Bulava M

Submarine Launched Nuclear, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

Bulava M is considered a sub-launched version of the Topol. The missile IS being developed by the Moscow-based Heat Technology Institute, which ALSO designed the ground-based Topol-M (SS-27). Both missiles are considered to form the core of the Russian nuclear deterrent forces until 2040, allowing Russia to maintain nuclear parity with its nuclear opponents. Bulava M has a range of 6,200 (8600 km) miles and is designed to carry six individually targeted reentry vehicles equipped with nuclear warheads. The missile is fitted with ten maneuverable independent reentry warheads, each loaded with 550 kT yield nuclear warhead. Each Borei class submarine can carry 12 missiles. The converted Typhoon class submarine Dmitry Donskoi carries ten missiles.

The missile started engine flight tests from ground launch pads in 2004. The first two sea launches in September and December 2005 were successful. Two additional launches failed, in September and October 2006. Russian Navy experienced several failures with submarine launched missiles in recent years. Two failures happened during Northern Fleet maneuvers, attended by President Vladimir Putin in February 2004. One missile failed to blast off from a submarine and a day later, another exploded shortly after launch.

Bulava is scheduled to equip the new Project 955 Borei class submarines, which will replace the older Typhoon class nuclear powered missile subs currently in service. The lead submarine Yury Dolgoruky was scheduled to be commissioned this year, and receive its complement of 12 Bulava missiles around 2008, while two sister ships Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir Monomakh will be completed in 2008 and 2010. Delays in the completion of the SSBM will undoubtedly push back the commissioning of the new submarines.

© 2002-2006 All Rights Reserved

 About us - Advertise - Privacy Policy