R-12 (SS-4) MRBM Missile

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R-12 Rocket, SS-4 Sandal, GRAU Index 8K63

Note that this R-12 Missile (the same type as was stationed on Cuba during so-called “Missile Crisis”) is not complete – it has been cut up in sections and this is not its full length. This suggests that this particular missile has been cut up following the 1987 INF Treaty and then reassembled here. However, this provides the unique opportunity to look inside the missile!

Photos number 3 and 4 show the combustion chambers of the rocket engine – the turbo pump and all the connecting pipes have been removed. Photo 5 shows the lower interior of the missile, where the fuel tank has once been sitting. Photo 6 shows two combustion chambers from the R-12’s rocket engine (type RD-214). Photo 7 is an illustration of the working principle of the liquid fuelled rocket engine.

More photos at: www.flickr.com/photos/martintrolle/sets/