Russia test-fires Topol ballistic missile

11102013

Nuclear-capable missile RS-12M Topol has been successfully test-fired in Russia’s south as part of a series of tests of new combat equipment, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

“The training combat part of the missile hit a target on the Sary-Shagan testing ground in Kazakhstan,” Defense Ministry press-service said.  

 Specifications are as listed
Weight: 45,100 kg (99,400 lb)
Length: 21.5 m (71 ft)
Diameter: 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
Operational range: 10,500 km (6,500 mi)
In service: 1988 to present
NATO classification: SS-25 Sickle

A test launch of the intercontinental three-stage ballistic missile (ICBM) was carried out from the Kapustin Yar testing ground in the Astrakhan region. 

The main task of the launch was to confirm the stability of the main characteristics of such class of rocket during extended service, the Ministry said.

Now test results will be used for development of new “effective complexes of means to overcome missile defense for equipping new complexes.”   RT News