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European Nuclear Forces

S-2
The original S-2 strategic missile force formed the main land-based element of the
French force de frappe, (later the force de dissuasion) from the early 1970s. In 1973 a
program was initiated to develop the second generation SSBS Sol-Sol-Balistique-
Strategique) system, the S-3, entailing the renovation of the first two groups of S-2 silos
and replacing the missiles with the S-3 model. Development of the S-3 was completed in
1980. Deployment of the S-3 began in 1980, and both groups of nine silos were
operational by the end of 1982
S-3
The S-3 was an intermediate range, silo-based, solid propellant, single warhead ballistic
missile. In September 1996, France shut down its 18 land-based nuclear missiles. It was
expected to take two years to dismantle the missiles and their concrete silos.

The French designation for the S-3 is Type S-3D/TN-61. In 1973 a program was initiated
to develop the second generation SSBS (Sol-Sol-Balistique-Strategique) system, the S-3,
entailing the renovation of the first two groups of S-2 silos and replacing the missiles
with the S-3 model. Development of the S-3 was completed in 1980, and it was initially
planned that S-3 might be replaced by a land-based version of the M-5 missile by about
2005. By 1993 it was decided that there would be no replacement system, though plans
announced in 1994 indicated that a land-based version of the M-4 missile might replace
the S-3 missiles on the Plateau d'Albion by 2005.

The S-3 is a two stage, solid propellant, intermediate range missile with a length of 13.8
m, a base diameter of 1.5 m and a launch weight of 25800 kg. It has a range of around
3500 km. S-3 has the same first stage as the S-2 with a solid propellant weight of 16940
kg and a burn time of 72 seconds, with a second stage, the P-6, originally developed for
the MSBS (Mer-Sol-Balistique-Strategique) M-20 missile, with a solid propellant weight
of 6015 kg and a burn time of 58 seconds. An advanced re-entry system is reported to be
incorporated in the system. The re-entry system is also said to be radiation hardened and
to contain a new system of penetration aids to improve defence penetration. The S-3 has a
single nuclear warhead, TN61, believed to have a yield of 1.2 MT and carried within a
payload of 1000 kg.

Launch facilities include the silo in which the missile is maintained in operational
readiness, and an annexe housing the automatic launching equipment and the support
services. Launch facilities are hardened against nuclear effects.

Deployment of the S-3 began in 1980. The first group of nine missiles and their
associated silo installations on the Plateau d'Albion were officially inaugurated in May
1980, and both groups of nine silos were operational by the end of 1982 making a total
deployment of 18 missiles. Reports indicate that about 40 S-3 missiles were
manufactured with a further 13 test missiles.

Specifications
Aerospatiale, Space and Strategic Systems Division,
prime contractor
Les Mureaux
Length 13.8 m
Body diameter 1.5 m
Launch weight 25800 kg
Payload Single warhead 1000 kg
Warhead 1.2 MT nuclear
Guidance Inertial
Propulsion 2 stage solid propellant
Range 3500 km
Accuracy n/k
S-4
The S-4 was an intermediate range, silo-based and mobile, solid propellant, MRV
capable ballistic missile. The S-4/S-45 program was cancelled in 1991. In 1987 the
French Defence Ministry announced a 10 year development programme for the land-
based S-4 IRBM to replace the S-3 missile in the late 1990s. However, doubts were
expressed in 1988 and several options were explored including land basing a variant of
the submarine-launched ballistic missile M-4, land basing a variant of the M-5, or an
improved S-4 design known as S-45. In 1991 it was decided to cancel the S-4/S-45
program and to develop a land-based variant of the M-5 SLBM to replace the existing S-
3 missiles [an effort which was also cancelled].

The S-4 was a two stage, solid propellant, land mobile or silo-based system, with a range
of 3500 km. There was planned to be a MIRV payload of three TN-35 warheads, perhaps
with yields in the 20 kT range. The original S-4 program called for 36 missiles capable of
random dispersal around France by air or road in times of tension. Some reports
suggested that there would be 18 missiles for the land mobile force, and the other 18
would replace the S-3 fixed-based force on the Plateau d'Albion.

Specifications
Aerospatiale, Space and Strategic Systems Division,
prime contractor
Les Mureaux
Length 10.0 m
Body diameter 1.0 m
Launch weight 10000 kg
Payload 3 warheads MRV capable
Warhead 20 kT nuclear each
Guidance Inertial
Propulsion 2 stage solid propellant
Range 3500 km
Accuracy n/k
Pluton
Pluton was a short range, road mobile, solid propellant, single warhead ballistic missile.
Design of the Pluton started in the early 1960s, and the system entered service in 1974
with the French Army. Plans for a Super Pluton were dropped in 1983 in favour of a new
missile programme, called Hades. The Pluton missile was 7.64 m long and had a body
diameter of 0.65 m. The missile had a launch weight of 2423 kg and the single stage solid
propellant motor gave the missile a range of 120 km. Inertial guidance gave an estimated
accuracy of 150 m CEP. The missile was believed to have conventional HE or nuclear
warheads, with two nuclear warhead options at 15 or 25 kT depending upon the target.
The missile was carried on a heavily modified AMX-30 tank chassis. Provision was made
for real time targeting information to be passed to the Pluton command vehicle from a
CT-20 drone. The Pluton system entered service in 1974, and it is believed that there
were 30 launchers deployed with missiles, reloads and alternative warheads. The system
was phased out of service in 1993.

Specifications
Aerospatiale, Space and Strategic Systems Division,
prime contractor
Les Mureaux
Length 7.64 m
Body diameter 0.65 m
Launch weight 2423 kg
Payload Single warhead
Warhead HE or 15/25 kT nuclear
Guidance Inertial
Propulsion Single stage solid propellant
Range 120 km
Accuracy 150 m CEP
Hades
Hades is a short range, road mobile, solid propellant, single warhead ballistic missile.
Hades began with project definition in 1975 as a replacement for the Pluton system.
Development started in July 1984, and flight testing started in 1988. The Hades program
planned to build 120 missiles, some with nuclear and some with HE warheads. Originally
designed with a range of 250 km, the range requirement was later increased to 480 km.
Reports in 1993 suggested that a reversion to the 250 km range missile, but with a hard
target HE penetration warhead and a GPS mid-course updating of the inertial navigation
system, would provide an accurate and difficult to counter offensive weapon system. A
TV digital scene matching terminal guidance system has also been proposed, providing a
CEP down to less than 5 m.

Hades was designed for transportation on wheeled TELs, with tractor and trailer, each
trailer carrying two missiles in containers that also act as launch boxes. The missile is
reported to be 7.5 m long, with a body diameter of 0.53 m and a launch weight of about
1850 kg. The missiles will be capable of carrying either the nuclear TN-90 or
conventional HE warheads, the former probably having a yield of 80 kT. Reports suggest
that the Hades trajectory is kept low, so that the aerodynamic control fins at the rear of
the missile can alter the trajectory and range during flight as well as making evasive
maneuvres during the terminal phase near the target.

The program completed development in 1992, with the first flight test taking place in
1988. It was planned that Hades would enter service in 1992, and that only 30 missiles on
15 TEL vehicles would be built instead of the original plan to build 120 missiles. In 1991
the French Government announced that the Hades missiles would not be deployed, but
kept in storage, and the programme was terminated in 1992. However, 20 to 25 missiles
were available in a national emergency with their mobile TEL vehicles, and were all
located at Luneville.

On 23 February 1996 the announcement by the President of France on the new format for
French nuclear forces called for dismantling of Hadès missiles. On 23 June 1997 the last
of the Hadès missile was destroyed.

Specifications
Aerospatiale, Space and Strategic Systems Division,
prime contractor
Les Mureaux
Length 7.5 m
Body diameter 0.53 m
Launch weight 1850 kg
Payload Single warhead
Warhead Conventional HE or nuclear 80 kT
Guidance Inertial
Propulsion Single stage solid propellant
Range 480 km
Accuracy n/k
M-20
The M-20 was the third member of the MSBS (Mer-Sol-Balistique-Strategique) family
which comprised a number of submarine-launched, intermediate range missiles, similar
in form to the US Polaris and Poseidon families. The force constitutes the second leg of
the French nuclear deterrent force. The M-1 version went into service in 1971 and was
phased out in favour of the M-2 in 1974, itself replaced by the M-20 in 1977. The new
M-4 missile entered service in 1985 and has replaced the M-20. French nuclear-powered
submarines (SNLE Sous-marines Nucleaire Lanceur d'Engins balistique), are able to
carry 16 missiles each. The oldest boat, Le Redoutable, was not converted to carry the M-
4 and was withdrawn from service in 1991. Logistical support for the MSBS fleet is
provided by the Ile Longue Naval Base in Brest Bay where the assembly and storage
facilities for maintenance of readiness are located. Three SSBNs are intended to be
operational at any one time.

The M-20 system entered service in 1977. There were 100 missiles produced, and the M-
20 ceased operational deployment in 1991.

