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M45 (missile)
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M45 SLBM
Type
ICBM
Service history
In service
1996
Production history
Manufacturer
EADS SPACE Transportation
Specifications
Weight
35 t
Length
11.05 m
Diameter
1.93 m
Warhead
6 x 110 kt TN 75
Engine
3-stage solid
Operational
range
6,000 km
Guidance
system
Inertial plus computer payload control
Launch
platform
Triomphant class submarines
The M45 SLBM is the current standard French Navy's submarine launched ballistic missile (In French terminology, the MSBS - Mer-Sol-Ballistique-Stratégique (Sea-ground-Strategic ballistic missile).) Forty-eight M45 are in commission in the Force océanique stratégique, the submarine nuclear deterrent component of the French Navy.The missiles, derived from the M4, are produced by Aérospatiale (now EADS SPACE Transportation). Initially, an ICBM land-based version was considered but these plans were discarded in 1996 to favour an all-naval deployment. The M45 differs from its predecessor by its increased range (6,000 km vs. 4,000 km), its increased accuracy and penetration capabilities and its new TN-75 warheads. Each missile carries six MIRVs, each armed with a thermonuclear warhead of 110 kt.The M45 has a reported accuracy of 350 m CEP using an inertial guidance system coupled with computer payload control. It will be succeeded by the M51 SLBM.
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