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Bulava (missile)
Encyclopedia
The Bulava is a submarine-launched ballistic missile
under development for the Russian Navy and to be deployed on the new Borei class
of ballistic missile nuclear submarines
. It is intended as the future cornerstone of Russia's nuclear triad
, and is the most expensive weapons project in the country. The weapon takes its name from bulava
, a Russian
word for mace.
Designed by Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology
, development of the missile was launched in the late 1990s as a replacement for the R-39 solid-fuel SLBM. It is expected that the first three Borei class submarines will carry 16 missiles, while the following five vessels will carry 20 missiles. Both development and deployment of Bulava missiles within the Russian Navy won't be threatened by the enforcement of the new START
treaty.
Until 2009, the missile experienced 6 failures in 13 flight tests and one failure during ground test, blamed mostly on insufficient quality of component production. After a failure in December 2009, further tests were put on hold and a probe was conducted to find out the reasons for the failures. Testing was resumed on 7 October 2010 with a launch from the Akula class submarine Dmitri Donskoi in the White Sea
; the warheads successfully hit their targets at the Kura Test Range
in the Russian Far East
. Four launches have been conducted since the probe, all successful. On 28 June 2011, the missile was launched for the first time from its standard carrier, Borei-class submarine Yury Dolgorukiy, and on 27 August 2011 the first full-range (over 9,000 km) flight test was conducted. After this successful launch, the start of serial production of Bulava missiles in the same configuration was announced on 28 June 2011.
under the leadership of chief designer Yury Solomonov. Although it utilizes some engineering solutions used for the recent Topol-M ICBM, the new missile has been developed virtually from scratch. Bulava is both lighter and more sophisticated than the Topol-M. The two missiles are expected to have comparable ranges, and similar CEP
and warhead
configurations.
The missile has three stages; the first and second stages use solid fuel propellant, while the third stage liquid fuel, to allow high maneuverability during warhead
separation. The missile can be launched from an inclined position, allowing a submarine
to fire them while moving. It has a low flight trajectory, and due to this could be classified as a quasi-ballistic missile. The missile possesses advanced defense capabilities making it resistant to missile-defense systems. Among its abilities are evasive maneuvering, mid-course countermeasures and decoy
s, and a warhead
fully shielded against both physical and Electromagnetic pulse
damage. The Bulava is designed to be capable of surviving a nuclear blast at a minimum distance of 500 meters.
The Bulava's advanced technology allows it to carry up to 10 hypersonic
, individually guided, maneuverable warheads
with a yield of 100–150 kt each.
Borei class submarines carrying Bulava missiles are expected to be an integral part of the Russian nuclear triad
until 2040.
family, both developed by the Makeyev Design Bureau. A new missile, designated R-39UTTH Bark was under development to replace the R-39. The Bark was planned to become the only submarine launched ballistic missile of the Russian nuclear arsenal. However, its development was plagued with problems, and after three test failures the Bark programme was canceled in 1998. Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology
was now tasked with developing a new advanced missile. The institute promised that it would able to quickly develop a new naval missile based on its recent Topol-M land-based ICBM.
The new missile would be deployed per 16 missiles on the Project 955/955A Borei I class
and per 20 missiles on Project 955U Borei II class
nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. As the new submarines would not be ready in time for flight tests, the Project 941UM Typhoon class
submarine Dmitry Donskoy was upgraded to carry Bulavas.
Key people involved in the decision to develop Bulava included the institute director and Bulava's chief designer Yury Solomonov; director of the Defense Ministry's Fourth Central Research Institute, Major-General Vladimir Dvorkin; Navy Commander, Fleet Admiral Vladimir Kuroyedov
; Defense Minister, Marshal Igor Sergeyev
; Economics Minister Yakov Urinson and Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin
; Solomonov however retained his post of general designer of land-based missiles.
and problems in the design-technology-production chain.
According to Solomonov, the industry is unable to manufacture 50 of the necessary components for the missile, forcing designers to improvise and look for alternative solutions, which seriously complicates the testing process. Solomonov further said that despite the failures, there was no need for changes in the design.
Sergei Kovalyov, the designer of three generations of Russian strategic submarines said that due to lack of funding, the developers had been unable to conduct test launches from a floating pad to test the underwater segment of the missile's trajectory. He also said that there were insufficient funds to conduct ground-based test launches. Both types of testing had been standard procedure during Soviet times. Kovalyov also criticised the poor quality of missile components provided by a large number of sub-contractors and the absence of military representatives at manufacturing plants.
