SSBN Yury Dolgoruky effectively launched Bulava

29.08.2011 Nuclear-powered ballistic missile (SSBN) Yury Dolgoruky on Aug 27 successfully performed test launch of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava; the missile was launched from the White Sea to the maximum flight range, reports RIA Novosti citing a spokesman for defense ministry.

"The missile launch was carried out at 7.20 (Moscow time) from underwater position by standard platform within the framework of state flight development tests", told the interviewee.

As for him, "Bulava delivered all warheads at the stated time to assigned region of the Pacific Ocean; all maritime navigation safety measures were fulfilled".

The defense ministry's official pointed out that the sub's crew headed by Capt 1 rank Vladimir Shirin had displayed complete professionalism and high skills during the combat training mission.

Initially, this launch was supposed to be held on Aug 20, although was postponed then. According to RIA Novosti referred to defense ministry, change of the launch date was related to needed additional checking of all systems of the sub and the missile.

That was the sixteenth launch of SLBM Bulava in general, and the second one in 2011. Eight out of 15 previous launches were found successful. The latest was held on June 28, 2011 also by SSBN Yury Dolgoruky (Project 955 Borei) and was effective as well. All launches prior to June 28, 2011 were held by SSBN Dmitry Donskoy (Project 941UM Akula).

R-30 Bulava (in international contracts – RSM-56, NATO classification – SS-NX-30) is newest Russian three-stage solid-propellant ballistic missile based on submarines.

The missile is capable to carry up to 6 hypersonic independently-targetable nuclear warheads with yield of 100-150 kt each maneuvering in altitude and course.

Bulava was designed by Moscow Thermotechnics Institute. Maximum range is 8,000 km, launch weight is 36.8 tons, three stages, inertial guidance system, payload is 1,150 kg, length in launch container is 12.1 meters, length without warhead is 11.5 meters.

Platforms of SLBM Bulava are Project 955 Borei submarines – SSBN Yury Dolgoruky, SSBN Alexander Nevsky, SSBN Vladimir Monomakh and others. Totally, it is planned to build eight Borei-class submarines till 2015.