The R-29RMU2.1 Layner[2] (Russian: Р-29РМУ2.1 "Лайнер" meaning Liner) is a Russian liquid-fuelled submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and the newest member of the R-29 missile family, developed by the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau and produced by the Krasnoyarsk Machine-Building Plant. Derived from the R-29RMU2 Sineva SLBM, the Layner can carry twelve nuclear warheads, three times as many as Sineva. It was expected to enter service with the Russian Navy's Delta IV-class submarines after a successful test programme that spanned from May to September 2011. The Russian Navy confirmed in 2014 that the system was now in use.
| R-29RMU2.1 Laynar | |
|---|---|
| Type | SLBM |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2014–present |
| Used by | Russian Navy |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau |
| Manufacturer | Krasnoyarsk Machine-Building Plant |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 40 tons |
| Length | 15 m |
| Diameter | 1.9 m |
| Warhead | 4 × 500kt or 12 × 100kt multiple thermonuclear warheads[1] |
| Engine | Three-stage liquid-propellant rocket |
Operational range | 8,300-11,000 km[citation needed] |
Guidance system | Astroinertial with GLONASS |
| Accuracy | 250 m |
History and design
editOn 9 August 2011, the Russian Ministry of Defense disclosed the details of the Layner SLBM, whose first launch occurred on 20 May earlier that year.[3] The authorities originally claimed the launch to be of a Sineva missile, but on 23 May 2011 it was revealed that the missile fired was actually the Layner.[4] The successful firing, aimed at the Kura Test Range, was conducted from the submarine K-84 Ekaterinburg.[5]
The second launch of the Layner missile took place on 29 September 2011 from the submarine K-114 Tula in the Barents Sea aimed at the Kura Test Range.[6] Following the second successful Layner test, the Russian Navy decided to accept the missile into active service to augment the RSM-56 Bulava missile and improve the future viability of the Delta IV-class submarines until at least 2030.[7][8] Development work on the missile was completed by late February 2012.[9] Missile was recommended by the State Commission for adoption as of December 2012.[10] Missile weapons complex D-29RMU2.1 with missile R-29RMU2.1 accepted for service by decree of the President of the Russian Federation in January 2014.[11]
The Layner missile is a highly advanced derivative of the three-stage liquid-propelled R-29RMU2 Sineva SLBM, which was accepted into service in 2007. While many technical details are not disclosed, it is known that the missile is capable of carrying up to twelve low-yield nuclear warheads called MIRVs capable of striking several targets individually.[citation needed] This is twice the number of warheads the solid-propellant RSM-56 Bulava SLBM can carry, and, unlike those of the Sineva SLBM, these warheads can be of a mixed set with various yields.[8] While it shares flight characteristics with the Sineva, the Layner is equipped with improved systems to overcome anti-ballistic missile shields.[12] The missile can carry twelve low-yield warheads without penetration aids, ten low-yield warheads with penetration aids, eight low-yield warheads with enhanced penetration aids, or four medium-yield warheads with penetration aids.[1]
Operators
edit
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "R-29RMU2.1 Liner" (in Russian). Retrieved 13 October 2018.
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "S: Suborbital launches (apogee 80+ km)". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
- ^ "New Russian Missile Blows Away Competition". RT. Ocnus.net. 10 August 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- ^ Podvig, Pavel (23 May 2011). "What is Liner SLBM?". Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces. Russianforces.org. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
- ^ Podvig, Pavel (20 May 2011). "Another Sineva launch from Ekaterinburg submarine". Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces. Russianforces.org. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
- ^ "Russia successfully tests new strategic missile". Xinhua News Agency. News.cn. 30 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- ^ "Liner missile to enter Russia Navy". Voice of Russia. Ruvr.ru. 21 October 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Russia Finished Development of SLBM Liner". Rusnavy.com. 24 February 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
- ^ "ОАО "ГРЦ Макеева". Информационный ресурс. Новости". Archived from the original on 23 December 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ^ "ОАО "ГРЦ Макеева". Информационный ресурс. Новости". Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ^ "Лайнер" пойдет в тираж ["Liner" will enter service]. Interfax (in Russian). Interfax.ru. 6 October 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.