DF-4

DF-4/CSS-3
Type ICBM
Service history
In service 1975-1976[1][2]
Used by PRC
Production history
Manufacturer Factory 211 (Capital Astronautics Co.)
Unit cost  ?
Specifications
Weight 82,000 kg
Length 28.05 m
Diameter 2.24 m
Warhead One,[1] or three (DF-4A)[6][7]
Blast yield 3.3 Mt[1]
Engine Liquid fueled
Operational
range		 5,500 km[1]-7,000 km[3][4][5]
Speed  ?
Guidance
system		 Inertial and celestial guidance

The Dong Feng 4 (Chinese: 东风4) or DF-4 (also known as the CSS-3) is a two-stage Chinese Intercontinental ballistic missile[8] 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 5,500 km. The missile uses an inertial guidance system, resulting in a CEP of 1,500 meters.

Contents

History

The decision to develop the DF-4 was made in 1965[9] 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 [首都机械厂]).

In 1972 US intelligence estimated an IOC for this system as being expected in 1974 or 1975. Deployment actually began in 1975-76, but only four DF-4s were believed to be in place by 1984.[10]

There were two versions of the missile developed,[11] 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.[12]

Notes

  1. ^ 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]
  2. ^ PRC Defense Policy and Armed Forces, National Intelligence Estimate 13-76, November 11, 1976, p. 47.
  3. ^ http://www.cdi.org/issues/nukef&f/database/chnukes.html#df4
  4. ^ http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/china/theater/df-4.htm
  5. ^ http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/china/df-4.htm
  6. ^ http://www.5school.com/wap.aspx?nid=12900&p=2&cid=100&sp=87
  7. ^ http://csatm.cn/f0309110006.html
  8. ^ 东风4型洲际导弹 (Dongfeng VI intercontinental ballistic missile)
  9. ^ 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
  10. ^ "DF-4 - China Nuclear Forces". Fas.org. http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/china/theater/df-4.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-21. 
  11. ^ 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.
  12. ^ 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.

Operators

External links

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