Project "FOLIANT"
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In the distant 70s (more precisely, in 1973), a secret program for the development of promising weapons “Foliant” was launched in the USSR. One of the objectives of this program was the creation of new third-generation nerve agents, which were supposed to have a toxicity higher than that of known foreign and domestic V-gases. More than 200 chemists and engineers were involved in the development of a new type of chemical weapon. It is known that at least three unitary chemical agents were initially created as part of this program (Substance 33, A-232, A-234), and then, based on them, 5 types of binary chemical weapons, codenamed “Novichok”.
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“Newcomers” (English: Newcomer, Novichok agent) is a class of organophosphorus toxic substances with nerve agents. “Novichoks” were first synthesized in the USSR in the mid-1980s of the last century by P. P. Kirpichev and today, in terms of their complex of combat characteristics, they surpass all known chemical warfare agents. It should be noted that the following substances were developed with the code names Novichok 1-9 . Toxicity is 6-8 times higher than that of VX and its analogues. They did not have neutralizing substances (at least, as I understand it, a strictly defined circle of people had them). Delayed toxicity was noted in persons who were only partially in contact with them. Manufactured in Novocheboksarsk and Shikhany. And all this became known in 1992, when one of the developers (Vil Mirzayanov) leaked information about the secret program to the media. After which he safely left for America and wrote a book about this project (very interesting, by the way). They never managed to arrest him.
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I’ll add one interesting fact to this material. These compounds have been used only once in history - in the 90s. An amount of 0.5 mg was smeared onto the telephone receiver of the banker Kivilidi. He died, the secretary died, the investigator, the criminologist and the pathologist died...

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VX

Material from Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia

VI-gas, V-Ex, V-X(from English VX), EA 1701 - an organophosphorus chemical warfare agent with a nerve agent, O-ethyl-S-β-diisopropylaminoethylmethylphosphonate, a representative of the V-series of agents, before the appearance of information about substances of the "Foliant" type (A-230 - A-234) is the most toxic ever artificially synthesized substance used in chemical weapons (LD50, orally - 70 μg/kg).

Other designations: substance of group F (Sweden), substance of group A (France), BRN 1949015, CCRIS 3351, (±)-S-(2-(bis(1-methylethyl)amino)ethyl) O-ethyl methylphosphonothioate, HSDB 6459 , Tx 60.

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This is a completely harmless chemical mixture. Disassembled only.

The creator of Novichok explained why Moscow’s demands for London to provide access to the toxic substance are impossible to fulfill

Answering the question of how Great Britain could identify a substance that is not on any official list of prohibited substances, Mirzayanov suggested that “the British could well have synthesized” Novichok gas based on the formulas that were published in his book.

Doctor of Chemical Sciences (USSR) Vil Mirzayanov, who was an employee of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “State Scientific Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology” (GNIIOKhT) and was directly involved in the work on the “Foliant” project, within the framework of which the nerve gas “Novichok” was created , said that this toxic substance is not included in the list of prohibited substances by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). According to the expert, officially such poison simply does not exist. Given this statement, Moscow’s repeated demand for London to hand over information about the substance used during the Salisbury incident, where ex-GRU Colonel Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned, with the Russian side citing the Chemical Weapons Convention, has virtually no official basis.

Mirzayanov said in an interview with Voice of America that Novichok gas “officially does not exist, it is not mentioned in any of the lists of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.” At the same time, in the early 1990s, the scientist published the book “State Secrets” in the USA. Chronicle of an insider program of Russian chemical weapons,” in which he gave the full formula of this toxic substance.

After the publication, Mirzayanov, realizing the danger posed by the poison created with his participation, “beginning in 1992, sought to include Novichok in the list of officially prohibited chemical compounds.” The scientist explained that only the OPCW can officially ban a powerful nerve gas, having agreed on such a decision with all countries participating in the convention (on the prohibition of chemical weapons, which came into force in 1997 - Note NEWSru.com).

The issue of banning Novichok, according to Mirzayanov, was discussed by the OPCW, but no decision was made. “After my book was published, this problem was discussed at one of the meetings at the OPCW headquarters, and, as far as I know, no decision was made,” said the chemical weapons specialist.

