SSBN Yury Dolgoruky Launched Bulava Effectively

28.10.2011 On Oct 28 in the White Sea nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Yury Dolgoruky performed successful underwater test launch of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava, reports RIA Novosti referring to a spokesman for Russian defense ministry.

"Another effective test launch of SLBM Bulava was held today [on Oct 28] under state flight development test program by the missile's standard platform – SSBN Yury Dolgoruky", said the interviewee.

According to him, the third successful launch in 2011 was conducted against Kura range, Kamchatka.

"The flight was held normally. All warheads impacted on the range at the stated time; that was registered by monitoring facilities", added the representative of defense ministry.

He emphasized that the crew of SSBN Yury Dolgoruky under command of Capt 1 rank Vladimir Shirin has performed third excellent Bulava test launch within the recent half year.

Nine out of 16 previous test launches were recognized successful. The latest tests were held on June 28 and Aug 27 also by SSBN Yury Dolgoruky (Project 955 Borei). All launches up to June 28, 2011 were held by SSBN Dmitry Donskoy (Project 941U Akula).

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

The missile is capable to carry 6-10 hypersonic independently-targetable nuclear warheads with yield of 100-150 kt each maneuvering in altitude and course. It has low-altitude flight profile.

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.

The missile's standard platform is a Project 955 Borei nuclear-powered submarine. Totally, it is planned to build eight Borei-class submarines till 2015.