Semi-scale SS-20 Saber / RSD-10 Pioneer IRBM

[amiles]

I've been working on an approximately 1:5 semi-scale SS-20 IRBM, building on techniques and lessons learned from my 1:9 semi-scale SS-25 ICBM (which is shown on the pad at L3 cert launch in the left panel of first image below, and to the left of the SS-20 in right panel of the first image). The SS-20 model is approximately 15" diameter and 12' length. Like the SS-25, this uses fold-down grid fins and is designed/built for tube launch. Unlike the SS-25 (or pretty much anything else), the SS-20 has three angled nosecones built for individual deployment. This rocket is still unfinished but now looking presentable. Construction of the launcher is not yet begun. Also shown below are side-by-side comparisons with actual missiles, including the one in the Air and Space Museum.

 

[neil_w]

Fantastic work. The "nose" on that thing really cracks me up, looks like some sort of B-movie monster (like a graboid).

 

[Rschub]

More like an A-movie monster, those are MIRV warheads.

 

[boomtube-mk2]

Nice models but what's with the writing on the wall . . . tube?

 

[rfjustin]

Nice work!

 

[boomtube-mk2]

More like an A-movie monster, those are MIRV warheads.

Oh . . . what's a few nukes between friends?

 

[amiles]

Nice models but what's with the writing on the wall . . . tube?

This is explained as follows on https://airandspace.si.edu/collecti...rface-surface-ss-20-pioneer/nasm_A19900275000: "The exterior of the first stage is yellow fiberglass with numbers and Cyrillic letters printed along the circumference. The letters and numbers are used as guides in the manufacturing process when the solid fuel is covered with fiberglass. "

 

[icyclops]

Fantastic work. The "nose" on that thing really cracks me up, looks like some sort of B-movie monster (like a graboid).

Those are re-entry bodies…..nukes. Why they are exposed and not under a cone just shows Russian cheapskate….Ha, Ha save a few cents and probably really don’t need it Or it was removed for show maybe if there was one.

 

[amiles]

Those are re-entry bodies…..nukes. Why they are exposed and not under a cone just shows Russian cheapskate….Ha, Ha save a few cents and probably really don’t need it Or it was removed for show maybe if there was one.

Just a unique feature of this missile. As you point out, virtually all MIRVed missiles (including the U.S. Minuteman III and Trident D5) include a shroud over the reentry vehicles. This one just didn't, and instead angled the RVs in against a central support. I assume they rotate back to vertical once it clears the atmosphere and prior to release.

 

[gerbs4me]

Great job on the rocket!

 

[amiles]

Some additional progress: Front end details, vent holes, and shear pins. Booster section electronics bay.

 

[rharshberger]

More like an A-movie monster, those are MIRV warheads.

Exactly 3 MIRV's, however the simplicity in the nosecone design for a actual rocket is kinda cool, no need for the aero shroud like most othe missles have.

 

[amiles]

3D-printed grid fin inserts are completed, courtesy my good friend Tom! Next step is to epoxy them into these aluminum frames.

 

[amiles]

Grid fin inserts mounted into aluminum frames...

 

[amiles]

...and grid fins attached to the booster.

 

[amiles]

First time fully assembled since adding the grid find.

 

[amiles]

Sabot construction and initial testing. They're nor pretty, but seems like they should work well enough.

 

[amiles]

Sabot construction and initial testing. They're nor pretty, but seems like they should work well enough.

 

[bad_idea]

What little was publicly known about the SS-20 fascinated me in my youth. Very much enjoying following the process of your build.

 

[amiles]

And, of course, a separate parachute and parachute release mechanism for each of the three (multiple independently deployable) nosecones!

 

[amiles]

The launch tube is now complete. It is a 20" diameter concrete form tube mounted on an aluminum 1515 frame.

 

[bad_idea]

This is amazing. You do not take half-measures.

 

[amiles]

This is amazing. You do not take half-measures.

Well thank you for saying that. It did sort of feel like half measures a couple weeks ago when I finally gave up on building the whole launcher...

 

[bad_idea]

You're building a huge and detailed model of one of the most intriguing missiles of the Cold War. I don't think you need to build the truck too to be proud of your work.

Where will you be flying this beast, BTW? I'd love to see it in person someday.

 

[Highpowerrocketyahoo]

Bro... that is sick!

 

[amiles]

You're building a huge and detailed model of one of the most intriguing missiles of the Cold War. I don't think you need to build the truck too to be proud of your work.

Where will you be flying this beast, BTW? I'd love to see it in person someday.

I expect it to be at an MDRA launch. Might have to wait until they transition back to their winter field (in Eastern Maryland).

 

[bad_idea]

I lived in DC briefly in my youth. Plenty of reasons to make it back to that old stomping ground, but seeing this would add to the list.

 

[amiles]

I lived in DC briefly in my youth. Plenty of reasons to make it back to that old stomping ground, but seeing this would add to the list.

I agree - great area to live in or visit! I will be sure to post here once I know when and where the launch attempt will be.

 

[amiles]

Nosecone ejection initial test was successful.

 

[neil_w]

18 months after this thread was started and I still can't get over what an insane piece of work that is. Seeing one of the... uh... "noses" eject like that just reminds me of it again.

Great work.