R-39UTTH "Bark", NATO reporting name of SS-N-28, was a Russian submarine-launched ballistic missile

Submarine-launched ballistic missile

A submarine-launched ballistic missile is a ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead that can be launched from submarines. Modern variants usually deliver multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles each of which carries a warhead and allows a single launched missile to...

. The missile was an upgraded version of the R-39 missile that was designed for the Typhoon class

Typhoon class submarine

The Project 941 or Akula, Russian "Акула" class submarine is a type of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine deployed by the Soviet Navy in the 1980s...

. The new missile was to be carried by the new Russian nuclear submarines of the Borei class

Borei class submarine

The Borei class is a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine produced and operated by the Russian Navy. The class is intended to replace the Delta III, Delta IV and Typhoon classes now in Russian Navy service...

. The third test launch of a prototype SS-N-28 on 25 November 1998 resulted in a catastrophic failure of the SLBM's booster. The missile exploded roughly 200 meters after take-off from its ground-based launch facility. Having failed its first three test firings the project was ordered abandoned by the Russian Security Council

Security Council of Russia

The Security Council of the Russian Federation is a consultative body of the Russian President that works out the President's decisions on national security affairs...

. The missile was later replaced by the Bulava missile

Bulava (missile)

The Bulava |mace]]"; designation RSM-56, NATO reporting name SS-NX-30, GRAU index 3M30) is a submarine-launched ballistic missile under development for the Russian Navy and to be deployed on the new Borei class of ballistic missile nuclear submarines...

system.

External links

• FAS.org-R39M
• http://www.snariad.ru/strategy/rockets_p-39/