MSBS home
topic index
MSBS M4
Intermediate range ballistic missile. IOC: 1971. Country: France. Status: Active.

Manufacturer: SEREB. Launches: 65. Failures: 1. Success Rate: 98.46%. First Launch Date: 1966-01-01. Last Launch Date: 2007-06-21. Launch data is: continuing. Liftoff Thrust: 444.200 kN (99,860 lbf). Total Mass: 19,950 kg (43,980 lb). Core Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Total Length: 10.40 m (34.10 ft). Span: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Standard warhead mass: 1,360 kg (2,990 lb). Maximum range: 2,900 km (1,800 mi). Number Standard Warheads: 1. Standard warhead CEP: 1.00 km (0.60 mi). Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise Propulsion: Solid rocket. Guidance: Inertial. Version:

MSBS M011. Status: Retired 1968.

Launches: 2. First Launch Date: 1967-01-01. Last Launch Date: 1968-01-01. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 15,000 kg (33,000 lb). Core Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Total Length: 10.00 m (32.00 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x MSBS M2-1. Gross Mass: 10,000 kg (22,000 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 904. Thrust (vac): 450.000 kN (101,160 lbf). Burn time: 50 sec. Length: 4.50 m (14.70 ft). Diameter: 1.51 m (4.95 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x Diamant BP-2. Gross Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Empty Mass: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Motor: 1 x P4. Thrust (vac): 176.000 kN (39,566 lbf). Isp: 273 sec. Burn time: 55 sec. Length: 2.60 m (8.50 ft). Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

MSBS M012. Status: Retired 1968.

Launches: 4. First Launch Date: 1968-01-01. Last Launch Date: 1968-01-13. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 15,000 kg (33,000 lb). Core Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Total Length: 10.00 m (32.00 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x MSBS M2-1. Gross Mass: 10,000 kg (22,000 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 904. Thrust (vac): 450.000 kN (101,160 lbf). Burn time: 50 sec. Length: 4.50 m (14.70 ft). Diameter: 1.51 m (4.95 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x Diamant BP-2. Gross Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Empty Mass: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Motor: 1 x P4. Thrust (vac): 176.000 kN (39,566 lbf). Isp: 273 sec. Burn time: 55 sec. Length: 2.60 m (8.50 ft). Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

MSBS M013. Status: Retired 1971.

Launches: 15. First Launch Date: 1968-01-01. Last Launch Date: 1971-01-01. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 15,000 kg (33,000 lb). Core Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Total Length: 10.00 m (32.00 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x MSBS M2-1. Gross Mass: 10,000 kg (22,000 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 904. Thrust (vac): 450.000 kN (101,160 lbf). Burn time: 50 sec. Length: 4.50 m (14.70 ft). Diameter: 1.51 m (4.95 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x Diamant BP-2. Gross Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Empty Mass: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Motor: 1 x P4. Thrust (vac): 176.000 kN (39,566 lbf). Isp: 273 sec. Burn time: 55 sec. Length: 2.60 m (8.50 ft). Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

MSBS M112. Status: Retired 1967.

Launches: 9. First Launch Date: 1966-01-01. Last Launch Date: 1967-04-19. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 18,000 kg (39,000 lb). Core Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Total Length: 10.40 m (34.10 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x MSBS M112-1. Gross Mass: 10,000 kg (22,000 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 901. Thrust (vac): 440.000 kN (98,910 lbf). Length: 4.50 m (14.70 ft). Diameter: 1.51 m (4.95 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x Diamant BP-2. Gross Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Empty Mass: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Motor: 1 x P4. Thrust (vac): 176.000 kN (39,566 lbf). Isp: 273 sec. Burn time: 55 sec. Length: 2.60 m (8.50 ft). Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

MSBS M1. IOC: 1971. Status: Retired 1972.

Two stage vehicle consisting of 1 x SEP 901 + 1 x Rita I

Launches: 4. First Launch Date: 1971-01-01. Last Launch Date: 1972-01-01. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 440.000 kN (98,910 lbf). Total Mass: 20,005 kg (44,103 lb). Core Diameter: 1.49 m (4.88 ft). Total Length: 10.67 m (35.00 ft). Span: 1.49 m (4.88 ft). Standard warhead mass: 1,360 kg (2,990 lb). Maximum range: 3,008 km (1,869 mi). Number Standard Warheads: 1. Standard warhead yield: 1,000 KT. Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise Propulsion: Solid rocket. Guidance: Inertial.

