M45 (missile)

The M45 SLBM is a French Navy submarine-launched ballistic missile (In French terminology, the MSBS - Mer-Sol-Ballistique-Stratégique (Sea-ground-Strategic ballistic missile).) Forty-eight M45 are in commission in the Force océanique stratégique, the submarine nuclear deterrent component of the French Navy. The missiles, derived from the M4, were produced by Aérospatiale (now EADS SPACE Transportation). Initially, an ICBM land-based version was considered, but these plans were discarded in 1996 to favour an all-naval deployment.

M45 SLBM
TypeSLBM
Service history
In service1996
Production history
ManufacturerAerospatiale (1996-2000) now EADS SPACE Transportation
Specifications
Mass35 t
Length11.05 m (36.3 ft)
Diameter1.93 m (6.3 ft)
Warhead6 x 110 kt TN 75
Engine3-stage 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 differs from its predecessor by its increased range (6,000 km vs. 4,000 km), its increased accuracy and penetration capabilities and its new TN-75 warheads. Each missile carries six MIRVs, each armed with a thermonuclear warhead of 110 kt. The M45 has a reported accuracy of 350 m CEP using an inertial missile guidance system coupled with computer payload control. It will be succeeded by the M51 SLBM.

The Ministry of Defense had planned to replace the M45 model with the M51 model since 2004, but this plan was only speculated to be finalized in 2017. 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 be used.[1]

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

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.

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.

Operators
 France

See also

Sources and references
  1. "M45". Missile Threat. Retrieved 5 April 2019.

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