The first test launch of the Bulava missile from the Yuri Dolgorukiy submarine, which was initially scheduled for December 17, 2010, has been postponed and will take place in 2011. According to a defense industry source, quoted in the press, the delay was caused by heavy ice cover in the White Sea.
Some reports suggest that the test could take place as late as "early summer of 2011." It appears that now that the problems with the missile are over, it is the submarine that is not ready - there are reports that indicate that Yuri Dolgorukiy is back in the dock.
Meanwhile, the Bulava flight test program in 2011 is expected to be quite intensive - Yuri Solomonov talks about 4-5 launches.
The book
Comments
“It appears that now that the problems with the missile are over...”
I would speculate until the Bulava is successfully build in a production environment and tested with success, your conclusion is premature.
That being said, I suspect the future robust testing schedule will accomplish just that.
Frank Shuler
USA
The official line is the ice situation. Unofficially, the Yuri Dolgorukiy has been returned to Sevmash for additional modifications, and will not be ready until June 2011, which coincides with the Bulava launch.