10.08.2011
Text:
Photo: SLBM
Bulava launch.
That was his comment on reports of some Russian media agencies about creation of new missile
Liner which is allegedly twice as powerful as SLBM
Bulava.
"Indeed,
Sineva has greater power and flight range than
Bulava, but Russia's strategy implies development of solid-propellant missiles for the Navy", said the interviewee.
However, Russian Navy still needs liquid-fueled missiles, he added.
"Our Project 667BDRM strategic nuclear-powered subs are still operable and armed with
Sineva ballistic missiles. So, further modernization of such missiles under
Liner project will let those subs stay in service for many years till complete rearmament with Project 955
Borei submarines", explained the spokesman for defense ministry.
Northern Fleet (NF) nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine
Yekaterinburg (Project 667BDRM) on May 20 successfully carried out the first launch of ballistic missile under
Liner program.
According to Makeyev State Rocket Center, the missile tests are going on effectively under two programs –
Arbalet and
Liner. Flight tests under
Liner project started in 2001 in accordance with state defense order. As for Makeyev State Rocket Center,
Liner missile outclasses all present solid-propellant ballistic missiles of Great Britain, China, Russia, the US, and France as of weight-to-thrust ratio, and is compared to American
Trident-II (meeting START-3 requirements) as of combat load (four middle-power warheads).
Liner missile is capable to carry 1.5-2 times as much low-power warheads as
Bulava which can be armed with six low-power warheads. Besides,
Liner may carry mixed set of warheads with different power classes.
"Thanks to missile systems
Sineva and
Liner, northwest force of Project 667BDRM submarines can be in service…till 2025-2030. And multiple combat load makes possible to react on changes in politico-military situation promptly", points out Makeyev State Rocket Center.
