Thread by @KomissarWhipla

Some thoughts on RS-26 as alleged designator for Avangard missile system with gliding winged reentry vehicle. (source of claim:

https://twitter.com/NewtonTheory/status/1182397399223934976?s=20

).

#hyperhype

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What we know?

1) Avangard is being introduced into #NewSTART because its booster is basically an ICBM: UR-100NUTTKh/RS-18X/SS-19 Mod...
2) It was mentioned as SS-19 Mod-X-4 in US NPR 2018
3) RS-26 is/was a designator for Rubezh "light" ICBM prototype within NewSTART process

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4) AFAIK there were some references in Russian media and tender documentation, etc. using expressions like "Rubezh-Avangard missile system". Personal theory: it was an umbrella R&D name with emphasis on using more or less existing tech for missile defense penetration...

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...that resulted in two main development branches: "cheap overload" with light ICBMs and "expensive evasion" with sophisticated RVs. Probably the Rubezh wasn't so cheap after all, but the name kept sticking. And kicking.

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So the bottom line is: I believe those SRF veterans from the newspaper made the mistake that was very popular over last few years.

The Avangard might receive a RS-18/SS-19 - ish designator eventually. Entirely new designator is also possible, but RS-26 is highly unlikely.

5/5

cc @russianforces @nukestrat @SokovNikolai @NewtonTheory