R-26 (missile)
The R-26 was a second-generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) designed but not deployed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Control system of it was designed at NPO "Electropribor"[2] (Kharkiv, Ukraine). The missile was mistakenly identified as an R-9 Desna and given the NATO reporting name SS-8 Sasin. Within the Soviet Union, it carried the GRAU index 8K66.
| R-26 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Intercontinental ballistic missile |
| Place of origin |  Soviet Union |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1960-1961 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 87,000 kg (192,000 lb)[1] |
| Propellant | Liquid fuel |
Operational range | 12,000 kilometres (6,500 nmi)[1] |
| Accuracy | CEP 2,000 metres (6,600 ft)[1] |
Development
Design of the R-26 was initiated to develop a light liquid propellant powered ICBM. Designs received approval in 1960, but prior to flight tests were cancelled by the government in 1962.
The missile was revealed during a Red Square parade in November 1964, where it was misidentified as an R-9 Desna. However, the program had already been cancelled and the error was not rectified.
Operators
- Soviet Union
- The Strategic Rocket Forces were to be the only operator of the R-26, but it was cancelled before entry into service.