Bulava (photo: Newsru.com)
An OPK source has told ITAR-TASS the next Bulava SLBM test is expected in the first half of September. The source said the state commission investigating the last Bulava failure is scheduled to meet 6 September, and the launch window for the next test opens on 9 September.
A missile industry source told Interfaks the commission will meet in the 5-7 September timeframe, and it could fix a launch date sometime at the end of the first ten days of September.
Newsru.com recalled that three tests are planned for 2010: two from Dmitriy Donskoy and one from Borey-class SSBN Yuriy Dolgorukiy. The website’s Defense Ministry source unofficially repeated claims that, if all three firings are successful, the Bulava will be accepted into the armaments inventory next year.
ITAR-TASS also reported today that Dolgorukiy successfully completed its latest phase of factory underway trials, and is preparing to go sea again next month. Sevmash reports the new SSBN completed its cruise program, showing “good performance characteristics and reliable working of all onboard systems.”
Russian Defense Policy 