The M-20 was a two stage, solid propellant, intermediate range ballistic missile, 10.4 m
in length and 1.5 m in diameter. Launch weight was 20000 kg and the missile had a range
of 3000 km. Control of the first stage was by four gimballed nozzles; the second stage by
thrust vector control through a single fixed nozzle. The first stage propellant weighed
10000 kg and burns for 55 seconds, the second stage propellant weighs 6015 kg and
burns for 58 seconds. Guidance was inertial. The payload was believed to include some
penetration aids and the single re-entry vehicle had some hardening against nuclear
effects. The TN-60 warhead was reported to be 1.2 MT.

Specifications
Aerospatiale, Space and Strategic Systems Division,
prime contractor
Les Mureaux
Length 10.4 m
Body diameter 1.5 m
Launch weight 20000 kg
Payload Single warhead with penetration aids
Warhead 1.2 MT nuclear
Guidance Inertial
Propulsion 2 stage solid
Range 3000 km
Accuracy 1000 m CEP
M-4 / M-45
The M-4 is an intermediate range, submarine-launched, solid propellant,
MRV capable ballistic missile. It is the fourth missile in the MSBS (Mer-
Sol-Balistique-Strategique) family which comprises a number of
submarine-launched, intermediate range missiles, similar in form to the
US Polaris and Poseidon families.

The M-4 missile is a three stage, intermediate range missile, 11.05 m long
and 1.93 m in diameter. The launch weight is 35000 kg with an inertial
guidance system. The first stage burns for 62 seconds, the second for 71
seconds and the third for 43 seconds. The three stage solid propellant motors contain
20000 kg, 8015 kg and 1500 kg of propellant respectively. Each motor has a single
flexible nozzle for control. The Redoutable class submarines forming France's Strategic
Ocean Force have been equipped with M-4 missiles, each with six TN-70 or TN-71
nuclear warheads of 150 kt.

The range, 4000 km for M-4A and 5000 km for M-4B, is a significant improvement over
that of the earlier M-20. The payload has been increased to six re-entry vehicles, which
have independent targeting capability made possible by an additional guidance system
incorporated within the delivery system. The TN-71 warheads have a yield of 150 kT,
and each re-entry vehicle is believed to weigh about 250 kg. This would suggest a total
payload capability of approximately 1700 kg. An estimated accuracy of the M-4 missile
system is 500 m CEP. The M-45 variant has a range increased to 6000 km, TN-75
warheads and penetration aids.

The principal improvements in the M-4 over its predecessor, the M-20, were in range and
payload, the M-4 being upgraded to include multiple re-entry vehicles. There are reported
to be two versions of M-4 missile in service; the M-4A with a range of 4000 km and the
M-4B with a range of 5000 km.

Initial development work for the M-4 was carried out in Le Gymnote, using twin tubes
for the tests. The first test launch took place in November 1980 on the Landes test range,
the 14th and final test firing taking place from Le Gymnote on 29 February 1984.

The M-4 missile entered service in 1985. The current MSBS force is based on nuclear-
powered submarines SNLE (Sous-marines Nucleaire Lanceur d'Engins balistique), each
able to carry 16 missiles. The M-4 is now operational in L'Inflexible, Le Tonnant,
L'Indomptable, Le Terrible and Le Foudroyant. It is believed that there are 16 (one boat
load) M-4A missiles and 48 (three boat loads) M-4B missiles in service.

The M-4 missiles are carried by the `L'Inflexible' class, with five SSBN in service each
carrying up to 16 missiles. Logistical support for the MSBS fleet is provided by the Ile
Longue naval base in Brest Bay where the assembly and storage facilities are located.
Aerospatiale developed an improved version of the M4 naval missile, the M45. The M-45
missile, armed with six TN-75 nuclear warheads, is a far more sophisticated weapon than
its predecessors; its different technical characteristics allow it to respond better to the
level of advancement reached by foreign defenses. It has penetration capabilities and
decoy systems which allow it to divert the electronic counter-measures of an enemy's
sophisticated defences. The M 45 also differs from the M 4 by the nature of the nuclear
warhead (TN 75). Six of these nuclear warheads are to equip each M-45 sea-to-ground
missile. Budget cuts announced in 1992 indicated that M-45 development would be re-
examined. The system synthesis test firing, which qualified the M45 took place
successfully from Triomphant in February 1995. The improved version, the M-45,
provided a range extension to 6000 km, and in March 1986 a French boat fired an M-4
over a distance of 6000 km; the payload for this flight is not known. Proposals were made
in 1988 to adapt a variant of the M-4 missile for land basing instead of developing the S-
4, but these were not pursued. The M-45 variant entered service in March 1997, fitted to
Le Triomphant, the first of the SNLE-NG (new generation) boats.

Compared with these TN-70 or TN-71 nuclear warhead models, the TN-75 is what the
experts at the Direction des Applications Militaires du Commissariat a l'Energie
Atomique (DAM-CEA) have termed to be a major technological leap. This is a
particularly high-performing warhead, unprecedented in France, whose only equivalent is
to be found in the most sophisticated United States or Russian weapons. It is known that
the power of this thermonuclear device is some 100 kt and its load has been miniaturised
to the maximum. It is also lighter than previous weapons, which increases the range of
the missile. The new warhead has been hardened, which makes it less vulnerable to
electromagnetic impulses which might deregulate its operation in-flight and it also has
stealth features to make it less detectable and is equipped with more decoys to divert anti-
ballistic missile defenses.

The need for replacing the M 45 resulted in the development beginning in 1992 of a new
missile, the M 5. Falling under the concept of strict sufficiency, this program was
reorientated towards the version M 51, whose range will be about 6 000 kilometers and
who will be able to carry from 2015 of the nuclear heads of new generation (TNO).
 Specifications
Aerospatiale, Space and Strategic Systems Division,
prime contractor
Les Mureaux
Length 11.05 m
Body diameter 1.93 m
Launch weight 35000 kg
Payload 6 re-entry vehicles in MRV configuration
Warhead 150 kT nuclear each
Guidance Inertial plus computer payload control
Propulsion 3 stage solid
4000 km (M-4A)
Range 5000 km (M-4B)
6000 km (M-45)
Accuracy 500 m CEP
M-5 / M-51
In 1992 the French defense ministry launched the development of the new generation
MSBS, the M-5. This continues the tradition of improvements in the MSBS system since
1971, when the first system, M-1, entered service.

The latest development of the MSBS (Mer-Sol-Balistique-Strategique) family will be the

M-5 SLBM planned for the seventh French SSBN Le Triomphant, which entered service
in 1995, and will be the first of four new SSBN known in France as the SNLE-NG (Sous-
marines Nucleaire Lanceur d'Engins Balistique - Nouvelle Generation). The first boats
are expected to carry the improved M-45 variant SLBM, until the M-5 becomes available
in 2010. The `Le Triomphant' submarines are fitted with 16 SLBM launch tubes. Full-
scale development of M-5 was scheduled to start in 1993. A proposal was made to
develop a land-based version for location in the Plateau d'Albion as a replacement for the
S-3 missiles, with up to 10 land-based M-5 missiles (known as S-5) located in the S-3
silos, but this proposal was cancelled in 1993 in favor of adapting the existing M-4
design.

The three stage solid propellant M-5 missile is to have a range of 11000 km, together
with modern penetration aids capable of matching the perceived upgrades to the Moscow
anti-ballistic missile system. It is believed that the missile will be around 12.0 m long,
with a body diameter of 2.3 m and a launch weight of 48000 kg. The payload has been
reported as being between 6 to 10 MIRV using the TN 76 nuclear warhead with an
expected yield of 100 kT. It is expected that penetration aids will be carried.

The M-5 missile was planned for introduction into service in 2010 as a replacement for
the M-4 and M-45 SLBM, with full-scale development scheduled to start in 1993.

In February 1996 the President of France confirmed the pursuit of the program with
certain changes in specifications to conform with budgetary constraints. The new missile,
the M-51, will none-the-less, conserve the essential characteristics planned for the M-5.
Falling under the concept of strict sufficiency, this program was reorientated towards the
version M 51, whose range will be about 6,000 kilometers and who will be able to carry
from 2015 of the nuclear heads of new generation (TNO).

The M51 system is destined to arm the SNLE-NG from the year 2010. The M51 missiles
have a range of around 6,000 km and cost 32.7 billion francs to develop rather than 42
billion for the M5. This saving comes at the cost of a reduced range. The M5 was to be
able to carry a 1,400 kg payload to a range of 6,000 km or a 200 kg as far as 14,000 km,
in the latter case with one or two rather than six nuclear warheads.

The M-51 is a three-stage missile with a total mass of over 50 tonnes (compared to 35 for
the M4). The stages use solid propulsion and are equipped with flexible nozzles. Their
structures are made by filament winding of carbon fiber/epoxy material. The system takes
the evolution of the threat, and new types of defenses into account. The M-51 missile will
have multiple warheads. The volume and mass available for the payload (nuclear
warheads and pen-aides) are greatly superior to the M4. Range, significantly higher than
5000 km, will among other advantages, extending the patrol area of the submarine fleet.

