S3 (missile)
S3 | |
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Solid-fuel rocket 534 kN (120,000 lbf) | |
Propellant | 23,000 kg (51,000 lb) solid fuel |
Operational range | 3,500 km (2,200 mi) |
Guidance system | Inertial |
Launch platform | Silo, Plateau d'Albion |
The S3 was a French land-based
Design
The S3 is a two-stage, solid-propellant
The first stage carries 16,940 kg (37,350 lb) of fuel and burns for 72 seconds. The second stage carries 6,015 kg (13,261 lb) and burns for 58 seconds. The
Operational history
From 1971, the main land-based component of the French
A first 9-missile group was deployed at Apt-Saint-Christol air base, on the Plateau d'Albion in the Vaucluse region, entering service in 1982. The second group followed soon after. 40 missiles were built, 13 being used on trials.
The S3 were originally planned to be replaced around 2005 by a land-based version of the M5, the submarine missile planned at the time. As the M5 project was itself delayed and eventually cancelled in favour of the M51, in 1994, the replacement was rescheduled to be a land-based version of the M45.[2] The 18 S3D missile silos were deactivated in September 1996, and within two years and after an expenditure of US$77.5 million, the silos and related facilities were fully dismantled.[3] They would not be replaced.
References
- ^ SSBS S3 at Astronautix.com
- ^ https://nuke.fas.org/guide/france/slbm/m-5.htm
- ^ Norris, Robert S.; Arkin, William M.; Kristensen, Hans M.; Handler, Joshua (1 July 2001). "French Nuclear Forces, 2001". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
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General view of the missile
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First stage
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Exhaust of the first stage
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Second stage
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Exhaust of the second stage
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Instruments of the 2nd stage
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Warhead
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Instruments of the warhead
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Inertial unit
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Missile silo cover and technical services building at the Sirene Observatory, Plateau d'Albion
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Missile silo cover 1.5m thick