LOCATION:
Address: 10/1 Berezovaya alleya, Moscow 127276, Russia
Telephone: (095) 907-1500
["Gosudarstvennoye predpriyatiye 'Moskovskiy institut teplotekhniki' (MIT)," Raketno-kosmicheskaya promyshlennost Rossii 2001-2002, (Moscow: Rosaviakosmos, 2001) p. 35.] {Updated 6/25/2002 MJ}
SUBORDINATION: Russian Aerospace Agency (Rosaviakosmos)
ADMINISTRATION:
Director and General Designer: Yuriy Semenovich Solomonov
First Deputy Director and General Designer: Aleksandr Alekseyevich Dorofeyev
["Gosudarstvennoye predpriyatiye 'Moskovskiy institut teplotekhniki' (MIT)," Raketno-kosmicheskaya promyshlennost Rossii 2001-2002, (Moscow: Rosaviakosmos, 2001) p. 35.] {Updated 6/25/2002 MJ}
Deputy Director: Lev Solomonov
[Dmitriy Safonov, "S nevysokoy tochnostyu," Izvestiya, 25 May 2002, p. 6; in Integrum Techno, http://www.integrum.ru.] {Updated 6/25/2002 MJ}
BACKGROUND:
MITT began its existence as Scientific Research Institute No. 1 (NII-1) of the Ministry of Agricultural Machine-Building on 13 May 1946, when the Soviet Council of Ministers issued a resolution creating a scientific research institute to conduct work on rocket artillery projectiles. The institute was formed on the basis of the State Central Design Bureau No. 1 (GKTsB-1) of the People's Commissariat of Munitions. During its first years of existence the institute was headed by Sergey Bodrov, a former Deputy Minister for Agricultural Machine-Building.[1] In the mid-1950s NII-1 began developing mobile unguided solid-fuel tactical ballistic missiles intended to deliver nuclear warheads. Two of the missile types developed by NII-1, Mars [NATO designation FROG-1] and Filin [FROG-2], were put into service. These weapons became the Soviet Army's first tactical nuclear delivery systems. NII-1 further developed these systems into Luna [FROG-3] and Luna-M [FROG-7] tactical ballistic missiles, and Vikhr [SUWN-1] unguided nuclear anti-submarine short-range ballistic missile.[2]

In 1958 the institute was reorganized, some of its projects were transferred to other institutions, and NII-1 was tasked with developing solid-fuel guided ballistic missiles.[1] The institute received its current name in 1966 and was subordinated to the Ministry of Defense Industry.[2]

Capitalizing on this experience in developing mobile solid-fuel ballistic missiles, NII-1/MITT developed a series of mobile, solid-fuel strategic missiles. These included Temp-S [SS-12 'Scaleboard'], Temp-2S [SS-16 'Sinner'], Pioner [SS-20 'Saber'], RT-2PM Topol [SS-25 'Sickle'], and RT-2PM2 Topol-M [SS-27], the last of which was designed in silo-based and road-mobile variants.[2]

MITT's less well known ballistic missile projects included the 4,000km range Skorost IRBM which was cancelled after one test launch in 1987, and the Kuryer compact ICBM, with a launch weight of 15 tons. Its development began in 1981, the design was complete in 1984, but the launch tests originally scheduled for 1992 never took place.[3]

Between 1961 and 1987 MITT was headed by Aleksandr Nadiradze. He was succeeded by Boris Lagutin, who served as general director until 1997.[4] Since 1997 MITT has been headed by Yuriy Solomonov, who has spent most of his professional career at MITT. Solomonov is an Associate Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and a member of the High Council of the Yedinaya Rossiya political party (uniting the Yedinstvo and Otechestvo parties), a post he occupies alongside such prominent Russian politicians as Sergey Shoygu, Yuriy Luzhkov, and Boris Gryzlov.[5]

Throughout its existence MITT has maintained a close relationship with the Votkinsk Factory, which continues to produce MITT designs.
Sources:
[1] Mikhail Pervov, "Raketnyye kompleksy RVSN," Tekhnika i vooruzheniye, No. 5-6, 2001, p. 60.
[2] L. Rudskiy, "MIT na novykh rubezhakh," Promyshlennyy vestnik, No. 2, 2002; in RIA-norma Economical Information Center Web Site, http://www.i-line.ru/.
[3] Mikhail Pervov, "Raketnyye kompleksy RVSN," Tekhnika i vooruzheniye, No. 5-6, 2001, pp. 83.
[4] Vladimir Dernovoy, "Master raketnykh del," Krasnaya zvezda, 3 September 1999; Universal Database of Russian Military and Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.
[5] "Vysshiy sovet Vserossiyskoy partii 'Yedinstvo i Otechestvo'," Yedinstvo i Otechestvo Party Web Site, http://www.edin.ru/, 1 December 2001.{Updated 6/25/2002 MJ}
ACTIVITIES:
MITT is actively developing the Topol-M ICBM system, the only strategic weapon system in production in Russia as of June 2002. Its main emphasis appears to be on the development of a mobile variant of the missile. After the US withdrawal from the ABM Treaty and subsequent Russian declaration that it no longer considers itself bound by the terms of START II, which had banned MIRVed land-based strategic missiles, MITT may attempt to develop a MIRVed variant of the Topol-M. In 1998 MITT began the development of the Bulava SLBM for the new Borey-class SSBNs with the assistance of the Makeyev State Missile Center. According to preliminary reports, the missile will reportedly be based on the Topol-M and will carry only one warhead.[1]

MITT has also completed the development of the Medvedka ASW missile carrying a lightweight torpedo. The system has been tested and offered for export, but so far neither the Russian Navy nor any foreign navy has purchased the system.[2]

MITT has developed Start and Start-1 SLVs based on the Pioner and Topol missiles, respectively. Start-1 is basically a Topol ICBM with the addition of a fourth stage. A number of Start-1 launches have been conducted from the Svobodnyy space launch facility. The Geograph Resources company has received permission from Rosaviakosmos to use Start SLVs and their mobile launch pads to conduct space launches from Australia. However, this project's future is uncertain.[3]

MITT's civilian production includes the design and manufacture of refrigeration equipment, mobile first aid equipment, and monorail transportation systems.[4]
Sources:
[1] Dmitriy Litovkin, "'Tayfuny' derzhat kurs na utilizatsiyu," Yadernaya bezopasnost, No. 31, December 1999, p. 5-6.
[2] Dmitriy Litovkin, "'Kalashnikov' morskogo bazirovaniya," Zhurnal 2000 Web Site, http://www.2000-online.ru/, January 2000.
[3] Ivan Safronov, "Russia Will Send 'Avrora' to Australia - For Commerce," Kommersant, 12 March 2001; in "Russia's Plans to Develop Space Industry Ties With Australia Viewed," FBIS Document CEP20010312000127.
[4] "Gosudarstvennoye predpriyatiye 'Moskovskiy institut teplotekhniki' (MIT)," Raketno-kosmicheskaya promyshlennost Rossii 2001-2002, (Moscow: Rosaviakosmos, 2001)  p. 35. {Updated 6/25/2002 MJ}

MITT DEVELOPMENTS:
Please also see the Russia: SRF/ICBM Force General Developments, Russia: Topol-M Overview, and Russia: ICBM Test Launches sections for information on Topol-M ICBM deployment and development.

3/11/2002: IRREGULARITIES IN TOPOL-M FINANCING ALLEGED
For more information please see the 3/11/2002 entry in Russia: Delivery Vehicles: Votkinskiy zavod Production Association section. {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}

2/12/2002: MONORAIL CAR PRODUCTION BEGINS
Moskovskaya pravda reported on 12 February 2002 that MITT had begun to produce cars for the Moscow monorail line. Monorail construction began in August 2001; the line will be 8.5km long and connect the Timiryazevskaya and Botanicheskiy sad subway stations.
[Nikita Perepelkin, "Poyekhali! Deshevo, no ne serdito," Moskovskaya pravda, 12 February 2002;  Universal Database of Central Russian Newspapers, http://online.eastview.com/. ] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}

2/7/2002: SOLOMONOV COMPLAINS ABOUT TOPOL-M FUNDING
During a meeting between Duma deputies and representatives of Russia's defense industry, MITT General Director Yuriy Solomonov complained that in 2001 Topol-M production received only 18% of planned funding, and further research and development of the missile only 2%.
[Vladimir Kucherenko, Aleksey Chichkin, "What Money Are We to Use to Make New Missiles?," Rossiyskaya gazeta, 19 February 2002, p. 3; in "More on Russian Duma Request on Defense Underfunding," FBIS Document CEP20020219000150.] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}

2/2/2002: SOLOMONOV MEETS ROSSEL
MITT General Director Yuriy Solomonov met with Sverdlovsk Oblast Governor Eduard Rossel on 2 February 2002 to discuss MITT's ties with Urals-based subcontractors. The general director of one such subcontractor, NPO Avtomatika's Leonid Shalimov, participated in the meeting. Solomonov also discussed with Rossel MITT's civilian production and political issues concerning the Yedinaya Rossiya party (Solomonov is a member of its High Council).
["Eduard Rossel prinyal generalnogo konstruktora gosudarstvennogo predpriyatiya 'Moskovskiy institut teplotekhniki'," RegionInform Web Site, http://www.urfo.ru/, 4 February 2002.] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}

