Soviet Missile Base Pervomaysk Ukraine 2018
Base History:The Pervomaysk missile base was under the command of the Strategic Rocket Forces, created in 1959 and ranked as the most important part of the Soviet armed forces (followed by the Army, Air Defence Forces, Air Force, Navy and Civil Defence Forces). ICMB launch sites were constructed throughout the Soviet Union during the 1960s, with the 43rd Rocket Army, formed at Vinnitsa in 1960 from the 43rd Air Army operating in the Ukraine. The 46th missile division was activated during May 1960 in Pervomaysk, initially as the 29th Missile Brigade. It was renamed to the 46th Nyzhnyodniprovske Red Banner Order of the October Revolution after it was awarded the order of the October Revolution in 1978. The 46th missile division grew from 3 regiments with 30 launch sites in 1961 to 9 regiments with 86 launch sites in 1978. The current museum site was the command post of the 309th Missile Regiment that included 10 launch sites clustered in near Pervomaysk. The Pervomaysk site remained operational until 1997 when it was disbanded.
After a 4 hour drive from Kiev across some terrible road surfaces,we arrive at the base around Midday.
We meet the Base guard dog among rows of Missile engines.
So,this base was finally closed in 2001 we are told.
As a museum,this former base is growing in size constantly by adding artefacts and parts.
Our first meeting with our most charming guide takes us inside for a tour around some information boards with photographs and some actual exhibits.
309th Missile Regiment Base Emblem.
Former Administration Building.
So in I go in search of the toilet but I grab the chance to take a few internal pics.
This was still being used by workers on the base so I am assuming this was originally some form of Officers Mess.
Our guide explains using this cutaway model how the Missile Silo looked and operated.
Model of a UCP or Underground Command Post..as you can see,there were 12 floors or levels in these units where staff could stay during a Nuclear War for up to 45 days before presumably going a little stir crazy...
Some artwork here showing a Russian beauty baring arms.
These next few shots are all of actual items removed from a UCP..we shall visit the actual UCP later on...so here we have a fairly cramped toilet.
Mock up control panel that would have been used to start the missile launch sequence.
Later,we will see all this in it`s natural state 45 m down that UCP.
Myriad of little lights and switches.
Extremely compact kitchen.
Sleeping quarters.
I imagine being claustrophobic here would be a problem.
One of two key buttons needed to launch the missile..the other button was pressed simultaneously by a fellow operative.
Another bunk,
I am guessing the folk stationed down here could watch TV during down time.
Okay,so now we are taken outside for a walk around the hardware on the surface.
The green missile is an R12 SS4 "Sandal".
