Russia successfully test-fires new Bulava missile

Russia successfully test-fires new Bulava missile

2010-10-29 21:15:28 GMT+7 (ICT)

MOSCOW (BNO NEWS) -- Russia on Friday carried out another successful test launch of its new nuclear-capable RSM-56 Bulava inter-continental ballistic missile, the Defense Ministry said.

After the launch in the White Sea, made from the Northern Fleet's cruiser Dmitry Donskoi at 0110 GMT, the missile struck its target in the Kura Test Range in Kamchatka peninsula, in the country's Far East.

The Bulava, a submarine launched version of Topol-M land-based ICBMs, has suffered seven failures in 13 tests, the latest on December 9, 2009 reportedly caused by a defective engine nozzle.

The latest successful test was carried out on October 7.

Moscow decided in 1998 to develop the three-stage solid-propellant ballistic missile in order to equip its military with advanced defense capabilities making it resistant to missile-defense systems.

The Bulava missile is said to be capable of making evasive maneuvers during its flight and as it approaches the target, enabling it to evade terminal phase interceptors.

The warhead has also been reported as being shielded against radiation, electromagnetic interference and physical disturbance.

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