Heavy ICBM is a term that was created in the 1970s to describe a class ofSoviet and RussianICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles).[1] They were characterized by a heavythrow-weight of 60 to 90 metric tons, several times that of anLGM-30 Minuteman, and a length of over 35 meters, and were thus capable of delivering a large number of warheads in a singleMIRV missile.
This term usually refers toR-36 / "SS-9 Scarp",[2] R-36M (SS-18) variants / "SS-18 Satan",[1][3] and theRS-28 Sarmat missiles.
RS-28 Sarmat is called a "superheavy" ICBM.[4] Superheavy ICBMs date back to theUR-500 which was designed to deliver the 50 megaton (potentially, 100 megaton)Tsar Bomba warhead. The UR-500 was developed into theProton which successfully launched the first living beings to orbit the Moon and return safely, onZond 5.
The SS-9 was a silo-launched missile capable of delivering warheads of 5–18 megatons, with a range of up to 15,500 km.[5] These were then replaced by the similar SS-18, with payloads of 18–25 megatons. The silos used for launching were the same for both, once modified.
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