DF- 4
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DF-4/CSS-3 | |
---|---|
Type | LRBM (PRC), IRBM (U.S.) |
Service history | |
In service | 1975[1], 1980[2] |
Used by | PRC |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology |
Unit cost | ? |
Specifications | |
Weight | 82,000 kg |
Length | 28.05 m |
Diameter | 2.24 m |
|
|
Warhead | One[2] |
Blast yield | 3.3 Mt[2] |
|
|
Engine | Liquid fueled |
Operational range |
5,550km[2] |
Speed | ? |
Guidance system |
Inertial |
The Dong Feng 4 or DF-4 (also known as the CSS-3) is a long-range two-stage Chinese Intermediate-range ballistic missile with liquid fuel (Nitric acid/UDMH). It was thought to be deployed in limited numbers in underground silos beginning in the 1970s and early 1980s. The Dong Feng 4 has a takeoff thrust of 1,224.00 kN, a takeoff weight of 82000 kg, a diameter of 2.25 m, a length of 28.05 m and a fin span of 2.74 m. The range of the Dong Feng 4, which is equipped with a 2,190 kg nuclear warhead with 3.3 Mt yield, with a nominal range of 4,750km. The missile uses an inertial guidance system, resulting in a CEP of 1,500 meters.
Contents |
[edit] History
The decision to develop the DF-4 was made in 1965[3] in response to the U.S. ballistic missile submarine patrols that began operating out of Guam. The missile's designer has been variously identified as Ren Xinmin or Tu Shou'e [屠守锷], and it was produced at Factory 211 (Capital Astronautics Co. [首都航天机械公司], also known as Capital Machine Shop [称首都机械厂]).
There were two versions of the missile developed[4], one version housed in caves or garages to be rolled out on launch and another silo based version.
The U.S. DoD estimates that the missile will continue to serve as a regional deterrence instrument until they can be replaced by the DF-31[5].
[edit] Notes
- ^ PRC Defense Policy and Armed Forces, National Intelligence Estimate 13-76, November 11, 1976, p. 47.
- ^ a b c d The Federation of American Scientists & The Natural Resources Defense Council Chinese Nuclear Forces and U.S. Nuclear War Planning p. 202 [1]
- ^ U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, 2005, 2005, p. 28
- ^ U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, 2000, 2000, p. 17.
- ^ U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, 2006, May 22, 2006, p. 50.
[edit] Operators
- China: The People's Liberation Army is the only operator of the Dong-Feng 4.
[edit] External links
Preceded by DF-3 |
DF-4 | Succeeded by DF-5 |