M51 SLBM
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
| [[Image:|none|280px|]] | |
| M51 SLBM | |
|---|---|
| Function | ICBM |
| Contractor | EADS SPACE Transportation |
| Unit cost | 4 billion Euro |
| Deployment | 2008 |
| General Characteristics | |
| Engine | three stage solid propellant |
| Launch mass | 48,000 kg |
| Length | 12.0 m |
| Diameter | 2.3 m |
| Wing span | |
| Speed | |
| Range | 8,000–10,000 km |
| Flying altitude | |
| Warhead | 6 MIRV using the 100kT TN-76, with penetration aids |
| Guidance | Inertial |
| Fuzes | |
| 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-Strategique (Sea-ground-Strategic ballistic missile)
Each missile carries six independently targetable TN-76 thermonuclear warheads.
The missiles are a compromise over the M5 design, which is to have a range of 11,000 km and carry 10 TNO MIRV of the new generation (Tête Nucléaire Océanique, "Oceanic nuclear warhead"). The M51 will enter service in 2008, before the M5 system, scheduled for after 2015.
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External Links
- nrdc.org: Table of French Nuclear Forces, 2002 (http://www.nrdc.org/nuclear/nudb/datab16.asp)
- globalsecurity.org M-5 / M-51 (http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/france/m-5.htm)
