RSM-56 Bulava facts for kids

Quick facts for kids RSM-56 Bulava
Bulava launched from submarine Yuri Dolgoruky on 28 October 2011
Type	SLBM
Place of origin	Russia
Service history
In service	2018–present
Used by	Russian Navy
Production history
Designer	Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology
Manufacturer	Votkinsk Plant State Production Association
Unit cost	$32.2 million (2012)
Produced	2011
Specifications
Mass	36.8 t (36.2 long tons; 40.6 short tons)
Length	11.5 m (38 ft) (without warhead) 12.1 m (40 ft) (launch container)
Diameter	2 m (6 ft 7 in) (missile) 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) (launch container)
Warhead	6-10 × 100-150 kt MIRVs
Engine	Three stage solid and liquid head stage
Payload capacity	1150 kg
Propellant	Solid propellant and liquid fuel
Operational range	8,300 km ≥ 9,300, 15,000km
Guidance system	Inertial guidance, possibly with Astro-inertial guidance and/or GLONASS update
Accuracy	classified
Launch platform	Borei-class submarines Typhoon-class submarine Dmitri Donskoi (as a testbed)

The RSM-56 Bulava is a powerful submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) made for the Russian Navy. It was first used in 2019. This missile is carried by the new Borei class class of nuclear submarines.

The Bulava missile is a very important part of Russia's nuclear triad. This means it's one of three main ways Russia can deliver nuclear weapons: from land, air, or sea. The word "Bulava" (Булава) is Russian for "mace", which is a type of heavy club.

The Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology designed this missile. Work on it began in the late 1990s. It was created to replace an older missile called the R-39 Rif. Each Project 955/955A Borei-class submarine can carry 16 of these missiles.

In 2018, the Bulava missile system was officially accepted for use by the Russian Navy. This happened after successful tests, including one where four missiles were launched at once.

What is the Bulava Missile?

A Bulava missile being tested in June 2017.

The Bulava missile was developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology. The main designer was Yury Solomonov. Even though it uses some ideas from the RT-2PM2 Topol-M ICBM (an intercontinental ballistic missile), the Bulava is mostly a brand new design.

The Bulava is like a submarine version of the Topol-M. It is lighter and thinner than some other missiles. Both missiles can travel similar distances and have similar accuracy. The Bulava can carry a payload of 1,150 kilograms up to 9,500 kilometers.

How the Bulava Missile Works

The missile has three parts, called stages.

• The first two stages use solid fuel to push the missile.
• The third stage uses liquid fuel. This allows the missile to move very well when its warheads are separating.

The Bulava can be launched even when the submarine is moving at an angle. It flies at a low height, which means it can be called a "quasi-ballistic missile." This type of missile flies on a flatter path than a typical ballistic missile. It is also thought to have special ways to avoid missile defense systems. It can even change direction during its early flight.

Role in Nuclear Defense

The Borei-class submarines, which carry Bulava missiles, are expected to be a key part of Russia's nuclear defense until at least 2040. This shows how important the Bulava missile is for Russia's military plans.

The Bulava missile can also be loaded onto other types of launchers. These include mobile launchers that travel on roads or special railway trains.

Bulava Missile Specifications

Here's how the Bulava missile compares to some other similar missiles:

See also

In Spanish: R-30 Bulava para niños