Soviet RT-23 ''Molodet'' ICBM

By Crusader1307

The Soviet (and later, Russian) RT-23 ''Molodet'' was an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, deployed as part of The Soviet Union's Nuclear Deterrent and Defense Protocols. The Missile System was deployed from 1987 to 2005. Although capable of in-group ''Silo'' launched, The RT-23 was more popularly used as part of The Railway Deployment System (Mobile Rail Launching). Weighing over 230,000-lbs. - The ''Molodets'' was a multi-staged rocket which was 77-feet in length with a casing diameter of 8-feet. The weapons was solid fueled and had a maximum effective range of 6.800-miles. Operations consisted of a ''3-Rail Car'' System, which included the actual Missile, a Command Car and Control and Launch Car. These could be ''moved'' to various locations via a Locomotive. This afforded The Soviet Military the ability to constantly re-direct their assets from Enemy detection. Replaced in 2008 for more advanced Models, many have been made into Museum displays which can be viewed throughout The Country.