DF-31
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| DF-31 (CSS-9) | |
|---|---|
| Type | ICBM |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2006 (DF-31), 2007 (DF-31A) |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Academy of Rocket Motors Technology (ARMT) |
| Unit cost | ? |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 42,000kg |
| Length | 13.0m |
| Diameter | 2.25m |
|
|
|
| Warhead | 1 Nuclear @ 1 MT or 3 Nuclear (DF-31A) @ 20, 90, or 150 kT each |
|
|
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| Engine | Solid fueled |
| Wingspan | ? |
| Operational range |
7,200+ km[1] (DF-31), 11,200+ km[1] (DF-31A) |
| Flight altitude | ? |
| Speed | ? |
| Guidance system |
Inertial + stellar update |
| Launch platform |
Silo, 8 axle TEL |
The Dong Feng 31 (translated literally as "East Wind" (Chinese:东风导弹/東風飛彈); a.k.a. CSS-9) is a long-range, three stage, solid propellant intercontinental ballistic missile in the Dongfeng missile series developed by the People's Republic of China. It is a land-based variant of the submarine launched JL-2. It is operated by the Second Artillery Corps (SAC) which is estimated to have under 10 missiles in inventory by the end of 2007.[1]
Contents |
[edit] History
The DF-31 traces its origins to the JL-2 SLBM, which entered development in the 1970's. The PRC began development on the DF-31 as a second-generation ICBM successor to the DF-4 in the mid-1980's. ARMT (then called the 4th Aerospace Academy) was appointed as the main contractor while the research arm of the Second Artillery Corps provided contributing support. The land-based variant of the JL-2 was originally called the DF-23 but was changed later on to the DF-31 because of a change in operational requirements. During its development, the DF-31 reportedly had technical problems with its solid fuel motors. The DF-31 reportedly was first test-fired on April 29, 1992, and exploded after launch due to component quality problems. The second launch also reportedly failed due to similar component problems. In 1999, the missile was first displayed publicly at the National Day Parade[2]. On August 2, 1999, the Chinese state news media reported the successful test of the DF-31 from a SAC base in Wuzai province. Operational deployment of the missiles reportedly began sometime between 2002-2003, but as of early 2006 the US Defense Department reported to Congress that initial deployment was expected later that year. In 2008, the Pentagon reported that under 10 DF-31 missiles had been deployed by the end of 2007[1].
[edit] Description
[edit] DF-31A
The PRC has developed an improved variant of the DF-31 called the DF-31A. This upgraded missile has a reported range of 11,200+ km[1], and possibly MIRV capability to hold 3 warheads each capable of a 20-150 kT yield, and penetration and decoy aids to complicate missile defense efforts. In early 2008 the US Defense Department reported to Congress that under 10 DF-31A missiles had been deployed.
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- Claremont Institute description
- Global Security description
- Sinodefense description
- DF-31A - CSS 9 (Czech)
[edit] External links
| Preceded by DF-21 |
DF-31 | Succeeded by DF-41 |