Thus, the demand of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for Britain, on the basis of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to send Russia an official request regarding the substance with which Skripal was poisoned in Salisbury, cannot be satisfied for formal reasons. “The OPCW, within the framework of this convention, can only work with substances that are on the prohibited list. “Novichok” is not on this list, and, therefore, the headquarters of this organization does not have methods for recognizing the “drug,” Mirzayanov explained.

Answering the question of how Great Britain could identify a substance that is not on any official list of prohibited substances, Mirzayanov suggested that “the British could well have synthesized” Novichok gas based on the formulas that were published in his book. “Each country takes care of its own security, and as part of the study of possible threats, it was possible to create a sample,” the expert explained.

At the same time, Mirzayanov insists that gas was produced only in the USSR and Russia. “So many countries could have prototypes, but production was established only in the USSR and Russia,” the specialist assured.

Moreover, according to the expert, Moscow hoped to remain unnoticed in its involvement in the attack in Salisbury. “For almost 30 years no one has been developing it [Novichok]. It’s obvious to me that Moscow was counting on the fact that no one would catch them,” Mirzayanov noted.

Russian authorities, meanwhile, deny that there were ever programs to develop Novichok on the territory of the USSR or the Russian Federation. “The British refused to give us samples of this substance, we’ll see what happens next. But I want to state with all possible certainty that there were no programs for the development of an agent called “Novichok” either in the USSR or in the Russian Federation; information that such a program supposedly existed was disseminated by persons who at one time were not without participation of Western governments were transferred to the West and, in fact, emigrated. Naturally, they are now involved in all this,” Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax on Thursday, March 15, possibly referring specifically to Mirzayanov.

“We curtailed any developments in the field of new chemical warfare agents immediately after joining the relevant convention, and last year, as you know, all stocks of all chemical agents were destroyed,” the diplomat added.

The Novichok class of substances belongs to the category of third-generation nerve agents and was developed in the late 1980s during the implementation of the Folio project. The result of the project was the creation of three unique chemical nerve agents - “Substance 33”, “A-232”, “ A-234».

Thanks to the consistent foreign policy of the Soviet Union and other socialist countries, aimed at strengthening the peace and security of peoples. The changes taking place in the process of détente have become more noticeable. Relations between countries with different social systems have improved and economic ties have intensified. At the initiative of the Soviet Union, a number of international agreements aimed at limiting the arms race have been concluded in recent years. Among them is the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on the Destruction of Their Stocks, signed in 1972 by many countries of the world. The Soviet Union, on the basis of this international agreement, has consistently sought to ban chemical weapons.

The American government, under pressure from the progressive public, in December 1974 ratified the above-mentioned convention and the 1925 Geneva Protocol prohibiting the use of asphyxiating, poisonous and other similar gases and bacteriological agents in war. However, some other capitalist countries, especially members of the aggressive bloc, participating in negotiations on the ban on chemical weapons, according to foreign experts, have huge reserves of these weapons and are actively working to further improve means of mass destruction. Thus, at present, as the American press reports, the United States has more than 80 types of chemical munitions in service. In recent years, the US Department of Defense has paid special attention to the development of so-called binary chemical munitions.

Binary (that is, double) chemical munitions have equipment consisting of two initial components, each of which individually is a non-toxic or low-toxic chemical substance. During the flight of the ammunition (shell, bomb) to the target, the initial components of the equipment are mixed, and as a result of a chemical reaction a toxic substance is formed.

The idea of ​​​​creating binary chemical munitions was studied in the US armed forces before and during the Second World War. At that time, US Air Force specialists were developing a binary aerial bomb to use a toxic substance called arsenide (designation AC). This agent, which belongs to the group of blood poisons, is highly volatile and, with normal use, quickly dissipates in the atmosphere. The task of American specialists was to create such ammunition that would ensure the relatively slow formation of chemical agents and its long-term effect on manpower.

In the binary bomb being developed, the nose chamber was equipped with magnesium arsenide (magnesium arsenic acid), and the tail chamber with sulfuric acid. The mixing of components with the subsequent formation of an agent was provided by a piston device along the flight path or when the bomb hit the ground.

Later, in the United States, a prototype of a binary chemical munition was created for the use of toxic substances that do not have the necessary storage stability. He was equipped with the KV-16 drug. This agent, like mustard gas, has a significant blister effect, but affects the eyes more severely.

