The Shtil is derived from decommissioned submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBM designated as RSM-54 / SS-N-23). The launch vehicle is capable of deploying payloads in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It is a two-stage liquid fueled rocket using the warhead fairing to hold the spacecraft. The Shtil-2 has a fairing which can deploy larger spacecrafts. Shtil-2 can be launched from ground-based launch complex. The two stages are liquid fuelled with storable UDMH/N2O4 propellants. The engines are nestled inside the propellant tanks, rather than below to save space. Upper and lower bulkheads have unusual shapes to accommodate engines with minimal inter-stage space.
Shtil-K a newer version of the rocket and a new upper stage called Kaplya is being developed. It is designed to launch spacecrafts into Near Earth orbit. Makeyev Design Bureau is responsible for developing the first two stages. The Upper stage composites are being development at Babakin Science and Research Space Center. The upper composite include the upper stage Kaplya (based on the Fregat motor), payload adapter and payload fairing.