- Pluton (missile)
Infobox Weapon
is_missile=yes
name=Pluton
caption=
origin=
type=Short-range tactical ballistic nuclear missile (SRBM)
used_by=
manufacturer=SNIAS
unit_cost=
propellant=
production_date=
service=1974 (terminated in 1993)
engine=Single-stage solid
engine_power=
weight=2,423 kg
length=7.64 m
height=
diameter=0.65 m
wingspan=
speed=1100 m/s
vehicle_range=120 km
ceiling=
altitude=
filling=- Nuclear 15 kt of TNT
- Nuclear 25 kt of TNT
- Conventional High-Explosive
guidance=Inertial
detonation=
launch_platform=TEL platform on an AMX-30 chassisThe Pluton missile was a French nuclear-armedshort-range ballistic missile (SRBM) system launched from atransporter erector launcher (TEL) platform mounted on anAMX 30 tank chassis. It was designed to provide the tactical part of French nuclear deterrence during theCold War .The Pluton came in replacement of the U.S.-built "
Honest John " missile. It had an operating range between 17 and 120 km, with a CEP of 150 m. This short range only allowed strikes on targets inWest Germany or within France itself, which led to the development of the longer ranged "Hadès" missile.The system was relatively light-weight, which allowed its deployment in difficult conditions. A CT-20 drone was available to provide last-minute information about the target before launch, making the "Pluton" system battle-capable.
There were five "Pluton" regiments in the North of France, each having six launchers:
*3rd Artillery Regiment inMailly
*4th Artillery Regiment inLaon
*15th Artillery Regiment inSuippes
*32nd Artillery Regiment inOberrhoffen
*74th Artillery Regiment inBelfort A project for an updated version, called "Super-Pluton", was dropped in favour of the "Hadès" project, and the aging "Pluton" was gradually discarded until completely retired in
1993 .Operators
;FRA
*French Army External links
* [http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/pluton.htm "Pluton" on astronautix.com]
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