State panel analyzes recent Bulava launch at submarine base

08.11.2010 When Northern Fleet (NF) nuclear-powered submarine Dmitry Donskoy returned to her home base, governmental commission started parameter analysis of successful test recently held with submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava, reported RIA Novosti citing a source in flight development tests commission.

"Upon arrival of the sub, members of the state board started analyzing the second successful launch. When the work is completed, the commission will set the date of the third test launch scheduled in 2010", said the interviewee.

According to him, the next test could be held in December.

The source pointed out that the second phase of SLBM Bulava trials would start late May 2011 in case the tests of 2010 are successful. "If Bulava trials held this year are effective, the last phase will be conducted in the first half of 2011 by standard carrier – SSBN Yury Dolgoruky. Most likely, that is going to be either late in May or early in June", said the interviewee.

The source in Bulava trial board previously told to RIA Novosti that only if reliability factor of all tests is 98.5 - 99.5%, the missile issue would be addressed at governmental level. The final decision about commissioning of the missile will be made after defense minister's official report.

As for now, 14 test launches have been already held; seven of them were found successful. Next to the latest Bulava launch was conducted on Oct 7 and was effective as well.

Vladimir Popovkin, deputy defense minister said before the recent launch that SLBM Bulava would be commissioned if reliability factor is nearly 100 per cent.

Submarine-based intercontinental ballistic missile Bulava is expected to become the core of Russia's naval nuclear force; new Bulava-carrying submarines have been laid down and are under construction now.