Tsar Bomba (RDS-220)

Manufacturer: VNIIEF (Soviet Union)
Category: Bombs & Aerial Munitions
Add to Compare

Warhead Type Thermonuclear (historical device)
Delivery Platforms Modified Tu‑95 bomber
Guidance None (gravity bomb)
Operational Role Experimental demonstration device

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	Tsar Bomba / RDS‑220
Type	Nuclear Gravity Bomb
Manufacturer	VNIIEF (Soviet Union)
Country of Origin	Soviet Union (Russia)
Year Introduced	1961 (tested)
Operational Status	Experimental, not operational

2. Physical Characteristics

Weight	Approx. 27,000 kg
Length	~8 meters
Diameter	~2.1 meters
Casing Type	Steel alloy casing

3. Performance

Yield	~50 megatons (test configuration)
Guidance	None
Accuracy (CEP)	Unguided gravity release
Delivery Platforms	Modified Tu‑95 bomber
Penetration Capability	Not applicable

4. Warhead / Explosive Details

Warhead Type	Thermonuclear
Fuzing Options	Airburst
Explosive Composition	Not publicly disclosed

5. Operational Use

Primary Mission	Demonstration of nuclear capability
Operators	Soviet Union
Notable Deployments / History	Single test on Oct 30, 1961, Novaya Zemlya archipelago

6. Variants

Variants

None (unique device)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 7 / 10
Stealth Capability 9 / 10
Performance 7 / 10
Payload Capacity 9 / 10

PROS

Demonstrated maximum theoretical nuclear capability
Served as a strategic deterrence symbol
Highlighted scientific and engineering achievements
Influenced global arms‑control discourse
Provided data for atmospheric test analysis

CONS

Impractical for operational military use
Excessive size and weight limited delivery options
Destabilizing political impact during the Cold War
Environmental and atmospheric consequences
Never part of an active or sustainable arsenal

Tsar Bomba (RDS-220): The Largest Nuclear Device Ever Built

The Tsar Bomba, officially designated RDS‑220, stands as the most powerful nuclear device ever detonated in human history. Developed during the height of Cold War tensions, this Soviet superweapon became a symbol of extreme nuclear capability and geopolitical signaling. Tested on October 30, 1961, over Novaya Zemlya, the device demonstrated a scale of destructive power unmatched before or since.

Manufactured by the Soviet Union’s All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics (VNIIEF), the Tsar Bomba was engineered as a thermonuclear gravity bomb primarily intended for strategic deterrence rather than practical battlefield deployment. The purpose was to showcase Soviet scientific strength and convey a clear strategic message to the international community. With a theoretical yield far exceeding its test configuration, the device served as a political tool more than an operational weapon.

The bomb measured roughly 8 meters in length and weighed over 27 metric tons, requiring specially modified aircraft—principally the Tupolev Tu‑95—for delivery. Its unprecedented yield created a shockwave that circled the Earth and produced a mushroom cloud rising over 60 kilometers. Despite its scale, the Tsar Bomba was never introduced into an active arsenal, as its size, limited practicality, and destabilizing effects made it unsuitable for standard military planning.

In modern defense analysis, the Tsar Bomba remains a historical benchmark rather than a functional weapon system. It underscores the extremes of Cold War nuclear development and continues to inform discussions on strategic stability, arms control, and the limits of thermonuclear design.

- Advertisement -

Tsar Bomba Price

The Tsar Bomba is a historical, non‑commercial, and decommissioned experimental device. It has no price, as it was never available for procurement or defense export.

FAQs

Was the Tsar Bomba ever an operational weapon?

No. It was an experimental device tested once and never fielded.

How powerful was it compared to modern nuclear weapons?

It remains the most powerful nuclear device ever tested, far exceeding modern deployed warheads.

Why was it built?

Primarily for political signaling and to demonstrate Soviet thermonuclear capabilities.

Could it have been delivered in real combat?

Its size and weight made operational deployment highly impractical.

Is the Tsar Bomba still active today?

No. It was a one-time test device and no longer exists as a weapon.

Disclaimer Note

The information provided on TheDefenseWatch.com is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of our content regarding defense and aerospace products, technologies, and specifications, we cannot guarantee that all information is 100% accurate or up-to-date due to the evolving nature of military technology and classified data.TheDefenseWatch.com does not warrant the reliability, suitability, or availability of the information for any specific purpose. Users are advised to consult official sources, such as manufacturers, government publications, or defense agencies, for precise and verified data before making decisions based on our content.We are not affiliated with any defense manufacturers, governments, or military organizations mentioned. Opinions, reviews, and ratings reflect expert analysis but are subjective and should not be considered endorsements. TheDefenseWatch.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this website’s content.External links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. TheDefenseWatch.com reserves the right to update or modify content without prior notice. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy & Cookies Policy.