DF-31
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The Dong Feng 31 (Template:Zh; NATO reporting name CSS-10)[1] is a third-generation long-range, road-mobile, three stage, solid-fuel rocket intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the Dongfeng missile series developed by the People's Republic of China. It is designed to carry a single 1-megaton thermonuclear weapon. It is a land-based variant of the submarine-launched JL-2. It is operated by the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF). In 2009, the Chinese inventory was estimated as under 15 DF-31 missiles and under 15 DF-31A missiles.[2] US Air Force National Air and Space Intelligence Center estimates that as of June 2017, five to ten Mod 1 and over fifteen Mod 2 launchers were operationally deployed.[3]
History
The PRC began developing the DF-31 ICBM in January 1985.[4] ARMT (then called the 4th Aerospace Academy) was appointed as the main contractor while the research arm of the Second Artillery Corps (SAC) which, provided contributing support. The land-based variant of the JL-2 was originally called the DF-23 but was changed later on to the DF-31 because of a change in operational requirements. In 1999, the missile was first displayed publicly at the National Day Parade.[5] On August 2, 1999, the Chinese state news media reported the successful test of the DF-31.[4] The third test flight of the missile occurred on November 4, 2000; the second test flight had taken place earlier that year.[6] Operational deployment of the missiles reportedly began in 2006.[7] In 2009, US Air Force Intelligence reported that under 15 DF-31 missiles had been deployed.[2]
Description
The DF-31 is a three stage solid-fuel rocket equipped with an inertial navigation system. The missile is mounted on a transporter erector launcher. It is capable of reaching targets throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of Canada and the northwestern United States.
DF-31A
The PRC has developed an improved variant of the DF-31 called the DF-31A. This upgraded missile has a reported range of 13,200 km,[8] will allow targeting of most of the continental United States[3] and was designed with MIRV capability to hold 3 to 5 warheads, each capable of a 90 kt yield, but is thought to be armed with only one warhead with penetration and decoy aids to complicate missile defense efforts.[9][2] The missile was shown to the public during the parade in Beijing celebrating 70 years since the end of World War II on September 3, 2015.[10] It can carry maneuverable reentry vehicles.[11]
DF-31AG/DF-31B
The PRC has developed an improved variant of the DF-31A called the DF-31AG (G stands for 改 (Gaï), "modified)[12] or DF-31B with an off-road 8 axle TEL and MIRVs.[13][14] China has successfully tested it from a mobile launcher.[15] The missile's TEL features an extra pair of elevators near the aft of the missile unlike the TELs of the DF-31 or DF-31A, suggesting a heavier missile second and third stage than earlier variants.[16] On the military parade marking the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army in 2017, DF-31AG ICBM was officially demonstrated.[17]
References
Further reading
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External links
- ↑ United States Air Force Template:Webarchive Template:Bare URL PDF
- ↑ a b c US Air Force Air and Space Intelligence Center, Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threats 2009 [1] Template:Webarchive
- ↑ a b United States Air Force Template:Bare URL PDF
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- ↑ The Federation of American Scientists & The Natural Resources Defense Council (DF-31A) Nov, 2006. 73 (PDF)[2] Template:Webarchive
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- ↑ China tests 10000 km nuclear missile Template:Webarchive 4. October 2014
- ↑ "China has successfully test-launch of DF-31B intercontinental ballistic missile from mobile launcher Template:Webarchive 19. March 2015
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