Bulava is the latest Russian solid-propellant ballistic missile deployed on Project 955 submarines. According to NATO classification SS-NX-30. The missile is being developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (which previously developed the Topol-M ground-based missile). Until September 2010 Yu. S. Solomonov was the general designer. In September 2010, Alexander Sukhadolsky, Solomonov's former deputy, took the post of general designer for sea-based strategic solid-propellant missiles. It was supposed to take the missile into service in 2009, but this date was constantly postponed due to unsuccessful launches. The production of the Bulava missile will be deployed at the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Votkinsky Zavod, where Topol-M missiles are already being produced. According to the developers, the structural elements of both missiles are highly unified.
Bulava missile tests.
- 05/24/2004 - explosion during testing of a solid rocket engine at the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant (part of the MIT Corporation), (according to Rossiyskaya Gazeta dated 05/24/2004);
- 09/23/2004 - successful "throw" launch of an overall weight model from a modernized nuclear submarine (NPS) pr. The test was conducted to test the possibility of using ICBMs from submarines. In the press, this launch is considered the first in a row;
- 09/27/2005, (at 17.20) - a successful test launch from the White Sea from the surface position along the Kura test site (Kamchatka peninsula). In about 14 minutes, it covered more than 5.5 thousand kilometers, after which the missile warheads successfully hit the targets intended for them at the training ground;
- December 21, 2005 (at 8.19) - successful launch SS-NX-30 missiles from a submerged position along the Kura range with the defeat of the target;
- 09/07/2006 - unsuccessful launch of the Mace from a submerged position in the direction of the battlefield in Kamchatka. The rocket fell into the sea a few minutes after launch;
- October 25, 2006 - an unsuccessful launch of a rocket, which, after a few minutes of flight, deviated from the course, self-destructed and fell into the White Sea;
- December 24, 2006 - an unsuccessful test launch of a rocket from a surface position due to a third-stage engine failure, which led to its self-destruction at 3-4 minutes of flight;
- 06/28/2007 - partially successful launch in the White Sea from a submerged position - the warhead reached the Kura range, however, the third warhead did not reach the target;
- 09/18/2008 - the launch and flight of the rocket, on the active site, took place in the normal mode, the "Mace" hit the specified area, the warhead separated normally, but the breeding stage of the warheads could not ensure their separation;
- November 28, 2008 - successful launch of the latest generation intercontinental ballistic missile Bulava from the strategic nuclear submarine "Dmitry Donskoy";
- 12/23/2008 - ICBR was launched from the nuclear submarine "Dmitry Donskoy" "Mace". After working out the first and second stages, the rocket entered an emergency mode of operation, deviated from the calculated trajectory and self-destructed, exploding in the air.
- 07/15/2009 - the heavy strategic nuclear submarine "Dmitry Donskoy" as part of the flight design tests of the complex produced launch of the Bulava ballistic missile from the White Sea. Due to an abnormal operation of the first stage, the rocket self-destructed.
- 12/09/2009 - this time, when launching the Mace from the strategic submarine "Dmitry Donskoy", there were problems with the third stage Mace. The first two stages of the rocket worked normally, so the launch can even be considered partially successful - during previous unsuccessful tests, the first stage did not work. Running Mace called .
- 10/07/2010 - a successful launch from the submarine "Dmitry Donskoy" in the White Sea with the defeat of a training target at the Kura training ground in Kamchatka.
- October 29, 2010 - another successful launch from the submarine "Dmitry Donskoy" in the White Sea with the defeat of a training target at the Kura training ground in Kamchatka.
- 06/28/2011 - successful test launch of the Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the regular carrier - the 4th generation nuclear submarine (NPS) Yuri Dolgoruky. The warheads of the rocket launched on Tuesday, June 28, from the board of the latest SSBN, were delivered to a given area in Kamchatka.
- 08/27/2011 - and again a successful launch from the regular carrier of the Yury Dolgoruky nuclear submarine. This time the tests were aimed at testing the maximum flight range. The mace showed excellent performance, having flown 9.3 thousand km, which is significantly higher than the previously announced figures.
- October 28, 2011 - successful launch from the nuclear submarine "Yuri Dolgoruky" from the White Sea with the arrival of warheads at the set time at the Kura test site.
- 12/23/2011 - successful salvo launch of two missiles from the nuclear submarine "Yuri Dolgoruky" at the Kura test site.
Technical characteristics of the Bulava rocket
| Number of steps | 3 |
| Length (with warhead), m | 12,1 |
| Length (without warhead), m | 11,5 |
| Diameter, m | 2 |
| Starting weight, t | 36,8 |
| Thrown weight, kg | 1150 |
| Flight range, km | 8000 |
| Charge power | 6x150 ct |
| Control system | autonomous, inertial based on BTsVK |
| Warheads | 6 |
| head type | fissile, nuclear, separable |
| Type of fuel | solid mixed |
The sea-based strategic missile "Bulava" is capable of carrying 6 individually targetable hypersonic nuclear units. The total cast weight is 1150 kg. The system of overcoming the anti-missile defense of the enemy.
Not everything is simple with Bulava nuclear warheads either. According to some reports, the principle of their breeding has changed. Previously, a ballistic missile brought blocks to the target area and "scattered" them over it. On the "Mace" they applied the principle of "grape bunch". The machine will be able to individually “deliver” warheads to several targets at once. Knowing the accuracy of hitting the Topol-M complex on the target (“Bulava” is created by the same design bureau as Topol-M - the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering), we can state that the Bulava will have this indicator no less, which means that very high weapon efficiency will be achieved.
The R-30 Bulava-30 missile (URAV Navy index - 3M30, START code - RSM-56, according to NATO classification - SS-NX-30; Bulava-M, Bulava-47) is the latest Russian solid-propellant ballistic missile for deployment on submarines. The missile is being developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT), which previously developed the Topol-M ground-based missile.
The preliminary design of the missile began in 1992. The transfer of the design of the main SLBM of the Navy to MIT was initiated by a letter from Russian government ministers Y. Urinson and I. Sergeev to Prime Minister V. Chernomyrdin in November 1997.
In 1998, at the suggestion of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy V. Kuroyedov, the Security Council of Russia closed the topic "Bark" of the Makeev SRC and after the competition (participants - MIT and the Makeev SRC with the Bulava-45 project of the chief designer Yu. A. Kaverin) began designing the Bulava SLBM at MIT.
At the same time, the redesign of the Project 955 SSBN for the Bulava missile began. At the same time, control over the development of SLBMs was entrusted to the 4th Central Research Institute of the Russian Ministry of Defense, which had previously supervised the creation of ICBMs, and the "marine" 28th Central Research Institute of the Russian Ministry of Defense was removed from work on SLBMs. As of December 1998, the design was probably underway - the Makeev State Central Center was already working on the design of communication systems and equipment of the complex in cooperation with MIT. The preliminary design of the Bulava SLBM was protected in 2000.
The production of SLBMs is deployed at the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant, in total, 620 enterprises participate in the cooperation of manufacturers. When creating a rocket, it was decided to abandon the traditional test launches from stands. On May 24, 2004, in Votkinsk, an explosion occurred during fire tests of one of the stages of the solid propellant rocket engine.
Flight tests of the missile began with the launch of a mass-dimensional mock-up from the SSBN of project 941UM "Dmitry Donskoy" from a submerged position in the Barents Sea on September 23, 2004. On June 29, 2007, a decision was made to start mass production of the most mature rocket components. The media stated that the missile is being created on the basis of the Topol-M ICBM and has much in common with this missile.
A series of three test launches was planned for 2010: missiles were produced on October 7, 2010 and completed on October 29, 2010. It is possible that according to their results, the rocket will enter the test stage of testing or will be put into service. It was planned to put the missile into service in 2008, then in 2009, but due to a series of unsuccessful test launches, the adoption of the missile into service will apparently take place no earlier than 2011-2012.
As announced in the media after the successful 13th and 14th launches, in May 2011 it is planned to begin joint state tests of the Bulava complex and Project 955 SSBNs with completion in August 2011. In case of successful launches No. 15-18, the missile will be put into service in September 2011.
Launcher- type of start - dry, the launch is made from the TPK (transport and launch container) using a powder pressure accumulator. The launch can be carried out from the underwater or surface position of the carrier. Launch depth - up to 50-55 meters.
Rocket R-30 "Bulava" :
Number of steps- 3 (third stage - maneuvering for breeding MIRVs with a separating engine after completion of work).
Control system- inertial with an optoelectronic astro-correction unit 3N30 using an on-board computer to generate course correction commands; antenna-feeder devices, as well as software and hardware systems for processing telemetric information of the complex, are developed and manufactured by the Makeev State Research Center. Bulava-47 corrects its flight using the GLONASS satellite navigation system, and also carries warheads with active radar homing heads (GOS).
Engines:
1 step- Solid propellant rocket engine, development and production of NPO "Iskra" (Perm), development of fuel - Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Altai" (Biysk). The engine is started after the rocket leaves the water or when the rocket departure speed from the launcher drops to a certain minimum level. The stage works up to the 50th second of the flight.
Length - 3.8 m
Weight - 18.6 tons
2 step— Solid propellant rocket motor with a sliding nozzle. The stage works from 50 seconds of flight to 90 seconds of flight.
3 step— Solid propellant rocket motor with a sliding nozzle. The engine is separated from the dilution stage after work is completed. The stage turns on at the 90th second of the flight.
warhead breeding stage- liquid-propellant jet engine (LPRE) or multi-chamber solid propellant rocket engine.