Specifications
Aerospatiale, Space and Strategic Systems Division,
prime contractor
Les Mureaux
Version M-5 M-51
Length 12.0 m
Body diameter 2.3 m
Launch weight 48000 kg ? 50,000 kg
Payload 6-10 MIRV
Warhead Nuclear 100 kT each
Guidance Inertial
Propulsion 3 stage solid
Range 11,000 km 6,000 km
Accuracy n/k
Le Redoutable / L'Inflexible
The decision taken by General de Gaulle, to start in 1962 the program " COELACANTH
", equipped France with nuclear submarines launchers [SNLE sous-marins nucléaires
lanceurs d’engins ], major elements of nuclear dissuasion. It was the birth of the Strategic
Oceanic Force (FOST - Force Océanique Stratégique ). A total of six submarines of the
Redoutable class were built at Cherbourg Naval Dockyard - part of the major French
Naval builder DCN (Direction des Constructions Navales) from 1967 to 1982. S609 Le
Redoutable was launched on 29 March 1967, in the presence of General de Gaulle. It was
not until 1971 when she became operational. She was decommissioned in December of
1991.

With the de-commisioning of Le Redoutable in December 1991, the remaining

submarines of this class are known as L'Inflexible class SNLE M4. Four submarines
underwent a two and a half year modernization overhaul in the 1980s. All were back-
fitted with the M4 missile and other equipment to the same standard as L'Inflexible.
Improved streamlining of M4 conversion submarines changed the silhouette so that they
resemble L'Inflexible. The first operational launch of the M4 was by Le Tonnant on 15
September 1987 in the Atlantic. Other work included an improved reactor core, noise
reduction efforts, and updating the sonar. Le Tonnant was recommissioned 15 October
1987; L'Indomptable on 15 June 1989; Le Terrible on 7 June 1990; and Le Foudroyant 15
February 1993.

Despite the expense of these upgrades, Le Terrible was de-commissioned in July 1996,
and Le Foudroyant was de-commissioned in February 1998.

Specifications
Displacement, tons 8080 surfaced; 8920 dived
LENGTH 422.1 (128.7 meters)
BEAM 34.8 (10.6 meters)
DRAUGHT 32.8 (10 meters)
Nuclear; turbo-electric; 1 PWR;
2 turboalternators;
1 Jeumont Schneider motor; 16000 hp(m) (11.76
MW);
Main machinery
twin SEMT-Pielstick/Jeumont Schneider 8 PA4 V
185 SM diesel-electric auxiliary propulsion; 1.5 MW;
1 emergency motor;
1 shaft
Speed, knots 25 dived; 20 surfaced
 Range, miles 5000 at 4 kts on auxiliary propulsion only
Diving depth 250 m (820 ft) approx.
Complement 114 (14 officers) (2 crews)
SLBM: 16 Aerospatiale M4; three stage solid fuel
Missiles rockets; inertial guidance to 5300 km (2860 nm);
thermonuclear warhead with 6 MRV each of 150 kT.
Aerospatiale SM 39 Exocet; launched from 21 in (533
mm) torpedo tubes; inertial cruise; active radar homing
SSM
to 50 km (27 nm) at 0.9 Mach; warhead 165 kg (to be
carried in all in due course).
4 - 21 in (533 mm) tubes. total of 18 torpedoes and
SSM carried in a mixed load.
ECAN L5 Mod 3; dual purpose; active/passive
homing to 9.5 km (5.1 nm) at 35 kts; warhead 150 kg;
Torpedoes
depth to 550 m (1800 ft); and
ECAN F17 Mod 2; wire-guided; active/passive
homing to 20 km (10.8 nm) at 40 kts; warhead 250 kg;
depth 600 m (1970 ft);
Countermeasures ESM: Thomson-CSF ARUR 13/DR 3000U; intercept.
SAD (Systeme d'Armes de Dissuasion) data system
(for SLBMs);
Weapons control SAT (Systeme d'Armes Tactique) and
DLA 1A weapon control system (for SSM and
torpedoes).
Radars Navigation: Thomson-CSF DRUA 33; I band.
Thomson Sintra DSUX 21 `multi-function' passive
bow and flank arrays.
Sonars DUUX 5; passive ranging and intercept; low
frequency.
DSUV 61; towed array.

Boat List
Boat Name Builder Laid Down Launched Commissioned Decommissioned
Le
S-610 Cherbourg 12 Dec 1969 4 Dec 1971 6 June 1974 Feb 1998
Foudroyant
Le
S-611 Cherbourg 29 Mar 1967 1971 Dec 1991
Redoutable
S-612 Le terrible Cherbourg 24 June 1967 12 Dec 1969 1 Jan 1973 Jul 1996
S-613 L'Indomptable Cherbourg 4 Dec 1971 17 Sep 1974 23 Dec 1976 Dec 2003
S-614 Le Tonnant Cherbourg 19 Oct 1974 17 Sep 1977 3 May 1980 Sep 1999
S-615 L'Inflexible Cherbourg 21 Mar 1980 23 June 1982 1 Apr 1985 Jul 2006
Le Triomphant SNLE
The SNLE-NG (Sous-Marins Nucleaires Lanceurs Engins-Nouvelle Generation) will
replace the Redoutable class. The class was originally planned to include six boats. Later
versions were possibly to have been longer, up to 170 meters, versus the 138 meters of
the initial boats. The strategic submarine program was reduced to three for budgetary
reasons, but President Chirac decided that the SNLE-NG programme would produce four
submarines. On 23 February 1996 the announcement by the President of France on the
new format for French nuclear forces called for scaling down of ballistic missile nuclear
submarine force from five to four. Constructing the fourth SNLE cost 13 billion francs,
and avoided a drawdown in deployments. Of the submarines currently in the strategic
submarine force (FOST), four are always operational and two are at sea. With four
SNLEs, three could be operational at any given time. The SNLE-NG program is
estimated to cost 88.4 billion francs for four submarines. The average cost per submarine
has increased from 10 billion francs in 1986 to 12.5 billion.

The first of the class was ordered 10 March 1986 with building decision taken 18 June
1987. The second was ordered on 18 October 1989; the third was delayed until 27 May
1993. Sea trials of Le Triomphant started in early 1994, and the boat was commissioned
on 21 March 1997. Le Téméraire, the second in the series of new SNLE-NG generation
of missile-launching nuclear submarines, was commissioned into active service on 23
December 1999, after successfully passing its sea trials. The ship is now operational in
the Oceanic Force.

As of 1996 the schedule for the third, Le Vigilant, had slipped until 2001 and the service
date for the fourth SSBN was approximately 2005. The admission with the active service
of Vigilant, ordered in May 1993, was delayed, first by six months, and a second time in
1996 by two years. In the 1998 budget the Vigilant was delayed one year, which involved
the corresponding prolongation of a SNLE in service. It will enter active service in July
2004 (a four and a half year delay). Construction of the third unit, Le Vigilant, continued
in 1999. This submarine should be commissioned in 2004. The order for the fourth unit,
planned initially for 1996 was deferred into 2000 for an admission to the active service in
July 2008 (four years and eight month of delay), requiring the maintenance in service of
l’Inflexible until that time. SNLE NG n°4 was finally ordered by the Commission de la
défense de l’Assemblée nationale on 15 September 1999.

The upgraded M45 missile will equip the first three SNLE-NGs when they become
operational. The fourth will receive a new model missile, the M51. The M-5 missile
development was first funded in the 1988 budget and the program was accelerated to start
in 1993, which was earlier than inially planned. Le Vigilant was intended to be the first to
commission with M-5, the others being back fitted. But as of 2000 Le Vigilant will be
equiped with the M 45 missile.

To remain acoustically furtive, with respect to the new means of detection, the objective
attached to the design of the submarines was to gain in this field, a factor 1000 compared
to the submarines of the type "Le Redoutable M4 ". During the design of the Le
Triomphant, studies were carried out in order to limit the sound sources and the
vibrations of many elements, as well on the level of the hull and the engine as to that of
the 750,000 embarked apparatuses and the 50 km pipings conveying the fluids on board.
While moving the hull of a submarine creates in the water flows which can be noisy.
Also, very particular care was taken with the hydrodynamics of the hull and the
appendices (work completed by the basin of test of the hulls). Each part was studied to
limit turbulences. The external bridge, made out of composite materials by DCN Lorient
to avoid, in particular, with the submarine resounding like a " skin of drum ".

The pusher propeller is also a significant source of disturbance of the marine medium, in
particular because of cavitation, a phenomenon which releases from the bubbles of air
crépitantes at the end of the blades. The standard SNLE Le Triomphant, for this reason,
was equipped with a ducted propeller, called " propeller pump " developed by the basin
of tests of the hulls and produced by DCN Indret and DCN Cherbourg.

To limit the vibrations of the revolving machinery, the ball bearings which tend to hum
were replaced by smooth stages , certainly more difficult to adjust with manufacture, but
infinitely less noisy and more stable in the long run.

To ensure that inevitable noises are not propagated outside the hull, the rigid connections
which connect the noisy hardware with the hull were defined to damp out all the
vibrations. The rigid connections were replaced by kinds of cradles connected to the hull
via suspensions filtering the vibrations. On these cradles, each engine, each pipe, each
electric cable is in its turn suspended or posed on other suspensions filtering noises and
vibrations. The noisy machines are covered with insulating caps. As for the crew, it will
have to be compelled with simple rules by avoiding any inopportune din.

