France test-fires new inter-continental missile

The Tocqueville Connection ^ | 06/21/2007

[Republicain]

LE BOURGET, France, June 21, 2007 (AFP) - France on Thursday successfully test-fired an inter-continental missile that will be outfitted to its new class of nuclear submarines in 2010, Defence Minister Herve Morin said.

The M51 intercontinental missile was fired from the Biscarosse launch site in the Landes region of southwest France and splashed down in the North Atlantic "far from the American coast," said a defence ministry official. "This morning, we carried out the second test of the M51 missile and it was a perfect success," said Morin during a visit to the air and space show at Le Bourget, outside Paris.

A first test of the M51, which can carry six nuclear warheads and has a range of 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles), was carried out in November 2006.

The missile will replace the M45 sea-to-ground ballistic missile and be used by a new class of strategic nuclear submarines that form the backbone of France's policy of nuclear deterrence.

"This is a technological exploit that is absolutely indispensable for the new generation of nuclear missiles that we will load onto our missile launching nuclear submarines," said Morin.

France currently has four missile launching nuclear submarines.

[3AngelaD]

Go Sarko. Rattle those French sabers.

[newnhdad]

I don’t get it? How will this enhance their ability to surrender faster?

[livius]

I guess it could hit the ME, right?

[Alter Kaker]

The M51 intercontinental missile was fired from the Biscarosse launch site in the Landes region of southwest France and splashed down in the North Atlantic "far from the American coast,"

I should hope so!

[kevkrom]

How will this enhance their ability to surrender faster?

They can now do it from longer distances away?

[bmwcyle]

[lowbridge]

The M51 intercontinental missile was fired from the Biscarosse launch site in the Landes region of southwest France and splashed down in the North Atlantic "far from the American coast,"

And missed hitting Massachusettes? Damn French. Cant count on them to do anything right.

[RightWhale]

splashed down in the North Atlantic "far from the American coast

N Kor was at least able to hit America with their ICBM.

[MrEdd]

Are they going to call it the "Charles Martel"?

[Alter Kaker]

N Kor was at least able to hit America with their ICBM.

As Paris is 3600 miles from New York and 5700 miles from Los Angeles, and this missile has an 8000 mile range, I think it's pretty clear they could hit anywhere in America they wanted to. Additionally, it's fitted for their boomers.

[VOA]

Are they going to call it the "Charles Martel"?

If so, it will probably eventually be renamed "Sword of The Prophet"
when the Islamic Republic of France takes over.

[Alter Kaker]

Ack, never mind. It can't hit Los Angeles from Paris, but it can definitely hit other parts of California and all of the lower 48 US states. Lindsay Lohan can breathe a little easier tonight, knowing she sleeps safe from the threat of imminent French attack.

I'm confused by the whole mile/kilometer thing.

[RightWhale]

I know for a fact that the missile doesn’t fly in miles but in kilometers.

[Alter Kaker]

Yes, yes I know. I’m somewhat embarrassed.

[Westlander]

Their Air Force is working on extended accuracy.

[Young Werther]

They’re painted white and are armed with a fetid cheese croissant!

[Sam's Army]

Jeez. Has most everyone been asleep for the last 3 months? Last I remember an election was held in France and won by a pro-American candidate who wasn't afraid to label the rioting scum as such in France's borders.

And yet, still massive disdain from too many of us.

I'll have a nice Bordeaux tonight to go with a slow smoked steak.

[TheBattman]

What is that attached to the "head" of the missile?

Is that a white flag?

[Ancesthntr]

I don’t get it? How will this enhance their ability to surrender faster?

It is fitted with 10 MIRV-S (Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicles-Surrender). IOW, its full of white flags.