Ivanov

Russian sounding rocket project. P I Ivanov at RNII (Reaction Scientific Research Institute) developed a four-stage solid rocket capable of reaching 40 km altitude in 1944-1946. Two launches were made, but the project was considered generally unsuccessful and not followed up.

The rocket used the RS-132 solid rocket motor, but with the upper stages having an aluminum case instead of the standard steel case. The payload was designed by FIAN, the Physics Institute of the Academy of Sciences, and measured cosmic rays. The first launch of the vehicle, using all standard steel-cased motors, was made on 19 March 1946. A June 1946 test used the first aluminum cases. However the first stage burned through, putting the missile off course during the second stage burn. The third stage functioned as planned, but due to the flight angle the desired altitude was not reached. At some point during the 130-second flight the instruments were damaged, and no data was obtained.