Les Mureaux, 10 December 2001
EADS LAUNCH VEHICLES has carried out two successful validation tests of critical components of the planned full-scale M51 model, which will be used to validate the launch phase for this ballistic missile. M51 missiles will be deployed on submarines operated by France's nuclear deterrent force.
Marking a major milestone in the M51 program, the tests were performed on November 15 and 28 in the Port of Marseille.
The planned instrumented full-scale model, dubbed "Jonas", will be dedicated to M51 cold launch studies. It will test the underwater launch of the missile (ejection, hydrodynamic effects) and the resistance of the afterbody to the ejection, and also check interfaces with the submarine.
At the end of 2002, EADS LAUNCH VEHICLES will carry out a new series of tests, based on this model, to validate all missile launch operations.
EADS LAUNCH VEHICLES is industrial prime contractor for the M51 sub-launched strategic missile, on behalf of French defense procurement agency DGA (part of the Ministry of Defense). M51 missiles will enter service on France's new-generation ballistic missile nuclear submarines at the end of the decade.
EADS LAUNCH VEHICLES, the European Industrial Leader for Space Transportation, designs and develops Ariane launchers, orbital infrastructures, the ATV Cargo Carrier for the International Space Station, France's nuclear deterrent force missiles and a range of space equipment. It has 3,300 employees in France.
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EADS LAUNCH VEHICLES website: http://www.launchers.eads.net
