Bulava Blues Blocks More Boreis

The Strategy Page ^ | 12/22/2009 | The Strategy Page

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Russia has delayed, for at least a few months, starting construction of their fourth Borei class SSBN (ballistic missile nuclear subs, or "boomers"). Russia wants to have the new Borei class boats replace the current Delta IV class SSBNs. The first Borei is already in the service, but not yet commissioned, and two others are under construction. The problem, and unofficial reason for the delay, is the inability to make the new Bulava SLBM (Sea Launched Ballistic Missile) work. The latest Bulava test was a spectacular failure (which lit up the pre-dawn sky of northern Norway, for all to see). This was the seventh failure out of 13 tests. Some insiders quietly complain that only one of the 13 tests was an unqualified success. The situation is dire, if Russia wants to maintain an SLBM capability. The reason for is that only eight of the twelve existing Russian Delta IV SSBNs are available for service. The Delta IVs are getting old, and have only about a decade of useful service left. Currently, it appears that the navy will get only eight Boreis. These new boats are expensive, and the navy wants to build some other expensive warships as well (carriers and attack subs).

[Ready4Freddy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2413577/posts?page=5

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

I know I saw it. It was my mistake

[Texas Jack]

I’m amazed. I can’t believe they are attempting to develop this weapons system on their own. Whatever happened to good old Russian ingenuity; steal the technology from the U.S.?

[PIF]

“Whatever happened to good old Russian ingenuity; steal the technology from the U.S.?”

The Chinese have taken all the secrets (Super 863 Program) - there is nothing left to steal here. The Russians are finding it more advantageous and cost efficient to steal them from the Chinese, develop, and sell the result to the Chinese.

These failures are directly attributable to Russian bureaucracy pushing home-grown ideas.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The Russian military machine is in a state of disrepair. There has been a steady “brain drain” of scientists and machinists from Russia. They have been going to countries like North Korea, Pakistan,Libya and Iran because they are paid well and provided good labratories.