They do not have any specific odor, and the development of signs of damage occurs more slowly. Such characteristic properties, as the command of the US armed forces believed, should ensure the surprise of the use of new weapons. However, drugs KV-16 and KV-10 were extremely unstable and were not able to withstand prolonged snoring. Therefore, work began on the creation of a special binary munition. The components of the equipment in it were a less toxic, but storage-stable drug, ensuring its rapid transformation into a potent agent.

The foreign press reported that US Navy specialists showed great interest in creating binary chemical munitions. This was explained by the fact that on a ship, any slightest leak of a toxic substance from ammunition could cause injury to personnel located in sealed rooms. According to American naval experts, chemical munitions with non-toxic ammunition would provide the simplest and most fundamental solution to the problem of the safety of storing chemical weapons on board a ship.

In the post-war period, NATO member countries, and primarily the United States, carried out intensive work to further improve chemical weapons. The troops received toxic nerve agents, which in their chemical structure are organophosphorus compounds. These agents were discovered back in Nazi Germany. Well-known representatives of such toxic substances are tabun, sarin and soman. They have a very strong effect on people. In addition, in the 50s, another nerve agent was synthesized and designated VX. It has exceptionally high toxicity and persistence and easily penetrates the body through the skin. Thus, touching any surface even several hours after OB VX has been applied to it is fatal.

Huge reserves of toxic substances were created in the imperialist countries. As reported in the foreign press, in the USA alone they amounted to more than 30,000 tons, a significant part of which were organophosphorus compounds. Their storage, as is known, poses a serious threat to the life and health of the population. Therefore, since the 60s, American specialists have returned to the idea of ​​​​creating binary ammunition. Currently, the US Department of Defense considers them as the basis for further improvement of deadly chemical weapons. Back in 1962, the Pentagon began implementing a special program for the creation of binary chemical weapons (Binary Lethal Weapon Systems - BI WS), which was identified among other work on improving weapons and military equipment as an event of great importance and paramount importance. A few years later, representatives of the military department announced the advisability of replacing all stocks of chemical weapons in warehouses with binary weapons.

The increased attention of US military circles to binary weapons is currently explained by the following. Despite the fact that this country has created large reserves of the most modern chemical weapons, the Pentagon considers it necessary to further improve toxic substances and the means of their use. The armed forces are tasked with updating the stocks of chemical agents located in warehouses dispersed throughout the United States and beyond. However, these plans cause a negative reaction among the progressive part of the American public, as well as among some sensible members of Congress.

Of greater concern in the United States are the very frequent reports of accidents associated with poisoning of chemical weapons at chemical weapons bases. For example, in 1969 alone, 23 American military personnel were seriously injured by nerve agents at American chemical weapons depots on the island. Okinawa. At the same time, cases of poisoning of American soldiers while working with chemical weapons at Fort Greely (in Alaska) resulted in deaths. A Pentagon official admitted that from 1953 to 1970, more than a thousand people suffered from exposure to toxic nerve agents stored in chemical warehouses in Rocky Mountain (Colorado). The largest number of accidents was registered among people who fill ammunition and are also employed in warehouse work.

A huge danger of damage to the population and contamination of the external environment with toxic substances lies in the flooding of obsolete stocks of toxic substances in the ocean, which are produced by the US Department of Defense, testing of new types of chemical weapons, as well as frequent accidents during the transportation of highly toxic substances by land, water and air. Thus, the American press reported that there was a real threat of destruction to the population of the coast of New Jersey in 1970, when in this area, at a short distance from the coast, an explosion occurred on the military transport Hughes, which had on board 5000 tons of mustard gas intended for flooding . Former Congressman B. Johnson even appealed to the Supreme Court with a complaint that chemical weapons warehouses in Denver pose an increasing threat to the lives and health of people in nearby areas. Such phenomena are not isolated in the United States.

Under these conditions, the Ministry of Defense began to intensively promote, emphasizing that by creating binary munitions it was possible to improve chemical weapons and at the same time eliminate the risk of accidental injuries associated with production, storage and transportation. With this, the Pentagon is trying to some extent to soften the negative reaction of the progressive public to the chemical weapons race.