, Svyatitel Nikolay, has been pushed back. Russia was planning to build eight of Borei class submarines by 2015.
Only one Typhoon-class submarine, Dmitry Donskoy, has been modified to launch Bulavas. The Bulava program is the most expensive weapons project in Russia, and has consumed a large part of the Russian military budget.
There has been discussion among analysts about the possibility of re-equipping the Borei class submarines with the more reliable liquid-propellant R-29RMU Sineva
missiles. The Sineva is an upgrade of the R-29RM Shtil and entered service in 2007. According to RIA Novosti military analyst Ilya Kramnik, this would have been an attractive option, given that the less advanced Sineva missiles already have "virtually the same impressive specifications as the Trident II (D5) SLBMs wielded by the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy
." However, the work needed to redesign and modify the Borei class submarines to carry Sinevas is regarded as too expensive.
, further tests were put on hold and a review of the missile program was initiated. The results of the probe were delivered to the Russian government in May 2010.
, and the warheads successfully hit their targets at the Kura testing range, 380 kilometers to the north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
in the Russian Far East
. The launch reportedly took place at 07:15 UTC. The missile travelled over 6,000 km, and the rocket's trajectory was within the normal parameters, according to a Navy official.
Second test launch in 2010 from Dmitry Donskoy was set to 29 October and was successful.
The next test which will be performed from Yuriy Dolgorukiy was initially planned to December 2010, but was postoned to mid-summer 2011 due to ice conditions in White Sea.
All three missiles have been built under nearly identical conditions, in order to determine the cause of potential failures.
another six successful launches (one is planned to 2010, other five in 2011) will be required before the missile could be commissioned. Later was announced plan to launch four missiles in 2011 and is unclear if Bulava will be commissioned after that four launches or after first launch in 2012.
After its successful launch in 28 June 2011 was announced start of serial production of Bulava missiles in same configuration.
Submarine-launched ballistic missile
A submarine-launched ballistic missile is a ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead that can be launched from submarines. Modern variants usually deliver multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles each of which carries a warhead and allows a single launched missile to...
under development for the Russian Navy and to be deployed on the new Borei class
Borei class submarine
The Borei class is a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine produced and operated by the Russian Navy. The class is intended to replace the Delta III, Delta IV and Typhoon classes now in Russian Navy service...
of ballistic missile nuclear submarines
Ballistic missile submarine
A ballistic missile submarine is a submarine equipped to launch ballistic missiles .-Description:Ballistic missile submarines are larger than any other type of submarine, in order to accommodate SLBMs such as the Russian R-29 or the American Trident...
. It is intended as the future cornerstone of Russia's nuclear triad
Nuclear triad
A nuclear triad refers to a nuclear arsenal which consists of three components, traditionally strategic bombers, ICBMs and SLBMs. The purpose of having a three-branched nuclear capability is to significantly reduce the possibility that an enemy could destroy all of a nation's nuclear forces in a...
, and is the most expensive weapons project in the country. The weapon takes its name from bulava
Bulawa
The bulawa is a ceremonial mace or baton. The word is of Turkish origin....
, a Russian
Russian language
Russian is a Slavic language used primarily in Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. It is an unofficial but widely spoken language in Ukraine, Moldova, Latvia, Turkmenistan and Estonia and, to a lesser extent, the other countries that were once constituent republics...
word for mace.
Designed by Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology
Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology
Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology a Russian scientific research institute that was founded on May 13, 1946...
, development of the missile was launched in the late 1990s as a replacement for the R-39 solid-fuel SLBM. It is expected that the first three Borei class submarines will carry 16 missiles, while the following five vessels will carry 20 missiles. Both development and deployment of Bulava missiles within the Russian Navy won't be threatened by the enforcement of the new START
New START
New START is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation with the formal name of Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms...
treaty.
Until 2009, the missile experienced 6 failures in 13 flight tests and one failure during ground test, blamed mostly on insufficient quality of component production. After a failure in December 2009, further tests were put on hold and a probe was conducted to find out the reasons for the failures. Testing was resumed on 7 October 2010 with a launch from the Akula class submarine Dmitri Donskoi in the White Sea
White Sea
The White Sea is a southern inlet of the Barents Sea located on the northwest coast of Russia. It is surrounded by Karelia to the west, the Kola Peninsula to the north, and the Kanin Peninsula to the northeast. The whole of the White Sea is under Russian sovereignty and considered to be part of...