TPK length - 12.1 m
Missile length without TPK - 11.5 m
Diameter of the inner launch container - 2.1 m
Rocket diameter (1st, 2nd and 3rd stages) - 2 m
Weight - 36.8 tons
Thrown weight - 1150 kg
Weight of one warhead - 95 kg
Range:
- 5500 km (during tests, White Sea - Kura, Kamchatka)
– 8000 km (according to the project, Bulava-30)
Flight time - 14 minutes (5500 km, during testing, the White Sea - Kura, Kamchatka),
QUO:
- 350 m (according to Western data)
- 250 m (according to domestic media)
The height of the apogee of the trajectory during the tests - 1000 km
Industry opportunities for serial production - up to 25 pieces per year (estimated).
Test launches of R-30 Bulava missiles
| date | Status | Carrier | Place of testing | Note | |
| 1 | 27.09.2005 | successful | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | from the surface from the waters of the White Sea, warheads hit targets at the Kura training ground (Kamchatka), having covered more than 5.5 thousand kilometers in about 14 minutes |
| 2 | 21.12.2005 | successful | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | from a submerged position from the waters of the White Sea, warheads hit targets at the Kura training ground (Kamchatka) |
| 3 | 07.09.2006 | refusal | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | from a submerged position, failure of the 1st stage, the rocket fell into the sea a few minutes after launch |
| 4 | 25.10.2006 | refusal | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | from a submerged position, course deviation, self-destruction, falling into the sea |
| 5 | 24.12.2006 | refusal | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | launch from the surface, failure of the 3rd stage at 3-4 minutes of flight, self-destruction |
| 6 | 28.07.2007 | partially successful | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | launch from a submerged position, 1 of 3 MIRV did not reach the test site |
| 7 | 11.11.2007 | refusal | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | failure of the 1st stage at 23 seconds of flight |
| 8 | 18.09.2008 | partially successful | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | from a submerged position, a fully standard launch with a failure at the stage of disengagement of warheads. There is an assumption that a new type of warheads was being tested. |
| 9 | 28.11.2008 | successful | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | from a submerged position, fully successful launch |
| 10 | 23.12.2008 | refusal | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | the launch was carried out at 6-00 Moscow time, the failure of the 3rd stage when turned on at 91 seconds of flight, self-destruction, the official cause of the failure was a defective stage separation squib; |
| 11 | 15.07.2009 | refusal | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | failure of the 1st stage, self-destruction at 20 seconds of flight; according to unconfirmed unofficial data, the launch was unscheduled and forced due to a violation of the storage technology for SLBMs in the SSBN mine. According to another version, the cause of the failure was the abnormal operation of the gas generator that generates electricity for the rocket systems. |
| 12 | 09.12.2009 | refusal | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | launch from a submerged position, failure of the 2nd stage - failure to open the sliding nozzle of the engine due to a manufacturing defect |
| 13 | 07.10.2010 | successful | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | As a result of the launch, media reports said “The launch was recognized as successful. The rocket trajectory parameters have been worked out in the normal mode. Warheads successfully arrived at the Kura training ground. The launch was made from a submerged position. Later, the results of the launch were called "satisfactory". |
| 14 | 29.10.2010 | successful | SSBN pr.941UM | White Sea | the second launch in a series of three launches of missiles assembled according to a single technical process with documentation of all assembly stages was successfully completed |
| 15 | plan - December 2010 | plan | SSBN project 955 | White Sea | the third launch in a series of three launches of missiles assembled according to a single technical process with documentation of all stages of assembly, as a result of this launch, it is possible to adopt the first SSBN project 955 "Yuri Dolgoruky" |
| 16 | May 2011 plan | plan | SSBN project 955 | probably launches of the program of joint state tests of the complex and SSBN pr.955, the test program is planned to be completed in August 2011. The missile will be put into service in case of successful launches No. 15-18 | |
| 17 | 2011 | plan | SSBN project 955 | ||
| 18 | 2011 | plan | SSBN project 955 | joint state tests of the complex and SSBN pr.955, the test program is scheduled to be completed in August 2011. The missile will be put into service in case of successful launches No. 15-18 |
Criticism
The main criticism of the Bulava missile is its modest maximum range and throw weight. If we do not take into account the means of counteraction from the side of the deployed NMD, as well as the accuracy of the hit, then the criticism is partially fair: based on the known performance characteristics, it can be assumed that in terms of range and throwable weight, the Bulava is an analogue of the Trident I missile of 1979 and is inferior to the Trident II missiles, which form the basis of the naval segment of the US strategic forces.
The statement that, in terms of range and throw-weight characteristics, the Bulava almost completely coincides with the American Poseidon-C3 missile, already withdrawn from service, as obsolete, does not correspond to reality - the range of the Poseidon-C3 with six MIRVs is defined as 5600 km, that is, 40% less than that of the Bulava.
According to some experts, the replacement of sea-based liquid-propellant missiles with the Bulava will significantly reduce the nuclear deterrence potential due to a three-fold reduction in the throw weight of the Project 955 submarine with the Bulava.
However, according to the general designer of "Topol" and "Mace" Yuri Solomonov, a rather serious decrease in the payload of the rocket is due with higher survivability: resistance to the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion and laser weapons, a low active site and its short duration. According to him, Topol-M and Bulava have 3-4 times less active site compared to domestic missiles, and 1.5 ... 2 times less than American, French and Chinese ones.
In addition, the "Mace" should have a noticeable higher pointing accuracy(smaller CEP) compared to previous generation missiles, which reduces the requirements for power (and, therefore, the total weight) of missile warheads while maintaining and fulfilling the requirements for the probability of hitting the target.
It should also be noted that solid-propellant launch vehicles, to which the Bulava belongs, are somewhat inferior to liquid-fuel rockets in terms of their dynamic characteristics (which, in particular, is associated with a decrease in throw weight), significantly surpass them in the manufacturability of storage and operation. There are known cases of repeated accidents and catastrophes in the submarine fleet, caused precisely by violations in the technology of handling liquid-fuel rockets.
It should also be taken into account that modern liquid-propellant rockets use nitrogen tetroxide as an oxidizer and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine as a fuel. Depressurization of missile tanks is one of the most serious threats during their operation and has already led to the death of the K-219 submarine.
/Alex Varlamik, based on militaryrussia.ru/
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There was an event that was expected for a long time, and the success of which was no longer believed. The lead ship of project 955 "Borey", named after the founder of Moscow, Yuri Dolgoruky, successfully launched four ballistic missiles "Bulava" from the area in the White Sea at the Kura range in Kamchatka.
This was announced yesterday by the press service of the Northern Fleet, which includes a submarine missile cruiser. The shooting was carried out from a submerged position. Volley firing of such a number of missiles on the cruisers of this project was carried out for the first time, the report says.
The tactical and technical characteristics and reliability of the Project 955 Borey strategic missile submarine and the Bulava ship-based missile system have been fully confirmed.
The submarine and the crew of the Yuri Dolgorukov are commanded by Captain 1st Rank Vladimir Shirin.
A new-generation marine solid-propellant strategic missile simply did not want to fly for a very long time. The ballistic missile R-30 3M30 "Bulava-30" (SS-NX-30 according to NATO classification) is designed to arm Project 955 and 955A Borey-class nuclear submarine strategic missile carriers. It is capable of carrying 6-10 individually targetable nuclear warheads, with a range of 8,000 km.
"Yuri Dolgoruky" - the central post. Shooting is led by Captain 1st Rank Vladimir Shirin. Photo: RIA Novosti
The main feature of the "Bulava" was considered to be that it was maximally unified with the ground-based missiles "Topol" and "Yars". The new naval missile, as stated, is capable of overcoming any missile defense system. However, the triumphant adoption of the missile system, which was remarkable in design, did not happen. Such a number of unsuccessful launches, following one after another, was not even at the dawn of the formation of domestic rocket science.
Each "Bulava" carries up to 10 individually targetable nuclear warheads, the range is 8000 kilometers
Of the first twelve launches, only four were credited. If we take into account that the first two were only ejections of a mock-up rocket from the launch silo with the help of a powder accumulator, it turns out that out of ten full-fledged launches, two were successful. Such a result, as they say, did not climb into any gates.
A serious debriefing was carried out. They tightened control at the machine-building plant in Votkinsk, where the rocket is being assembled. These measures have yielded results - since October 2010, all Bulava launches have been successful.
For the final confirmation of the readiness of the R-30 3M30 missile for military operation, it was necessary to launch it in one gulp. Many experts saw the reason for the failures in the fact that the "brains" of land-based missiles were not radically redesigned and adapted to the sea. The fact is that after the first launch, the submarine begins to sway, and the missiles must level out this pitching, go in the designated direction. If this does not happen, the entire submarine missile carrier becomes a meaningless structure. Indeed, in the event of a war, when every second is precious, waiting for the boat to completely calm down in order to make the next launch is like death.
On December 23, 2011, for the first time, a successful salvo launch of two Bulava missiles took place from the Yuri Dolgoruky. But, most likely, not everything suited the military and civilian specialists then. Another six and a half years passed - and finally a volley of four missiles. And they all hit their targets. Now we can say that the Bulava strategic missile system has taken up combat duty.
The missiles were launched from under the water every seven to eight seconds. The spectacle was fiery and enchanting. According to reports, all four missiles hit their designated targets.
