The SS-20, known as the "Pioneer" in Russian, is a two-stage, solid propellant missile with three multiple targetable reentry warheads. The missile is almost 16.5 meters tall.

The exterior of the first stage is yellow fiberglass with numbers and Cyrillic letters printed along the circumference. The letters and numbers are used as guides in the manufacturing process when the solid fuel is covered with fiberglass. Two thirds of the way up the missile are the letters "CCCP" and a yellow five-point star.

The second stage has similar markings. The reentry vehicle consists of three warheads. The predominant color of the missile is green. Along the base of the missile are white fan stabilizers that assist in guidance.

The Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, USSR, constructed the missile for the exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum. Exhibition of this missile complies with the Intermediate Nuclear Forces agreement between the US and USSR that provided for the preservation of fifteen SS-20 and Pershing II missiles to commemorate the first international agreement to ban an entire class of nuclear arms exhibition. It does not contain fuel or any live components. The Ministry of Defense of the USSR donated the missile to the Smithsonian.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

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Object Details

Key Accomplishment(s)

Nuclear Missile Banned by INF Treaty in 1987

Brief Description

The Soviet SS-20 and U.S. Pershing II are two of over 2,600 nuclear missiles banned by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed in 1987. The INF Treaty was the first international agreement to eliminate an entire class of nuclear weapons.

Country of Origin

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Type

CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets

Manufacturer

Votkinsk Machine Building Plant

Dimensions

Overall: 5 ft. 10 1/2 in. wide x 54 ft. 11 in. tall (179.1 x 1673.9cm)

Materials

Metal (steel?), fiberglass, paint, plastic

Alternate Name

SS-20 "Pioneer"

Inventory Number

A19900275000

Credit Line

Gift of USSR Ministry of Defense

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.

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