Binary chemical weapons have one more feature. According to representatives of US military circles, equipping troops with binary ammunition will circumvent any international agreement on the prohibition of chemical weapons, since the production of non-toxic components cannot be prohibited, since they (each individually) are not toxic substances and can be used even for peaceful purposes. Finally, American military experts believe that it is possible to establish mass production of binary weapons faster than conventional types of chemical weapons. The latter is explained by the fact that the synthesis of toxic substances and equipping the corresponding ammunition with them is carried out only in special factories equipped with the necessary equipment and staffed with highly qualified personnel, while chemical plants producing products for peaceful purposes can be quickly adapted for the production of non-toxic components of binary equipment. By advocating for binary munitions, the US Department of Defense is seeking a decision from Congress to allocate the necessary funds for their development and production.

The first significant appropriations for the US Navy and Air Force for the binary chemical weapons program were allocated in 1962. At that time, the task was set to develop an aviation chemical bomb, “Bit Eye,” that would be safe for storage on aircraft carriers, as well as for transportation and maintenance. Somewhat later, an order was issued for the development of a cassette for the use of binary agents. This work continues to this day.

Several types of binary chemical weapons are being created for the ground forces, including artillery shells. Thus, as of 1972, the XM687 155-mm artillery shell was in the prototype stage. Sarin is produced from two non-toxic components of this munition. The components are kept separately in polyethylene containers and allow long-term storage. Immediately before firing, they are placed in the projectile body. American experts consider it advisable to equip such types of ammunition with so-called intermediate agents, which, in their tactical and toxicological characteristics, occupy a middle position between sarin and VX. These include soman. In binary ammunition, to obtain it, pinacoline alcohol and methylphosphonyl difluor are used as initial components of the equipment.

As reported in the foreign press, the design of binary chemical munitions differs from conventional ones mainly in the design of the chamber for the components and the order of their equipment. So, if a conventional ammunition is completely filled with one toxic substance, then two containers are placed in the body of a binary ammunition, each of which contains one component necessary to obtain a chemical agent. Containers are usually made of plastic. In warehouse conditions they can be stored separately and outside the housing. Sometimes one of them is in the ammunition, and the other is inserted into the ammunition body only in preparation for use. Component containers can also be pre-packed into a larger plastic or metal container, which is then installed in the ammunition chamber.

An important element of the design of binary ammunition is a device for mixing components. It has a piston, which, moving under the influence of inertia or when hitting an obstacle, ensures mixing of the components. The destruction of containers and mixing of their contents can also occur due to the rotation of the ammunition in flight. In addition, special mixing devices can be used that reduce the reaction time and increase the yield of the toxic substance.

The most complex device is the aviation binary chemical bomb. It consists of a body, a stabilizer and a nose cone. One of its binary components is in a powder (or liquid) state, and the other is in a liquid state. The first is placed in a mixing casing and separated from the second, located in the main volume of the bomb, by a thin metal partition. Before using ammunition, the pilot presses a special button. After this, a pyrotechnic unit is triggered, causing the partition to rupture and extrusion of the powder into the liquid component. At the same time, the electric motor turns on and begins to quickly rotate the stirrer housing. When stirring, the reaction of formation of OM occurs.

For the use of binary chemical mixtures, special cassettes are also being developed, the elements of which contain one of the components. The second component in a liquid state is poured into the space between the elements. Before dropping the cassette, a device is activated that increases the pressure in the housing, and the second component is injected into the internal cavity of the elements, after which the reaction of formation of the OM begins. When the cassette flies towards the target, its body is undermined with the help of a fuse and the elements are thrown out. At the moment of falling on the ground, the body of each element ruptures and the toxic substance is scattered over the area.

For the use of binary agents, it is planned to have aviation pouring devices. In them, as in an aviation binary bomb, the components are placed in two chambers, and their mixing (using stirrers) and the formation of an agent occurs in the third chamber (mixing-reaction chamber). The resulting agent is poured over the target through a spray nozzle.

According to the assessment of foreign military experts, the combat effectiveness of binary chemical munitions is less than that of chemical munitions filled with ready-made chemical agents. This is explained by the fact that the total weight of the former components is less than the weight of the finished OM of the latter. In addition, the design of binary ammunition also contains additional technical devices that ensure separate placement of components, their subsequent connection and mixing. These devices have some weight and require a certain amount of space to place them. They, in turn, affect the reliability of the ammunition (for example, the system for mixing ammunition components may not work under certain conditions). In addition, when mixing components, an incomplete reaction results in the formation of less toxic substance than the total weight of the original components.

