S3 SSBS IRBM Weapon Systems // Nuclear/Biological/Chemical // Nuclear

The French S3 SSBS (Sol-Sol-Balistique-Strategique, or ground-to-ground strategic ballistic) missile (formally designated the Type S-3D/TN61) was deployed in 18 silos north of Marseille on the Plateau d'Albion in central France. It was based on the earlier S2 and used the same first-stage rocket motor. A similar motor with a shorter burn time was in the M20 submarine-launched ballistic missile. The S3's second stage was based on the M20's second stage. The re-entry system was radiation...