The profits in acoustic discretion are done initially with the design then, throughout
construction, by a constant care taken to the realization of the systems of insulation of the
apparatuses and pipings.
The discretion of a submarine depends, also, of the depth which it can reach, because the
layers of cold water depths keep the captive sounds. Thanks to its hull, carried out in a
special steel, 100 HLES (high weldable elastic limit -- HY 130 to US Standards),
supporting a constraint of 100 kilograms per square millimetre, developed by CREUSOT
the LOIRE INDUSTRY and DCN Cherbourg, its performances in diving is greatly
increased.

The power of its new integrated nuclear reactor room, built by TECHNICATOME and
DCN Indret, as well as the effectiveness of its pump propeller, confers high quiet speeds.

To gain the " war of silence ", it is not enough to do little noise. It is also necessary " to
hear before being heard ". The Le Triomphant, for this purpose, is equipped with a sonar
more powerful than those of the present generation, provided by THOMSON. On its hull,
were laid out various antennas and chains of sensors. In operation, it trails behind him an
immense chain of hydrophone sensitive to all the ranges of acoustic waves. The whole of
the data, thus collected by these sensors, is analyzed and exploited on board by powerful
computers, federated within the tactical operating system, whose DCN INGENIERIE
ensured the control of work. But, in fine, it is also with the " gold ears ", i.e. ultimately to
men specialists in underwater acoustics, which returns the care to recognize the " sound
signatures " of the potential adversaries.

The requirement for the submarine to know, at any moment, its exact position is essential
for the precision of firing of its missiles. With the origin and before their recasting, it was
necessary to the SNLE of the old generation to return in the vicinity of surface, with
regular intervals, to readjust their equipment of navigation on the stars, the satellites, or
the radioelectric signals of station to ground. Today, with the development, by the
SAGEM (Company of general applications of electricity and mechanics), of a very
sophisticated inertial power station, it is not necessary any more. One " more " for
discretion. The same company provides the periscopes and the autopilot.

The qualities of the system of combat of the submarine and very thorough automation
made it possible to reduce the crew from 130 to 111 men, but more especially to increase
the reliability of the vehicle by giving again with the man his place: that of that which
monitors the machine. The quality and the endurance of the embarked hardware were
improved, so that the submarine will not be immobilized any more, for the great
careenages, than every seven years (instead of five years before).

Specifications
12640 surfaced;
Displacement, tons
14335 dived
LENGTH 453 feet (138 meters)
41 feet (12.5 meters)
BEAM
55.8 feet (17 meters) aft planes
DRAFT 41 feet (12.5 meters)
Nuclear; turbo-electric; 1 PWR Type K15 (enlarged
CAS 48); 150 MW;
2 turbo-alternators; 1 motor; 41500 hp(m) (30.5
MW);
Main machinery
diesel-electric auxiliary propulsion;
2 SEMT-Pielstick 8 PA4 V 200 SM diesels; 900 kW;
1 emergency motor;
1 shaft; pump jet propulsor
Speed, knots 25 dived
Complement 111 (15 officers) (2 crews)
Missiles SLBM: 16 Aerospatiale M45/TN 71; three stage solid
 fuel rockets; inertial guidance to 5300 km (2860 nm);
thermonuclear warhead with 6 MRV each of 150 kT.
(To be replaced by M5/TN 75 which has a planned
range of 11000 km (6000 nm) and 10-12 MRVs).
Aerospatiale SM 39 Exocet; launched from 21 in (533
SSM mm) torpedo tubes; inertial cruise; active radar homing
to 50 km (27 nm) at 0.9 Mach; warhead 165 kg.
4 - 21 in (533 mm) tubes.
ECAN L5 Mod 3; dual purpose; active/passive
homing to 9.5 km (5.1 nm) at 35 kts; warhead 150 kg;
Torpedoes
depth to 550 m (1800 ft);
total of 18 torpedoes and SSM carried in a mixed
load.
Countermeasures ESM: Thomson-CSF ARUR 13/DR 3000U; intercept.
SAD (Systeme d'Armes de Dissuasion) data system
(for SLBMs);
Weapons control SAT (Systeme d'Armes Tactique) and
DLA 4A weapon control system (for SSM and
torpedoes).
Radars Search: Dassault; I band.
Thomson Sintra DMUX 80 `multi-function' passive
bow and flank arrays.
Sonars DUUX 5; passive ranging and intercept; low
frequency.
DSUV 61; towed array.

Boat List
Boat Name Builder Ordered Laid Down Launched Commissioned Decommissioned
Le
S-616 Cherbourg 18 June 1987 9 June 1989 13 July 1993 21 Mar 1997
Triomphant
Le
S-617 Cherbourg 18 Oct 1989 1994 1996 23 Dec 1999
Temeraire
S-618 Le Vigilant Cherbourg 27 May 1993 July 2004
S-619 N° 4 Cherbourg 2000 July 2008
S-620 Cherbourg CANCELLED
S-621 Cherbourg CANCELLED
Mirage IV
Developed in the wake of the Suez crisis (1956), the Mirage IV is a two-seater, twin-
engine supersonic bomber having an effective range of up to 4,500 km with in-flight
refueling. The exterior similarity between this strategic bomber and the Mirage III is
noteworthy, in particular the wing design, which is of the delta-type in the Mirage
tradition. In June 1996, the Mirage IVP were retired. It was the linchpin of France's
strategic nuclear strike force. Dassault was the prime contractor for the complete weapon
system: aircraft, navigation and attack management system, as well as casing and release
system for the nuclear device.

The Mirage IV 01 made its maiden flight 17th June 1959 at Melun-Villaroche (the Seine-
et-Marne region of France), piloted by Roland Glavany. The first Mirage IV-A was
delivered to the Air Force in February 1964. At the time of its delivery, the Mirage IV
was the only plane in the world able to fly at Mach 2 during more than one half an hour.
The 50 Mirage IV-A ordered in March 1959 were all finally delivered between 1964 and
1966; dispersed on nine air bases, organized into three mixed squadrons of bombardment,
composed each of three squadrons of bombardment and a squadron for in-flight
refueling. In June 1964, it was decided to order 12 additional Mirage IV-A having in
addition the strategic capacity; this was explained by the fact that the force Mirage IV
was to remain in service at least until 1975, and that had consequently to be compensated
for attrition. Thus, in less than 2 years, the first component of the nuclear forces strong of
36 Mirage IV-A and 12 C 135 became operational. The production aircraft equipped
French strategic nuclear forces between 1964 and 1996 (62 planes).

The most significant modification in the 1970s related to the flight profile of flight of the
system. To respond to the increasing effectiveness of air defenses, the system focused on
penetration low altitude in order to face the increasingly large effectiveness of the
ground-to-air missiles in the Eastern European countries. Some modifications of the
structure of the plane were necessary to face the constraints of the flight imposed by low
altitude. Internal countermeasures were added, and the the model AN 22 nuclear weapon
was modified to be releasable at low altitude.

The Mirage IV-P/ASMP program was made possible only by the control of very modern
techniques and the judicious choices of the selected options. In addition, the Air Force
had to adapt the men and the structures to the integration of the Mirage IV-P and the
ASMP. Between 1986 and the end of the lifetime of Mirage IV-P [envisaged in 1996],
the deployed component included the 91ème Escadre of bombardment with two
squadrons, the Center of Instruction of the strategic air Forces and the 93ème Escadre of
in-flight refueling with three squadrons.
 Specifications
Builder team :
First flight :
In-service in French Air Force : May 1986 (strategic recce version)
Wingspan / Length / Height :
Weight : empty / maximum at
takeoff :
Fuel capacity :
Power plant / Thrust :
Operational ceiling :
Maximum speed :
Crew :
Special equipment :
Number of units produced :
Main user countries :
NATO interoperability :
French Air Force inventory :
Dassault Aviation / SNECMA
June, 1959 (aircraft) / October, 1982 (recce
system)
11.84 m / 23.32 m / 5.65 m
14.5 t / 33 t
Internal / External / In-flight refuelling
2 SNECMA Atar 9K14 jet engines / 2x4.7 t
and 2x6.7 t with afterburner
66,000 ft
Mach 2.2
1 pilot + 1 weapon system navigation officer
Highly developed navigation system
including 2 inertial navigation systems and a
cartography radar, an optical or infrared
CT52 pod (75 and 150 mm cameras for low
altitude, 150 and 600 mm Wild cameras or
Super Cyclope camera for infrared imagery)
18
No authorisation for export
In-flight refuelling by French or foreign
tanker
One 5-aircraft squadron (after suppression of
nuclear attack Mirage IV)
ASMP
The ASMP (Air-Sol Moyenne Portee) is powered by by a ramjet [statoréacteur] with an
integrated accelerator. Armed with a tactical nuclear warhead, the ASMP is produced by
Aerospatiale, except for the military head, that is provided by the Atomic Energy
Commission. The ASMP's nuclear warhead has five times the power of free-fall weapons
it replaces. This supersonic missile is guided by a standalone system of inertial navigation
that provides it precision requise and allows the launcher aircraft to remain a safe
distance from the enemy defenses. The propulsion system constists of a statoréacteur
using liquid fuel developed by Aerospatiale. The necessary speed for ignition is reached
with a solid rocket motor accelerator housed in the combustion chamber of the
statoréacteur. ASMP became operational in May 1986 on Mirage IVP and beginning in
1988 on Mirage 2000 N. It was also adapted on Super Standard for the National Navy,
and on-board on the aircraft carrier Foch.

