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

DF- 4 range
DF- 4 range

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

  1. ^ PRC Defense Policy and Armed Forces, National Intelligence Estimate 13-76, November 11, 1976, p. 47.
  2. ^ 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]
  3. ^ 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
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ 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

[edit] External links


Preceded by
DF-3
DF-4 Succeeded by
DF-5
Languages