Bulava trials to resume in summer

12.01.2010
Test launches of SLBM Bulava will be resumed in summer 2010, informs ITAR-TASS referring to the source in Navy Main HQ.

At least two test launches will be carried out from SSBN Dmitry Donskoy; once they are successful, trials will be continued in autumn 2010 on SSBN Yury Dolgoruky. At first it is planned to perform single launch, then – in case of success – multiple launch, specified the source.

In Dec 2009 it was reported by RIA Novosti with the reference to top-ranking military official that Bulava tests would be continued in January or in summer when the White Sea is unfrozen.

Twelfth test launch of SLBM Bulava failed; the missile was launched from submerged SSBN Dmitry Donskoy on Dec 9 at the White Sea. Unstable operation of third stage powerplant was registered during the missile flight; it deviated from required track.

Seven out of twelve Bulava launches were considered unsuccessful, one – entirely successful. Failure origin is so called "gliding error" which every time occurs in another section. According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, all test launches of Bulava cost Russia not less than 100 bln rub.

Bulava is a submarine-based intercontinental ballistic missile. It is designed for destruction of critical strategic targets at enemy territory. Bulava missiles are planned to be based on Project 941 Akula submarines (example – Dmitry Donskoy) and Project 955 Borei (Yury Dolgoruky, Alexander Nevsky, and Vladimir Monomakh). SLBM Bulava is currently under development in Moscow Thermotechnics Institute.

Presently, Bulava passes pre-commission test launches from SSBN Dmitry Donskoy. Bulava missiles production will be established at FSUE Votkinsky Zavod which produces ICBM Topol-M as well.

Bulava is expected to stop ageing of Russian sea-based nuclear force and even change it in degree. According to the missile's general designer Yury Solomonov, neither current and prospective US ballistic missile defense system nor being developed German, French and Japanese BMD systems will not be capable to track Bulava.

CHARACTERISTICS

Number of stages: 3
Length with warhead: 12.1 meters
Length without warhead: 11.5 meters
Diameter: 2 meters
Launch weight: 36.8 tonnes
Throw-weight: 1,150
Fuel type: solid mixture
Flight range: 8,000 km
Warhead type: multiple, nuclear, jettisonable
Number of warheads: 6
Yield: 6 x 150 kiloton
Guidance: autonomous, inertial, by on-board digital computer complex

Source: RusNavy.com, photo: SLBM Bulava (Vesti 24 TV channel)