D-30 / 3K-30 / B-30 Bulava-M complex, R-30 / 3M-30 / RSM-56 Bulava / Bulava-30 missile - SS-NX-32 / SS-N-32
Submarine ballistic missile (SLBM) with intercontinental range. Developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT), chief designer - (since 20.09.2010 - A.P. Sukhadolsky). According to Western data, the preliminary design of the missile began in 1992. When creating a new SLBM, MIT used the developments on the ICBM project (range 9500 km, weight 16 tons) using a new type of mixed fuel for solid propellant rocket motors. According to the initial plans, the mass of SLBMs was to be 26-28 tons. Later, for the same reasons that the design of the 2nd and 3rd stages of the SLBM "" was changed, the weight and size characteristics of the missile were changed ( source - Colonel General A. Sitnov "Mace" ...). The decision to change the project was caused by the cessation of fuel production in Ukraine (conversion to the production of household chemicals).
In November 1997, after the third unsuccessful launch of the SLBM "", the ministers of the Russian government Y. Urinson and I. Sergeev (former commander of the Strategic Missile Forces) in a letter to Prime Minister V. Chernomyrdin raised the issue of transferring the design of the main SLBM of the Navy to the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering. In November and December 1997, two Interdepartmental Commissions, created by order of the Minister of Defense of Russia, worked to study the failures of SLBM tests "". The commission included representatives of the MIT, the Arms Department of the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Strategic Missile Forces. The Second Interdepartmental Commission recommended that missile tests continue with the adoption of two SSBNs pr.941U, but representatives of the Armaments Directorate and the Strategic Missile Forces proposed to stop the development of SLBMs. Main reasons:
- development of the most unified interspecific small-sized missile for the Strategic Missile Forces and the Navy "Bulava";
- separation by years of peaks in financing the rearmament of the Strategic Missile Forces and the Navy ("Topol-M" and "Bulava");
- cost savings;
At the beginning of 1998, the conclusions of the commission were approved by the Military-Technical Council of the Russian Ministry of Defense. In January 1998, the issue was considered by a commission established by order of the President of Russia. In the autumn of 1998, at the suggestion of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy V. Kuroyedov, the Security Council of Russia officially closed the topic "" and after a competition under the auspices of Roscosmos (participants - MIT and the Makeev State Research Center with the project "" of the chief designer Kaverin Yu.A.) began designing the Bulava SLBM at MIT. At the same time, the redesign of SSBN pr.955 for the Bulava missile was started. At the same time, control over the development of SLBMs was entrusted to the 4th Central Research Institute of the Russian Ministry of Defense (headed by V. Dvorkin), which had previously been in charge of supervising the creation of ICBMs, and the "marine" 28th Central Research Institute of the Russian Ministry of Defense was removed from work on SLBMs.
Loading of the 3M-30 "Bulava" rocket at the assembly and equipment base of the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant, publication April 2016 ().
The design of the Bulava SLBM was probably already underway as of December 1998 - it was at this time that the Federal State Unitary Enterprise NPO Avtomatiki named after academician N.A. At the same time (December 1998), the Makeev State Central Center was already working on the design of communication systems and equipment of the complex in cooperation with MIT. The development of solid propellant rocket propellant charges was started by NPO "Altai" (Biysk) in 1998, and the first nozzleless test of the 1st stage engine with the outflow of combustion products in both directions was carried out in 1999. In 1999, the Design Bureau of Special Machine Building (St. Petersburg) was involved in the development of technological equipment for loading, storing and transporting missiles, as well as for experimental testing of launch systems. Bench equipment for testing the launch of missiles was developed by KBSM with the direct participation of Yu.S. Solomonov, A.P. Sukhadolsky and V.P. Efimov (all - MIT). The draft design of the 3M-30 Bulava SLBM was officially protected by the MIT in 2000.
Tests. When creating the rocket, it was decided to abandon the traditional test launches of the rocket from submersible stands. There were no rocket launches from the Nenoksa test site. Fire tests of stages, individual units of the rocket were carried out in full. At the stands (including the gas-dynamic stand of the Makeev State Research Center), the exit of the rocket from the silo and from the water was practiced - more than 10 stands were involved. Ballistic launches of missile mock-ups were carried out at the 18th engineering and testing range of the Russian Ministry of Defense - the site of the special engineering design bureau in Elizavetinka near St. Petersburg. At the KBSM test site, three launches of the SLBM mock-up were made from the SM-E336 ground-based drop test stand using a full-scale submarine silo. Incl. a launch (s) was made with a simulator of the SLBM 1st stage engine. The positive results of the throw tests from the ground stand made it possible to move on to the throw tests from the submarine in the surface position. On the hydrodynamic stand SM-E330, the standard system for pressurizing the volume of the under-cover space was tested in natural conditions, the loads on the product in the initial period of the launch were specified. After positive tests on this stand, it was decided to move on to launches from a submarine from a submerged position.
Throw range launch of the 3M-30 "Bulava" rocket from the full-scale stand SM-E336. The first frame - the starting solid propellant rocket engine / PAD is working, the second frame - free flight, the third frame - the launch of the 1st stage solid propellant rocket engine, the fourth frame - the 1st stage of the rocket is working. 18th engineering test site of the Russian Ministry of Defense, site of the KBSM test site in Elizavetinka near St. Petersburg (frame from the film "MIT. 60 years in the strategic direction").
Site for test launches of SLBM 3M-30 "Bulava" with a full-scale stand SM-E336. 18th engineering test site of the Russian Ministry of Defense, site of the KBSM test site in Elizavetinka near St. Petersburg (http://maps.googcle.com).
Test launches missiles R-30 "Bulava":
| date | Status | Carrier | Place of testing | Start type | Note | |
| 0 | up to 2004 incl. | successful | stand SM-E336 | ground | Three throw launches of the SLBM mock-up were made. Incl. a launch (s) was made with a simulator of the SLBM 1st stage engine. The positive results of the throw tests from the ground stand made it possible to move on to the throw tests from the submarine in the surface position. | |
| 00 | 11.12.2003 | successful | Barencevo sea | underwater | Throwing launch of a weight-size model from the surface position, the model reached a height of 40 m. The launch was carried out as part of the post-repair test program for the TK-208 SSBN. |
|
| 000 | 23.09.2004 | successful | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | Barencevo sea | underwater | Throwing launch of a weight-size model from a submerged SSBN position. According to other sources, the launch did not take place due to a malfunction; |
| 0000 | 2004-2005 | successful | stand SM-E330 | 18th training ground of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Elizavetinka | ground | Throw launches with simulated launch from under water based on the impact on the launcher and missile, successful tests on this stand made it possible to proceed to launches from a submarine from a submerged position. |
| 1 | 27.09.2005 | successful | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | surface | At 17-20 Moscow time, warheads from the White Sea hit targets at the Kura training ground (Kamchatka). A failure in the operation of the 3rd stage was noted. |
| 2 | 21.12.2005 | successful | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | underwater | The first launch from a submerged position at 08-19 Moscow time from the White Sea, warheads hit targets at the Kura training ground (Kamchatka) |
| 3 | 07.09.2006 | refusal | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | underwater | from a submerged position, failure of the 1st stage, the rocket fell into the sea a few minutes (a minute?) After launch |
| 4 | 25.10.2006 | refusal | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | underwater | from a submerged position, deviation from the course 200 seconds after the start, self-destruction, falling into the sea |
| 5 | 24.12.2006 | refusal | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | surface | launch from the surface, failure of the 3rd stage at 3-4 minutes of flight, self-destruction |
| 6 | 28.07.2007 | partially successful | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | underwater | launch from a submerged position, 1 of 3 MIRV did not reach the test site |
| 7 | 11.11.2007 | refusal | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | underwater | failure of the 1st stage at 23 seconds of flight |
| 8 | 18.09.2008 | partially successful | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | underwater | from a submerged position, a fully standard launch with a failure at the stage of disengagement of warheads. There is an assumption that a new type of warheads was being tested. |
| 9 | 28.11.2008 | successful | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea (Barencevo sea - ) | underwater | from a submerged position, fully successful launch Launched a single technological unit with telemetry () |
| 10 | 23.12.2008 | refusal | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea (Barencevo sea - ) | underwater | launch was carried out at 6-00 Moscow time, failure of the 3rd stage when turned on at 91 seconds of flight, self-destruction, the official cause of the failure was a defective stage separation squib; the launch was previously planned for December 21, 2008, but was postponed; Launched a single technological unit with telemetry () |
| 11 | 15.07.2009 | refusal | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | underwater | failure of the 1st stage, self-destruction at 20 seconds of flight (28 seconds according to other data); According to unconfirmed unofficial data, the launch was unscheduled and forced due to a violation of the storage technology for SLBMs in the SSBN mine. According to another version, the cause of the failure was the abnormal operation of the gas generator that generates electricity for the rocket systems. Unconfirmed information about the damage to the instrument compartment during the transportation of the rocket. Allegedly, in preparation for the launch, the rocket was repeatedly reloaded into a launcher on a submarine (9 times). |
| 11+ | 27.10.2009 | no start | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | did not take place | the rocket launch did not take place due to a failure in the command system for issuing a flight mission |
| 12 | 09.12.2009 | refusal | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | underwater | launch from a submerged position, failure of the 2nd stage - failure to open the sliding nozzle of the engine due to a manufacturing defect The launch is famous for the visual effect in the upper atmosphere, which was observed over large areas of Scandinavia. The reason for the unsuccessful launch was a malfunction of the mechanism for extending the nozzle of the second stage - the retractable rod - the rod was not made of titanium (as it should have been), but of steel (). |