At the beginning of 2000, 60 ASMP missiles (and 42 TN81 warheads) were allotted to
Mirage 2000N planes belonging to the air force and 24 ASMP missiles (and 20 TN81
warheads) to the Super-Etendard of the air-naval service.

Following the orientations taken in strategic committee and ratified in the law of
programming 1997-2002, the choice was made on a missile to ramjet called improved
ASMP or ASMPA to succeed the current airborne component. The phase of feasibility
the ASMPA program began at the end of 1997. The launching of the development is
envisaged at the beginning of 2000 for a entry into service into 2010.

Compared to current missile ASMP, the ASMPA will offer a greater range (500 to 600
km) and a greater diversity of trajectories, including final penetrations man_uvrantes at
very low altitude. The development of the ASMPA is also prepared by an operation,
called Vesta, financed to the title of the line " work of aerobic transition " from the law of
programming, which will make it possible to test in flight a vector with ramjet common
to the improved ASMP and anti-ship missile future ANF. The two missiles will share the
same liquid ramjet with prolonged combustion and the same section of guidance piloting.
They will differ by their final guidance and, obviously, the nature of their payload. The
three exploratory developments launched in 1993 and the exploratory research preparing
the project of missile air/sol long range (ASLP) were the major reorientation object in
order to cover complementary work necessary to the ASMP improved and not included
in the tests of feasibility or the Vesta operation.

The Air-Sol Longue Portee (ASLP) was a longer-range version of the ASMP proposed as
a co-development project with Britain. It would have had a range of 1,000-1,200 km and
would replace the WE177 nuclear gravity bombs providing the Royal Air Force.
 Specifications
Weight 1,896 lb. (860 kg)
length 17 ft 8 in (5.38 m)
diameter 12 in (300 mm)
width 3 ft 2 in (0.96 m)
SNPE solid-propellant booster
Propulsion
ONERA/Aerospatiale kerosene-fueled ramjet
Mach 3 @ high altitude
speed
Mach 2 @ low altitude
300 km @ high altitude
range 80 km @ low altitude
60 km against naval targets
Warhead 300-kiloton nuclear
Polaris A-3P
In December 1962, the then Prime Minister of Great Britain, Mr. Harold Macmillan, met
with John F. Kennedy, then President of the United States, at Nassau in the Bahama
Islands. They discussed the cancellation of the Skybolt project. Skybolt was a U.S.
development project which the U.S. had agreed to share with the U.K. It had been
planned as U.K.'s prime deterrent and its cancellation caused the U.K. some concern. At
this Nassau meeting, it was agreed that the POLARIS A3P would be made available to
Britain in order to maintain the U.K.'s deterrent potential during the years ahead. This
agreement became known as the "Nassau Agreement." It eventually resulted in signing of
the "U.S./U.K. POLARIS Sales Agreement" in April 1963. It was further agreed that
Britain would build its own submarines of their own design, including the nuclear
propulsion plant, but would be armed with the POLARIS A3P missile. Britain would also
design and construct its own nuclear warheads for the POLARIS missiles.

A British Admiralty negotiating team came to the U.S. to negotiate a detailed U.S./U.K.
agreement. The POLARIS Sales Agreement was signed on 6 April 1963. Upon approval
of this agreement, work began in earnest and continued at an intense pace ever since.
VADM R. N. MacKenzie was named the U.K. Chief POLARIS Executive (CPE) and he
was authorized to use personnel from the MOD(N) for the production of submarines,
ground support, and mechanical and electrical equipment. The Ministry of Public
Buildings and Works has prime responsibility for providing facilities ashore for
supporting and maintaining the entire system. The Ministry of Aviation has the
responsibility, within the U.K., for procurement of the POLARIS missile, including the
reentry system and all necessary associated support equipment. It also acts as the U.K.
approving authority for the reentry system's warhead. Through the U.K. Atomic Energy
Authority, design responsibility for the U.K. warhead is in the Aldermaston Atomic
Weapons Research Establishment (AWRE), under the direction of the Ministry of
Aviation.

To ensure cooperation and coordination, a Joint U.S.-U.K. Steering Task Group and a
Joint U.S.-U.K. Reentry System Working Group were formed. These were parallel
structure groups to those in the U.S. FBM Program.

Contracts were released to British industry for various parts of their weapon system.
Among them were:

a. Vickers Ltd. (shipbuilder) for the launching system

b. BAC for the POLARIS missile, test equipment, ULCER

c. GECfor fire control and test instrumentation subsystem

d. Elliott & Sperryfor the navigation system

e. EMIfor the weapon control subsystem simulator

f. Vickers, Barrow & Cammell Laird, Burkenhead shipbuilder for the submarines.
Trident-II D-5
The Trident D5 missile is a three-stage solid-fuel rocket approximately 13 metres long,
over two metres in diameter and weighing 60 tonnes. It has a range of over 6,000
kilometres. Each missile is technically capable of carrying up to twelve warheads and
delivering them on to different targets with an accuracy that can be measured in metres.
The advanced capabilities of the system enable it to carry out both the strategic and sub-
strategic roles.

On 11 March 1982 agreement was reached between the U.K. and the U.S. to purchase the
TRIDENT II missile system. The procurement of D5's replaced the U.K.'s original
request of 10 July 1980 to procure C4's.

Although the Trident missiles are being bought from the United States, their warheads
and the submarines that carry them are British designed and built. The warheads are
designed by the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston and assembled at
Aldermaston and Burghfield.

The Vanguard Class submarines are larger than the Resolution Class mainly because of
the need to accommodate the Trident D5 missile. The 16-tube missile compartment is
based on the design of the 24-tube system used by the United States Navy's Ohio Class
Trident submarines. Although each Vanguard Class submarine is capable of carrying 192
warheads, the boats will deploy with no more than 96, and possibly with significantly
fewer.
Resolution
In January 1963, the U.K. Defense Committee decided that four FBM submarines should
be built, with an option on a fifth which was later canceled.

Submarine

Number Submarine Name

SSBN-01 HMS Resolution

SSBN-02 HMS Renown

SSBN-03 HMS Repulse

SSBN-04HMS Revenge

The HMS Resolution (SSBN-01) deployed with POLARIS A3P on its first operational
patrol in June 1968. Since 1968 the United Kingdom has deployed a force of four
ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) each of 7,500 tonnes displacement, adapted from the
then existing Valiant Class SSN, armed with Polaris missiles. This force conducted over
229 consecutive and continuous patrols.

The age of the force, and improvements in potential adversaries' capabilities, led the
Government to upgrade the Polaris system. The replacement of Polaris with Trident has
involved successive Resolution Class boats being retired as the larger Vanguard Class
SSBNs entered service.
Vanguard
The deployment at the beginning of 1996 year of HMS Victorious, the second Vanguard
Class submarine, marks a major step in the transition from Polaris to Trident. Trident has
now taken over the main burden of providing UK strategic nuclear deterrent, and also
provides a continuously-available sub-strategic nuclear capability, a role the Trident force
took over fully when Vigilant entered service and the WE177 bomb was withdrawn in
1998. At that point, Trident became the only UK nuclear weapon system.

The Vanguard Class submarine has been purpose-built as a nuclear powered ballistic
missile carrier, incorporating a selection of successful design features from other British
submarines. In this respect it is unlike its Polaris predecessor, which was adapted from
the then existing Valiant Class SSN. At over 150 metres in length and over 16,000
tonnes, about twice the displacement of the Polaris submarines of the Resolution Class.

The submarines were designed and built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering
Limited [VSEL] at Barrow-in-Furness. They are by far the largest submarines ever
manufactured in the United Kingdom and the third largest unit in the Royal Navy. A
special manufacturing facility, the Devonshire Dock Hall, had to be purpose-built at
Barrow for their construction. The Vanguard Class submarines are larger than the
Resolution Class mainly because of the need to accommodate the Trident D5 missile.
However, the complement of a Vanguard Class boat is smaller - 132 officers and men
compared to a Polaris submarine's crew of 149. The Vanguard Class boats include a
number of improvements over previous British submarines, including a new design of
nuclear propulsion system and a new tactical weapon system for self-defence purposes
both before and after missile launch.

The 16-tube missile compartment is based on the design of the 24-tube system used by
the United States Navy's Ohio Class Trident submarines. Although each Vanguard Class
submarine is capable of carrying 192 warheads, the boats will deploy with no more than
96, and possibly with significantly fewer.

Since January 1995 Trident submarines have taken on a secondary "sub-strategic" role,
with a number of Trident missiles carrying one nuclear warhead. The submarine in
reserve may be armed with 11 missiles with 8 warheads, 4 missiles with 1 warhead on
each, plus an Active Inert Missile during trials.