; the warheads successfully hit their targets at the Kura Test Range
Kura Test Range
Kura Test Range is an intercontinental ballistic missile impact area used by Russia, located in northern Kamchatka Krai. It is northeast of the settlement of Klyuchi. The center coordinates are...
in the Russian Far East
Russian Far East
Russian Far East is a term that refers to the Russian part of the Far East, i.e., extreme east parts of Russia, between Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia and the Pacific Ocean...
. Four launches have been conducted since the probe, all successful. On 28 June 2011, the missile was launched for the first time from its standard carrier, Borei-class submarine Yury Dolgorukiy, and on 27 August 2011 the first full-range (over 9,000 km) flight test was conducted. After this successful launch, the start of serial production of Bulava missiles in the same configuration was announced on 28 June 2011.
Description
The Bulava missile was developed by Moscow Institute of Thermal TechnologyMoscow Institute of Thermal Technology
Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology a Russian scientific research institute that was founded on May 13, 1946...
under the leadership of chief designer Yury Solomonov. Although it utilizes some engineering solutions used for the recent Topol-M ICBM, the new missile has been developed virtually from scratch. Bulava is both lighter and more sophisticated than the Topol-M. The two missiles are expected to have comparable ranges, and similar CEP
Circular error probable
In the military science of ballistics, circular error probable is an intuitive measure of a weapon system's precision...
and warhead
Warhead
The term warhead refers to the explosive material and detonator that is delivered by a missile, rocket, or torpedo.- Etymology :During the early development of naval torpedoes, they could be equipped with an inert payload that was intended for use during training, test firing and exercises. This...
configurations.
The missile has three stages; the first and second stages use solid fuel propellant, while the third stage liquid fuel, to allow high maneuverability during warhead
Warhead
The term warhead refers to the explosive material and detonator that is delivered by a missile, rocket, or torpedo.- Etymology :During the early development of naval torpedoes, they could be equipped with an inert payload that was intended for use during training, test firing and exercises. This...
separation. The missile can be launched from an inclined position, allowing a submarine
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
to fire them while moving. It has a low flight trajectory, and due to this could be classified as a quasi-ballistic missile. The missile possesses advanced defense capabilities making it resistant to missile-defense systems. Among its abilities are evasive maneuvering, mid-course countermeasures and decoy
Decoy
A decoy is usually a person, device or event meant as a distraction, to conceal what an individual or a group might be looking for. Decoys have been used for centuries most notably in game hunting, but also in wartime and in the committing or resolving of crimes.-Duck decoy:The term duck decoy may...
s, and a warhead
Warhead
The term warhead refers to the explosive material and detonator that is delivered by a missile, rocket, or torpedo.- Etymology :During the early development of naval torpedoes, they could be equipped with an inert payload that was intended for use during training, test firing and exercises. This...
fully shielded against both physical and Electromagnetic pulse
Electromagnetic pulse
An electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic radiation. The abrupt pulse of electromagnetic radiation usually results from certain types of high energy explosions, especially a nuclear explosion, or from a suddenly fluctuating magnetic field...
damage. The Bulava is designed to be capable of surviving a nuclear blast at a minimum distance of 500 meters.
The Bulava's advanced technology allows it to carry up to 10 hypersonic
Hypersonic
In aerodynamics, a hypersonic speed is one that is highly supersonic. Since the 1970s, the term has generally been assumed to refer to speeds of Mach 5 and above...
, individually guided, maneuverable warheads
Maneuverable reentry vehicle
The maneuverable reentry vehicle is a type of ballistic missile warhead capable of shifting targets in flight...
with a yield of 100–150 kt each.
Borei class submarines carrying Bulava missiles are expected to be an integral part of the Russian nuclear triad
Nuclear triad
A nuclear triad refers to a nuclear arsenal which consists of three components, traditionally strategic bombers, ICBMs and SLBMs. The purpose of having a three-branched nuclear capability is to significantly reduce the possibility that an enemy could destroy all of a nation's nuclear forces in a...
until 2040.
