Posted on 12/13/2009 9:36:37 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The latest test of Russia new Bulava SLBM (Sea Launched Ballistic Missile) was a spectacular failure. The test took place off the northern coast of Russia early on December 10th. The failure resulted in a brilliant light show, in the pre-dawn sky, that was visible to many in Norway. At first the Russians denied that the spectacular lights had anything to do with them. But within a day, they admitted it was Bulava failing its 13th flight test. Last August Russian political and military leaders became upset (make that VERY upset) at the inept development of the new Bulava missile. This weapon is to arm the new Boeri class SSBN (nuclear submarine carrying SLBMs). The Bulava developers were told that they had until the end of the year to make the missile work. Otherwise, the project would be cancelled, heads would roll (OK, people will be fired) and the older R-29RM Sineva SLBM will replace the Bulava. It's already been suggested that the 40 ton R-29RM be used in the new Borei SSBNs. Sineva is the last liquid fuel Russian SLBM in service, and is used in the current Delta class SSBNs.
Apparently the accountants caught wind of this and told the bosses how much such a switch would cost (we're talking several billion dollars, at least). So now, the final decision (for the moment) is that Bulava will be made to work, no matter what it takes. Moreover, an investigative committee determined that most of the problems may have been due to sloppy manufacturing. So the construction of the Bulavas was ordered moved to another factory. That decision was also reversed, after someone did the math. Several senior development officials have already been fired.
(Excerpt) Read more at ask.com ...
Fix the link, please.
Sorry. Here is the link
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/hticbm/articles/20091213.aspx
“Hey, Ryan, be careful what you shoot at. Most things in here don’t react too well to bullets.”
Hot crackers! Hope their “Launch switch” works better than the rocket, especially if it’s armed!
bump
Maybe they should go into developing fireworks instead of missiles.
When the Communist bloc opened up, most of their good engineers skedaddled to nicer parts of the world, generally in the west. They are left with the engineering equivalent of the Three Stooges.
Nyuck Nyuck Nuke.
LOL! Kind of gives me a comfortable feeling about Russia. Makes me wonder what kind of nuclear power they are providing Iran. If the same people are involved with it as are with the missiles all we need do is wait to see a meltdown in Iran.
I think they're using this missile program as an excuse for "something else".
They should have got a Bulova.
Ummm..., calling Scully and Mulder... you better check out those "lights" :-)
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