M45 (missile)
M45 SLBM | |
---|---|
Type | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | 6,000 km (3,700 mi) |
Guidance system | Inertial plus computer payload control |
Launch platform | Triomphant-class submarines |
The M45 SLBM was a French Navy submarine-launched ballistic missile (In French terminology, the MSBS - Mer-Sol-Ballistique-Stratégique (Sea-ground-Strategic ballistic missile).)
Forty-eight M45 were in commission in the
The M45 differs from its predecessor by its increased range (6,000 km vs. 4,000 km), its increased accuracy and penetration capabilities and its new
The Ministry of Defense had planned to replace the M45 model with the M51 model since 2004, but the last M45 was only removed from service in 2016.[1] However, its successor, the M51 model, was formally introduced in 2010 and has since entered service. Throughout its service, only 64 out of the 192 missiles that were built are believed to have been used.[2]
Tests
In March 1986, a M-4 missile was launched and covered 6,000 km to its target; this flight is rumoured to have been the first test flight for the M-45.[citation needed]
On the night of the 1–2 June 2004, the Triomphant-class submarine Vigilant fired a version of the M45 from the southern part of Brittany; the missile hit its target near French Guiana.
Former Operators
- French Navy - Original primary armament for the Triomphant-class SSBN. As of 2016, replaced by the M51 SLBM.
See also
- M51 (missile)
- R-29 Vysota
- R-29RM Shtil
- R-29RMU Sineva
- R-29RMU2 Layner
- RSM-56 Bulava
- UGM-133 Trident II
- JL-1
- JL-2
- K Missile family
- Pukkuksong-1
- R-39 Rif
- R-39M
Sources and references