The M4 was a French submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) deployed on the nuclear Redoutable-class submarines (except the Redoutable herself, which was not refitted).[1]

M4 SLBM
TypeSLBM
Service history
In service1985
Production history
ManufacturerEADS SPACE Transportation
Specifications
Mass36,000 kg (79,000 lb)
Length11.5 m (38 ft)
Diameter1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Warhead6 × TN 71 MIRV, with penetration aids
Blast yield6 × 150 kt (630 TJ)

EngineThree stage Solid-fuel rocket
Operational
range
5,000 km (3,100 mi)
Guidance
system
Inertial
Launch
platform
Redoutable-class submarines

They entered service on 1 May 1985. They were the first French MIRV-capable nuclear missiles, with six 150 kilotonne warheads.[1]

They were replaced by the improved M45 SLBM missile which was in service aboard the Triomphant-class submarine.[1]

Operators edit

  France

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "M-4 / M-45 - France Nuclear Forces". Federation of American Scientists. 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.