At different times the Soviet Union had weapons that place in science fiction novels. Before the Soviet engineers had the task to implement such projects as nuclear aircraft, underground boat, or, for example, space laser.
The Project “Terra-3”
The main weapon of a complex anti-missile and anti-space defense “Terra-3” was a powerful composite laser.
In addition, the complex included the guidance system and keep the beam, information systems, ensuring accurate targeting and high-precision laser locator 5Н27.
Telescope TG-1 laser locator 5Н27. Photo: militaryrussia.ru
The latter could not only determine the range to the target, but also to obtain accurate characteristics of its trajectory, the object’s shape and size. In the mid 1980-ies conducted tests of laser weapons complex: there was firing at targets, simulating different stages of the flight rockets.
It looked like scientific-experimental complex “Terra-3” on the American views. This picture was first submitted by the American delegation at negotiations in Geneva in 1978.
During the tests, scientists were able to figure out how much power will have a beam to hit the target, but to reach it failed because of problems with the generator. But installation could have a devastating effect on equipment and satellite systems.
Photo: militaryrussia.ru
However, long life and “Terra-3” did not work: the project was very costly, and the existence of the Union came to an end. In 1989 the installation “Terra-3” was shown to the group of American scientists and congressmen, a year later the facility was closed and all work on it was discontinued.
The Project “SKIF”
Space-based laser platform “SKIF” was intended to destroy enemy nuclear missiles and satellites. Station with a length of 37 metres and had a maximum diameter of 4.1 meters and weighing about 80 tons.
“SKIF-DM”. Photo: topwar.ru
Combat platform consisted of two main sections: functional service unit and a great target module. The first was a slightly modified 20-ton ship, developed for the station “Mir”. The second was created from scratch. The entire apparatus was painted black for heat mode.
In the Central part of the “SKIF” was placed in a compartment with a prototype gas-dynamic laser — the main weapons platform. The development of the laser has brought scientifically-production Association “Astrophysics”.
According to another version it was planned to use a laser Halogens on the so — called excimer laser.
Photo: topwar.ru
The carrier for the space station was supposed to be the rocket “Energia”, the first launch was scheduled for 1986. By this time the creators of “SKIF” had not time to finish the job, so it was decided to run a mock battle station, what did the letters “DM” in its title — a dynamic layout.
The layout contained a laser — it didn’t collect, so launched into orbit only the most basic components and partial supply of the working fluid is CO2. Also on Board the “SKIF-DM” were targets that were supposed to shoot from the station in space to check on them the guidance system.
The launch was successful, and then because of a computer error, the “SKIF-DM” not entered the preset orbit and on a ballistic trajectory and fell into the Pacific ocean.
Failure with “SKIF-DM” and the astronomical cost of the project became the reason of its closure. Further flights were cancelled, and the technique utilized.
Global nuclear missile
Soviet generals have always sought to obtain weapons that would have guaranteed them a superiority over overseas opponents. Such as, for example, nuclear missile with unlimited range. The USSR spared no expense in the defense industry, and soon the project of a missile called the GR-1 was launched.
Missiles G-1 in red square. Photo: militaryrussia.ru
The designers have created a missile that would ensure the withdrawal of the head portion with a nuclear warhead into orbit height of about 150 kilometres.
After orientation in space and correction was braking. The warhead was de-orbited and dived to the goal with great speed. It was assumed that the range of G-1 is of order 40 000 km (i.e. virtually unlimited).
In 1962 he was released two missiles for test bench and began preparing a series of missiles for flight tests, in parallel with the work on them was carried out the construction of the required ground structures on Baikonur cosmodrome.
First missiles G-1 the General public saw the 7 November 1965, during a parade on red square in Moscow.
Missiles G-1 on the red square in 1964. Photo: militaryrussia.ru
What I saw made a strong impression on the US state Department, who even demanded that the Union clarify its attitude to the UN resolution on the non-in space of weapons of mass destruction.
However, demonstrating that the missile was a real bluff — rocket could not bring to the flight tests during the export to the launch complex failures were so numerous that they could not resolve.
Soon the work on GR-1 were discontinued. According to the official version, it occurred “in connection with the performance of Soviet obligations under the non-use of outer space for military purposes.”
Atomic underground boat
If there are submarines, why not be underground? The first such project in the USSR was undertaken in the 40 years that were tested pozemkom Trebeleva. However, the design was unsuccessful and it was abandoned.
Image: “technology youth”.
The impetus for the resumption of work on the underground boats were documents similar to the German developments, which fell into the hands of Soviet specialists. Mikhail Kozyrev in the book “Special weapons of the second world war” mentions the test in the fall of 1964 the Soviet underground cruiser “Fighting mole”, which managed to create with the help of German developments.
However, the information about this fantastic project is known only from media reports. In particular it is said that the first round of tests went well, and the “Battle mole” was able to do a passage in the mountain. And during the second cycle of tests, the device was destroyed by internal explosion.
There is a theory that greater autonomy “Fighting mole” was equipped with a nuclear reactor, had a hull length of 35 m, diameter 3 m, his crew was 5 people, and a speed of 7 km/h.
Image: rg.ru
Being used to protect the crew from harmful radiation -is unknown, and not explained how Soviet scientists managed to so quickly create a compact nuclear installation.
It is possible that all information on the “Battle mole” is based on the attempt of the USSR to mislead the enemy, as later did the Americans with his Strategic defense initiative and lasers with nuclear pumping.
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