| 13 | 07.10.2010 | successful | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | underwater | according to information dated 07/30/2010, a test launch of the first rocket from a series of three reference samples is planned in August 2010 (08/11-14/2010); 03.09.2010 announced the transfer of tests to 09-12.09.2010, 22.09.2010 - announced the transfer of tests to the end-September - beginning of October 2010. 06.10.2010 announced launch plans for 07-10.10.2010. declared successful. The parameters of the missile's trajectory have been worked out in the normal mode. Warheads have successfully arrived at the Kura test site." The launch was made from a submerged position. Later, the results of the launch were called "satisfactory." |
| 14 | 29.10.2010 | successful | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | White Sea | underwater | the second launch of a series of three launches of missiles assembled according to a single technical process with documentation of all assembly stages was completed successfully, according to media reports According to Western data, 3 MIRVs were involved in the flight () |
| 15 | the launch on 12/17/2010 was canceled on 12/15/2010 with a postponement to May-June 2011. June 2011 (plan May 2011) 06/28/2011 | successful | SSBN "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955 (according to the plans of 2010 and actually) | White Sea | underwater | the third launch in a series of three launches of missiles assembled according to a single technical process with documentation of all stages of assembly, as a result of this launch, the first SSBN "Yuri Dolgoruky" may be put into service. The launch is planned to be carried out from the surface position of the SSBN. On June 03, 2011, the SSBN "Yuri Dolgoruky" pr.955 went to sea and on June 06, 2011 the SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" pr.941UM left Severodvinsk for the White Sea. The boats tested the systems before launching the Bulava SLBM of the 2011 season. On June 28, 2011, the Bulava SLBM was successfully launched from the White Sea at the Kura range in Kamchatka. |
| 16 | summer 2011 plan 08/20/2011 (launch did not take place, unconfirmed information) 08/27/2011 | successful | White Sea | underwater | probably, launches of the program of joint state tests of the complex and SSBN pr.955, the test program is planned to be completed in August 2011. The missile will be put into service if launches No. 15-18 are successful (S. Ivanov, lent.ru). According to unconfirmed information, the launch on August 20, 2011 with the Yury Dolgoruky SSBN did not take place due to problems with power supply in one of the submarine systems. The information is refuted by RIA Novosti. it is also reported that the launch is scheduled for August 2011. On the morning of August 27, 2011, a successful launch took place at the maximum range over the area in the Pacific Ocean. According to Western data, 6 MIRVs were involved in the flight () |
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| 17 | 2011 (forecast for the beginning of the year) 2nd half of October 2011 (planned 08/30/2011) October 20-22, 2011 (plan October 12, 2011) October 27-31, 2011 (plan October 19, 2011) October 28, 2011 | spring 2011 plan: salvo launch of 2 missiles successful single launch with a rehearsal of salvo launch of the second rocket | SSBN "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955 | White Sea | underwater | joint state tests of the complex and SSBN pr.955, the test program is scheduled to be completed in August 2011. The missile will be put into service in case of successful launches No. 15-18 (S. Ivanov, lent.ru) By the end of the year, it is planned to carry out launches No. 16-19, including one launch from the Alexander Nevsky SSBN (Commander-in-Chief of the Navy V. Vysotsky, 07/01/2011) According to unofficial and unconfirmed information, on October 21, 2011 or earlier, one Bulava missile and one mockup were loaded onto the K-535 SSBN. During the test launch, it is planned to simulate salvo fire with two missiles. The information was confirmed - after the launch of the first missile, a sequence of operations was carried out to prepare and issue a command to launch a simulator of the second missile. |
| 18-19 | November 2011 (the plan was announced on October 30, 2011) December 2011 (planned 11/22/2011) 2012 (plans announced by Interfax on November 28, 2011) December 23, 2011 | successful two-rocket salvo(October 2011 forecast, confirmed 11/22/2011) | SSBN "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955 | White Sea | underwater | according to one of the statements in the media, after the first successful launch from the SSBN pr.955, before the adoption of the SLBM into service, 5 more test launches should take place (No. 16-20) By the end of the year it is planned to carry out launches No. 16-19, including one launch from the Alexander Nevsky SSBN (Commander-in-Chief of the Navy V. Vysotsky, 01.07.2011). After this launch, if it is successful, the Bulava-M complex is planned to be put into service (11/22/2011) |
| 18+ | summer 2012 | plan, one-, two-, or more rocket salvo as of early 2013 - not mentioned | SSBN "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955 | In March 2012, plans were announced for launches in the summer of 2012 under the program for adopting the missile system into service. | ||
| 18++ | October-November 2012 (plans announced in the media on 03/29/2012, confirmed on 05/02/2012) plan - uncertain 2014 (07/05/2013, ) | plan as of early 2013 - not mentioned | SSBN "Alexander Nevsky" or "Vladimir Monomakh" project 955 | the second launch from the Alexander Nevsky SSGN according to the plans of early 2013 and the first launch from the Vladimir Monomakh SSBN according to the June 2013 plans. Perhaps the launch will be two-rocket. in April 2013 reported. that during the year it is planned to carry out two launches of Bulava SLBMs from a commercial batch of missiles On 07/05/2013, the general director of the Sevmash Production Association stated that at the moment only one launch of SLBMs is planned in 2013 - see launch No. 19. |
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| 20 | June 2012 plan Plan - October-November 2012 (plans announced in the media on 03/29/2012, confirmed on 05/02/2012 and 08/08/2012) plan - November 2012 (media 17.08.2012) plan - September 2013 (07/05/2013, ) 09/06/2013 | launch took place, failure in the second minute of the flight | SSBN "Alexander Nevsky" project 955 | White Sea | underwater | Until the end of 2011, it was planned to carry out, among other things, one launch from the Alexander Nevsky SSBN (Commander-in-Chief of the Navy V. Vysotsky, 07/01/2011), but on 10/25/2011, the representative of the military-industrial complex at the Council of Ministers of Russia stated that it was decided to make launches from the Alexander Nevsky SSBN in the summer of 2012. 03/29/2012 announced that the first launches from SSBNs will be made in October-November 2012. First launch from SSBN "Alexander Nevsky". According to information in March 2013, the launch is planned to be carried out for the first time using an automated system for transmitting commands for the use of strategic weapons. April 2013 reported. that during the year it is planned to carry out two launches of Bulava SLBMs from a commercial batch of missiles. 09/06/2013 launch from the White Sea at the Kura range in Kamchatka. the flight was aborted in the second minute due to a malfunction of the missile's onboard systems. The reason for the unsuccessful launch was a malfunction of the mechanism for extending the nozzle of the second stage - the retractable rod (). |
| plan - autumn 2013 | plan | SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" project 941UM | Perhaps a test launch of a missile variant with improvements () | |||
| 21 | plan - 2013 (September 2013) No. 1 after launch on 09/06/2013 plan - autumn 2014 (05/23/2014) 09/10/2014 | successful launch | SSBN K-551 "Vladimir Monomakh" project 955 | White Sea | underwater | message First launch from SSBN. The launch was carried out as part of the tests of the Vladimir Monomakh SSBN. The launch was successfully carried out from the MIRV at the Kura test site (Kamchatka). Apparently, this is launch No. 1 of the program for additional tests of the Bulava SLBM. |
| 22 | plan - 2014(September 2013) plan - 2014 (11/13/2013) plan - September-October 2014 (21.08.2014) plan - October 2014 (09/15/2014) plan - 29-30.10.2014 (20.10.2014) October 29, 2014 | successful launch | Barencevo sea | underwater | After an unsuccessful launch on 09/06/2013, the Minister of Defense of Russia decided to conduct an additional 5 test launches of the Bulava SLBM 2014 September-October - according to a media report dated 21.08.2014, a test launch of the Bulava SLBM is planned It is planned to carry out a launch with a full ammunition load of the Bulava SLBM on board. Possibly launch #2 of the SLBM additional test program. The launch was made at the Kura test site in Kamchatka. The SSBN had on board a full load of missiles. The launch was carried out in accordance with the combat training plan after the entry of SSBNs into the combat structure of the Fleet. |
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| 23 | plan - 2014(September 2013) plan - 2014 (11/13/2013) plan - November 2014 (09/15/2014) November 28, 2014 | successful launch | Barencevo sea | underwater | After an unsuccessful launch on 09/06/2013, the Minister of Defense of Russia decided to conduct an additional 5 test launches of the Bulava SLBM. Perhaps this is launch number 3 of the additional test program. First successful launch from SSBN. Successfully produced at the Kura test site (Kamchatka). |
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plan - autumn 2015 (26.09.2014) | plan | SSBN K-550 "Alexander Nevsky" project 955 | Sea of Okhotsk | After an unsuccessful launch on 09/06/2013, the Minister of Defense of Russia decided to conduct an additional 5 test launches of the Bulava SLBM. Launch #4 (?). 09/26/2014 - announced plans for launch after relocation to the Pacific Ocean |
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| 24-25 | plan - 2015 (09/15/2014) plan - autumn 2015 (26.09.2014) 11/14/2015 | successful two-rocket salvo | SSBN K-551 "Vladimir Monomakh" Project 955 | White Sea | underwater | After an unsuccessful launch on 09/06/2013, the Minister of Defense of Russia decided to conduct an additional 5 test launches of the Bulava SLBM. Launch #5 (?). 09/26/2014 - announced plans for launch after relocation to the Pacific Ocean Successful two-rocket launch at the Kura range (Kamchatka). |
| 26-27 | 09/27/2016 | partially successful two-rocket salvo | SSBN K-535 "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955 | White Sea | underwater | Experimental salvo firing with two missiles at the Kura range. One missile successfully hit the targets with warheads. The second after a successful launch self-destructed. According to unconfirmed reports, the launch was carried out at a sea state of 6-7 points from a depth of 50-55 m. The explosion of the second missile occurred at the command of the emergency missile detonation (APR) system after the rocket went beyond the allowable trajectory parameters, which occurred presumably due to a malfunction of the controlled rocket propellant rocket engine of the first stage of the rocket (see launch video footage). |
| 28 | 06/26/2017 | successful launch | SSBN K-535 "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955 | Barencevo sea | underwater | Successful launch at the Kura test site (Kamchatka) in accordance with the combat training plan. |
| 29-32 | May 22, 2018 | successful four-rocket salvo | SSBN K-535 "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955 | White Sea | underwater | Successful four-missile zasp at the Kura range (Kamchatka). Rocket #2 came out at +7 sec, #3 at +14 sec and #4 at +21 sec () |
| 33 | autumn 2019 | plan | SSBN K-549 "Prince Vladimir" project 955A | Planned test launch of the Bulava SLBM as part of the test program for the lead SSBN pr.955A |
On June 29, 2007, a decision was made to start mass production of the most mature rocket components. The media stated that the missile was being created on the basis of the Topol-M ICBM and had much in common with this missile. A series of three test launches is planned for 2010 (October 7, 2010, the first of three successful launches was made and the second successful launch was performed on October 29, 2010). It is possible that according to their results, the rocket will enter the test stage of testing or will be put into service.