Some fourteen years after the start of the Trident project, the first submarine, HMS
Vanguard, entered service on time in December 1994. HMS Victorious repeated that
achievement, entering service in December 1995. The third Trident submarine, Vigilant,
was commissioned in Barrow on 2 November 1996. In late 1997 HMS Vigilant emerged
from the nuclear weapons store at Coulport fully armed with Trident missiles and nuclear
warheads.Vigilant test fired two missiles in October 1997, then loaded missiles from 19
November to 3rd December, in which time nuclear warheads were attached to the
missiles at Coulport. There was a final inspection on 05 December 1997, then the
submarine became operational. The fourth and last UK Trident submarine, the
Vengeance, was launched at the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in Cumbria on 22nd August
1998. The Vengeance was commissioned into the Royal Navy at the GEC Marine
(formerly VSEL) shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria on 27 November 1999.

It is too early in the life of the Trident program accurately to assess operating costs but
the Government estimates them to be in the order of £200 million per annum over a 30
year in-service life. This estimate encompasses manpower and related costs, refits of the
submarines, stores and transport costs, a share of the running costs of shore facilities, an
element of the costs of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, in-service support of the
submarines and their weapon systems and decommissioning and disposal costs. The latest
estimate of the total acquisition cost of the Trident programme is £12.57 billion at 1996-
97 economic conditions, over £3.6 billion less in real terms than the original 1982
estimate.

Trident Class
Vanguard Displacement 16,000 tonnes
Victorious Length 149.5 metres
Vigilant
Vengeance Beam 12.8 metres
Complement Two crews of 132
Armament Trident D5 missiles, Torpedoes
Canberra
Over 1,000 Canberras of all types were built between 1949 and 1963, and used by the air
arms of 16 countries world-wide; Australia, South Africa, Venezuela, India and Germany
amongst others, all flew the Canberra for many years in a wide range of roles such as
bombing, reconnaissance, electronic counter-measures and target towing. Indeed,
Argentinean Canberras fought against RAF aircraft during the Falklands conflict in 1982,
and licence-built bomber and reconnaissance Canberras even saw service with the
Australian and United States Air Forces during the Vietnam War.

In 1944, the first Meteor jet fighters were entering service with the RAF, and companies
with experience in building bomber aircraft were tasked with designing and developing
the country's first jet-bombers. To this end such famous companies as Vickers, Avro and
Handley Page were chosen along with English Electric, a relative newcomer to aircraft
design and production, to bid against a series of specifications that were being drawn up
by the Air Ministry and Ministry of Aircraft production. English Electric were awarded
contract E3/45 (later changed to B3/45) in May 1945 covering the production of four
prototype aircraft by the end of 1949. This short timescale meant that the aircraft would
be conventional in design, but, as Freddy Page, Chief Aerodynamicist said, the
company's policy was to produce an aeroplane that was 'the extreme in adventurous
conventionalism'. A team of some 260 people was quickly recruited under the leadership
of WEW 'Teddy' Petter who had previously worked for Westland Aircraft at Yeovil.
During 1947, the specification was amended to include a visual bomb aiming system, and
this resulted in the addition of a third crew member as bomb aimer.

From the outset, the aircraft was designed to operate at speeds comparable to fighter
aircraft of the time, and so particular attention was given to producing a clean aircraft
with high quality flying controls. Final assembly of the first aircraft, known as the A1,
began in early 1949, and on 2 May the completed airframe, serial number VN799, was
rolled out of its hangar at Warton and prepared for a series of engine runs and taxying
trials. These had been satisfactorily completed by the 11th, and the team now felt
confident enough to prepare the aircraft for its first flight at the first available
opportunity. Weather conditions on the morning of May 13 were favourable and a
decision was made to fly the A1. No major problems were discovered, and, after some
minor modifications to the rudder, the test programme began in earnest. By the end of
August the aircraft had exceeded 40,000ft (12,200m) and reached speeds in excess of
500mph (805km/h), and a few weeks later the aircraft was shown to an admiring public at
the Farnborough airshow. Such was the vigour of Wg Cdr Beamont's display, that when
the bomb bay doors were opened, the flight instrumentation pack fell out over the
airfield!

The three remaining the Canberra B1 prototype aircraft joined the programme before the
end of the year, and a variety of tests were carried out over the coming months to clear
the aircraft for RAF service. The next batch of 132 aircraft ordered was to the revised
three-crew specification of 1947; the B2 was a straight development of the existing
A1/B1 airframe, the PR3 was the first reconnaissance version and the T4 was a dual
control trainer. The first B2 flew for the first time on 21 April 1950 followed by a second
in August and the first production standard aircraft in October of that year. With trials
now being carried out at a very intensive rate, the aircraft was eventually cleared for RAF
service in the Spring of 1951.

The first RAF Squadron to receive the Canberra was No. 101 based at RAF Binbrook in
Lincolnshire. Its first aircraft, a Canberra B2, arrived on 25 May 1951, and was delivered
by Wg Cdr Beamont, who gave a short demonstration of the aircraft's aerobatic
capabilities, before being met by the Station Commander and other executives for a short
hand-over ceremony. Prior to receiving Canberras, the squadron had flown Lincoln
bombers, and due to delays in Bomber Command's new strategic bombers (ultimately the
Valiant, Vulcan and Victor), it was decided that the Canberra would be used in the
strategic bombing role as a stop-gap measure. Interestingly, the Lincoln pilots and
navigators chosen to fly in the Canberras were given a conversion course on Meteors, and
about three hours of flying was considered enough for the transition to jet aircraft. The
next version of the Canberra to enter service was the PR3, the first aircraft joining No.
540 Squadron at Benson in December 1952 who were currently operating Mosquitos in
the photo-reconnaissance role. These aircraft featured a crew of two and carried a pack of
four or six cameras for daytime operations, while night duties required the use of two
F.89 cameras. The fuselage was also stretched by 14 inches to accommodate an
additional fuel tank and flare bay.

By August 1952, the three remaining Binbrook squadrons (Nos. 12, 9 and 50) had
exchanged their Lincolns for Canberras, and No. 231 Operational Conversion Unit
(OCU) had formed at Bassingbourn as the dedicated training and conversion squadron.
During 1953, re-equipment with the new jet bomber gathered pace. Two more Bomber
Command Wings, Scampton and Coningsby, had joined the Canberra force by mid-year,
and two ex-Mosquito squadrons, Nos. 109 and 139 at Hemswell, were using the aircraft
in the target-marking role.

Canberra squadrons took part in many training exercises during this time, and frequently
penetrated the radar screen of the defending forces without detection or opposition.
Operations at night and also at low-level were particularly successful; one Canberra crew
from Binbrook obligingly made a second pass over the USAF base at Lakenheath after
his initial low-level run had completely surprised the air defences at the base. Some
squadrons also took part in exercises to help develop tactics in attacking Soviet Navy
battle groups.

During the following year, a further two Wings (Marham and Wittering) received
Canberras, and No. 149 Sqn became the first Germany-based squadron when it moved to
Ahlhorn and joined the 2nd Tactical Air Force (2 TAF). Major rebuilding work in
preparation for the forthcoming strategic bomber force at Coningsby and Scampton
forced the relocation of their squadrons to Honington, Waddington and Cottesmore. No.
101 Sqn received the first of the new improved B6 version of the Canberra in June, which
featured ejection seats for all crew members and other changes. The aircraft now formed
the backbone of Bomber Command operations until the end of 1955, when the first of the
V-bombers, the Valiant, became operational with No. 138 Sqn at Wittering. This
signalled the run down of Canberra strategic bombing operations in the RAF, and by the
time No. 139 Squadron at Binbrook was disbanded in December 1959, most other
Canberra squadrons had transferred to V-bomber operations - only Nos. 9, 12 and 35
Sqns remained as part of Bomber Command. All three squadrons would finally join the
V-Force during 1962 with Vulcans.

Following re-equipment of Bomber Command strike wings with aircraft of the V-Force,
surplus Canberra airframes were re-assigned to squadrons in the Middle East.

During 1954, following the build-up of Soviet forces in Eastern Europe, it was decided to
establish a Canberra Wing at Gutersloh in Germany to carry out night intruder duties. A
development of a dedicated intruder version was some way off, it was decided that
existing B6 airframes would be modified to carry a gun pack and have pylons fitted to
enable carriage of rocket launchers or bombs. Twenty-two of these interim aircraft,
designated Canberra B(I)6, were converted and issued to No. 213 Squadron.

The first of the new aircraft, known as B(I)8s, flew for the first time on 23 July 1954,
with the first deliveries to No. 88 Sqn at Wildenrath beginning in mid-1956. These
aircraft featured a revised fighter-style cockpit, offset to port to improve visibility for the
pilot. The navigator's position was also move forward of the pilot into the nose, and did
not have an ejection seat. From January 1958, the three B(I)8 squadrons (No. 59 being
the third), were committed to the low altitude tactical bombing role. This involved a high-
speed (over 450 mph, 724 km/h), low-level approach to the target area, followed by a
sharp 3.4g pull-up into a loop, in the course of which a nuclear store was released. By
1960, No. 16 Squadron had converted to Canberra B(I)8s, and the 2 TAF Canberra strike
squadrons were maintaining one aircraft on 15 minutes' readiness to carry out a nuclear
strike should a war break out.

The tremendous stresses placed on the airframe in its low-level role were starting to
seriously affect the service life of the aircraft, and the squadrons were looking forward to
trading their Canberras for the new TSR2 aircraft in the late 1960s. However, when
political wrangling forced the cancellation of TSR2 (and its replacement, the American
F-111), the Canberras were forced to soldier on until the early 1970s when the squadrons
re-equipped with Buccaneers and Phantoms.

