/specialCollection/MissileGap/1961/1961-04-25.pdf

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VI. ICBM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
98. We have relatively firm evidence on the
Soviet ICBM test range and the test-firing
program, from which we have been able to de-
rive basic characteristics of the ICBM vehicle,
its propulsion, nosecone, and guidance system,
as well as some of the ground support and
logistic requirements for its operational de-
ployment. From these data, we can also de-
rive, though with some probable margin of
error, some of the basic factors affecting So-
viet ICBM performance under operational con-
ditions, including general ranges, accuracy,
and reliability. Finally, these data can be
combined with other evidence to provide a
sense of the tempo of the ICBM development
program and the degree of success the USSR
has achieved. However, the sum of our infor-
mation is inconclusive as to the precise 'tim-
ing of the initial ICBM deployment, and as
to the scale and pace of the operational de-
ployment program. While a full examination
of the evidence and factors pertinent to the
deployment program is reserved for a forth-
coming estimate, it is necessary for the pres-
ent analysis to include brief discussion of
some of these matters.
Tyuratam Missile Test Range
99. All Soviet ICBMs and space vehicles have
been launched from a rangehead near Tyura-
tarn, east of the Aral Sea (see Figure 27). The
test range extends generally to the northeast
approximately 3,500 n.m. to an instrumented
impact area near Klyuchi on the Kamchatka
Peninsula (see Figure 1). On several occa-
sions, in connection with certain ICBM and
space launchings, the range has been extended
up to 6,700 n.m. into the Pacific Ocean through
the use of' four Sibir-class instrumentation
ships.
100. The Tyuratam test range has exten-
sive communications, control, instrumenta-
tion, and logistic facilities, which are sufficient
to support ICBM and space operations of con-
siderably greater intensity than those which
have been conducted so far. On the basis of
successive photographic coverage and other
evidence, three launching areas are believed to
be completed: -
a. In 1955-1957, when the range was first
established, the Soviets installed a single,
massive launch pad over the edge of a huge
pit. This is termed launch area "A" by US
intelligence (see Figure 28). It was used for
all ICBM and space launchings from Tyu-
ratam at least through 1959 and possibly
through 1960.
b. In 1958, the Soviets began construction
of a pad closely resembling the first launch
area, known as area "B." It was probably
ready for use in about mid-1960.
c. In 1959, they began work on a pair of
simplified pads without pits, known as launch
area "C" (see Figure 29). Launch area "C"
was probably completed in late 1960 or early
1961.
101. The evidence from Tyuratam indicates
that the Soviet ICBM system is heavily de-
pendent on rail support. Missiles destined
for launch areas "A" and "B" are delivered
by rail to nearby rail drive-through buildings
where extensive checkout and prelaunch as-
sembly operations are performed. Missiles are
then transported directly to the launch pad_
by rail, and there is evidence to suggest that
propellants as well as much of the support
equipment necessary to a firing are also
brought to the pad in this way. Relatively
little time appears to be required on the pad.
On one occasion, when only one pad was com-
pleted, two missiles were launched in less than
three days. Launch area "C" was photo-
graphed while under construction, and its
final configuration is not definitely estab-
lished. It also has rail-served checkout build-
ings nearby. Although a rail spur enters the
pad area, it appears that missiles are to be
transported from checkout buildings to pads
by road. Launch sites of this type would
necessarily be near rail lines, but a greater
degree of flexibility, dispersal, and conceal-
ment could probably be achieved.
ICBM Test Firings
102. The first successful flight test in the So-
viet ICBM development program occurred in
August 1957, with the firing of a missile from