Bulava Ballistic Missile

About the Bulava Ballistic Missile:

• It is a new Russian submarine-launched Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
• Development of this missile commenced in 1998. The first powered flight test of the Bulava missile occurred in September 2005. It’s first submerged test launch followed in December. 
• It was designed to be deployed onto Russia’s Borey-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).
• Features:
• It was designed to be the backbone of Moscow's nuclear triad and has a range of over 8,000 kilometres (close to 5,000 miles).
• It is 12-13.5 m in length and has a diameter of approximately 2.0 m.
• Launch Weight: 36,800 kg
• It is a three-stage solid-fuel missile.
• It is designed to carry multiple warheads. Each warhead will strike a different target. 
• It can carry six Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs).  These MIRVs are capable of manoeuvring in-flight and re-targeting, in order to outmanoeuvre hostile air defences.
• It is stated that this missile has an accuracy of 350 m.

What is a Ballistic Missile?

• It is a rocket-propelled self-guided strategic weapon system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target.
• Ballistic missiles are initially powered by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descendingto reach their intended target. 
• Ballistic missiles can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads.