R-17 Elbrus (SS-1 Scud-B)

The R-17 Elbrus or SS-1 Scud-B became operational in 1962 as the upgrade to the Scud-A and was operational in other European and Middle Eastern countries by 1965. It is one meter longer than the Scud-A, which measures out to just over 11 meters long. The Scud-B uses a liquid stage-single propellant engine and has a range of 300 km with a CEP between 450-900 meters. The missile uses inertial guidance to reach its target and is capable of carrying conventional, chemical, or nuclear payloads. The Scud-B is fired from a mobile truck Transport-Erector-Launcher (TEL). The firing sequence for the Scud B usually takes one hour. The Scud-B system was originally replaced in Russian forces by the SS-23, which carried a greater range, accuracy, and reduced reaction and refire times. As a result of the INF (Intermediate Nuclear Forces) Treaty, Moscow was forced to return to the Scud in the late 1980s, but by the late 1990s, Russia developed the SS-26 Iskander to replace the now obsolete Scud.