It was planned to take the missile into service in 2008, then in 2009, but due to a series of unsuccessful test launches, the adoption of the missile into service was postponed to 2011-2012. (according to the forecast of the first half of 2010). As announced in the media after the successful 13th and 14th launches, in May 2011 it is planned to begin joint state tests of the Bulava complex and SSBN pr.955 with completion in August 2011. that the SLBM will be put into service after the first launch from SSBN pr.955 and a series of 5 test launches.
The first in 2011, the 15th launch of the Bulava SLBM from a submerged position was made from the SSBN "" on June 28, 2011. The 16th launch was made from the same submarine on August 27, 2011 (successful). In November 2011, it was announced that after a successful two-rocket salvo launch, which is planned to be carried out from a standard carrier - SSBN pr.955 "Yuri Dolgoruky" - in December 2011, the Bulava-M missile system will be adopted by the Russian Navy. Later in the media there was both information about the postponement of launches to 2012 and a refutation of this information from the Main Staff of the Russian Navy. As a result, the salvo two-rocket launch of the Bulava SLBM from the standard carrier of the SSBN "" was successfully carried out on December 23, 2011. As of March 2012, the expected date for the adoption of the missile system into service is October 2012. As a result, According to media reports, the R-30 Bulava SLBM was adopted by the Russian Navy on 01/10/2013.- simultaneously with the hoisting of the Flag on the head SSBN K-535 "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955 "Borey". Loading of standard ammunition on the lead boat of the project is expected in January 2014.
According to other sources, the Bulava SLBM was accepted by the Russian Navy for trial operation in 2012 (), which raises some doubts.
http://forums.airbase.ru
During 2011, the corporation "MIT" ( ist. - JSC "Corporation...") the reconstruction and technical re-equipment of production for serial production and testing of components of the 3K30 "Bulava-30" complex was carried out (Agreement with Roscosmos No. 902-D169 / 11 dated September 12, 2011, the volume of investments in 2011 - 6.0 million rubles). Also in 2011, a crediting schedule for the serial production of missiles of the 3K30 complex was agreed with Vnesheconombank, VTB Bank and the Government of Russia in accordance with the state contract for the supply of the Bulava product in the amount of 60,343,400 thousand rubles.
On years:
2011 - 15,586,100 thousand rubles. (funding received)
2012 - 15,079,600 thousand rubles
2013 - 14,384,600 thousand rubles.
2014 - 15,293,100 thousand rubles.
(ist. - JSC "Corporation...").
In early December 2010, the general designer of MIT announced that it was possible to use the unified Bulava missile as part of ground-based missile systems. In 2011, an unsubstantiated assumption also appeared that in the period from 2009 to 2010. The SLBM has been substantially redesigned and the missile launched in 2010 is already significantly different from previously launched missiles. Indirectly, the reason for this assumption was the video image of the rocket shown on central television channels. More precisely, the low quality of the picture of this image and the apparent change in the dimensions of the rocket in the picture.
The flight path of the rocket is flat with a reduced active site. In 2009-2010 (as of the end of 2008) it was planned to conduct tests at the maximum range and along a special trajectory. On the morning of August 27, 2011, a successful launch took place at the maximum range over the area in the Pacific Ocean. In the literature of the early 2000s, the name of the Bulava-30 rocket was found - Topol-MPL. By default, the data of the missile 3M-30 "Bulava-30". In terms of nodes, the rocket is unified with the Topol-M ICBM and probably .
Launcher- launch type - dry, launch is made from TPK using a powder pressure accumulator / starting solid propellant rocket engine. The launch can be carried out from the underwater or surface position of the carrier.Launch depth - up to 50-55 m
Ballistic ground tests of missiles were carried out from ground stands at the test site of the Design Bureau for Special Machine Building at the site of the 18th engineering test site of the Russian Ministry of Defense in Elizavetinka near St. Petersburg.
A test bench for the Bulava complex developed by the Design Bureau of Special Engineering (Support of the Russian defense industry. // National Defense No. 4 / 2011).
Full-scale throw stand SM-E336 for testing the Bulava missile (Support of the Russian defense industry. // National Defense No. 4 / 2011).
Throwing launch of the Bulava rocket from the full-scale stand SM-E336 with the launch of a reduced charge of the 1st stage engine. 18th engineering test site of the Russian Ministry of Defense, site of the KBSM test site in Elizavetinka near St. Petersburg (frame from the film "MIT. 60 years in the strategic direction").
Ship Combat Launch Complex (KBSK) developed by the GRC im. Makeev (Miass, 149th department of KB-2 GRC). The design of control systems, power supply, computing facilities and means of centralized control of the complex was carried out by the 147th department of KB-2 of the Makeev State Research Center. The systems of geodetic topographical reference and aiming of the complex were developed by the 50th department of KB-2 GRC named after Makeev, and the protection systems of the complex were developed by the 127th department of KB-2 GRC named after Makeev.
The 3F30 ground storage equipment complex includes a 3F30-3 hangar-storage trolley (designed by Motor Design Bureau, Moscow, Titan Central Design Bureau, Volgograd), a 3F30-4 tractor (Titan Central Design Bureau, Volgograd), a 3F30-9 transport and handling unit (Titan Central Design Bureau, Volgograd) and other equipment.
Possibly, a 3F30-3 hangar-storage trolley being tested at the Nenoksa training ground (frame from the film "GTSMP 50 Years", 2004).
Possibly, a 3F30-3 hangar-storage cart (left, fragment) in Gadzhiyevo during the visit of Minister of Defense S.K. Shoigu, 04/16/2014 (http://function.mil.ru/).
Rocket 3M-30"Mace":
Design: a three-stage rocket with a sequential arrangement of the stage. OJSC "Composite" (Korolev) took part in the development of modern materials used in the design of the rocket stages.
The layout of the 3M-30 rocket:
- 1st stage with PAD
- 2nd stage
- 3rd stage
- a MIRV breeding unit (the third-stage engine is separated from it after completion of work) with a 3G30 (G-30) platform and a 3L30 (L-30) aggregate compartment.
Product G-30 (3G30) - the body of the warhead breeding platform and product L-30 (3L30) - the body of the aggregate compartment of the 3M-30 Bulava missile. The media are shown at the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant on March 21, 2011. The last picture is a montage of shots from different TV channels. (http://military.tomsk.ru/forum).
Comparison of two objects - a mock-up of the 3M-30 "Bulava" rocket and the R-39 / SS-N-20..05.2011 rocket (original photos taken from http://forums.airbase.ru).
Loading TPK with Bulava SLBM on board SSBN pr.955 "Borey" (frame of the film about the Sevmash Production Association, 1st TV channel).
Control system and guidance- inertial with an optoelectronic astro-correction unit 3N30 using an on-board computer to generate course correction commands; antenna-feeder devices, as well as software and hardware systems for processing telemetric information of the complex, are developed and manufactured by the Makeev State Research Center.
The control system has been developed since December 1998 by the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "NPO Automation named after academician N.A. Semikhatov" (Yekaterinburg, chief designer - S.F. Deryugin), command control devices were developed by the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "NPC of Automation and Instrument Engineering named after N.A. Pilyugin" (Moscow) and the astro-correction system (optical-electronic system) 3N30 was developed and manufactured by OJSC " NPP "Geophysics-Cosmos" (Moscow) During the development of the control system, it was possible to reduce the mass of the control system by 1.5 times and the mass of the command instrumentation complex by 2 times.
