R-39 Rif

R-39 RIF
R-39
TypeSLBM
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1983–2004
Used bySoviet Navy
Russian Navy
Production history
DesignerMakeyev Rocket Design Bureau
ManufacturerZlatoust Machine-Building Plant
Specifications
Mass84 tonnes (185,000 lb)
Length16.1 metres (53 ft)[1] (8.4 metres (28 ft) without warhead)
Diameter2.4 metres (7.9 ft)[1]
Warhead10 MIRV thermonuclear[1]
Blast yield100–200 kt each[1]

EngineThree-stage Solid-fuel rocket[1]
Operational
range
8,300 kilometres (5,200 mi)[1]
Guidance
system
Astro-inertial guidance[2]
Accuracy500 metres (1,600 ft) CEP[2]
Submarine-based missiles: R-29, R-29Р, R-39, R-29РМ, CSS-NX-3, JL-2

The R-39 Rif (Russian: Р-39 Риф, lit.'reef'; NATO reporting name: SS-N-20 Sturgeon; bilateral arms control designation: RSM-52) was a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) that served with the Soviet Navy from its introduction in 1983 until 1991, after which it served with the Russian Navy until 2004. The missile had GRAU indices of 3M65, 3M20, and 3R65. It was carried on board Typhoon-class submarines.

An intercontinental missile, the R-39 had a three-stage solid-fuel boost design with a liquid-fuel post-boost unit carrying up to ten multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle warheads. Like other SLBMs the initial launch was powered by a gas generator in the bottom of the firing tube. During the missile's passage through the water additional motors produce a gaseous wall around the missile, reducing hydrodynamic resistance.[citation needed] The launch system was designated "D-19".

  1. ^ a b c d e f "SS-N-20". Archived from the original on 2012-02-02. Retrieved 2012-01-31.
  2. ^ a b c "R-39 / SS-N-20 Sturgeon SLBM - Russian / Soviet Nuclear Forces". Fas.org. 2000-07-13. Retrieved 2018-08-22.