Valerian Sobolev, designer of the Iskander and Topol missile systems, died in Russia
On 25 November, renowned designer Valerian Sobolev, who developed the Iskander and Topol launch systems, died in Volgograd after a long illness. This was reported by Russian media outlets.
“Under his direct leadership, such models as the launch complexes Moon, Oka, Temp-2S, Pioneer, Topol, Iskander, and many others were created,” the media reported.
He was one of the developers of self-propelled launchers and ground equipment for strategic missile complexes with intercontinental ballistic missiles “Temp-2S.” He supervised the design work on the creation of launchers and ground equipment for the Pioneer mobile missile complex, modifications of the Pioneer UTTX and Pioneer-3, and the Topol mobile ground missile complex with ICBMs. Some of these missile complexes remain in service with Russia's strategic missile forces.
The Russian Federation is engaged in the development of a new missile system, Iskander-1000, which will have a range of up to 1,000 kilometres, twice that of the previous version.