Inception
In the 1990s, Russia had two submarine-launched ICBMs, the solid-fuel R-39 and the liquid-fuel R-29 VysotaR-29 Vysota
R-29 Vysota is a family of Russian submarine-launched ballistic missiles, designed by State Rocket Center Makayev. Development of the R-29 SLBMs started in the 1963 and was first launched in 1969. It uses the storable Liquid rocket propellants N2O4/UDMH. Over time different versions have developed...
family, both developed by the Makeyev Design Bureau. A new missile, designated R-39UTTH Bark was under development to replace the R-39. The Bark was planned to become the only submarine launched ballistic missile of the Russian nuclear arsenal. However, its development was plagued with problems, and after three test failures the Bark programme was canceled in 1998. Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology
Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology
Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology a Russian scientific research institute that was founded on May 13, 1946...
was now tasked with developing a new advanced missile. The institute promised that it would able to quickly develop a new naval missile based on its recent Topol-M land-based ICBM.
The new missile would be deployed per 16 missiles on the Project 955/955A Borei I class
Borei class submarine
The Borei class is a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine produced and operated by the Russian Navy. The class is intended to replace the Delta III, Delta IV and Typhoon classes now in Russian Navy service...
and per 20 missiles on Project 955U Borei II class
Borei class submarine
The Borei class is a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine produced and operated by the Russian Navy. The class is intended to replace the Delta III, Delta IV and Typhoon classes now in Russian Navy service...
nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. As the new submarines would not be ready in time for flight tests, the Project 941UM Typhoon class
Typhoon class submarine
The Project 941 or Akula, Russian "Акула" class submarine is a type of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine deployed by the Soviet Navy in the 1980s...
submarine Dmitry Donskoy was upgraded to carry Bulavas.
Key people involved in the decision to develop Bulava included the institute director and Bulava's chief designer Yury Solomonov; director of the Defense Ministry's Fourth Central Research Institute, Major-General Vladimir Dvorkin; Navy Commander, Fleet Admiral Vladimir Kuroyedov
Vladimir Kuroyedov
Fleet Admiral Vladimir Ivanovich Kuroyedov is a former longest-serving Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy. Earlier he was Chief of Staff/1st Deputy Commander of the Baltic Fleet, Chief of Staff/1st Deputy Commander of the Pacific Fleet since 1993 and Chief of the Main Staff/1st Deputy...
; Defense Minister, Marshal Igor Sergeyev
Igor Sergeyev
Igor Dmitriyevich Sergeyev was the Defense Minister of the Russian Federation from 22 May 1997 until 28 March 2001...
; Economics Minister Yakov Urinson and Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin
Viktor Chernomyrdin
Viktor Stepanovich Chernomyrdin was the founder and the first chairman of the Gazprom energy company, the longest serving Prime Minister of Russia and Acting President of Russia for a day in 1996. He was a key figure in Russian politics in the 1990s, and a great contributor to the Russian...
First tests
The missile completed the first stage launch-tests at the end of 2004. Although it was initially planned to base the Bulava design on the Topol-M, the first tests showed that the new missile was completely different in terms of appearance, dimensions and warhead lay-out. It was later acknowledged that the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology had developed Bulava virtually from scratch, reusing only a few engineering solutions from the Topol-M.Troubles
By 2009, the missile had experienced 5 failures in 11 tests. This led to the missile's chief designer Yury Solomonov resigning from his post in July, 2009. Aleksandr Sukhodolskiy was appointed as the new general designer of sea-based ballistic missiles at the Moscow Institute of Thermal TechnologyMoscow Institute of Thermal Technology
Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology a Russian scientific research institute that was founded on May 13, 1946...
; Solomonov however retained his post of general designer of land-based missiles.
Explanations for the failures
Chief designer Solomonov has blamed the failures on the poor state of the Russian defense industryDefense industry of Russia
The Defense industry of Russia is a strategically important sector and a large employer. It is also a significant player in the global arms market...
and problems in the design-technology-production chain.
- "Sometimes [the problem] is poor-quality materials, sometimes it is the lack of necessary equipment to exclude the 'human' factor in production, sometimes it is inefficient quality control"
According to Solomonov, the industry is unable to manufacture 50 of the necessary components for the missile, forcing designers to improvise and look for alternative solutions, which seriously complicates the testing process. Solomonov further said that despite the failures, there was no need for changes in the design.