  • Stage1: 1 x MSBS M2-1. Gross Mass: 10,000 kg (22,000 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 904. Thrust (vac): 450.000 kN (101,160 lbf). Burn time: 50 sec. Length: 4.50 m (14.70 ft). Diameter: 1.51 m (4.95 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x Diamant BP-2. Gross Mass: 4,500 kg (9,900 lb). Empty Mass: 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). Motor: 1 x P4. Thrust (vac): 176.000 kN (39,566 lbf). Isp: 273 sec. Burn time: 55 sec. Length: 2.60 m (8.50 ft). Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

MSBS M2. IOC: 1973. Status: Retired 1973.

Two stage vehicle consisting of 1 x SEP 904 + 1 x Rita II

Launches: 3. First Launch Date: 1973-01-01. Last Launch Date: 1973-07-20. Apogee: 600 km (370 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 440.000 kN (98,910 lbf). Total Mass: 19,500 kg (42,900 lb). Core Diameter: 1.52 m (4.98 ft). Total Length: 10.67 m (35.00 ft). Span: 1.52 m (4.98 ft). Standard warhead mass: 1,360 kg (2,990 lb). Maximum range: 3,200 km (1,900 mi). Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise Propulsion: Solid rocket. Guidance: Inertial.

  • Stage1: 1 x MSBS M2-1. Gross Mass: 10,000 kg (22,000 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 904. Thrust (vac): 450.000 kN (101,160 lbf). Burn time: 50 sec. Length: 4.50 m (14.70 ft). Diameter: 1.51 m (4.95 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x MSBS M2-2. Gross Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Motor: 1 x Rita II. Thrust (vac): 320.000 kN (71,930 lbf). Burn time: 52 sec. Length: 3.00 m (9.80 ft). Diameter: 1.51 m (4.95 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

MSBS M20. Status: Retired 1980.

Launches: 4. First Launch Date: 1974-06-12. Last Launch Date: 1980-01-01. Apogee: 600 km (370 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 20,000 kg (44,000 lb). Core Diameter: 1.50 m (4.90 ft). Total Length: 10.70 m (35.10 ft). Maximum range: 3,000 km (1,800 mi).

  • Stage1: 1 x MSBS M2-1. Gross Mass: 10,000 kg (22,000 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 904. Thrust (vac): 450.000 kN (101,160 lbf). Burn time: 50 sec. Length: 4.50 m (14.70 ft). Diameter: 1.51 m (4.95 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x MSBS M2-2. Gross Mass: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb). Motor: 1 x Rita II. Thrust (vac): 320.000 kN (71,930 lbf). Burn time: 52 sec. Length: 3.00 m (9.80 ft). Diameter: 1.51 m (4.95 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

MSBS M4. IOC: 1985. Status: Retired 1986.

Submarine launched; MRV. Operational. 3 stage vehicle.

Guidance contractor: SAGEM/EMD. Launches: 16. Failures: 1. First Launch Date: 1980-11-28. Last Launch Date: 1986-03-01. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 900.000 kN (202,320 lbf). Total Mass: 34,987 kg (77,133 lb). Core Diameter: 1.92 m (6.30 ft). Total Length: 11.07 m (36.31 ft). Span: 1.92 m (6.29 ft). Standard warhead mass: 3,600 kg (7,900 lb). Maximum range: 3,900 km (2,400 mi). Number Standard Warheads: 6. Standard warhead yield: 150 KT. Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Boost engine: P401. Cruise Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise engine: P402. Stage 3 Engine: P403. Stage 3 Propellants: Solid rocket. Guidance: Inertial. Ceiling: 772,700 m (2,535,100 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x MSBS M4-1. Gross Mass: 22,500 kg (49,600 lb). Empty Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 401. Thrust (vac): 900.000 kN (202,320 lbf). Burn time: 60 sec. Length: 5.40 m (17.70 ft). Diameter: 1.93 m (6.33 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x MSBS M4-2. Gross Mass: 8,800 kg (19,400 lb). Empty Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 402. Thrust (vac): 300.000 kN (67,440 lbf). Burn time: 70 sec. Length: 2.00 m (6.50 ft). Diameter: 1.93 m (6.33 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage3: 1 x MSBS M4-3. Gross Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Empty Mass: 100 kg (220 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 403. Thrust (vac): 100.000 kN (22,480 lbf). Burn time: 40 sec. Length: 1.10 m (3.60 ft). Diameter: 1.93 m (6.33 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

MSBS M45. Status: Active.