From the outset, the versatility of the Canberra airframe allowed many aircraft to be fitted
with a variety of special equipment for trails and experiments. A number of aircraft were
modified to carry out radiation cloud sampling during Britain's atomic weapons test
programme in the Pacific during the 1950s.

During the first live hydrogen bomb drop in May 1957, two Canberra PR7s of No. 100
Sqn carried out pre-drop weather checks, and two rocket-fitted Canberra B6s of No. 76
Sqn flew through the radioactive cloud at a height of 56,000 feet (17,078m) sampling the
air and collecting samples. After their return to base, the two aircraft were
decontaminated and their samples transferred to two waiting PR7s of No. 58 Sqn for their
transit to the UK. One of these aircraft was sadly lost when it crashed whilst attempting
to land in blizzard conditions at Goose Bay, Newfoundland in Canada.

In 1958, two Canberra B2s joined No. 192 Squadron at Watton, Norfolk which
specialised in electronic intelligence (ELINT) duties. The Canberras usually operated
over the Baltic, monitoring Russian transmissions and recording them onto a tape
recorder in the bomb bay. Modified Canberra B6s continued to fly with the squadron
(renumbered No. 51 Sqn in October 1958) until their eventual retirement in 1976.

Country Date Aircraft Type and Comments

Mark
Argentina Ordered: Dec 10 refurbished B2s Some aircraft thought to
1969 (known as B62s) and 2 have undertaken
Delivered: T4s (T64s) reconnaissance of
Nov 1970-Sep approaching British Task
1971 Force during Falklands
War, 1982. One aircraft
shot down by Sea Harrier
with AIM-9L Sidewinder
missile. Other aircraft
also involved in bombing
British troops, and
second aircraft hit by
anti-aircraft fire. Total of
35 sorties flown during
the conflict.
Chile Ordered: N/K 3 ex-RAF PR9s Used for frontier
Delivered: surveillance and shipping
Oct 1982 reconnaissance.
Ecuador Ordered: May 6 new-build B6s Overhauled during 1962.
1954
Delivered:
1955
Ethiopia Ordered: 1968 4 refurbished B2s (as Used during Ogaden War
Delivered: B52s) in 1977. Two aircraft
1969 destroyed in Eritrean
separatist attack on
Asmara airfield, 1984.
France Ordered: 1954 3 ex-RAF and 3 new- Used for trials work.
Delivered: build B6s Retired in 1979.
1954
Peru Ordered: 1st: 8 ex-RAF B(I)8s (as -
 1st:Aug 1955, B78s)
2nd:1966, 2nd: 6 ex-RAF B2s (as
3rd:1968, B72s) and 2 ex-RAF T4s
4th:1974 (as T74s)
3rd: 3 ex-RAF B(I)6s (as
Delivered: B(I)56s) and 3 ex-RAF
1st:May 56- B6s (as B56s)
Feb 57, 4th: 11 refurbished ex-
2nd:1966- RAF B(I)8s (as B(I)68s)
1967,
3rd:1969,
4th:1975-
1978
Rhodesia Ordered: 1:15 ex-RAF B2s and 2 Used during Rhodesian
(Zimbabwe) 1st:Late 1957, B2s converted to T4 Civil War, 1972-1979.
2nd:1981 standard
2:1 B2 and 1 T4
Delivered:
1st:Mar 1959-
Mar 1961,
2nd: 1981
South Ordered: 6 new-build B(I)12s and Final B(I)12 was the last
Africa 1962/63 3 ex-RAF T4s production Canberra.
Delivered:
1963/64
Sweden Ordered: 1959 2 refurbished B2s Used as radar and avionic
Delivered: (known as Tp52) trial aircraft. Retired in
1960 1973.
Venezuela Ordered: 1st: 1st: 6 ex-RAF B2s (as All surviving aircraft
January 1953, B52s), refurbished 1977-80 as
2nd: January 2nd: 1 ex-RAF and 7 follows:
1957, 3rd: new-build B(I)8s (As B(I)8 to B(I)88,
1965 B(I)58s) and 2 T54 to T84,
new_build T4s (as T54s) B2 to B82,
Delivered: 3rd: 12 ex-RAF B(I)2 to B(I)82
1st: 1953, B2s/B(I)2s (as and PR3 to PR83.
2nd: 1957, (B52/B(I)2s) and 2 PR3s
3rd: 1966 (as PR53s)
West Ordered: 1966 3 ex-RAF B2s Used by Luftwaffe on
Germany Delivered: 'special duties'. Two
1966 aircraft fitted with
cameras in bomb bay and
used by Military Survey
Dept. for unspecified
 tasks.
Australia Ordered: 1951 2 new-build B2s Supplied as 'pattern
Delivered: aircraft' for licence
August 1951 production of 48 aircraft
(Canberra B20s). Four
T4s supplied during
1956. Used by No. 2 Sqn
Royal Australian Air
Force in Vietnam War,
1966-1971. Over 10,000
operational missions
flown in theatre dropping
nearly 66,000lbs
(30,000kg) of bombs for
the loss of two aircraft.
Type retired in 1982.
New Ordered: 1958 11 new-build B(I)12s B(I)12 was modified
Zealand Delivered: and 2 new-build T13s B(I)8, and T13 a
1960 modified T4. Seventeen
B2s and three T4s loaned
until new aircraft
delivered. Aircraft
withdrawn in 1970 and
sold to India.
India Ordered: 1st: 1st: 65 new-build B(I)8s First 19 B(I)58s and 2
January 1957, (as B(I)58s), 7 new-build T54s were diverted off
2nd: 1963, T4s (as T54s) and 8 new- RAF contracts. Up to 5
3rd: 1963/64, build PR7s (as PR57s) aircraft lost during 1965
4th: 1965, 5th: 2nd and 3rd: 6 ex-RAF Indo-Pakistan War, with
October 1969, B(I)8s (as B(I)58s), 2 ex-up to 4 lost during the
6th: 1970, 7th: RAF PR7s (as PR57s) 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.
1975 and 1 ex-RAF T4 (as
T54)
Delivered: 4th: 3 ex-RAF T4s (as
1st: April T54s). Only one aircraft
1957-mid- delivered
1959, 2nd and 5th: 10 ex-RAF B15 and
3rd: 1963/64, B16s (as B66s)
4th: 1968, 5th: 6th: 2 ex-RAF PR7s (as
1970, 6th: PR57s)
1971, 7th: 7th: 6 ex-RAF T4s
1975
USA Ordered: 2 new-build B2s 'Pattern aircraft' for
Early 1951 licence production of 250
Delivered: aircraft by Martin
March- Comapany. One aircraft
September lost during high-g trials
1951 in December 1951.
Delivery of second
aircraft set an official
trans-Atlantic record on
31 August 1951 -
Aldergrove-Gander
(Newfoundland) in 4 hr
18 min 24.4 sec. Three
aircraft (RB-57Fs) used
by NASA on
stratospheric
reconnaissance
programme.
24 B-57B/RB-57Bs
supplied to Pakistan in
1959, and these aircraft
used in hostilities against
India in 1965. Small
numbers of aircraft also
supplied to Taiwan and
Vietnam.
Valiant
The first of the RAF's V-class bombers, the Valiant flew for the first time on 18 May
1951 and entered service with No. 138 Squadron early in 1955. Three prototypes and 104
production Valiants were built, the last of these being completed and flying on August
27, 1957. Apart from the initial production B.Mk. 1 long-range medium bomber, three
versions of the Valiant were produced; the B.(P.R.) Mk. 1 dual-purpose version equipped
for long-range high-altitude photo-reconnatssance, the B.K. Mk. 1 and the B.(P.R.).K.
Mk. 1, both of which had provision for in-flight refuelling. The Valiant can carry a
10,000-lb. bomb load internally, but by the mid-1960s was relegated largely to the photo-
reconnaissance and tanker roles.

Specifications
Primary Function: medium bomber
Contractor:
Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce Avon 204 turbojets
Thrust: 10,050 lbst each
Length: 108 ft. 3 in.
Height: 32 ft. 2 in.
Wingspan: 114 ft. 4 in.
 Maximum - 567 m.p.h. at 30,000 ft. (Mach 0.84)
Maximum - 414 m.p.h. at sea level
Speed: Cruising - 553 m.p.h. at 30,000 ft. (Mach 0.82)
Cruising - 495 m.p.h. [economic]
Ceiling: 54,000 ft.
Weight: 75,881 lb. - Empty
Maximum Takeoff 175,000 lb.
Weight:
Range:
Armament:
Crew:
Unit Cost:
Date Deployed:
Inventory:
Victor
The third of the RAF's trio of V-bombers, the Handley Page Victor flew for the first time
on 24 December 1952, and the first production B.Mk.1 flew on February 1, 1956. The
Victor B.1 and B.1A, the latter having modified equipment and ECM in the rear fuselage,
subsequently entered service with Nos. 10, 15, 55 and 57 Squadrons of No. 3 Group
R.A.F. Bomber Command, anti a photo-reconnaissance version, the B.(P.R.)1, was
delivered to the R.A.F.'s Photographic Reconnaissance Unit at Wytan. Carrying a crew of
five, the Victor B.1 and B.1A cam accommodate a variety of conventional or nuclear free
falling weapons in a large weapons bay. The Victor B.1 has flown at speeds only
marginally below Mach 1.0 at altitudes above 50,000 feet, and could exceed Mach 1.0 in
a shallow dive. Formation of the planned total of four Victor B.1 squadrons was
completed in 1960.