Sergei Kovalyov, the designer of three generations of Russian strategic submarines said that due to lack of funding, the developers had been unable to conduct test launches from a floating pad to test the underwater segment of the missile's trajectory. He also said that there were insufficient funds to conduct ground-based test launches. Both types of testing had been standard procedure during Soviet times. Kovalyov also criticised the poor quality of missile components provided by a large number of sub-contractors and the absence of military representatives at manufacturing plants.
Effects on the military
Due to the delays in Bulava's development, the launch of the fourth Borei class submarineBorei class submarine
The Borei class is a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine produced and operated by the Russian Navy. The class is intended to replace the Delta III, Delta IV and Typhoon classes now in Russian Navy service...
, Svyatitel Nikolay, has been pushed back. Russia was planning to build eight of Borei class submarines by 2015.
Only one Typhoon-class submarine, Dmitry Donskoy, has been modified to launch Bulavas. The Bulava program is the most expensive weapons project in Russia, and has consumed a large part of the Russian military budget.
Debate about the program
Despite continued test failures, the Russian defence minister, Anatoly Serdyukov, has stated that the project will not be abandoned. "We will certainly not give up the Bulava. I think that despite all the failures, the missile will fly," he said in an interview in late December 2009. The Russian military has been adamant that there is no alternative to Bulava.There has been discussion among analysts about the possibility of re-equipping the Borei class submarines with the more reliable liquid-propellant R-29RMU Sineva
R-29RMU Sineva
The R-29RMU Sineva , also designated RSM-54,is a Russian liquid-fuelled submarine-launched ballistic missile. It has the GRAU index 3M27, and is identified by NATO as the SS-N-23 Skiff...
missiles. The Sineva is an upgrade of the R-29RM Shtil and entered service in 2007. According to RIA Novosti military analyst Ilya Kramnik, this would have been an attractive option, given that the less advanced Sineva missiles already have "virtually the same impressive specifications as the Trident II (D5) SLBMs wielded by the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
." However, the work needed to redesign and modify the Borei class submarines to carry Sinevas is regarded as too expensive.
Probe
After a launch failure in December 2009 caused by a defective engine nozzle and which led to the 2009 Norwegian spiral anomaly2009 Norwegian spiral anomaly
The Norwegian spiral anomaly of 2009 appeared in the night sky over Norway on 9 December 2009. It was visible from, and photographed from, northern Norway and Sweden. The spiral consisted of a blue beam of light with a greyish spiral emanating from one end of it...
, further tests were put on hold and a review of the missile program was initiated. The results of the probe were delivered to the Russian government in May 2010.
2010 tests
Testing was resumed for the first time after the probe on 7 October 2010. The missile was launched from the submerged Dmitry Donskoy, in the White SeaWhite Sea
The White Sea is a southern inlet of the Barents Sea located on the northwest coast of Russia. It is surrounded by Karelia to the west, the Kola Peninsula to the north, and the Kanin Peninsula to the northeast. The whole of the White Sea is under Russian sovereignty and considered to be part of...
, and the warheads successfully hit their targets at the Kura testing range, 380 kilometers to the north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is the main city and the administrative, industrial, scientific, and cultural center of Kamchatka Krai, Russia. Population: .-History:It was founded by Danish navigator Vitus Bering, in the service of the Russian Navy...
in the Russian Far East
Russian Far East
Russian Far East is a term that refers to the Russian part of the Far East, i.e., extreme east parts of Russia, between Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia and the Pacific Ocean...
. The launch reportedly took place at 07:15 UTC. The missile travelled over 6,000 km, and the rocket's trajectory was within the normal parameters, according to a Navy official.
Second test launch in 2010 from Dmitry Donskoy was set to 29 October and was successful.
The next test which will be performed from Yuriy Dolgorukiy was initially planned to December 2010, but was postoned to mid-summer 2011 due to ice conditions in White Sea.
All three missiles have been built under nearly identical conditions, in order to determine the cause of potential failures.
2011 tests
Russian defense sources have stated that the Bulava missile will not enter service until it is 98-99% reliable. According to the Russian Vice Premier Sergei IvanovSergei Ivanov
Sergei Borisovich Ivanov is a Russian senior official and statesman. He was Minister of Defence from March 2001 to February 2007, Deputy Prime Minister from November 2005 to February 2007, and the First Deputy Prime Minister from February 2007 to May 2008...
another six successful launches (one is planned to 2010, other five in 2011) will be required before the missile could be commissioned. Later was announced plan to launch four missiles in 2011 and is unclear if Bulava will be commissioned after that four launches or after first launch in 2012.