The development of the astro-correction system on the instructions of the MIT began in 1998. The astro-correction system includes products 35I and 36I, which were supplied to the rocket manufacturer for test batches, incl. in 2007 and 2008 Production capabilities for 3N30 astrocorrection systems for SLBMs for 2007-2008. - 25 pieces/year. The cost of preparation for serial production (2008) of 3H30 blocks is 18.1 million rubles. In 2007, NPP "Geophysics-Cosmos" at the expense of financing from the Investment Fund of the federal budget of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "MIT" began preparing production facilities, and in 2008, preparations began for the production of 3N30 blocks for the 1st serial batch of 3M-30 rockets.
OES 3N30 provides the formation of an image of navigational stars located in the search area on the photosensitive area of the photodetector CCD-matrix, its processing and the output of measuring information to the on-board computer center to determine the angular coordinates of navigational stars in the instrumental coordinate system and implement the astro-correction mode. Two ECOs are used as part of the control system. Each OES includes an optical device, an electronic framing unit and an exchange device. To attenuate extraneous illumination, a light-shielding device ( ist. - Egupov A...).
According to Western data, the Bulava-47 missile corrects its flight using the GLONASS satellite navigation system, and also carries warheads with active seeker radar. The data is not confirmed and raises some doubts.
Propulsion systems:
- PAD (powder pressure accumulator) - developed by the Research Institute of Polymeric Materials (Perm), PAD charge was developed by the FTSDT "Soyuz" (Dzerzhinsky).
Stage 1 - solid propellant rocket engine 3D30 with a firmly bonded charge of mixed fuel of the 5th generation. Development of the engine - cooperation between NPO Iskra (Perm, former SKB-172), Federal State Unitary Enterprise Federal Research and Production Center Altai (Biysk) and Federal State Unitary Enterprise FTsDT Soyuz (Dzerzhinsky). together with FSUE FTsDT "Soyuz" (Dzerzhinsky). The fueling of the engines is probably carried out by the SPC "Altai" (Biysk). The first nozzleless test of the engine prototype - 1999 (??). On March 05, 2007, during scheduled engine tests at the test site of the SPC "Altai", an engine explosion occurred, one person died. The engine is started after the rocket leaves the water or when the rocket departure speed from the launcher drops to a certain minimum level. The stage works up to the 50th second of the flight.
Engine thrust - more than 90 tons
Length - 3.8 m (data from START-1)
Weight - 18.6 tons (data from START-1)
Probably, tests of the igniter of the engine of the 1st stage of the Bulava rocket at the stand (a shot from the film "MIT. 60 years in the strategic direction").
- 2nd stage - 3D60 solid propellant solid propellant rocket engine with a firmly bonded charge of mixed fuel of the 5th generation and with a sliding nozzle nozzle. Development and production of a nozzle with a nozzle - NPO Iskra (Perm, former SKB-172), development of fuel and engine charges - Federal State Unitary Enterprise Federal Research and Production Center Altai (Biysk) together with Federal State Unitary Enterprise FTsDT Soyuz (Dzerzhinsky, ). The fueling of the engines is probably carried out by the SPC "Altai" (Biysk). The stage works from 50 seconds of flight to 90 seconds of flight.
Engine of the 2nd stage of the SLBM 3M65 / R-39 of the Typhoon complex developed by NPO Iskra. Previously, this photo was mistakenly considered by us to be a photo of the engine of the 2nd stage of the Bulava SLBM (http://militaryphotos.net).
- 3rd stage - 3D42 solid propellant solid propellant rocket engine with a firmly bonded charge of mixed fuel of the 5th generation and with a sliding nozzle nozzle. Development and production of a nozzle with a nozzle - NPO "Iskra" (Perm, former SKB-172), development of the engine housing and engine charge - FSUE FTsDT "Soyuz" (Dzerzhinsky, ). The fueling of the engines is probably carried out by the SPC "Altai" (Biysk). The engine is separated from the dilution stage after work is completed. The stage turns on at the 90th second of the flight.
There is a possibility that in order to reduce the time of the active section of the trajectory (AUT), the extension of the nozzle nozzles of the 2nd and 3rd stages occurs in the "hot" mode by the products of the stage engines. A similar technology was developed in the 1980s by Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (Dnepropetrovsk) for the Krechet air missile system and other systems. This information is hypothetical.
The breeding stage of warheads is a multi-chamber solid-propellant solid propellant rocket engine of deep regulation on mixed fuel. Development of fuel and engine charge - FSUE "FNPTs" Altai "(Biysk") together with FSUE FTsDT "Soyuz" (Dzerzhinsky, ). Fuel - low-temperature with a high dependence of the burning rate on pressure.
Until May 2011, we had an assumption that at the stage of disengagement of warheads, a liquid monopropellant propulsion system is used, similar to that developed in the late 1980s by the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau (Dnepropetrovsk) for the Krechet airborne missile system, the Topol-M ICBM (the warhead stage disengagement unit of the 15Zh65 missile variant of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau). stages with deep throttling (30 times) of the high-thrust engine chamber, which reduces the gas-dynamic effect on detachable warheads.
Thrust of the high thrust engine - 300 kg (in the void)
Thrust thruster - 3 / 6 kg (in the void)
TTX missiles and complex:
SSBN shaft length - 12.1 m (data from START-1)
The length of the rocket with the head section - 12.1 m (data from START-1)
Missile length without head section - 11.5 m (data from START-1)
Diameter of the inner launch container - 2.1 m (data from START-1)
Rocket diameter (1st, 2nd and 3rd stages) - 2 m (data from START-1)
Length of the 1st stage - 3.8 m (data from START-1)
Weight - 36.8 t (data from START-1)
Mass of the 1st stage - 18.6 tons (data from START-1)
Thrown weight - 1150 kg (data from START-1)
The mass of the warhead (in the configuration of 6 MIRVs) - 95 kg (according to Western data)
Range:
- 5500 km (during testing, White Sea - Kura, Kamchatka)
- 8000 km (according to the project, "Bulava-30")
- 8300 km (according to Western data)
- 9300 km (according to official data in the launch at a maximum range of 08/27/2011)
Flight time - 14 minutes (5500 km, during testing, White Sea - Kura, Kamchatka), 22 minutes according to other data
QUO:
- 350 m (western data)
- less than 250 m (according to some domestic media)
- 120-150 m (estimate compared to Trident-2 and other missiles)
The height of the apogee of the trajectory during the tests - 1000 km
Industry opportunities for serial production - up to 25 pcs / year (estimated)
Warhead types: the missile is equipped with means of overcoming missile defense. It is possible that the rocket uses low-power warheads developed by the Makeev State Research Center. Nuclear charges were developed by VNIIEF (Sarov) together with the Ural Nuclear Center. According to an interview with the Director General of MIT, excerpts from which were published on December 8, 2010, the nuclear charge for the Bulava SLBM has been successfully developed and is ready for mass production (or is it already being produced?).
On November 1, 2005, with the launch of the Topol ICBM with a standard SPU from the Kapustin Yar test site towards the Sary-Shagan test site, flight tests of a single platform for disengaging warheads, new means of overcoming missile defense and single warheads for the Topol ICBM and Bulava SLBM began. On April 22, 2006, the second launch took place as part of the testing of the platform and blocks - the Strategic Missile Forces launched the K65M-R missile from the Kapustin Yar test site. The warhead breeding platform is designed to deliver 6 MIRVs. The platform has the ability to perform trajectory maneuvers that make it difficult for the enemy to solve missile defense problems. In 2006, General Designer of MIT Yu. Solomonov stated that tests of a new single breeding platform and a single combat unit should be completed in 2008. The third launch within the program of testing new warheads and platforms was made on 05.12.2010 from the Kapustin Yar ICBM "Topol" range at the Sary-Shagan range.
It is likely that low-yield maneuvering warheads are either under development or under testing. Management - probably gas-dynamic. The maneuver along the course and flight altitude is carried out in the atmosphere. It is also possible that the information about maneuvering warheads is not reliable, but we are talking about a maneuvering AP breeding platform (see above).
According to Western data source - Russian warhead alters...) during a test launch on November 1, 2005, the warhead (or platform with a warhead) switched to a lower flight path and maneuvered. The speed of the object in this case was about 5.5 km/s.
3M-30 "Bulava-30" (during testing) - 3 x MIRV;
3M-30 "Bulava-30" (standard equipment) - 6 x MIRV with a power of 150 kt
3M-30 "Bulava-30" (option according to Western data) - 1 x maneuvering warhead with a capacity of 550-1000 kt;
- "Mace-30" / "Mace-47" - 10 x maneuvering MIRVs. MIRVs can perform maneuvers in the atmosphere in heading and altitude;
Loading of SLBM 3M-30 "Bulava" on the SSBN K-535 "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955, Severodvinsk, 2010-2011. (photo by MIT from the Curious archive, http://forums.airbase.ru).
The evolution of views on the layout of the R-30 / 3M-30 Bulava SLBM (hypothetical images):
Hypothetical projections of the rocket R-30 / 3M-30 "Bulava" / SS-NX-32 (c) version 12/19/2010, http: // site
Hypothetical projections of the rocket R-30 / 3M-30 "Bulava" / SS-NX-32 (c) version 11/29/2010, http: // site
Hypothetical projections of the rocket R-30 / 3M-30 "Bulava" / SS-NX-32 (c) version 30.07.2010, http: // site
Status: Russia
May 24, 2004 - an explosion occurred during fire tests of the engine of one of the stages at the Votkinsk Machine-Building Plant.
One of the first launches of the 3M-30 "Bulava" missile with SSBN pr.941UM from a submerged position, probably 23.09.2004
Launch of the 3M-30 "Bulava" missile from SSBN pr.941UM. Probably, the launch was on September 27, 2005 (frame from the film "MIT. 60 years in the strategic direction").
