FRENCH MSBS PROGRAMMES (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles)

Since France first starting developing its nuclear deterrent force, EADS SPACE Transportation and its predecessor companies have been in charge of these ballistic missile systems on behalf of the defence procurement agency DGA (Délégation Générale pour l’Armement), part of the French Ministry of Defence. EADS SPACE Transportation is responsible for development of the missiles, as well as launch systems at the Ile Longue naval base and onboard French nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SNLE). It is also in charge of keeping these systems in operational condition throughout their lifespan.

Strategic Oceanic Force (abbreviated FOST in French) currently deploys four SNLE-class submarines, the first-generation L’Inflexible, and the new-generation (SNLE-NG) Le Triomphant, Le Téméraire and Le Vigilant. All of these submarines are equipped with 16 multiple-warhead M-4 nuclear missiles, offering a range of more than 4,000 kilometres. The M-4 is a three-stage missile which entered service in 1985.

One other SNLE-NG submarine is already under construction, Le Terrible; it will be achived in 2010. These new-generation submarines feature a very low acoustic signature, which reduces detectability and makes the MSBS system even more effective.

Working on behalf of the DGA, EADS SPACE Transportation is prime contractor for overall aspects of the MSBS, including the ballistic missiles themselves, the associated firing installation, launch systems, flight software as well as mission preparation harware and software. Company staff is assigned to the Ile Longue naval base, where the missiles are assembled, delivered, stored and prepared in Frecnh Navy specialised workshops. To ensure operability, EADS SPACE Transportation provides all technical assistance services required by the French Navy, while also overseeing the safety and security of the missiles, submarines crews and personnal. In particular, EADS SPACE Transportation handles technical monitoring of the ballistic missile system, based on an ongoing technical analysis, allied with a total reliability approach to hardware and software.

Since the first-generation M1 submarine-launched strategic ballistic missile entered service in 1971, several generations have been deployed: the increased range M2 in 1974, the M20 with a megaton-class warhead in 1976, and the larger, three-stage (instead of two) M4 in 1985, multiple warheads delivering capabilities. Deployment of the enhanced performance M45 was completed in 1999. The new-generation M51 will enter service in 2010.

The M4 generation of ballistic missiles features multiple warheads and a range of more than 4,000 kilometres. They were gradually deployed on the first-generation of SNLE submarines starting in 1985, taking over for the previous M20 missiles. EADS SPACE Transportation also developed an enhanced version, designated M45, with higher-performance TN75 nuclear warheads (stealthier RV and penetration aids) to counter early 21st century defence system developments. The M45 entered service aboard Le Triomphant in spring 1997.

Range: 4,000 km
Diameter : 1.80 m                   
Height: 11 m
Gross mass: 35 tonnes               
Guidance: Inertial

The M5 is the new generation of French strategic ballistic missiles, designed to keep pace with evolving threats and defences. The programme was initiated in 1992 and confirmed in 1996. Compared with its immediate predecessor, the M45, it offers significantly greater range and payload capacity, as well as greater accuracy.

The M51 is a three-stage missile, weighing a total of 50 tonnes (versus 35 for the M4). Each of its stages is powered by a solid rocket motor equipped with a flex-bearing nozzle for TVC. The structures are made of wound carbon-epoxy fibre.

The M51 will feature multiple warheads, with far greater payload mass and volume (including warheads and penetration aids). It also offers longer range than the M4, enabling submarines to expand their patrol zones.

The French MoD launched the development of a new-generation sub-launched missile, the M5, in December 1992, carrying on the improvements in these missiles since 1971. In February 1996 the programme was confirmed, although some specifications were revised to take into account a 20% decrease in the budget. The new missile, dubbed the M51, would still maintain most of the basic characteristics of the M5.

In late 1997, under the impetus of the DGA, an initiative called “Minos” identified several billion francs worth of savings in the M51 and other Strategic Ocean Force programmes. EADS worked hand in hand with the DGA on this initiative. Savings for the M51 were generated on two levels, the deployment calendar and various technical and operational changes:

In December 2000, EADS SPACE Transportation was awarded a contract covering the development work for the M51.1 version.

The development of the M51 is currently on line with the objective of the first flight mid 2006 and the qualification of the missile in 2006.

In December 2004, EADS SPACE Transportation was awarded a contract covering the production work for the M51.1 version, through operational deployment in 2010.

1992 : programme launch

1996 : start of SRM ground firing tests

2000 : order for the fourth SNLE-NG to M51 standard

2002 : firing tests of dummy missile from underwater caisson

2004 : start of production phase

2006 : first firing test from underwater caisson

2009 : firing tests of development missiles from SNLE

2010 : service entry of M51.1 with TN75 warheads

2015 : service entry of M51.2 with oceanic warheads (TNO

EADS SPACE Transportation is the European specialist for access to space and manned space activities. It develops and produces Ariane launchers, the Columbus laboratory and the ATV cargo carrier for the International Space Station, atmospheric re-entry vehicles, missile systems for France's deterrent force, propulsion systems and space equipment.

EADS SPACE Transportation is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS SPACE, which is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems. In 2004, EADS SPACE had a turnover of €2.6 billion and 11,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain.

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