The M-5 is the new generation of French strategic submarine-launched ballistic missiles, designed to keep pace with changing threats and defences, to be operational at the end of the decade. As for all the ballistic missile systems in France nuclear deterrence force, Astrium is prime contractor for their development, production, deployment and maintenance.
On 27 November 2003, off the French Mediterranean coast near Toulon, after many weeks of rigorous preparation, the first real-size, fully equipped mock-up of the M-51 missile was ejected from the Cetacé underwater rig, an apparatus which replicates a submarine storage and launch tube. The 10-metre long, 52-tonne mock-up performed perfectly, projected out of the water at a speed of around 20 m/s to a height of about 20 metres and then falling back into the sea; deploying its airbag system to cushion impact on re-entry. The reusable mock-up was then recovered and brought ashore for processing and analysis of the 400-odd measurements recorded during the test.
Designed for the hunt
The M-51 is significantly different to the M-45, its currently operational predecessor, in terms of shape, size, weight and even its interface with the submarine launch tubes. It will feature multiple warheads, with far greater payload mass and volume (including warheads and penetration aids). It also offers longer range than the M-4, enabling submarines to expand their patrol zones. Weighing a total of 50 tonnes (compared to 35 for the M-4 missiles), each of its three stages is powered by a solid rocket motor equipped with a flex-bearing nozzle. The structures are made of wound carbon-epoxy fibre.
