Bulava assembly control system might be changed

20.09.2010 If three forthcoming launches of SLBM Bulava are failed, its quality control and even manufacturing systems could be changed, said Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov.

According to him, the next three test launches will be performed sequentially, although exact date has not been reported so far. That will definitely happen "till the first ice", assured the minister. Two launches will be held by SSBN Dmitry Donskoy, the third one – by SSBN Yury Dolgoruky.

We recall that the latest launch of Bulava carried out on Dec 9, 2009 was faulty. It is considered that the missile's mishaps are related with resignation of Yury Solomonov, ex-general designer of the Moscow Thermotechnics Institute (MTI). The missile tests will be continued under auspices of new MTI general designer of sea-launched missiles Alexander Sukhodolsky, appointed by the order of the Federal Space Agency Roskosmos, parent company of the Moscow Thermotechnics Institute.