Since the late 1950s, various types of ballistic tactical and operational-tactical missiles with a maximum range of 50 to 300 km were introduced into the Soviet Army, and later in other Warsaw Pact countries. These included the 9K51 Luna-M, 9K72 Elbrus, and 8K11 and 8K14 missile systems. Their accuracy was largely dependent on atmospheric conditions not only at ground level but also at altitudes of up to several dozen kilometers. This led to the intensive development of meteorological services and preparations for the missile forces. One of the most important elements of the weather reconnaissance system necessary to ensure accurate missile strikes was the ARMS system, which enabled the collection of essential data on the atmospheric conditions at the missile launch sites and along the missile’s flight path, and the development of a so-called Meteorological Report based on this data. The data contained in the report was taken into account during missile targeting.
The main element of the ARMS system was the RMS-1 radar weather station (Russian: Радиолокационная метеорологическая станция РМС-1). The station tracked and recorded the flight path of passive radio wave reflectors (so-called angle reflectors) suspended from balloons, or active objects, i.e., RKZ-1 radio weather probes (powered by a 200PMHM2Cz battery), which, in addition to a longer tracking range, also provided the additional capability of measuring and recording temperature and atmospheric pressure. The station was powered by a 3x380V voltage at a frequency of 400Hz from a 20kW ESD-20WŁ generator or from the power grid via a special 218S converter. The RMS-1 station was mounted in a special 712 trailer.
The ARMS system consisted of: a ZIL-157 special vehicle serving as the workplace for meteorological enumerators; a Maz-502 special vehicle carrying a set of equipment used in the field for hydrogen production; a Kraz-214 or Ural-375 tractor also used to transport hydrogen cylinders; an RMS-1 station on a two-axle trailer towed by a Kraz-214 or Ural tractor; a generator on a two-axle trailer towed by a Maz-502; and a 218S grid converter on a single-axle trailer towed by a ZIL-157. In the Polish Army, RMS-1 stations, codenamed “Ludwik,” were used, among others, by the weather platoons of tactical missile battalions and operational-tactical missile brigades. They could also be used by the air force and other branches of the military requiring comprehensive weather data.
RMS-1 station specifications:
Length: 6.89 m;
Width: 2.54 m;
Height in the marching position: 3.34 m;
Weight: 7200 kg;
Radio frequency band: 1770-1795 MHz;
Transmitter pulse power: 150 kW;
Antenna beam width: 6.5 degrees
Probe pulse duration: 0.8 microseconds
Probe pulse repetition rate: 833 Hz
Radiosonde automatic tracking range: 150 km and angle reflector range: 15-20 km
Transition time from marching to working position: 20 minutes
(Description substantive consultation: Retired Lt. Col. Włodzisław Zielak)