- 2005 November 1 - the first launch as part of the flight test program of a new unified platform for disengaging warheads and the actual unified warheads of ICBMs and SLBMs. The launch was made by the Topol ICBM with a standard launcher from the Kapustin Yar test site. The launch combined tests to extend the guarantee of the Topol missiles and tests of a new warhead breeding platform.
The first launch of the Bulava rocket from a submerged position on December 21, 2005 (http://www.russianspaceweb.com).
The first launch of the Bulava missile from a submerged position on December 21, 2005 (photo - MIT, http://vpk-news.ru/).
- 2006 April 22 - The Strategic Missile Forces launched the K65M-R missile from the Kapustin Yar range in order to develop a single breeding platform with 6 warheads for Topol-M ICBMs and Bulava SLBMs. The launch was carried out at the Sary-Shagan test site, the tests were successful. The main task of this launch is to test a single warhead and new elements of the anti-missile defense complex. This launch is the second launch under the test program. In 2006, General Designer of MIT Yu. Solomonov stated that tests of a new single breeding platform and a single combat unit should be completed in 2008.
- 2007 until the beginning of April - a set of launch equipment for a regular carrier - SSBN pr.955 was produced by the Makeev GRTs and related enterprises and delivered to the Sevmash software for installation on the Yury Dolgoruky SSBN.
2007-2009 - The State Research Center named after Makeev carried out work on the topic of R&D B-30. In particular, testing of components and assemblies of products on a vacuum dynamic stand.
2008 - NPP "Geophysics-Cosmos" began production of 3N30 astro-correction units for the 1st serial batch of 3M-30 rockets.
July 16, 2010 - a source in the Main Staff of the Russian Navy announced plans to resume tests of the Bulava in August 2010. Allegedly, it is planned to make three launches - two from the experimental SSBN pr.941UM and in case of successful launches, the third launch is expected from the SSBN.
July 30, 2010 - information appeared in the media that the first launch of the Bulava missile in 2010 is scheduled for August 11-14, 2010 from the experimental SSBN pr.941UM.
August 09, 2010 - information appeared in the media about the postponement of the test launch without explanation for 2 weeks.
September 03, 2010 - information appeared in the media about the appointment of the launch of the Bulava missile for September 9-12, 2010. The missile should be launched from the SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" pr941UM.
2010 September 20 - information appeared in the media about the appointment of Alexander Sukhadolsky as chief designer of the Bulava SLBM.
September 22, 2010 - the first two launches of the planned three (in 2010) were postponed to the end of September - the beginning of October 2010. Probably, both launches will take place with the SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" pr.941UM.
October 06, 2010 - SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" went to sea from Severodvinsk to conduct a test launch of the Bulava SLBM - the first in 2010 and the first in a series of three launches to verify the correct observance of the missile assembly technology. launch is expected from 7 to 10 October 2010.
October 07, 2010 - The 13th Bulava missile was launched from the waters of the White Sea at the Kura range in Kamchatka from the Dmitry Donskoy SSBN. The launch was declared successful.
Launch of the 3M-30 Bulava SLBM from a submerged position on 07.10.2010 (photo from the Wait4Me archive, http://forums.airbase.ru).
Launch of the SLBM 3M-30 "Bulava" from a submerged position on 10/07/2010 (Korotchenko I. The fate of MIT is part of the history of domestic rocket science. // National Defense No. 4 / 2011).
Launch of the SLBM 3M-30 "Bulava" with SSBN pr.941U "Dmitry Donskoy" on October 7, 2010 (photo from the viktor29rus archive, http://forums.airbase.ru, published on 09/05/2011).
Launch of SLBM 3M-30 "Bulava" with SSBN project 941U "Dmitry Donskoy" on October 7, 2010 (http://zvezdochka-ru.livejournal.com/).
- 2010 October 29 - at 5-30 Moscow time SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" performed the 14th test launch of the Bulava missile. Start successful.
Photo of the Bulava SLBM launch in 2010 - either 10/05/2010 or 10/29/2010 - the second is more likely (photo - MIT, http://old.nationaldefense.ru).
Photo of the Bulava SLBM launch, posted in a number of news about the launch on 09/06/2013, with a high probability on the photo launch on 10/29/2010 (photo - MIT via http://i-korotchenko.livejournal.com).
- December 17, 2010 - it was planned to conduct the first launch of the Bulava SLBM with the Yury Dolgoruky SSBN from the surface (announced in October 2010 plans to launch in December and 11/25/2010 on a more precise date). The launch was canceled on 12/15/2010 and rescheduled for May-June 2011. The official reason for the postponement of the launch is the ice situation in the White Sea.
May 2011 - the beginning of a new stage of testing the Bulava missile system with SSBN pr.955 is expected to begin. Probably, these will be joint state tests of the complex and SSBNs. The state testing program is planned to be completed in August 2011 (lenta.ru, 10/29/2010).
May 16, 2011 - information appeared in the media from the press secretary of the Russian Ministry of Defense Igor Konashenkov that 4 Bulava launches are planned during 2011 and the first launch will take place in June.
June 06, 2011 - SSBN "Dmitry Donskoy" pr.941UM left Severodvinsk for the White Sea. The 15th test launch of the Bulava SLBM is predicted (incorrectly predicted).
June 26, 2011 - information appeared in the media that the launch of the Bulava SLBM is scheduled for June 28, 2011 and will be carried out for the first time from the Yury Dolgoruky SSBN pr.955.
June 28, 2011 - the first in 2011, the 15th launch of the Bulava SLBM from a submerged position was successfully launched from the SSBN "". As a result of the launch, the General Director of OAO "Corporation" MIT "was awarded ( ist. JSC "Corporation...").
Launch of the Bulava SLBM. In the source, it is signed as a launch on 06/28/2011, but a frame of the same launch is found in video collections on the Youtube website in January 2011. Perhaps the photo shows a launch on 10/29/2010 (http://www.mil.ru, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_j-0UJTCIw&feature=related).
- 2011 July 1 - the media stated that with successful test launches during 2011 (a total of 5 launches), the Bulava SLBM will be put into service before the end of 2011.
July 6, 2011 - the media announced that among the test sites planned by the end of 2011 there will be a salvo launch of missiles (probably two missiles in a salvo). launches are planned to be carried out with SSBN pr.955 "Yuri Dolgoruky".
2011 August 18-21 - the SSBN "Yuri Dolgoruky" entered the White Sea, according to the alleged representative of the Sevmash software, which appeared in the media, the SSBN went out to conduct the 16th launch of the SLBM "", but due to problems with the power supply in one of the systems, the submarine returned to eliminate problems at the Sevmash software. Later this information was refuted by RIA Novosti.
2011 August 27 - the 16th launch of the Bulava SLBM from the Yury Dolgoruky pr.955 SSBN was made from the White Sea. The launch was carried out at the maximum range in certain areas in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean. Some media reports that the range was 9300 km, while according to our data, based on an analysis of the coordinates of the White Sea and areas reserved under the rules of international navigation for the fall of SLBM combat units, it was 8800-9000 km.
One of the launches of the 3M-30 Bulava SLBM, probably 2011 (http://militaryphotos.com).
On the website of the Ministry of Defense of Russia, the news about the launch on 08/27/2011 was illustrated by the information service of the Russian Ministry of Defense with a photograph of the launch of the Trident-2 SLBM from the Tennessee SSBN dated December 4, 1989 (http://mil.ru, link to original photo).
This photo of the Bulava SLBM launch accompanies the news about the launch on August 27, 2011 on the website of Channel One (http://www.1tv.ru).
- 2011 August 30 - the media reported that the 17th launch of the Bulava SLBM will take place in the second half of October 2011. The launch is expected from the Yury Dolgoruky SSBN and it is expected that the launch will be with two missiles in salvo. According to a source to the Main Staff of the Russian Navy, if the launch is successful, the issue of adopting the Bulava SLBM into service will be considered.
2011 end of August - the Ministry of Defense and the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering signed three contracts for the supply of strategic missile systems and the R-30 Bulava.
October 22, 2011 - the first serial SSBN pr.955 - K-550 "Alexander Nevsky" entered sea trials. Regarding the launches of the Bulava SLBM with the K-535 Yury Dolgoruky SSBN, it is reported that in the coming days a rehearsal of a salvo launch will take place during the launch of a real 3M-30 Bulava missile and a missile model in the second submarine silo.
October 25, 2011 - ITAR-TASS reports, citing a representative of the PVPK at the Council of Ministers of Russia, that tests of the Bulava SLBM with the Alexander Nevsky SSBN will begin no earlier than the summer of 2012, and the acceptance of SSBNs in the Navy is planned to be completed by the end of 2012.
October 26, 2011 - SSBN "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955 "Borey" entered the next firing of the Bulava SLBM.
October 28, 2011 - the 17th launch of the 3M-30 Bulava SLBM was successfully launched from the White Sea at the Kura range in Kamchatka. The launch was carried out by SSBN K-535 "Yuri Dolgoruky" project 955 "Borey". As it became known later (Izvestia, 10/30/2011), after the successful launch of the first rocket, a sequence of operations was carried out and a command was issued to launch the second rocket, the role of which was played by a mock-simulator. Salvo launch training was successful. The 3K30 SLBM complex is planned to be put into service before the end of the year after another single launch and after a two-missile salvo launch.
