- M51 SLBM
Infobox Weapon
is_missile=yes
name=M51 SLBM
caption=
origin=
type=SLBM
used_by=
manufacturer=EADS Astrium Space Transportation
unit_cost=4 billion Euro for the program
propellant=
production_date=
service=2010
engine=three stagesolid propellant
engine_power=
weight=52,000 kg
length=12.0 m
height=
diameter=2.3 m
wingspan=
speed=Mach 15
vehicle_range=>8000 km
ceiling=
altitude=
filling=M51.1 = 6TN 75 MIRV using the 100 kt of TNT (420 TJ), with penetration aids.
M51.2 (2015) = using the newTête Nucléaire Océanique
guidance=Inertial & star positioning
detonation=
launch_platform="Triomphant" class submarinesThe M51 SLBM is theFrench Navy 's futuresubmarine launched ballistic missile , designed to replace the M45SLBM (In French terminology the MSBS - "Mer-Sol-Balistique-Stratégique" “Sea-ground-Strategic ballistic”).Each missile carries six independently targetable
TN 75 thermonuclear warheads.The three-stage engine of the M51 is directly derived from the propellant boosters of
Ariane 5 .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 in2010 .Flight tests
The M51 performed its first flight test (unarmed) on the
9 November 2006 from the French missile flight test centre inBiscarrosse (Landes). The target was reached twenty minutes later, in the north-west of the Atlantic Ocean. [http://www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0@2-3224,36-832834@51-832837,0.html]A second successful test was carried out on the
21 June 2007 [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/defense/layout/set/popup/content/view/full/95202] .Operators
; FRA: The
French Navy expects to have the M51 enter service in 2010, and will be the only operator of the missile.External links
* [http://www.nrdc.org/nuclear/nudb/datab16.asp nrdc.org: Table of French Nuclear Forces, 2002]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/france/m-5.htm globalsecurity.org M-5 / M-51]
* [http://www.aviationnow.com/avnow/news/channel_awst_story.jsp?id=news/aw102306p1.xml M51 Gives France More Flexible Deterrent To Meet Changing Threats] , "Aviation Week"
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