Russia to conduct final 2011 test launch of Bulava missile

The Russian Bulava (SS-NX-30) submarine-launched ballistic missile will undergo its last trial this year by the end of this month.

According to RIA Novosti, Russia will conduct a salvo launch of at least two missiles from the new Borei-class strategic submarine Yury Dolgoruky.

The launch is the fouth in six months from the submarine, following previous launches in June, August and November this year.

Bulava is capable of carrying ten warheads with a range of 8,000km and has been successful nine times out of 17 launches to date.

The missile, which was designed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology, is expected to replace the R-39 solid-fuel SLBM.