November 28, 2011 - with reference to a source in the Main Staff of the Russian Navy, Interfax reports that the Bulava SLBM test missions have been postponed to 2012. It was previously announced that the next missile launch (including, possibly, a salvo) will take place on November 28-29, 2011.
December 23, 2011 - a salvo two-rocket launch of the Bulava SLBM was carried out from the standard carrier of the SSBN "". The launch was successful.
- 2012 August 10 - the media reported that during the tests the entire ammunition of the Bulava missiles was used up, and to complete the tests in 2012, missiles from the regular ammunition load of the Yury Dolgoruky SSBN will probably be used up. Earlier, it was also reported that the completion of tests of the Yury Dolgoruky SSBN weapon system would be carried out without launching a rocket.
2012 August 17 - information appeared in the media that the only launch of the Bulava SLBM in 2012 will take place in November as part of the tests of the Alexander Nevsky SSBN. After this launch, the SSBN will probably be accepted into the Navy.
September 21, 2012 - with reference to a statement by the Minister of Defense of Russia Anatoly Serdyukov, the media report problems with the software of the automatic control system of the Bulava SLBM, which prevent it from continuing its tests ().
April 12, 2013 - General Director of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "NPO Avtomatiki" Leonid Shalimov told the media that during 2013 two launches of Bulava SLBMs are planned with "confirmation of the commercial batch of missiles." Shalimov noted that the Bulava complex was put into trial operation by the Navy, so all emergency situations that may arise during the launch of the Bulava are associated with manufacturing defects, and not design developments. A source in the Russian defense industry reports that in late June - early July, the first serial nuclear submarine Alexander Nevsky of project 955 (code Borey) will go to sea to continue state tests.
September 14, 2013 - Kommersant weekly reports, citing a source in the military-industrial complex, about the reasons for the emergency launch on 09/06/2013 - "90% is certain that the reason lies in problems with the retractable nozzle nozzle of the second stage. Most likely, it came out only partially, as a result of which the engine could not reach its rated thrust."
Photo of the launch of the SLBM 3M-30 "Bulava" from the SSBN pr.955. The photo is presented as a photo of the launch on September 10, 2014, but in fact it is a photo of the launch on October 7, 2010 (http://bastion-karpenko.ru/).
Photo of the launch of the SLBM 3M-30 "Bulava" from SSBN pr.955 from MIT. Launch photo 09/10/2014 ().
Stages of flight and self-destruction of the second rocket of the two-rocket salvo of 3M-30 Bulava missiles from the Yury Dolgoruky SSBN pr.
Launch of the 3M-30 "Bulava" missile from the SSBN "Yuri Dolgoruky" pr.
The cause of the explosion at the NPC "Altai" could be a violation of safety rules. // Vedomosti. 03/06/2007
Rockets and spacecraft of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau. Dnepropetrovsk, City Clinical Hospital "Yuzhnoye", 2000
RIA News". Site http://rian.ru, 2010
Site of Russian military equipment. Forum http://www.rusarmy.com/forum, 2009
SKB-385, Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering, SRC "Design Bureau named after Academician V.P. Makeev". M., "Military Parade", 2007
Telmanov D. "Mace" simulated war. // News. October 30, 2011
The first flight test of the newest Bulava ballistic missile was successfully carried out. // New region - 2. 03.10.2005
Forum "Stealth Machines". Website http://paralay.iboards.ru, 2009
Khazbiev A., Tyumenev V., "Bulava" will hit with a boomerang. // Expert. №4 / 2009
Shirshikov A., Can "Mace" be on the shoulder? // Northern worker. January 31, 2007
Balancer.ru - forum materials http://forums.airbase.ru/, 2009, 2011
DTIG. Website http://www.dtig.org, 2010
Encyclodepia Astronautica, 2013 ().
fact sheet. START aggregate numbers of strategic offensive arms. 1 July 2009. http://www.state.gov, 2010.
Russian warhead alters course midflight in test. Washington Times, 11/20/2005
The strategic nuclear submarine cruiser Yuri Dolgoruky fired four of the latest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) Bulava from the White Sea in one salvo, the Russian Defense Ministry reports. Warheads successfully hit targets at the Kura training ground, which is located on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
The military department emphasized that salvo firing of such a number of ICBMs on Project 955 Borey cruisers was performed for the first time. The launch was carried out from a submerged position as part of the planned combat training activities. The crew of the nuclear-powered ship demonstrated high professionalism and naval skills.
- "Yuri Dolgoruky" made a successful salvo launch of Bulava missiles - video of the Russian Ministry of Defense
Currently, the Navy has three Project 955 cruisers. Alexander Nevsky and Yuri Dolgoruky were commissioned in 2013, and Vladimir Monomakh in 2014.
In 2019, the Russian Navy will receive the first submarine of the improved Borei-A project, the Prince Vladimir. Four more cruisers are under construction at Sevmash (Severodvinsk): Prince Oleg, Generalissimo Suvorov, Emperor Alexander III, and Prince Pozharsky.
According to TASS, citing a source in the military-industrial complex, after 2023, six more Project 955A submarines will be built. From the further modernization of the project to the level of "Borey-B", which was originally planned, it was decided to abandon.
“The reason, apparently, is the lack of finances, but there is nothing critical in the rejection of Borea-B. "Borey-A" fully meets the needs of the military. Moreover, over the 15 years of its existence, the 955 project has been constantly improved. The younger the cruiser, the more efficient it is. Nothing prevents the installation of more advanced equipment on each new submarine, ”Dmitry Kornev, founder of the Military Russia portal, explained the situation in an interview with RT.
Naval arsenal
The R-30 Bulava ballistic missile for arming the Borey cruisers was developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering (MIT). According to experts, the developments of the 15Zh59 Courier mobile small-sized ICBM project were used during the creation (work was stopped in 1991 in connection with the implementation).
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The design of the Bulava and the creation of communication systems and equipment for it started in the late 1990s. Throw tests of prototypes began in the early 2000s, flight tests - in 2004. In 2007, mass production of the main components of the future rocket was launched.
The test phase (2005-2012) of the Bulava was uneven, 6 out of 12 launches were unsuccessful. However, six successful launches in 2010-2011 demonstrated the serviceability of the electronic systems modified by specialists. January 10, 2013 R-30 was adopted by the Navy.
The Bulava is a solid-propellant rocket, characterized by unpretentiousness in operation. Its main feature in a dry start is that before launch, the shaft from which the rocket flies out is not filled with water. This reduces the likelihood of the cruiser being detected by enemy sonar systems.
In addition to the Bulava, the marine component of the nuclear triad of the Russian Federation is armed with the R-29RMU2 Sineva liquid-propellant ICBM (2007) and its modernized version R-29RMU2.1 Liner (2014). Liquid-propellant missiles are equipped with nuclear cruisers of project 67BDRM "Dolphin" and project 667BDR "Kalmar".
- Launch of the Sineva ballistic missile from the Verkhoturye SSBN
- Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
"Sineva" and "Liner" are less safe to operate than the "Mace", but they surpass it in terms of energy-mass characteristics, that is, in terms of the ratio of range, mass, combat load and power. Russian sea-launched liquid-propellant missiles are the most effective ballistic missiles in the world,” Kornev said.
All three Russian ICBMs are equipped with equipment that allows them to penetrate missile defense systems, including advanced models. However, due to their small size, sea-based missiles are inferior in power to ground-based options.
Reliability test and show of strength
In 2004, taking into account the first throw test of a weight-size model, the Navy carried out a total of 32 Bulava launches. The first salvo launch took place on December 23, 2011 from the cruiser Yuri Dolgoruky from the White Sea. Warheads of two ICBMs successfully reached their targets at the Kura training ground.
On November 14, 2015, two Bulavas were launched for the first time from the Vladimir Monomakh cruiser, which was in the White Sea. According to the Ministry of Defense, salvo firing confirmed the reliability of the Bulava automatics when using standard ammunition.
On September 27, 2016, an “experimental salvo fire” was carried out from the Yuri Dolgoruky with two ICBMs. According to Kornev, a salvo of four missiles dated May 22, 2018 was required to test the reliability of the launch support system installed on the Boreys, as well as to check the accuracy of the Bulava during salvo fire.
“As a rule, a salvo launch is carried out from a submerged position at a depth of 50 meters. During the uniform movement of the submarine, missiles fly out at intervals of 1-2 seconds. Automation does everything, but the simultaneous launch of several missiles is always stressful for equipment, ”said Kornev.
As the expert explained, the departure of the ICBM leads to weight loss of the cruiser. Thus, the submarine shifts with each launch. Involuntary changes in the position of the nuclear-powered ship can lead to a failure of the flight program and, as a result, adversely affect the accuracy.
“This is a very important part of hardware testing. When launching, the Bulava must know its geographical position, take into account the depth and speed of the submarine. If the automation worked properly, then after launch, this smart missile enters a trajectory that will allow it to hit the target, ”said Kornev.
- Underwater cruiser "Yuri Dolgoruky"
- RIA News
Previously, large-scale salvo firing was carried out during the Cold War. In late Soviet times, as part of Operation Behemoth, strategic cruisers practiced the launch of 16 ICBMs, that is, the entire ammunition load.
“Now it makes no sense to make a salvo of eight or 16 missiles. After all, such tests in the Soviet fleet were carried out to work out a one-time massive nuclear strike. In our time, volley fire from a technical point of view is necessary to check the reliability of all systems and components, from a political point of view, it is a demonstration of strength and readiness to increase combat capabilities, ”Kornev emphasized.