In some types of binary munitions, the reaction of formation of explosives occurs after falling to the ground and lasts for some time. As a result, enemy personnel may have time to put on gas masks or leave the contaminated area. The components of the equipment usually contain halides (chlorine, fluorine), so they have a specific odor. This allows you to take protective measures in a timely manner. Finally, the reaction of the components produces a certain amount of low-toxic by-products.

The disadvantage of binary type ammunition is also that they cannot be used against targets located at close distances from friendly troops, or dropped from aircraft flying below 500 m. This is due to the fact that the initial components, starting to mix after the bomb is fired or lifted from the aircraft , do not have time to completely turn into a toxic substance before the ammunition ruptures, since for each type of binary ammunition and type of resulting agent (persistent, unstable) a certain minimum time is required, during which most of the initial components will react. After the rupture of the binary munition, which ensures the production of a persistent toxic substance, the mixing reaction of the components continues, and the agent retains its destructive properties. To use binary munitions equipped with components that are designed to produce unstable toxic substances, it is necessary to more accurately take into account the time of direct impact on enemy personnel, because unstable chemical agents eventually turn into a non-toxic substance or decompose into several safe components.

Since 1972, the US Department of Defense has sought significant funding for the development and production of binary chemical munitions. In the 1974/75 fiscal year, $5.8 million was requested for these purposes. At the end of 1974, reports were published in the American press that the US Department of Defense had decided to enter into contracts with industrial firms for the production of large quantities of chemicals that are components of binary chemical munitions. In the 1976/77 fiscal year, the US Department of Defense plans to receive $8.8 million for the deployment of binary munitions production at the Pine Bluff Arsenal (Arkansas), as well as $3.5 million and $2 million for the development of binary chemical weapons for the Navy and Air Force.
Thus, contrary to the demands of the world progressive community to exclude the use of toxic substances for military purposes, US militarists continue not only to improve chemical means of mass destruction of people, but also to create new types of these deadly weapons.

Binary chemical munitions are a type of chemical weapon. Binary - consisting of two components of chemical munition equipment (non-toxic or low-toxic). The components for obtaining the appropriate OM can be a liquid-liquid and liquid-solid system. These elements also include chemical additives, for which catalysts are used that accelerate the course of the chemical reaction, and stabilizers that ensure the stability of the starting components and the resulting chemical agents.

During the flight of a chemical munition towards a target, the initial components are mixed and enter into a chemical reaction to form highly toxic agents (V-X and sarin).

The main parts of a binary explosive ammunition are the head with a fuse, the explosive charge, and the ammunition body with chambers for placing containers with binary explosive components. This also includes various auxiliary devices that ensure the separation and mixing of components, as well as the occurrence of a chemical reaction between them. A schematic representation of a 200 kg glide bomb with V-X and an artillery shell with sarin in a binary design is shown in Figures 13, 14. One of the components in the form of a sulfur block is located in the central tube. The body is filled with liquid ethyl methylphosphonate (second component). According to a pre-established program, the barrier between the components is destroyed, they are mechanically mixed, and within 5 s the reaction of Vi-X formation is completed.

Binary ammunition is convenient to manufacture, store and handle, however, the presence of these additional devices complicates the design of the binary ammunition.

5.2.8 Means of application

To use toxic substances, the enemy can use chemical aerial bombs, aerial dispensers, aerosol generators, missiles and other ammunition filled with toxic substances. Rockets can also be used to use explosive agents.

5.2.9 Actions of the population in the outbreak of chemical contamination

The source of chemical contamination is an area exposed to toxic substances, which results in or may cause injuries to people. The size of the focus of chemical contamination depends on the amount of chemical agents used, their type, meteorological conditions and terrain.

In cases of a chemical attack and the formation of a source of chemical contamination, the main condition for ensuring the sustainable operation of industrial enterprises should be the careful sealing of production buildings and technological processes, as well as the provision of workers and employees with individual and collective protective equipment.

