DF-15
| Dong Feng 15 | |
|---|---|
| Type | SRBM |
| Service history | |
| Used by | PRC |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Academy of Rocket Motors Technology |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 6,200 kg |
| Length | 9.1 m |
| Diameter | 1.0 m |
| Warhead | One, with Maneuverable reentry vehicles [1] |
| Blast yield | 350-500 kt |
|
| |
| Engine | single-stage solid-propellant rocket |
Operational range | 600 kilometres (370 mi) |
| Speed | ? |
Guidance system | Inertial + Beidou, celestial guidance + ring-laser gyroscope |
The Dong-Feng 15 (a.k.a. DF-15, M-9, CSS-6) is a short-range ballistic missile developed by the People's Republic of China. The DF-15 and the newer DF-16 are thought to be the only non-nuclear missiles in use by the People's Liberation Army Second Artillery Corps. The U.S. Department of Defense estimated in 2008 that China had 315-355 DF-15 missiles and 90-110 launchers.[2]
History
Development on the DF-15 began in 1985 with a finalized design proposal being approved by the PLA in 1987. From the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, testing of the missile was done in the Gobi Desert. The first public display of the missile took place at the Beijing Defense Exposition in 1988. The SAC had allegedly deployed a small number of the missiles the following year.
Description
The DF-15 uses a solid fuel, single-stage rocket. It is vertically launched from an eight wheeled transporter erector launcher (TEL). The missile's trajectory is guided using small thrusters and an inertial guidance system on the warhead. The warhead is only a tenth of the size of the missile body. After the body and warhead separate, the body trails behind to camouflage the warhead. The terminal velocity of the missile is over Mach 6.[3]
References
- ↑ NEW DONG FENG 15
- ↑ Military Power of the People's Republic of China 2008. Office of the Secretary of Defense. p. 56 (p66 of PDF)
- ↑ "DF-15 (CSS-6 / M-9) - China Nuclear Forces". GlobalSecurity.org. 2005-05-06.
External links
| Preceded by ? |
DF-15 ? |
Succeeded by ? |
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