Date of next Bulava trials has been set

15.12.2010 Subsequent test launch of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava will be conducted early in summer 2011, "after dissolution of pack ice in the White Sea", reports RIA Novosti referring to representative of White Sea Naval Base (Severodvinsk). It was earlier reported that the third Bulava test launch in 2010 initially scheduled on Dec 17 had been postponed to 2011 due to complex ice situation in the White Sea.

Coming trials of SLBM Bulava were supposed to be conducted by Project 955 Borei nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Yury Dolgoruky for the first time. Previous 14 launches were held by Project 941U Akula SSBN Dmitry Donskoy. According to the trial schedule, it is necessary to perform five more launches prior to commissioning of Bulava. As for preliminary estimates, the missile will be army-approved till 2011 is over.

Bulava will be basic weapon of Borei class nuclear submarines; each of those subs will carry 16-20 Bulava missiles. Flight range will make about 8,000 km. SLBM Bulava carries 6-10 nuclear warheads with yield of 150 kiloton each.