Medium range ballistic missile R-12U provided a capability to
attack targets at medium ranges with a megaton-class nuclear
warhead and constituted the bulk of the Soviet offensive missile
threat to Western Europe. The operational range of liquid fuel
R-12U missile was 2000-2280 km. Missile was to be used against
large area targets such as military bases and cities.
The silo-launch complex of the R-12U missile
comprised four launchers and was designated as "Dvina."
Building and deployment of “Dvina” launch complexes begun in
1963 in western parts of the Soviet Union. The launch complex
was designed to remain operational after being attacked with 1
megaton thermonuclear weapon exploding in range of 1.5-2
km.
The R-12 and R-12U missiles reached their maximum operational
launcher inventory of 608 in 1964-1966. The Intermediate-Range
Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed in December 1987 by the United
States and the Soviet Union. The treaty eliminated nuclear and
conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with
intermediate ranges, defined as between 500-5500 km. By the end of
1970ies R-12 and R-12U missiles were being phased out by mobile
ground launched solid fuel missile RSD-10 Pioneer thus in 1987 only
65 R-12 missiles remained in deployment. According to the treaty
the last R-12 was destroyed May 23, 1990.
The cache is hidden inside abandoned type “Dvina” nuclear
missile silo complex . You will absolutely need a good flashlight
(mobile phone will not do). If You would like to explore a bit more
than strictly necessary to find the cache put on some durable
clothing which You are not afraid to stain. Listed coordinates will
take You to the silo complex entrance. Be very careful and watch
Your step while inside. There are several dangerous holes in the
floor. After You enter the complex look around 1st underground
level. Cache is hidden in old rusty paint bucket. 2nd underground
level is partially flooded and You don't need to go there, but if
You want to look around anyway, some water resistant footwear will
be needed.
[Update October 17, 2009] As the new owners of abandoned
silo complex had objections about cache being inside the complex,
the cache has been moved to another location nearby. Look for
ruined pumping station by the road to silo complex. The silo
complex coordinates are listed as a waypoint now. You may check it
out anyway, but be aware that it is private property, so please
behave like quiet guests, not like noisy tourists.