- M45 SLBM
Infobox Weapon
is_missile=yes
name=M45 SLBM
caption=
origin=
type=ICBM
used_by=
manufacturer=EADS SPACE Transportation
unit_cost=
propellant=
production_date=
service=1996
engine=3-stage solid
engine_power=
weight=35 t
length=11.05 m
height=
diameter=1.93 m
wingspan=
speed=
vehicle_range=6,000 km
ceiling=
altitude=
filling=6 x 100 Kt TN 75
guidance=Inertial plus computer payload control
detonation=
launch_platform="Triomphant" class submarinesThe M45 SLBM is the current standard French Navy'ssubmarine launched ballistic missile (In French terminology the MSBS - "Mer-Sol-Ballistique-Stratégique" (Sea-ground-Strategic ballistic missile). Around 200 M45 are in commission in theFOST , the submarine nuclear deterrent component of theFrench Navy .The missiles, derived from the M4, are produced by
Aerospatiale (nowEADS SPACE Transportation ). Initially, anICBM land-based version was considered but these plans were discarded in 1996 to favour an all-naval deployment.The M45 differs from its predecessor by its increased range (6000 km vs. 4000 km), its increased accuracy and penetration capabilities and its new TN-75 warheads. Each missile carries six
MIRV s, each armed with a thermonuclear warhead of 100 kT.The M45 has a reported accuracy of 350 m CEP using an inertial guidance system coupled with computer payload control. It will be succeeded by the
M51 SLBM .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 nearFrench Guiana .Operators
;FRA
*French Navy
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