The rate of dissipation of OM vapors and the area of ​​their distribution are affected by the vertical stability of the surface layers of the atmosphere. There are three degrees of stability of the surface layer of air:

inversion (the lower layers of air are colder than the upper layers);

isothermia (it is characterized by the fact that the air temperature within 20-30 m from the earth’s surface is almost the same);

convection (the lower layer of air is heated more than the upper layer and it is mixed vertically).

Inversion and isotherm contribute to the preservation of high concentrations of OM in the surface layer of air; they contribute to the spread of contaminated air over long distances from contaminated areas. Convection causes strong dispersion of contaminated air, and the concentration of OM vapor in the air quickly decreases.

Vegetation cover (shrubs, forest, dense grass), building density and terrain (ravines, hollows) contribute to stagnation of contaminated air and increase the duration of infection.

If you detect signs of the enemy using chemical agents, you must urgently put on a gas mask, and, if necessary, apply skin protection; If there is a shelter nearby, take refuge in it. Before entering the shelter, you should remove used skin protective equipment and outer clothing and leave them in the shelter vestibule: this precaution prevents the introduction of chemical agents into the shelter. The gas mask is removed after entering the shelter.

When using a shelter, basement, closed gap, etc. It should not be forgotten that it can serve as protection against contact with droplets of liquid chemical agents on the skin and clothing, but does not protect against vapors and aerosols of chemical agents in the air. Therefore, when staying in such shelters in conditions of external contamination, it is imperative to use a gas mask.

You should stay in a shelter (shelter) until you receive an order to leave it. When such an order is received, it is necessary to put on the required personal protective equipment (for persons in shelters - gas masks and skin protection; for persons in shelters and already using gas masks - skin protection) and leave the structure in order to go beyond the source of infection .

You need to leave the source of chemical contamination in the directions indicated by special signs or indicated by civil defense (police) posts. If there are no signs or posts, you should move in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the wind. This will ensure the fastest exit from the source of chemical contamination, since the depth of the cloud of contaminated air (it coincides with the direction of the wind) is several times greater than the width of the front.

In contaminated areas, you must move quickly, but do not run or raise dust. Do not lean against buildings or touch surrounding objects (they may be contaminated). Do not step on visible drops or smears of chemical agents.

In contaminated areas, it is prohibited to remove gas masks and other protective equipment. In cases where it is unknown whether an area is contaminated or not, it is better to act as if it is contaminated.

Particular caution should be exercised when moving through contaminated areas through parks, gardens, orchards and fields. There may be deposited drops of OM on the leaves and branches of plants; touching them can contaminate clothing and shoes, which can lead to damage.

If possible, you should avoid driving through ravines and hollows, through meadows and swamps: in these places long-term stagnation of OM vapor is possible. In cities, chemical vapors can stagnate in closed neighborhoods, parks, as well as in the entrances and attics of houses. The infected cloud in the city spreads over the greatest distances along streets, tunnels, and pipelines.

If drops or smears of chemical agents are found on the skin, clothing, shoes or personal protective equipment after a chemical attack by the enemy or while moving through a contaminated area, they must be immediately removed with gauze or cotton swabs; If there are no such tampons, you can make tampons from paper or rags. The affected areas should be treated with a solution from the IPP-8 anti-chemical package or thoroughly washed with warm water and soap. In case of lesions of the OB, you need to take tablets from slot © 2 of the individual first aid kit AI-2.

After leaving the source of chemical contamination, partial degassing and sanitary treatment are carried out, and then complete sanitary treatment.

“Newcomers” (English: Newcomer, Novichok agent) is a class of organophosphorus toxic substances with nerve agents. “Novichoks” were first synthesized in the USSR in the mid-1980s of the last century by P. P. Kirpichev and today, in terms of their range of combat characteristics, they surpass all known chemical warfare agents.”

The Foliot program to develop new types of chemical weapons began in 1973. One of the objectives of this program was the creation of new third-generation nerve agents, which were supposed to have a toxicity higher than that of known foreign and domestic V-gases. More than 200 chemists and engineers were involved in the development of a new type of chemical weapon. It is known that within the framework of this program, at least three unitary chemical agents were first created (Substance 33, A-232, A-234), and then, based on them, 5 types of binary chemical weapons, codenamed “Novichok”.

