Pluton Short-range ballistic missile (France)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 19/01/2023

The Pluton was a French short-range ballistic missile. Its development began in the early 60s. It entered service with the French Army in 1974. This SRBM replaced in service the U.S.-built Honest John. The Pluton was in operational service for 19 years. It withdrawn in 1993. Just over 100 of these systems were built and only 70 were deployed. The French Army was the only operator of this tactical missile.

   This missile was designed to engage enemy launch sites with nuclear missiles, artillery positions, airfields, command posts, communication units, and other important targets.

   The Pluton was a single-stage solid fuel missile. It could be fitted with conventional high-explosive or nuclear (10 / 25 kT) warhead. About 60% of nuclear warheads had a 10 kT capacity. Other sources claim that the less powerful warhead had a 15 kT capacity. Nuclear warheads were attached to the missile only before launch. These were fitted with a parachute and detonated 150 m above the ground. In traveling order nuclear warheads were carried in sealed containers by ordinary utility trucks. The Pluton TEL was fitted with a crane and could unload the missile from the truck.

   Missile had simple inertial guidance system with a CEP of 150 m. Maximum range was limited to 120 km, which only allowed to strike on targets in West Germany or within France itself. This shortcoming led to the development of the longer ranged Hades, as Pluton could not reach mayor Soviet targets.

   The Pluton missile could be launched within 10-15 minutes from traveling.

   The TEL platform was based on a modified AMX-30 main battle tank chassis. It had a basic hull layout similar to that of the AMX-30D armored recovery vehicle. It was powered by a Hispano-Suiza HS-110 multi-fuel diesel engine, developing 720 hp. Engine was mated to an automatic transmission. Due to a relatively low weight of the missile the mobile launcher could maneuver easily.

   The launcher vehicle was fitted with a built-in hydraulic crane, which was used for reloading of the missile.

   Pluton TEL vehicles were escorted with the associated AMX-10P infantry fighting vehicle, intended to guard this missile system.