Article Posted on : - Dec 11, 2009

A file photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): The latest test-launch of Russia�s troubled Bulava missile has ended in failure, according to media reports here.

The intercontinental ballistic missile was launched on board the Dmitry Donskoi nuclear-powered submarine from the White Sea on Wednesday.

While the first two stages of the missile�s engine performed smoothly, technical troubles marred the third stage functioning which faltered the flight, the reports said citing the Defence Ministry.

The latest test is the Bulava�s seventh failure out of total 12 tests the missile has undergone so far.

Earlier in July this year, the missile self-destructed when its first stage engine malfunctioned. Russian Defence Ministry was keen to test the missile by the end of this year, but it was put off several times to sort out technical and other issues.

The missile, which is being developed to form the core of Russia�s nuclear triad, carries up to 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) warheads.

Designed for deployment on Borey class nuclear-powered submarines, the three-stage solid-propellant ballistic missile has a range of over 8,000 kilometers.