The first Victor B.2 flew on 20 February 1959, and a reconnaissance version using a
variety of advanced techniques was designated Victor B.(P.R.)2. The Victor B.2, which
entered service with No. 3 Group of RAF Bomber Command early in 1962, the first
squadron to receive this long-range medium bomber being No. 139. The first Victor B.2
unit to become operational with the Avro Blue Steel Mk. 1 rocket-propelled, supersonic-
cruise stand-off weapon was No. 27 Squadron. By comparison with the B.Mk. 1, the
Victor B.2 had substantially increased wing span, enlarged intakes to feed the appreciably
more powerful Conway turbojets, and a retractable scoop on each side of the rear
fuselage to supply ram air to two turbo-alternators.
 Specifications
Primary Function: medium bomber
Contractor:
B.1 - Four Bristol Siddeley Sapphire 202 turbojets B.2 -
Power Plant:
Four Rolls-Royce Conway R.Co.11 turbojet
B.2 - 11,000 lbst
Thrust:
B.2 - 17,250 lbst
B.2 - 114 ft. 11 in.
Length: B.2 - 114 ft. 11 in.
B.2 - 28 ft. 11 in.
Height:
B.2 - 30 ft. 1i in.
B.2 - 110 ft.
Wingspan:
B.2 - 120 ft.
B.1 - Max. speed, 650 mph. at 40,000-50,000 ft.(Mach
0.98)
B.1 - Cruising, 560-620 mph. at 30,000 ft.
Speed:
B.2 - Max. speed, 650 m.p.h. at 40,000-50,000 ft.
(Mach 0.98)
B.2 - Cruising, 560-620 m.p.h. at 35,000-45,000 ft.
B.2 - 55,000 ft.
Ceiling:
B.2 - 60,000 ft.
B.2 - 150,000-180,000 lb.
Weight loaded:
B.2 - 200,000 lb.
Maximum Takeoff B.2 -
Weight: B.2 -
B.2 - 3,500 miles [internal tankage]
Range: B.2 -
Armament:
Crew:
Unit Cost:
Date Deployed:
Inventory:
Vulcan
The first prototype Vulcan medium bomber flew on August 30, 1952. The Vulcan B.1
long-range medium bomber entered production in 1953, with the first production model
flying on February 4, 1955. Planned re-equipment of Nos. 44, 50 and 101 Squadrons of
RAF Bomber Command and No. 230 Operational Conversion Unit squadrons with this
type was completed by the beginning of 1960. The B.Mk. 1A had electronics in a bulged
tail-cone but was otherwise similar to the B.Mk. 1. Both versions carried five crew
members, and progressively more powerful turbojets were installed during the production
life of the B.Mks. 1 and 1A versions of the Vulcan.

The Vulcan B.2 was an extensively developed version of the basic design, featuring a
wing of reduced thickness/chord ratio with more pronounced compound sweepback on
the leading edges and slightly swept trailing edges. A prototype flew for the first time on
31 August 1957, and the first production aircraft flew a year later. Deliveries to No. 83
Squadron commencing in July 1960, and No. 617 Squadron was the second unit to
receive this type as well as being the first to receive the Avro Blue Steel Mk. 1 stand-off
missile which was the standard weapon of the Vulcan B.2. The Vulcan B.2 was initially
powered by 17,000 lbst. Olympus 201 turbojets but was progressively engined with the
Olympus 301.
 Specifications
Primary Function: medium bomber
Contractor: HAWKER SIDDELEY
B.1 - Four 13,000 Ib.s.t. Bristol Siddeley Olympus 104
turbojets
Power Plant: B.2 - Four 20,000 Ib.s.t. Bristol Siddeley Olympus 301
turbojets
B.1 - 99 ft. 11 in.
Length:
B.2 - 99 ft. 11 in.
B.1 - 26 ft. 1 in.
Height:
B.2 - 27 ft. 2 in.
B.1 - 99 ft.
Wingspan:
B.2 - 111 ft.
B.1 - 625 m.p.h. at 40,000ft. (Mach 0.95)
Speed - Maximum: B.2 - 620-635 m.p.h. at 40,000 ft. (Mach 0.94-0.96)
B.1 - 500 m.p.h. (Mach 0.75)
Speed - Cruise:
B.2 - 580-600 m.p.h.
B.1 - 50,000+ ft.
Ceiling:
B.2 - 60,000+ ft.
Weight normal B.1 - 160,000 lb.
loaded: B.2 - 200,000 lb
Maximum Takeoff B.1 - 180,000-200,000 lb.
Weight: B.2 -
B.1 - 2,500-3,000 miles
Range:
B.2 -
Armament:
Crew:
Unit Cost:
Date Deployed:
Inventory:
AVRO 730
The development of the supersonic Avro 730 bomber was was canceled in 1957.

Specifications
Primary Function: Heavy bomber
Contractor:
Power Plant:
Thrust:
Length:
Height:
Wingspan:
Speed:
Ceiling:
Weight:
Maximum Takeoff
Weight:
Range:
Armament:
Crew:
Unit Cost:
Date Deployed:
Inventory:
TSR-2
Based originally on Operational Requirement 339 for a Canberra replacement, the TSR-2
was expected to enter service with RAF Bomber Command by 1967. Designed primarily
for the low-level reconnaissance and strike role, the TSR-2 carried nuclear or
conventional weapons may be carried in an internal bay and on underwing pylons. Orders
were placed for eighteen development and pre-production machines prior to the project's
cancellation.

Specifications
Primary Function: reconnaissance and strike
Contractor:
Power Plant: Two Bristol Siddeley Olympus B.06.22-R turbojets
Thrust: approx. 30,000 lbst each with afterburners
Length: 90 ft.
Height: 23 ft.
Wingspan: 35 ft.
845 m.p.h. at sea level (Mach 1.12)
Speed:
1,190 m.p.h. at 40,000 ft. (Mach 1.8)
Ceiling:
Weight: 100,000 lbs
Maximum Takeoff
Weight:
3,500-4,000 miles
Range:
1,200 miles normal mission radius
Armament:
Crew:
Unit Cost:
Date Deployed:
Inventory:
Tornado
The mainstay of the RAF strike/attack force is the Tornado GR1. Designed and built as a
collaborative project in the UK, Germany and Italy, the Tornado is in service with all
three air forces and the German Navy. It is a twin-seat, twin-engined, variable geometry
aircraft and is supersonic at all altitudes. The Tornado is capable of carrying a wide range
of conventional stores, including the JP233 anti-airfield weapon, the ALARM anti-radar
missile, and laser-guided bombs, as well as the WE-177 nuclear variable-yield free-fall
bomb, first introduced into service in 1966. The last WE-177 was withdrawn from
service in 1998.
The program to upgrade 142 Tornado interdictor strike aircraft from GR1 to GR4
standard is proceeding to schedule. The aircraft system enhancements now being
developed will ensure that the aircraft can seek out and attack its targets more effectively,
taking advantage of the new 'smart' weapons that will progressively become available,
and make it less vulnerable to counter-attack. The first Tornado GR4 squadrons started
forming in 1998.

GENERAL DATA
Countries of Origin. Italy, Germany, UK.
Similar Aircraft. Su-24 Fencer, F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, MiG-23/-27 Flogger, F-111.
Crew. Two.
Role. Interdictor strike.
Armament. Missiles, bombs, rockets, cannon.
Dimensions. Length: 55 ft, 9 in (16.8 m). Span: 45 ft, 7 in (14 m).
WEFT DESCRIPTION
Wings. High-mounted, variable, swept-back, and tapered with angular blunt tips.
Engine(s). Two turbofans in body. Air intakes are diagonal and box-like alongside the
fuselage forward of the wing roots. Twin exhausts.
Fuselage. Solid needle nose. Body thickens at the midsection and tapers to the tail
section. Bubble canopy.
Tail. Tall, swept-back, and tapered fin with blunt tip and a step in the leading edge. Flats
are large, mid-mounted on the body, swept-back, and tapered with angular blunt tips.
USER COUNTRIES
Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UK.

Specifications
Primary Function: bomber
Contractor:
Power Plant:
Thrust:
Length:
Height:
Wingspan:
Speed:
Ceiling:
Weight:
Maximum Takeoff
Weight:
Range:
Armament:
Crew:
Unit Cost:
Date Deployed:
Inventory:
Blue Steel
Hawker Siddeley began development in the late 1950s of the Blue Steel air-to-surface
missile with a range of over 100 miles at a speed of Mach 2.5. Blue Steel entered service
with No. 617 Squadron (The Dam Busters) in February 1963, equiped with a 1-megaton
thermonuclear warhead. As large as a fighter, the missile was 35 feet long with a
wingspan of 13 feet and an overall weight of 15,000 pounds.

In 1959 work on the improved Blue Steel 2 (with a 700-mile range and Mach 3+0 speed)
was cancelled.