R-29RMU2 Layner
The R-29RMU2.1 Layner[2] (Russian: Р-29РМУ2.1 "Лайнер" meaning Liner) is a Russian liquid-fuelled submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and the newest member of the R-29 missile family, developed by the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau and produced by the Krasnoyarsk Machine-Building Plant.[3] Derived from the R-29RMU2 Sineva SLBM, the Layner can carry twelve nuclear warheads, three times as many as Sineva. It was expected to enter service with the Russian Navy's Delta IV-class submarines after a successful test programme that spanned from May to September 2011. The Russian Navy confirmed in 2014 that the system was now in use.[4]
| R-29RMU2.1 Laynar | |
|---|---|
| Type | SLBM |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2014–present |
| Used by | Russian Navy |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau |
| Manufacturer | Krasnoyarsk Machine-Building Plant |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 40 tons |
| Length | 15 m |
| Diameter | 1.9 m |
| Warhead | 4 × 500kt or 12 × 100kt multiple thermonuclear warheads[1] |
| Engine | Three-stage liquid-propellant rocket |
Operational range | 8,300-12,000 km |
Guidance system | Astroinertial with GLONASS |
History and design
On 9 August 2011, the Russian Ministry of Defense disclosed the details of the Layner SLBM, whose first launch occurred on 20 May earlier that year.[3][5] The authorities originally claimed the launch to be of a Sineva missile, but on 23 May 2011 it was revealed that the missile fired was actually the Layner.[6][7] The successful firing, aimed at the Kura Test Range, was conducted from the submarine K-84 Ekaterinburg.[3][8]

The second launch of the Layner missile took place on 29 September 2011 from the submarine K-114 Tula in the Barents Sea aimed at the Kura Test Range.[9][10] Following the second successful Layner test, the Russian Navy decided to accept the missile into active service to augment the RSM-56 Bulava missile and improve the future viability of the Delta IV-class submarines until at least 2030.[11] Development work on the missile was completed by late February 2012.[13] Missile was recommended by the State Commission for adoption as of December 2012.[14] Missile weapons complex D-29RMU2.1 with missile R-29RMU2.1 accepted for service by decree of the President of the Russian Federation in January 2014.[15]
The Layner missile is a highly advanced derivative of the three-stage liquid-propelled R-29RMU2 Sineva SLBM, which was accepted into service in 2007.[3] While many technical details are not disclosed, it is known that the missile is capable of carrying up to twelve low-yield nuclear warheads called MIRVs capable of striking several targets individually. This is twice the number of warheads the solid-propellant RSM-56 Bulava SLBM can carry, and, unlike those of the Sineva SLBM, these warheads can be of a mixed set with various yields. While it shares flight characteristics with the Sineva, the Layner is equipped with improved systems to overcome anti-ballistic missile shields.[16] The missile can carry twelve low-yield warheads without penetration aids, ten low-yield warheads with penetration aids, eight low-yield warheads with enhanced penetration aids, or four medium-yield warheads with penetration aids.[1]
See also
References
- "R-29RMU2.1 Liner" (in Russian). Retrieved 13 October 2018.
- McDowell, Jonathan. "S: Suborbital launches (apogee 80+ km)". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
- Внезапный "Лайнер" [Sudden "Liner"]. Lenta.Ru (in Russian). Lenta.ru. 10 August 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- "Lenta.ru: Оружие: Вооружение: Россия вооружилась баллистической ракетой "Лайнер"". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- "New Russian Missile Blows Away Competition". RT. Ocnus.net. 10 August 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- Podvig, Pavel (23 May 2011). "What is Liner SLBM?". Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces. Russianforces.org. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
- В России создана ракета в два раза мощнее "Булавы" [In Russia, the launcher twice as powerful "Bulava"]. Lenta.Ru (in Russian). Lenta.ru. 9 August 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- Podvig, Pavel (20 May 2011). "Another Sineva launch from Ekaterinburg submarine". Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces. Russianforces.org. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
- Минобороны успешно запустило новую баллистическую ракету [Ministry of Defense has successfully launched a new ballistic missile]. Lenta.Ru (in Russian). Lenta.ru. 29 September 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- "Russia successfully tests new strategic missile". Xinhua News Agency. News.cn. 30 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- "Liner missile to enter Russia Navy". Voice of Russia. Ruvr.ru. 21 October 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
- "Russia Finished Development of SLBM Liner". Rusnavy.com. 24 February 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2012.
- "ОАО "ГРЦ Макеева". Информационный ресурс. Новости". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- "ОАО "ГРЦ Макеева". Информационный ресурс. Новости". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- "Лайнер" пойдет в тираж ["Liner" will enter service]. Interfax (in Russian). Interfax.ru. 6 October 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.