Number of Bulava's faulty launches is not critical - MoD

24.02.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: Bulava launch (inventorspot.com)

Seven faulty launches of sea-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava can not be classified as critical since other arms have relatively same failure rate during tests, said Vladimir Popovkin, Deputy Minister of Defense for arms in Saturday on-air interview to radio Ekho Moskvy.

"Tests of such sophisticated systems are always followed by problems; so Bulava statistics is similar to tests of other weapons", said Mr. Popovkin.

According to him, five out of twelve Bulava launches may be defined as nominally successful. Military experts obtained new experience and could proceed with further development.

A special panel was set in defense ministry to analyze reasons of faulty launches, said Mr. Popovkin.

In addition, the ministry has tightened inspection over military acceptance boards at arms production companies to reduce risks, said the official. He reminded that subsequent Bulava test would be carried out in summer.

The last launch was performed on Dec 9, 2009. It failed due to off-nominal separation of third stage.

SLBM R30 3M30 Bulava-30 (in international contracts – RSM-56; in NATO classification – SS-NX-30) is a newest Russian three-stage solid-fuel missile designed for new generation submarines of Project 955 (Borei-class).

Engines of first and second stages are solid-fuel; third stage has liquid-fuel engine providing required maneuvering speed at warheads separation phase. Since the missile is oblique-launched, submarine is capable to perform both submerged and on-move launch.

The missile carries 6-10 hypersonic independently-targetable nuclear warheads capable to perform pitch and roll maneuvers. The missile has low-altitude flight profile; max flight range is 8,000 km; launch weight is 36.8 tons; inertial control system; throw weight is 1,150 kg; length in launch barrel is 12.1 meters; length without warhead is 11.5 meters.