5/13/2001: LUZHKOV PRAISES MITT ON ITS 55TH ANNIVERSARY
Moscow mayor Yuriy Luzhkov took part in a ceremony marking the 55th anniversary of MITT's creation, and praised its efforts to guarantee Russia's national security. Luzhkov also noted the importance of MITT's civilian production, and promised that the Moscow city authorities will continue to support the institute.
["Na prazdnovanii 55-letnego yubileya Moskovskogo instituta teplotekhniki," RIA Novosti, 15 May 2001; in Delovaya Pressa Web Site, http://www.businesspress.ru/.] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}

2/24/2001: MONORAIL BUILT AT MITT
Novyye izvestiya reported on 24 February 2002 that MITT had constructed an experimental monorail transit system on its territory. A monorail is expected to be built in Moscow.
["Tramvay, kotoryy nikomu ne meshayet," Novyye izvestiya, 24 February 2001; in Universal Database of Central Russian Newspapers, http://online.eastview.com/. ] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}

3/7/2000: SRF COMMANDER VISITS MITT
On 7 March 2000, SRF Commander General Vladimir Yakovlev met with MITT General Director Yuriy Solomonov to discuss issues concerning deployment of Topol-M ICBMs. The two officials discussed future cooperation between MITT and the SRF on ensuring the missile's reliable service and on converting missile silos to suit the new weapon.
["Glavkom RVSN general-polkovnik Vladimir Yakovlev vstretilsya s rukovodstvom firmy, razrabotavshey raketnyy kompleks 'Topol'-M," Agentstvo voyennykh novostey, 7 March 2000; in Universal Database of Russian Military and Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}

2/7/2000: FEDERAL TAX POLICE PURSUE MITT DEBTS
Delovaya Moskva reported on 7 February 2000 that in 1999 the Federal Tax Police initiated legal proceedings against a number of Moscow-based businesses which were delinquent in their payments to the Russian Federation's pension fund. MITT was identified as one such enterprise, and its debt was reported at 14.6 million rubles (approximately $500,000).
["Statistika," Delovaya Moskva, 7 February 2002; in Delovaya Pressa Web Site, http://www.businesspress.ru/.] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}

10/28/99: MITT SPECIALISTS DEVELOP ROCKET FUEL ELIMINATION TECHNOLOGY
Agentstvo voyennykh novostey reported on 28 October 1999 that MITT scientists had developed solid rocket fuel elimination technologies that are ecologically superior to the ones used by the US firm Lockheed Martin, which is seeking to apply them in ICBM elimination projects in Russia. MITT and US specialists are performing joint experiments in rocket engine elimination techniques that are supposed to be used at the rocket elimination plant to be built in Votkinsk.
[Agentstvo voyennykh novostey, "V Votkinske pri utilizatsii raketnykh dvigateley budut ispolzovatsya ekologicheski bezopasnyye tekhnologii," 28 October 1999; in Universal Database of Russian Military and Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}
 
7/10/1999: MITT DIRECTOR SUPPORTS LUZHKOV
In the 10 July 1999 issue of Moskovskaya pravda Moscow mayor Yuriy Luzhkov expressed his gratitude to a number of supporters of his re-election bid, including MITT General Director Yuriy Solomonov whose formal introduction of Luzhkov's candidacy on the ballot the Moscow mayor chose to accept.
[Yuriy Luzhkov, "Nadeyus na vashu podderzhku," Moskovskaya pravda, 10 July 1999; in Universal Database of Central Russian Newspapers, http://online.eastview.com/.] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}
 
1/12/99: MITT TO PARTICIPATE IN SVOBODNYY DEVELOPMENT
Krasnaya zvezda reported on 12 January 1999 that Prime Minister Yevgeniy Primakov signed a directive obligating MITT to provide partial funding for the development of Svobodnyy space launch facility (a former ICBM base). Svobodnyy activities include launches of MITT's Start-1 conversion SLVs. MITT will share that responsibility with NPO Mashinostroyeniya, whose Strela SLVs will also be launched from the Svobodnyy facility.
["'Strela' na kosmodrome Svobodnyy," Krasnaya zvezda, 12 January 1999; in Universal Database of Russian Military and Security Periodicals, http://online.eastview.com/.] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}

3/4/1997: FIRST START-1 LAUNCH FROM SVOBODNYY
On 4 March 1997, the Svobodnyy space launch facility launched the first Start-1 SLV, which is based on MITT's Topol ICBM. This was the first space launch in Svobodnyy's history, which previously had served as an ICBM base.
[S.N. Bykov, "Svobodnyy - novyy kosmodrom Rossii," Novosti kosmonavtiki, No. 5, 1997; in Pervoye Sentyabrya publishing house Web Site,  http://archive.1september.ru/geo/1999/geo17.htm.] {Entered 6/25/2002 MJ}

Last updated 19 September 2003

Comments or questions? Contact Cristina Chuen at MIIS CNS: Cristina.ChuenATmiis.edu

This material is produced independently for NTI by the Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2002 by MIIS.

HOME  |  CONTACT US  |  SITE MAP