R-26 (missile)

The R-26 was a second-generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed but not deployed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Control system of it was designed at NPO "Electropribor"[2] (Kharkiv, Ukraine). The missile was mistakenly identified as an R-9 Desna and given the NATO reporting name SS-8 Sasin. Within the Soviet Union, it carried the GRAU index 8K66.

R-26
TypeIntercontinental ballistic missile
Place of origin Soviet Union
Production history
Designed1960-1961
Specifications
Mass87,000 kg (192,000 lb)[1]

PropellantLiquid fuel
Operational
range
12,000 kilometres (6,500 nmi)[1]
AccuracyCEP 2,000 metres (6,600 ft)[1]

Development

Drawing made by the UK Defence Intelligence from observations and photographs made in a Red Square Military Parade 1964
Montage of a UK Defence Intelligence assessment of the R-26 ICBM.

Design of the R-26 was initiated to develop a light liquid propellant powered ICBM. Designs received approval in 1960, but prior to flight tests were cancelled by the government in 1962.

The missile was revealed during a Red Square parade in November 1964, where it was misidentified as an R-9 Desna. However, the program had already been cancelled and the error was not rectified.

Operators

 Soviet Union
The Strategic Rocket Forces were to be the only operator of the R-26, but it was cancelled before entry into service.

See also

References

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