M51 SLBM
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| M51 SLBM | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Basic data | |
| Function | SLBM |
| Manufacturer | ASTRIUM Space Transportation |
| Unit cost | 4 billion Euro for the program |
| Entered service | 2010 |
| General characteristics | |
| Engine | three stage solid propellant |
| Launch mass | 56,000 kg |
| Length | 12.0 m |
| Diameter | 2.3 m |
| Speed | |
| Range | 8,000–10,000 km |
| Warhead | M51.1 = 6 TN 75 MIRV using the 100 kt of TNT (420 TJ), with penetration aids. M51.2 (2015) = using the new Tête Nucléaire Océanique |
| Guidance | Inertial & star positioning |
| Launch platform | Triomphant class submarines |
The M51 SLBM is the future French Navy's submarine launched ballistic missile, designed to replace the M45 SLBM (In French terminology the MSBS - Mer-Sol-Balistique-Stratégique "Sea-ground-Strategic ballistic")
Each missile carries six independently targetable TN 75 thermonuclear warheads.
The missiles are a compromise over the M5 SLBM design, which is to have a range of 11,000 km (6,200 miles) and carry 10 TNO MIRV of the new generation (Tête Nucléaire Océanique, "Oceanic nuclear warhead"). The M51 will enter service in 2010.
[edit] Flight tests
The M51 performed its first flight test (unarmed) on the 9 November 2006 from the French missile flight test centre in Biscarrosse (Landes). The target was reached twenty minutes later, in the north-west of the Atlantic Ocean].[1]
[edit] Operators
France: The French Navy expects to have the M51 enter service in 2010, and will be the only operator of the missile.
[edit] External links
- nrdc.org: Table of French Nuclear Forces, 2002
- globalsecurity.org M-5 / M-51
- M51 Gives France More Flexible Deterrent To Meet Changing Threats, Aviation Week
| Strategic missiles missile M1 | missile M2 | missile M3 | missile M4 | missile M45 | missile M51 | missile M5 |
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