# R-36

> type of intercontinental ballistic missile designed by the Soviet Union

**Wikidata**: [Q6451506](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6451506)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-36_(missile))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/r-36

## Summary
The R-36 is a family of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) designed by the Soviet Union, known by the NATO reporting name "SS-9 Scarp" and the GRAU index 8K67. Manufactured by Pivdenmash, this strategic weapon was operated by the Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces and entered service in 1974. It also functions as a launch vehicle capable of carrying payloads into outer space.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** The R-36 is a missile family and a subclass of intercontinental ballistic missiles and launch vehicles.
*   **Manufacturer:** The system was manufactured by Pivdenmash in the Soviet Union.
*   **Service Entry:** The R-36 entered military service in 1974.
*   **Designations:** It carries the NATO reporting name "Scarp," the military designation "SS-9," and the GRAU index "8K67."
*   **Dimensions:** The missile has a total length of 32.2 meters and a diameter of 3.05 meters.
*   **Mass:** The total mass of the R-36 is 209,600 kilograms.
*   **Operator:** The primary operator was the Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces.
*   **Variants:** Key variants include the R-36M (an ICBM) and the R-36-O (a Soviet orbital missile).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the R-36?
A: The R-36 is a type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed by the Soviet Union. It is also utilized as a launch vehicle to carry payloads into outer space.

### Q: What are the physical specifications of the R-36?
A: The R-36 weighs 209,600 kilograms, has a length of 32.2 meters, and a diameter of 3.05 meters.

### Q: What names is the R-36 known by?
A: It is known by the GRAU index 8K67 and the NATO reporting name "SS-9 Scarp" (or simply "Scarp").

## Why It Matters
The R-36 represents a significant development in strategic military technology and aerospace engineering. As a heavy-lift intercontinental ballistic missile designed by the Soviet Union, it served as a critical component of the Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces' arsenal, providing long-range strike capabilities. Its classification as a "missile family" indicates its versatility and evolutionary design, which allowed for adaptations such as the R-36-O orbital missile.

Beyond its military role, the R-36 is structurally significant as a "launch vehicle," bridging the gap between weapon systems and space exploration technology. Its ability to carry substantial payloads is evidenced by its massive weight of over 200 tons and considerable dimensions. The system's longevity and adaptability are highlighted by its manufacture by Pivdenmash and its documentation in major defense publications like *Jane's Weapon Systems*. By functioning as the parent class for advanced derivatives like the R-36M, the R-36 platform established a lasting legacy in both ballistic missile defense and space launch capabilities.

## Notable For
*   **Dual-Role Capability:** Distinguished for serving as both a weapon system (ICBM) and a space launch vehicle.
*   **Heavy Lift Specifications:** Notable for its massive scale, weighing over 200,000 kg with a diameter exceeding 3 meters.
*   **Orbital Variant:** The family includes the R-36-O, a specific variant designed as a Soviet orbital missile.
*   **Strategic Lineage:** It acts as the parent class for the R-36M, a subsequent generation of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

## Body

### Design and Development
The R-36 (GRAU index: 8K67) was designed and manufactured in the Soviet Union by Pivdenmash. It falls under the broader class of intercontinental ballistic missiles and launch vehicles. The system is identified by NATO as the "SS-9 Scarp."

### Technical Specifications
The missile possesses substantial physical dimensions suited for heavy payload delivery:
*   **Mass:** 209,600 kg
*   **Length:** 32.2 m
*   **Diameter:** 3.05 m

### Operational History
The R-36 was operated by the Soviet Strategic Rocket Forces. It officially entered service in 1974. Detailed descriptions and specifications of the system have been recorded in defense literature, including *Jane's Weapon Systems 1972-73* and *Jane's Weapon Systems 1973-74*.

### Variants and Relations
The R-36 is the parent class for several related systems and variants:
*   **R-36M:** A class of intercontinental ballistic missiles derived from the R-36 platform.
*   **R-36-O:** A variant classified as a Soviet orbital missile.
*   **IS-P:** A related Soviet satellite associated with the R-36 program.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Jane's Weapon Systems 1973-74
3. Jane's Weapon Systems 1972-73