Improved M-4.

Guidance contractor: EMD/SAGEM. Launches: 6. First Launch Date: 1995-02-14. Last Launch Date: 2005-02-01. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 35,000 kg (77,000 lb). Core Diameter: 1.92 m (6.30 ft). Total Length: 11.07 m (36.31 ft). Maximum range: 4,100 km (2,500 mi). Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Boost engine: P401. Cruise Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise engine: P402. Stage 3 Engine: P403. Stage 3 Propellants: Solid rocket. Guidance: Inertial.

  • Stage1: 1 x MSBS M4-1. Gross Mass: 22,500 kg (49,600 lb). Empty Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 401. Thrust (vac): 900.000 kN (202,320 lbf). Burn time: 60 sec. Length: 5.40 m (17.70 ft). Diameter: 1.93 m (6.33 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x MSBS M4-2. Gross Mass: 8,800 kg (19,400 lb). Empty Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 402. Thrust (vac): 300.000 kN (67,440 lbf). Burn time: 70 sec. Length: 2.00 m (6.50 ft). Diameter: 1.93 m (6.33 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage3: 1 x MSBS M4-3. Gross Mass: 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Empty Mass: 100 kg (220 lb). Motor: 1 x SEP 403. Thrust (vac): 100.000 kN (22,480 lbf). Burn time: 40 sec. Length: 1.10 m (3.60 ft). Diameter: 1.93 m (6.33 ft). Propellants: Solid.
Version:

MSBS M5. Intercontinental ballistic missile. IOC: 2002.

Guidance contractor: SAGEM/ESD. Total Mass: 48,000 kg (105,000 lb). Core Diameter: 2.29 m (7.51 ft). Total Length: 11.89 m (39.00 ft). Span: 2.29 m (7.51 ft). Maximum range: 11,000 km (6,000 mi). Number Standard Warheads: 12. Boost Propulsion: Solid rocket. Cruise Propulsion: Solid rocket. Guidance: Inertial. Version:

MSBS M51. Intercontinental ballistic missile. Status: Active.

Launches: 2. First Launch Date: 2006-11-09. Last Launch Date: 2007-06-21. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi). Liftoff Thrust: 0 N ( lbf). Total Mass: 56,000 kg (123,000 lb). Core Diameter: 2.30 m (7.50 ft). Total Length: 12.00 m (39.00 ft).

  • Stage1: 1 x MSBS M51-1. Gross Mass: 30,000 kg (66,000 lb). Empty Mass: 2,500 kg (5,500 lb). Motor: 1 x MSBS 501. Thrust (vac): 900.000 kN (202,320 lbf). Burn time: 60 sec. Length: 6.50 m (21.30 ft). Diameter: 2.30 m (7.50 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage2: 1 x MSBS M51-2. Gross Mass: 10,000 kg (22,000 lb). Empty Mass: 800 kg (1,760 lb). Motor: 1 x MSBS 502. Thrust (vac): 300.000 kN (67,440 lbf). Burn time: 70 sec. Length: 2.30 m (7.50 ft). Diameter: 2.30 m (7.50 ft). Propellants: Solid.
  • Stage3: 1 x MSBS M51-3. Gross Mass: 5,000 kg (11,000 lb). Empty Mass: 100 kg (220 lb). Motor: 1 x MSBS 503. Thrust (vac): 100.000 kN (22,480 lbf). Burn time: 40 sec. Length: 1.30 m (4.20 ft). Diameter: 2.30 m (7.50 ft). Propellants: Solid.
MSBS Chronology

1966? - Ile du Levant Nemo. Caisson 2 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

1966 May 26 - Hammaguira Brigitte. Essai 1 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

1966 June 1 - Hammaguira Brigitte. Essai 2 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

1966 July 12 - Ile du Levant Nemo. Caisson 1 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

1967 - Ile du Levant Nemo. Caisson 3 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

1967 - Ile du Levant Nemo. Caisson 3 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

1967 - Ile du Levant -. Gymnote 3 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

1967 - Ile du Levant -. Gymnote 4 RSO test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

1967 - Ile du Levant -. Gymnote 4 RSO Test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 10 km (6 mi).

