What were the physical dimensions and weight of the RSD-10 Pioneer missile?
The RSD-10 Pioneer stood 23 meters high and measured 1.5 meters in diameter while weighing 37.1 tons when fully loaded with fuel.
The RSD-10 Pioneer stood 23 meters high and measured 1.5 meters in diameter while weighing 37.1 tons when fully loaded with fuel.
Development began in 1966 under the direction of Alexander Nadiradze after receiving official approval in 1968 following years of internal debate within the Soviet military.
Up to 1986, a total of 435 missiles operated from 48 different launch sites including Pavschino using mobile units that utilized MAZ-547A transporter erector launcher vehicles produced by the Minsk Automobile Plant.
NATO decided to deploy these systems in Western Europe during 1979 as part of the Double-Track Decision to counter the specific threat posed by the Pioneer missile system and balance the Soviet advantage in intermediate-range capabilities.
These weapons along with 499 associated mobile launchers were destroyed by May 1991 under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty while fifteen RSD-10 units survived for commemorative purposes.