M51 SLBM

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M51 SLBM
M51 SLBM
M51 SLBM
Basic data
Function SLBM
Manufacturer EADS 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 French Navy's future 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

  • Flag of France 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

Comparison of different nuclear systems: left, the SNLE (Redoutable type) with the M4 missile; right, the SNLE-NG (Triomphant type) with the present M45 missile and the future M51 missile.
Enlarge
Comparison of different nuclear systems: left, the SNLE (Redoutable type) with the M4 missile; right, the SNLE-NG (Triomphant type) with the present M45 missile and the future M51 missile.
French nuclear armament
Strategic missiles

missile M1 | missile M2 | missile M3 | missile M4 | missile M45 | missile M51 | missile M5
Pre-strategic missiles
Pluton | Hadès | ASMP
Nuclear warheads
AN-11 bomb | AN-22 bomb | AN-52 bomb | MR 31 | MR 41 | MR 50 CTC | AN 51 CTC | AN 52 CTC | TN 60 | TN 61 | TN 70 | TN 71 | TN 80 | TN 81 | TN 90 |TN 75 | TNO
Related subjects
French nuclear deterrence | FOST

In other languages