R-29RMU2 Layner

R-29RMU2 Layner
Type	Submarine-launched ballistic missile
Place of origin	Russia
Service history
Used by	Russian Navy
Production history
Designer	Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau
Manufacturer	Krasnoyarsk Machine-Building Plant
Specifications
Length	15 m
Diameter	1.9 m
Warhead	12
Engine	Three-stage liquid propellant
Guidance system	Astroinertial

The R-29RMU2 Layner (Russian: Р-29РМУ2 "Лайнер" meaning Liner) is a Russian liquid-fuelled submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed by the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau and produced by the Krasnoyarsk Machine-Building Plant. Derived from the R-29RMU Sineva SLBM, the Layner can carry twelve nuclear warheads, twice that of the Sineva's. Reportedly capable of piercing anti-ballistic missile defences, the Layner, with its high payload-mass ratio, was described by its developer as the best ballistic missile in existence. It is expected to enter service with the Russian Navy's Delta IV class submarines shortly after a successful test programme that spanned from May to September 2011.

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. The authorities originally claimed the launch to be of a Sineva missile, but on 23 May 2011 revealed the missile fired was actually the Layner. The successful firing, aimed at the Kura Test Range, was conducted from the submarine K-84 Ekaterinburg.

K-114 Tula, one of the seven Delta IV class submarines of the Russian Navy, launched the second Layner in September 2011.

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. 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. Development work on the missile was completed by late February 2012.

The Layner missile is a highly advanced derivative of the three-stage liquid-propelled R-29RMU Sineva SLBM, which was accepted into service in 2007. 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 Sineva can carry, and, unlike those of the Sineva, these warheads can be of various yields with fewer warheads. While it shares flight characteristics with the Sineva, the Layner is equipped with improved systems to overcome anti-ballistic missile shields.