Diamant BP4

The Diamant BP4 was the last of the three versions of the French Diamant launch vehicle, designated A, B and BP4. It incorporated a new second stage while carrying the first and third stages over from its predecessor, the Diamant B. It performed three successful launches in 1975, putting a total of four satellites into orbit. Fully assembled, the BP4 measured 22.68 metres high and weighed 20.3 tonnes. Like every Diamant version it had three stages and a payload of around 150 kilograms for a 200 kilometre orbit. Its flights ended the programme, because France then chose to stop its national launcher work in favour of taking part in the multi-European programme that became the Ariane launcher.