A-230 (Foliant-230).

It was produced in small quantities (tens of tons) in Shikhany and Volgograd. In the production of A-230, methylphosphonyl dichloride was used as a precursor, which is soman and a key reagent in the synthesis of sarin and soman type agents. At low temperatures in winter, A-230 hardens, turning into a crystalline mass. To prevent crystallization, dimethylformamide was added to the original formulations with A-230, which significantly reduced the overall toxicity of such a mixture. After conducting field tests at one of the test sites in Uzbekistan in 1988-1989, substance A-230 was adopted by the Soviet army in 1990. Substance A-230 was developed by P. P. Kirpichev (GNIIOKhT, Shikhany).

A-232 (Foliant-232)

was produced only in experimental batches, but according to foreign experts, if necessary, the plant in Novocheboksarsk could quickly produce 2-2.5 thousand tons of A-232 annually. The physicochemical characteristics of A-232 allow it to be used in winter conditions. Later, based on A-232 and its ethyl analogue A-234

Binary systems "Novichok" were developed. Work on agents A-232 and A-234 was also carried out under the leadership of P. P. Kirpichev.
Binary chemical agents “Novichki”

"Novichok--#" is a binary form of Soviet V-gas (Substance 33). This “Novichok” was not assigned a serial number. Industrial production (tens of tons) was established in Novocheboksarsk in the early 1980s. Adopted by the Soviet Army in 1990.

"Novichok-5"

Binary OB based on A-232. It is 5-8 times more toxic than VX. Leading developers I. Vasiliev and A. Zheleznyakov (GNIIOKhT, Moscow). Poisoning is difficult to treat with standard antidotes. Chemical production of experimental batches of Novichok-5, about 5-10 tons, was established in Volgograd. Tests were carried out in 1989-1990 at a test site near Nukus (Uzbekistan).

"Novichok-7"

A binary agent based on A-230 with volatility similar to soman, but 10 times more toxic. Leading developer - G. I. Drozd (GNIIOKhT, Moscow). Experimental small-scale (tens of tons) production of this chemical agent was established in Shikhany. In 1993, it was tested at the Shikhany test site.

“Novichok-8” and “Novichok-9” - these toxic substances were synthesized at GNIIOKhT, but did not reach the production stage.

Clinical picture

According to the mechanism of action, Novichoks are irreversible inhibitors of the enzyme acetycholinesterase. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is normally destroyed by this enzyme, begins to accumulate in synapses, causing overexcitation of the nervous system, which is quickly replaced by its depression. Little is known about the symptoms of Novichok poisoning; it is believed that the clinical picture of poisoning is the same as when affected by conventional nerve agents (sarin, soman, VX). However, there are also differences. So, for example, it is mentioned that “... the lesions were virtually incurable...”, and “... people who were once exposed to this agent remained incapacitated and disabled.” We are probably talking about the so-called delayed neurotoxicity, severe damage to the nervous system, manifested by paresis and paralysis that occurs 1-3 weeks after poisoning with certain organophosphorus pesticides and is practically resistant to known treatment methods. One of the GNIIOKhT employees, Andrei Zheleznyakov, who suffered acute poisoning with Novichok-5, died five years after the incident, suffering all these years from cirrhosis of the liver that developed against the background of toxic hepatitis, trigeminal neuritis and epilepsy.

Roughly speaking, one liter of this poison, sprayed over Moscow or Beijing under ideal conditions, is enough to bury the entire population of cities with a population of over a million. And even if we proceed from non-ideal (with a reserve of many thousands) conditions and calculate based on one ton, then this is still 2-3 Iskander or Tochka-U operational-tactical missiles. That is, very few - two missiles are carried by one Iskander launcher.

A derivative of substance A-232 (far from the most toxic) killed the banker Kivilidi. In the 90s, when everything was sold, at one of the research institutes, the customer bought a few milligrams of OM (a drop) and dropped it into the Kivilidi phone receiver.

The banker died, his secretary, who called the ambulance from this phone, died, the pathologist who performed the autopsy died.

Forty tons of Novichok. Placed on 100 OTRK, it is enough to destroy the population in all large (and simply ALL, without “large”) cities and industrial centers, here the limiter is only the launch range of the OTRK.

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