DF-21
MRBM/IRBM / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Dong-Feng 21 (DF-21; NATO reporting name CSS-5 - Dong-Feng (simplified Chinese: 东风; traditional Chinese: 東風; lit. 'East Wind') is a two-stage, solid-fuel rocket, single-warhead medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) in the Dong Feng series developed by China Changfeng Mechanics and Electronics Technology Academy. Development started in the late 1960s and was completed around 1985–86, but it was not deployed until 1991. It was developed from the submarine-launched JL-1 missile, and is China's first solid-fuel land-based missile. The U.S. Department of Defense in 2008 estimated that China had 60-80 missiles and 60 launchers;[7] approximately 10-11 missiles can be built annually.[8]
DF-21/CSS-5 Mod 1 | |
---|---|
Type | MRBM/IRBM |
Place of origin | China |
Service history | |
In service | 1991 |
Used by | People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Royal Saudi Strategic Missile Force |
Specifications | |
Mass | 14,700 kilograms (32,400 lb) |
Length | 10.7 metres (35 ft) |
Diameter | 1.4 metres (4.6 ft) |
Warhead | conventional 600kg: 1, or 5-6 (improved variant)[1] nuclear 200-300-500 kt nuclear[2] |
Engine | Solid fueled |
Operational range | 1,770 km (1,100 mi) (DF-21/DF-21A)[3] 1,700 km (1,100 mi) (DF-21C) 1,500 km (930 mi; 810 nmi) (DF-21D ASBM)[4] |
Maximum speed | Mach 10 (estimated maximum before re-entry) |
Guidance system | Inertial + terminal active radar guidance[5] |
Accuracy | DF-21 700m, DF-21A 50m, DF-21B 10m CEP (with BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and active radar)[6] |
Launch platform | Mobile launcher |
Originally developed as a strategic weapon, the DF-21's later variants were designed for both nuclear and conventional missions. It is thought able to carry a high explosive, submunition, or 300 kt nuclear warhead. The latest DF-21D was said to be the world's first anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). The DF-21 has also been developed into a space-capable anti-satellite weapon/anti-missile weapon carrier.
Though the launcher itself is mobile to reduce vulnerability, an actual launch unit requires support vehicles that can cover a 300×300-meter area, making it hard to move quickly and easier to detect. Also, the wheeled launcher is not made to travel off-road and requires solid ground when firing to prevent backblast and debris damage due to the hard launch, restricting its firing locations to roads and pre-made launch pads.[9]