M51 (missile)

M51 SLBM
Type	SLBM
Service history
In service	27 september 2010
Production history
Manufacturer	EADS Astrium Space Transportation
Unit cost	4 billion Euro for the programme
Specifications
Weight	52,000 kg
Length	12.0 m
Diameter	2.3 m
Warhead	M51.1 = 6 to 10 TN 75 MIRV using the 100 kt of TNT (420 TJ), with penetration aids. M51.2 (2015) = using the new Tête Nucléaire Océanique
Engine	three stage solid propellant
Operational range	>10,000 km
Speed	Mach 25
Guidance system	Inertial & star positioning
Launch platform	Triomphant class submarines

The M51 SLBM is a submarine-launched ballistic missile, built by EADS Astrium Space Transportation, and deployed with the French Navy. Designed to replace the M45 SLBM (In French terminology the MSBS - Mer-Sol-Balistique-Stratégique “Sea-ground-Strategic ballistic”, it was first deployed in 2010.

Each missile carries six to ten independently targetable TN 75 thermonuclear warheads.

The three-stage engine of the M51 is directly derived from the solid propellant boosters of Ariane 5.

The missiles are a compromise over the M5 SLBM design, which is to have a range of 11,000 km (6,800 mi) and carry 10 TNO MIRV of the new generation (Tête Nucléaire Océanique, “Oceanic nuclear warhead”). The M51 will enter service in 2010.

Flight tests

The M51 performed its first flight test (unarmed) on 9 November 2006 from the French missile flight test centre in Biscarrosse (Landes). The target was reached twenty minutes later, in the north-west of the Atlantic Ocean.

A second and third successful test were carried out on 21 June 2007 and 13 November 2008 .

On 27 January 2010, at 9h25, a missile was launched underwater by the Terrible, from Audierne Bay. The missile reached its target 2000 kilometres off South Carolina; the 4500 kilometre flight took less than 20 minutes .

The 10 July 2010 test validated the Triomphant class submarine capacity to launch a M51 in operational conditions.

Operators

France

French Navy is the only operator of the missile.

Sources and references

• nrdc.org: Table of French Nuclear Forces, 2002
• globalsecurity.org M-5 / M-51
• M51 Gives France More Flexible Deterrent To Meet Changing Threats, Aviation Week

Comparison of different nuclear systems: left, the SNLE (Redoutable type) with the M4 missile; right, the SNLE-NG (Triomphant type) with the previous M45 missile and the actual M51 missile.