French defence procurement agency (DGA) has successfully carried out test flight of its strategic M51 submarine launched ballistic missi...
French defence procurement agency (DGA) has successfully carried out test flight of its strategic M51 submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from DGA's Ballistic Launching Base (BLB) in Biscarosse on Wednesday, September 30.
The flight test was part of development of a new version capable of carrying improved nuclear warhead.
The nuclear capable missile with dummy payload impacted the target located in the North Atlantic ocean. The missile was monitored throughout its flight phase by means of DGA testing facility including testing and building measures "Monge" (BEM).
With range over 10,000 km, the 50 tonne missile is built and maintained by Airbus Defense and Space, along with sub contractors Sagem, Thales and G2P.
The three stage missile is powered by a solid rocket motor equipped with a flex-bearing nozzle. The first and second stage structures are made of wound carbon-epoxy fibre.
The M51 now arms two of the four French Navy Triomphant-class nuclear submarines, with the other two to be retrofitted within 2020.
The nuclear submarine Le Terrible has been equipped with the M51 since late 2010.
