IRBMs have a minimum range of 3,500 km. The SS-20 is the archetypal example. The Scud family started as a TBM and evolved into an SRBM.Technically, a SCUD is an IRBM
Thanks. I had a feeling I might be off, but wasn't sure and just went ahead and posted. LolIRBMs have a minimum range of 3,500 km. The SS-20 is the archetypal example. The Scud family started as a TBM and evolved into an SRBM.
Why did the Soviets have conventional warheads for SCUDs then ? They were pretty inaccurate and must have been pretty expensive too ? For a modest payload of 500kgTechnically, a SCUD is an IRBM and they have routinely been fited with conventional warheads. However, if you're asking about a major power using ICBMs or SLBMs with conventional payloads, then no. You won't see that. For one very good reason: any ICBM or SLBM launched outside of well publicized and duley informed test launches, will immediately trigger a full counter strike with nuclear armed missiles. Why risk that when cruise missiles and bombers can do the job just fine?
Why did the Soviets have conventional warheads for SCUDs then ? They were pretty inaccurate and must have been pretty expensive too ? For a modest payload of 500kg
Because ballistic missiles are a bitch to interceptWhy did the Soviets have conventional warheads for SCUDs then ? They were pretty inaccurate and must have been pretty expensive too ? For a modest payload of 500kg
As far as I know none of the ICBM, SLBM OR IRBM had nonnuclear warheads
Would it be possible esp for Soviets to mount conventional warheads on them esp for antiship missions and cluster munitions ?
MRBM/IRBM differential isn’t totally set in stone though. I have seen shorter range be called IRBM.IRBMs have a minimum range of 3,500 km. The SS-20 is the archetypal example. The Scud family started as a TBM and evolved into an SRBM.
No, China only has one operational SLBM, the JL-2. It's honestly a rather primative missile too. It's got good range, 4,500 miles, but it isn't MIRV'd. It's pretty similar to the Russian R-29 honestly, a 45 year old design. You might be thinking of the DF-21D, which is a land based anti-ship ballistic missile. Short of using nukes though, it's usefulness in that role is highly suspect since the ships being targeted can put miles between themselves and where the missile is targeted between the time the missile is launched and when it hits.OTL isn't it generally supposed that the Chinese have SLBMs armed with conventional warheads for anti-carrier weapons?
Because ballistic missiles are a bitch to intercept
Given this didn't the Soviets plan to use their other Missiles like ss23 and ss20 in a similar fashion with conventional warheads against NATO airbases ?This is about the size of it.
Sure a Scud has a short range, small payload and poor accuracy but if its the only way you can get 500kg onto a target then it's awesome.
When facing the West smaller poorer nations air forces can't go head to head with or even avoid interception by swarms of AWACS-controlled, networked, BVR capable fighters. So conventional attack aircraft are merely useless targets, tied to blindingly obvious strips of tarmac.
However once launched the only thing that can stop a Scud is very high end TBMD, and if they miss then the payload is going to land. If the enemy can time multiple launches at the same target area then intercepting them is a very tough ask.
As for the target; airbases housing Western coalitions are literally packed with expensive, fragile aircraft and a single well placed 500kg warhead could wreak havoc thats well worth the cost of the rocket.
Given this didn't the Soviets plan to use their other Missiles like ss23 and ss20 in a similar fashion with conventional warheads against NATO airbases ?
I was under the impression that the Soviet TBMs and SRBMs were primarily supposed to use chemical weapons on air bases, equipment lagers and supply depots?Not the SS20, which is an IRBM, and thus not really in the same league. But I think the SS23 was to be used as a conventional weapon against NATO airbases.
However its important to keep in mind that the USSR was also going to be battling it out with NATO in the air, not the one-sided conflicts we've seen since 1990. So ballistic missiles would merely be another feather in the Soviet cap, rather than the crown jewels.