DF-3A
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| DF-3A/CSS-2(US) | |
|---|---|
| Type | IRBM |
| Place of origin | China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1971-present |
| Used by | China, Saudi Arabia |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | Nuclear, possibly 3 @ 50-100 Kt[1] |
|
| |
| Engine | liquid fueled |
Operational range | Up to 3,300 km[2] |
Guidance system | Inertial and celestial guidance |
The DF-3A is a Chinese liquid-fueled, single-stage, medium-range nuclear ballistic missile that entered service in 1971. DF-3A is the oldest missile in China's inventory and is nearing retirement after four decades of service.[3]
In 1987 China sold several dozen (reportedly between 36 and 60) outmoded DF-3 missiles to Saudi Arabia, with conventional warheads.[4][5]
History
Deployment of the missile began in 1971[1] reaching a peak of 110 by 1984, then shrinking to 50 in 1993.[citation needed] It is estimated by the U.S. DoD that there are 17 missiles and 10 launchers in operation as of 2010 under a single brigade.[3] The DF-21 will replace these missiles as they retire.
Users
- China: PLA Second Artillery Corps
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabian Air-Defense Force
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "DF-3A / CSS-2". Federation of American Scientists. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
- ↑ "Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2013". Office of the Secretary of Defense (U.S. Department of Defense): 81. 2013. http://www.defense.gov/pubs/2013_china_report_final.pdf. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Chinese nuclear forces, 2010. Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.
- ↑ IMINT & Analysis: Saudi Arabia's Ballistic Missile Force
- ↑ Mark Urban (6 November 2013). "Saudi nuclear weapons 'on order' from Pakistan". BBC. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
External links
| Preceded by DF-3 |
DF-3A | Succeeded by DF-4 |
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