RD-215

The RD-215 was a dual nozzle liquid-fuel rocket engine, burning a hypergolic mixture of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine fuel with AK-27 oxidizer. It was used in a module of two engines known as the RD-216. The RD-215 was developed by OKB-456 for Yangel's Yuzhmash R-14 ballistic missile. Its variations were also used on the Kosmos-1, Kosmos-3 and Kosmos-3M launch vehicles.

Versions

The family incorporate many versions:

RD-215 : Original design for the R-14. Used also on the Kosmos-1 and Kosmos-3
RD-215U : Improved engine for the R-14U.
RD-215M : Improved version used on the Kosmos-3M.
RD-218 : Modified design for the R-16 first stage.
RD-219 : Modified design for the R-16 second stage.

Modules

These engines were bundled into modules of pairs of engines. The serial production modules were:

RD-216 : Bundle of two RD-215, used on the R-14, Kosmos-1 and Kosmos-3 first stage.
RD-216U : Bundle of two RD-215U, used on the R-14U first stage.
RD-216M : Bundle of two RD-215M, used on the Kosmos-3M first stage.
RD-218 : Bundle of three RD-217, powers the R-16 first stage.