M51 SLBM

_Missile|

          name=M51 SLBM|
          image=Missile-ballistique-M5-eclate.jpg |

Function=ICBM| Contractor= EADS SPACE Transportation|

          Unit_cost= 4 billion Euro|
          Deployment= 2008|

Engine= three stage solid propellant| Launch_mass= 48,000 kg|

          Length= 12.0 m|
          Diameter=2.3 m |
          Wing_span= |
          Speed= |
          Range= 8,000–10,000 km|
          Flying_altitude= |

Warhead= 6 TN 75 MIRV using the 100 kt of TNT (420 TJ), with penetration aids |

          Guidance=Inertial  |
          Fuzes= |

Launch_platform=Triomphant class submarines |

          }}

The M51 SLBM is the future French Navy's submarine launched ballistic missile, designed to replace the M45 SLBM (In French terminology the MSBS - Mer-Sol-Balistique-Stratégique "Sea-ground-Strategic ballistic")

Each missile carries six independently targetable TN 75 thermonuclear warheads.

The missiles are a compromise over the M5 SLBM design, which is to have a range of 11,000 km and carry 10 TNO MIRV of the new generation (Tête Nucléaire Océanique, "Oceanic nuclear warhead"). The M51 will enter service in 2008.

Operators

* : The French Navy expects to have the M51 enter service in 2008, and will be the only operator of the missile.

External links

*nrdc.org: Table of French Nuclear Forces, 2002
*globalsecurity.org M-5 / M-51

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.