Timetable
| Date | Result | Position | Submarine | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 June 2004 | Failure | Ground | Solid propellant engine exploded during the test. | ||
| 01 | 23 September 2004 | Success | Surfaced | Dmitry Donskoi | Pop-up test. |
| 02 | 27 September 2005 | Success | Surfaced | Dmitry Donskoi | First flight test. |
| 03 | 21 December 2005 | Success | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | First launch from a submerged submarine. |
| 04 | 7 September 2006 | Failure | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | The first stage failed shortly after launch. |
| 05 | 25 October 2006 | Failure | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | Failure of the first stage. |
| 06 | 24 December 2006 | Failure | Surfaced | Dmitry Donskoi | Problems with the third stage. |
| 07 | 29 June 2007 | Success | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | Warheads hit targets at the Kura testing range, but one of warheads didn't. |
| 08 | 18 September 2008 | Success | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | Launch at 18:45, warheads hit target at 19:05. |
| 09 | 28 November 2008 | Success | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | The first statements suggests that the test was a success. |
| 10 | 23 December 2008 | Failure | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | The missile malfunctioned during firing of its third stage and self-destructed on command. |
| 11 | 15 July 2009 | Failure | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | The missile malfunctioned during firing of its first stage and self-destructed. |
| 12 | 9 December 2009 | Failure | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | The missile malfunctioned during firing of its third stage. |
| 13 | 7 October 2010 | Success | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | Targets at the Kura Test Range Kura Test Range Kura Test Range is an intercontinental ballistic missile impact area used by Russia, located in northern Kamchatka Krai. It is northeast of the settlement of Klyuchi. The center coordinates are... in the Russian Far East Russian Far East Russian Far East is a term that refers to the Russian part of the Far East, i.e., extreme east parts of Russia, between Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia and the Pacific Ocean... were successfully hit. |
| 14 | 29 October 2010 | Success | Submerged | Dmitry Donskoi | Launch from the White Sea White Sea The White Sea is a southern inlet of the Barents Sea located on the northwest coast of Russia. It is surrounded by Karelia to the west, the Kola Peninsula to the north, and the Kanin Peninsula to the northeast. The whole of the White Sea is under Russian sovereignty and considered to be part of... . Targets at the Kura Test Range Kura Test Range Kura Test Range is an intercontinental ballistic missile impact area used by Russia, located in northern Kamchatka Krai. It is northeast of the settlement of Klyuchi. The center coordinates are... were hit successfully. |
| 15 | 28 June 2011 | Success | Submerged | Yury Dolgorukiy | First launch from standard missile carrier from the White Sea White Sea The White Sea is a southern inlet of the Barents Sea located on the northwest coast of Russia. It is surrounded by Karelia to the west, the Kola Peninsula to the north, and the Kanin Peninsula to the northeast. The whole of the White Sea is under Russian sovereignty and considered to be part of... . Targets at the Kura Test Range Kura Test Range Kura Test Range is an intercontinental ballistic missile impact area used by Russia, located in northern Kamchatka Krai. It is northeast of the settlement of Klyuchi. The center coordinates are... were hit successfully. |
| 16 | 27 August 2011 | Success | Submerged | Yury Dolgorukiy | Launch from the White Sea White Sea The White Sea is a southern inlet of the Barents Sea located on the northwest coast of Russia. It is surrounded by Karelia to the west, the Kola Peninsula to the north, and the Kanin Peninsula to the northeast. The whole of the White Sea is under Russian sovereignty and considered to be part of... . Targets at the Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World... were hit successfully at a range of 9,100km. First full-range test. |
| 17 | 28 October 2011 | Success | Submerged | Yury Dolgorukiy | Successful launch from the White Sea. Warheads hit target at the Kura test range in Kamchatka. |
| 18 | December 2011 | Yury Dolgorukiy | One more launch is planned for 2011. It will be a salvo launch involving at least two missiles. If it succeed the missile could become operational. | ||
Service
In October 2010 it was reported that 150-170 operational missiles would be built (124 active + reserve for training and tests).After its successful launch in 28 June 2011 was announced start of serial production of Bulava missiles in same configuration.
External links
- MissileThreat news articles, primarily with an American view of events.
- Russia's Bulava undergoes fast-track test programme, May 2006.
- Technical data in PDF, DTIG.
- Technical data from CNews.ru.
- Technical data from warfare.ru.