Russia: Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine Performs Bulava Salvo Launch

Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Yury Dolgoruky on Friday Dec 23 carried out last in 2011 test salvo launch of two SLBM Bulava missiles from the White Sea, reports RIA Novosti referring to spokesman for Russian defense ministry Col Igor Konashenkov.

“The salvo launch was performed from underwater position in the White Sea against the Kura Range in Kamchatka. The missiles flew in normal mode, all warheads impacted on the range at the designated time; that was recorded by monitoring facilities”, Konashenkov said.

As for him, distinguishing feature of this test was two-missile launch performed by standard platform, i.e. Borei-class lead submarine fourth-generation SSBN Yury Dolgoruky.

The sub’s crew headed by Capt 1 rank Vladimir Shirin held the fourth successful test launch of SLBM Bulava in the recent half-year period. Submariners traditionally displayed excellent professional skills, stressed the defense ministry’s spokesman.

Tests of submarine-launched ballistic missile Bulava started in 2004. Eleven out of 18 test launches were found successful. Current year is the most effective; all four launches yielded desired outcome and were performed by SSBN Yury Dolgoruky.

Prior to that, all test launches were held by SSBN Dmitry Donskoy (Project 941UM Akula) specially refitted for the Bulava project.

Russian defense ministry reiterated many times that positive results of salvo launch would mean commissioning of SSN Yury Dolgoruky along with Bulava. In accordance with standard procedure of flight development test program for such missiles, salvo launch is determinative and finishing one.

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Naval Today Staff , December 25, 2011