R-2

8Zh38 SS-2 Sibling (NATO)

Mission Profile

The R-2 (8Zh38, SS-2 Sibling) was a single-stage Soviet ballistic missile in the Aggregat lineage, an improved development of the German V-2 with doubled range and a separable warhead. Standing 17.7 m tall with a 1.7 m diameter and a liftoff mass of 20.4 tonnes, it generated 370 kN of thrust. First flying in October 1950, the R-2 served as both a nuclear-capable tactical missile and a sounding rocket for high-altitude research, bridging the gap between captured German technology and indigenous Soviet rocket development.