Missile R-36 (SS-9 Scarp)

The R-36 is a family of silo-based intercontinental ballistic missiles and space launch vehicles. Development began in 1962, building upon the R-16 program. Initial versions included light, heavy, and orbital configurations, with flight testing conducted from 1962 through 1966. The prospect of an orbital nuclear capability led to an international treaty banning the basing of weapons of mass destruction in space. In the 1970s, development shifted toward the R-36M, designed with heavy throw-weight to enable first-strike capabilities against hardened targets.

The system utilizes two or three liquid-fueled stages powered by nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine. Guidance is provided by an autonomous inertial system. The R-36M series employs a cold-launch method, using a gas generator piston to eject the missile from its canister before the main engine ignites above ground level. This technique prevents engine exhaust from damaging the silo and theoretically allows for silo reloading. Silos are hardened to withstand pressures exceeding 48 MPa.

Warhead options vary by variant. Original models carried a single warhead with a yield between 8 and 20 megatons. Later MIRV-equipped versions, such as the R-36MUTTKh, were deployed with 10 warheads of 500 kilotons. The R-36M2 Voevoda carries 10 MIRVs with yields ranging from 550 to 750 kilotons. Some single-warhead variants reached yields of 25 megatons, intended for high-altitude electromagnetic pulse generation or the destruction of launch control centers. The missile can also carry up to 40 decoys and penetration aids to saturate anti-ballistic missile defenses.

The Russian Strategic Rocket Forces are the primary operator. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, silos were located in both Russia and Kazakhstan; however, Kazakhstan completed the dismantling of its launchers by 1996. The R-36M2 variant remains in active service, though the inventory has been reduced to comply with strategic arms reduction treaties. Russia has designated the RS-28 Sarmat as the replacement for the R-36 series.

There is no record of combat use. Notable test incidents include a 1963 failure where the missile lost thrust and fell back onto the launch pad, and a 1965 explosion during propellant loading. Retired R-36 missiles have been converted for civilian use as Dnepr and Tsyklon space launch vehicles, delivering satellites into orbit.