perimeter fences, 160
feet apart, with guard towers at each corner, and a security building.
Between the fences is a ditch with short offshoots to each guard tower.
Significant items in the launch area include a launch pad, a control bunker,
a vehicle revetment, a vehicle bunker, and two semiburied tanks. A con-
crete service road 25 feet wide enters the area from the west, tees near
the control bunker, and provides access to the large square launch pad.
Other items within the area include three circular ground scars and eight
single-story general support and maintenance buildings. Sufficient room
is available in the northern half of the launch area for the construction
of another large launch pad. However, at the time of photography there
was no evidence that a second pad was being constructed. The location
and orientation of the predicted pad is shown in form lines on Figure 4.
The fact that a second pad may be constructed is borne out by a centrally
located control bunker and the presence of two nearly identical launch
pads at many of the other SSM launch complexes. A detailed description
of all launch area items follows:
Item 1 - Launch pad: The launch pad measures 230 feet on a side and
is of concrete construction. It is the largest square pad found at the SSM
launch complexes. A concrete loop road, 25 feet wide, provides access to
the pad on the southeast side and at the west corner. Drainage ditches are
present in the vicinity of the pad, and both the launch pad and service road
have been graded above the general level of the land to insure proper
drainage. On the pad and in line with the road on the southeast side are
six vertical poles 20 feet high in two rows of three each. These poles,
which have possible cross members on top, form an aisle 50 feet long and
15 feet wide. They may be part of a missile handling structure, supports
for a canvas covering, or some other facility in an early stage of con-
struction. A concrete apron extends off the north end of the pad and
serves the vehicle revetment and bunker (items 3 and 4). Four 70-foot-
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. ire +'
PIC/JR-1005/61
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SECURITY BLDG.
DITCH
. ........... .......................................
PRO~ECTED LAYOUT OF PAD
PIC/JR-1005/61
DITCHES
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FEET
500
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high light standards are located on the northeast and southwest sides of
the pad. Lines constructed between diagonally opposite poles pass through
the center of the pad.
Item 2 - Control bunker: The control bunker, located in the center
of the launch area, 375 feet from the center of the launch pad, is an earth-
mounded structure measuring 125 feet square at the base, 70 feet square
at the top, and about 10 to 15 feet high. Possibly five objects are on top
of the bunker. Two probable cable trenches lead from near the bunker to
the pad. Access is gained through a personnel entrance in the north side
of the bunker. If a second pad were to be constructed, this bunker would
probably serve both.
Item 3 - Vehicle revetment: This revetment, which abuts the north-
west side of the pad, is 50 feet long and 25 feet wide. It may serve as an
entrance beneath the pad or as protection for launch support equipment.
At least three other launch areas in the SSM facilities have a similarly
positioned revetment. The road leading to this revetment, the concrete
apron, and the northwestern edge of the launch pad delineate a dark, slightly
depressed, circular area, 70 feet in diameter. No particular significance
or function can be attached to this area.
Item 4 - Vehicle bunker: This bunker consists of a covered section
40 by 20 feet divided into two bays, served by a ramp measuring 50 by
40 feet. It probably serves as protection for launch support equipment.
Again, if a second pad were constructed, this bunker might be used jointly.
Item 5 - Two semiburied tanks: Two tanks, 45 feet in diameter and
40 feet apart, are located along a branch of the T-shaped service road.
A valve or pump house is situated between the tanks. No pipeline traces
can be observed either entering or leaving these tanks.
Item 6 - Three circular ground scars: These scars, one of which has
the appearance of being a buried tank, are about 25 feet in diameter. They
are located in the northwestern section of the launch area and positioned
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so as to form a triangle with two sides measuring about 220 feet and one
side 290 feet. An unidentified object is near the center of each scar. A
linear scar connects two of these circular scars.
Items 7 through 10 - Buildings: These structures are located in a
north-south line near the center of the launch area. The largest is a
gable-roofed structure (Item 8) measuring 55 by 35 feet. It is probably
intended for use by launch personnel but not for active support of firing
operations. No functions can be determined for the other three buildings:
item 7, 20 by 20 feet, gable roofed; item 9, 30 by 25 feet, flat roofed; and
item 10, 25 by 20 feet, flat roofed.