1967 April 19 - Ile du Levant -. Gymnote 1 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

1968 - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M012 A2 A2 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1968 - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M012 B2 B2 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1968 - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M012 B1 B1 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1968 - Ile du Levant Nemo. Caisson 2 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 50 km (31 mi).

1968? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 V3 V3 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1968? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 V2 V2 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1968 January 13 - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M012 A1 A1 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1968 November 16 - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 V1 V1 Vecteur operational test launch Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1969? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 V4 V4 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1969? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 V5 V5 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1969? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 V6 V6 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1970? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 C2 C2 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1970? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 C3 C3 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1970? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 C4 C4 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1970? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 V7 V7 test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1970 June 11 - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 C1 C1 Charge (RV) Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1971? - Biscarosse -. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1971? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 C5 C5 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1971? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 C6 C6 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1971? - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 C7 C7 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1971 - Biscarosse -. MSBS M013 C8 C8 Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1971 May 29 - 10:00 GMT - Biscarosse -. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1971 June 26 - Biscarosse -. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1972? - Biscarosse -. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 500 km (310 mi).

1973? - Biscarosse -. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 600 km (370 mi).

1973 - Biscarosse -. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 600 km (370 mi).

1973 July 20 - Biscarosse BLB. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 600 km (370 mi).

1974 June 12 - Biscarosse BLB. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 600 km (370 mi).

1976 April 7 - Biscarosse -. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 600 km (370 mi).

1979 July 1 - Biscarosse -. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 600 km (370 mi).

1980? - Biscarosse -. Operational test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 600 km (370 mi).

1980 November 28 - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M4 1 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1981 - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M4 3 FAILURE: Failure. Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 0 km ( mi).

1981? - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M4 5 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1981? - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M4 2 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1981 - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M4 4 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1982? - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M4 6 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1982? - Biscarosse -. Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1982? - Biscarosse BLB. MSBS M4 7 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1982? - Biscarosse -. Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1982 March 10 - Biscarosse -. MSBS M4 8 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1983 - Bay of Biscay Launch Area -. Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Launched from Zone de lancement SNLE, Golfe de Gascogne, Bretagne - Latitude: 47.50 N - Longitude: 4.50 W.

1983 July 12 - Biscarosse -. Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1983 November 23 - Biscarosse -. MSBS M4 13 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1984 February 22 - Biscarosse -. MSBS M4 14 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1984 July 12 - Biscarosse -. Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1986 March 1 - Biscarosse -. Long range test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1995 February 14 - Biscarosse -. MSBS M45 1 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

1999 May 4 - Sea-launched -. MSBS M45 3 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Launched from Zone de lancement SNLE, Golfe de Gascogne, Bretagne - Latitude: 47.50 N, Longitude:4.50 W.

1999 May 4 - Sea-launched -. MSBS M45 2 Test mission Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Launched from Zone de lancement SNLE, Golfe de Gascogne, Bretagne - Latitude: 47.50 N, Longitude:4.50 W.

2001 April 17 - 22:00 GMT - Bay of Biscay Launch Area -. MSBS M45 4 M51 Research and development (to CSG) test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Launched from Zone de lancement SNLE, Golfe de Gascogne, Bretagne - Latitude: 47.50 N - Longitude: 4.50 W.

2004 June 1 - 22:01 GMT - Bay of Biscay Launch Area -. MSBS M45 5 ME-34 Teutates test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi). Launched from Zone de lancement SNLE, Golfe de Gascogne, Bretagne - Latitude: 47.50 N - Longitude: 4.50 W.

2005 February 1 - Bay of Biscay Launch Area -. MSBS M45 6? Agency: DMA. Apogee: 800 km (490 mi).

2006 November 9 - 08:51 GMT - Biscarosse -. MSBS M51 1 M51 test launch Agency: DMA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

2007 June 21 - Biscarosse -. MSBS M51 2 M51 SLBM test Agency: DMA. Apogee: 1,000 km (600 mi).

Bibliography:
Contact us with any corrections, additions, or comments.
Conditions for use of drawings, pictures, or other materials from this site..
To contact astronauts or cosmonauts.

© Mark Wade, 1997 - 2008 except where otherwise noted.
MSBS M20