Items 11 through 14 - Buildings: These structures, located between
the two security fences near the entrance to the launch area, are concerned
with the security and maintenance of the launch area. The security build-
ing (item 11) measures 75 by 30 feet and probably has accommodations
for the patrolling troops. A 65-foot-high stack, detached from the build-
ing, is located near the south end. The other three buildings are: item 12,
60 by 30 feet, flat roofed; item 13, 45 by 45 feet, hip roofed; and item 14,
25 by 20 feet, gable roofed. Parking hardstands are associated with two
buildings (items 11 and 12).
ASSEMBLY AND CHECKOUT AREA
The Assembly and Checkout Area, in mid stage of construction in
is road served and located just north of the support area
of Launch Complex "A" (Figure 5). Its association with Launch Complex
"E" is based on its location along.the new road to the launch area and the
convenient flow pattern evident at the drive-through building. However,
since Launch Complex "A" is undergoing modification and expansion, the
possibility that this area may have a functional relationship with Complex
"A" cannot be overlooked. In either case this area will receive its utility
support from Complex "A".
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55 TENT BASES
1 ~
u/c
ASSEMBLY AND VEHICLES
CHECKOUT BLDG.
PIC/JR-1005/61
?EARTH MOUND
KAPUSTIN YAR DITCH
=STEAM/HEAT PLANT
F- j"J:.7 ?'Y,*~ SUPPORT AREA OF
LAUNCH COMPLEX 'A'
FIGURE 5. ASSEMB Y CHECKOUT AREA. The large drive-through building in this area was under con-
struction in
The area, which encompasses about nine acres, is enclosed by a fence
measuring 725 by 550 feet. Guard towers and a security building were not
present at the time of photography. Within the area there is an assembly
and checkout building and several miscellaneous structures. Outside the
security fence is a group of 55 tent bases present in =a group of 45
25X1 D tent bases new since = and four randomly positioned buildings, the
largest of which is gable roofed and measures 90 by 30 feet. Four vehicles
are located near 2 of the latter buildings, and about 9 vehicles are located
inside the fenced area. A detailed description of items within the fenced
area follows.
Item I - Assembly and checkout building: This drive-through build-
ing, which measures 200 feet long by 130 feet wide, has a total floor space
of 26,000 square feet. It consists of a 70-foot-wide, 200-foot-long-clere-
story center section flanked by two 30-foot-wide, 25-foot-high workshops.
The workshops are roofed; the center section has only the end supports
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in position. Two rows of windows are visible on one side of one workshop.
The entrance to the clerestory center section will be about 45 feet wide.
A parking hardstand is being constructed at both ends of the building. An
open ditch, probably for a steam line leads from the southern corner of
the building, across the road, and past the steam/heat plant in the support
area of Launch Complex "A". A building under construction at a new rail-
served assembly and checkout area at Launch Complex "C" is similar in
plan view and dimensions.
Items 2 through 4 - Buildings: No particular function other than gen-
eral support can be ascribed to these three single-story structures, which
measure 30 by 20 feet, 40 by 20 feet, and 60 by 15 feet, respectively.
Item 5 - Sump or pit: This is an excavation 30 feet square which has
two parallel earth scars leading from it.
Launch Complex "E" is a road-served ballistic missile launch facility
to be used in the research and development of a new missile system. It
should have become operational by mid-1960. Although one launch pad is
present, it is expected that a second pad will eventually be constructed.
Since no instrumentation facilities can be associated with the complex, it
is assumed either that they are yet to be constructed or that the missile
will use existing test range instrumentation. Since both the launch pad and
the assembly and checkout building are large when compared with those
at the other SSM launch complexes, it is possible that the missile to be
fired from Launch Complex "E" is as large as or larger than those fired
from the other SSM launch complexes.
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REFERENCES
MAPS or CHARTS
CIA. 11995, The Lower Volga Area East of Stalingrad, Jun 52 (6-52),
Scale 1:300,000 (S)
AMS. Series N 501, Sheet NM38-11 (Stalingrad), 3ded, Scale 1:250,000
(U)
AMS. Series N501, Sheet NM 38-12 (Petropavlovskyy), 2d ed, Scale
1:250,000 (U)
SAC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200, 0235-22 AL, 3d ed, May 60,
Scale 1:200,000 (S)
CIA. PIC/JB-1016/60, Missile Test Center, Kapustin Yar/Vladimi-
rovka, USSR, 1 Dec 60 (S/Noforn
CIA. PIC/JB-1001/61, Rhombic Antenna Site, Kapustin Yar/Vladimi-
rovka Missile Test Center, USSR, Jan 61 (S/Noforn
I
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