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Last Updated: Mon Jan 27 11:18:09 UTC 2014






 PLA Ballistic Missiles

Technical Report APA-TR-2010-0802

Sean O'Connor, BA, MS (AMU)
  August 2010
Updated April, 2012
 Text © 2009, 2010 Sean O'Connor
Layout © 2004 - 2010 Dr Carlo Kopp




DF-15B TBM TELs during the 60th Anniversary PLA parade.

Background

China's ballistic missile force represents one of the most significant collections of threat systems in the Pacific theater of operations. Recently, China has made a concerted effort to develop highly-mobile off-road TELs (Transporter Erector Launcher) for its shorter-range weapons, and has deployed ICBMs (Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles) on road-mobile TELs. An increase in longer range weapons and more survivable launch systems have enabled China's ballistic missile forces to significantly increase their effectiveness to hold at risk targets far outside the WESTPAC theater, including Europe and the United States.

The PLA and PLAN operate a diverse mix of indigenously manufactured ballistic missiles. Initial weapons were designed with the assistance of the Soviet Union, but Soviet support was withdrawn in 1960, affecting the progress of many of the indigenous systems under development at the time. China's first two missile programs were the 1059 and 1060. The 1059 was a Chinese manufactured R-2 serving from 1961 to 1967, while the 1060 was a brief attempt to reverse engineer the R-11FM cancelled in 1961.


China’s Missile Force
China’s Missile Inventory Ballistic and Cruise Estimated Range
Missiles Launchers
CSS-2 15-20 5-10 3,000+ km
CSS-3 15-20 10-15 5,400+ km
CSS-4 20 20 13,000+ km
DF-31 <10 <10 7,200+ km
DF-31A 10-15 10-15 11,200+ km
CSS-5 85-95 75-85 1,750+ km
CSS-6 350-400 90-110 600 km
CSS-7 700-750 120-140 300 km
DH-10 200-500 45-55 1,500+ km
JL-2 Developmental Developmental 7,200+ km
Note: China’s Second Artillery maintains at least five operational SRBM [Short Range Ballistic Missile] brigades; an additional two brigades are subordinate to PLA ground forces—one garrisoned in the Nanjing MR and the other in the Guangzhou MR [Military Region]. All SRBM units are deployed to locations near Taiwan.

Table: US DoD, Military Power of the People’s Republic of China 2010, Page 66.

PLA Ballistic Missiles
DF Designator CSS Designator Range (km) Payload (kg) Stages Length Diameter Propellant Guidance R&D FSF IOC
 Notes
1059
590 950


NSL LOX/ethanol I 1957 Nov 5 1960 1961 Renamed DF-1 when original DF-1 became DF-3
1060
162 950 1

SL AK-20/kerosene I 1960

Abandoned 1961
DF-1
2000 1500 1

SL AK-20/TG-02 I


Renamed DF-3 in 1964
DF-2 CSS-1 1050 1500 1 20.6 1.65 NSL LOX/ethanol I



DF-2A
1250 1500 1

NSL LOX/ethanol I



DF-3
10000
2

NSL LOX/kerosene
1961

Abandoned 1963
DF-3 CSS-2 2650 2150 1 24 2.25 SL AK-27/UDMH I 1964 Dec 26 1966 1971 DF-4 first stage, exported to Saudi Arabia
DF-3A
3000 2150 1




Dec-85

DF-4 CSS-3 4750 2200 2 28 2.25 SL AK-27/UDMH I 1965 Jan 30 1970 1980 Used as booster for CZ-1
DF-5 CSS-4 Mod 1 12000 3200 2 32.6 3.35 SL N2O4/UDMH I 1965 Sep 10 1971 1981 Used as booster for CZ-2, CZ-3, CZ-4
DF-5A CSS-4 Mod 2 13000 3200 2







DF-6
FOBS 3200 3

SL N2O4/UDMH I 1966

Cancelled October 1973
DF-14
8000 700 2

SL AK-40/UDMH I 1973

Work stopped 1975, renamed DF-22
DF-21 CSS-5 Mod 1 1700 600 2 10.7 1.4 Solid I 1967 May 20 1985 1988
DF-21A CSS-5 Mod 2 1800 600 2

Solid I 1987 1995 1996
DF-21C CSS-5 Mod 3 1750 2000 2

Solid I/Terminal 1984 19-Dec-02 2005
DF-21D CSS-5 Mod 4 1500
2

Solid I/Terminal


ASBM
DF-22
8000 700 2

SL AK-40/UDMH I 1978

Cancelled January 1985
DF-23
6000 800 3

Solid
1970

Became DF-31 in January 1985
DF-31 CSS-10 Mod 1 8000 700 3

Solid


2006
DF-31A CSS-10 Mod 2 11,200 700


Solid


2007
DF-41
12000 800 3

Solid
1986


DF-25
1700 2000 2

Solid

















DF-41/61


1

Solid
1966

Abandoned
DF-61
1000 500 1

Storable
1976

Discontinued 1977
DF-61
600 1000 1

Storable




DF-15/M-9 CSS-6 Mod 1 600 500 1 9.1 1 Solid I/Terminal 1984 Jun-88 1989
DF-15B CSS-6 Mod 2 900
2

Solid I/Terminal



DF-15C CSS-6 Mod 3 750
2

Solid I/Terminal



DF-11/M-11 CSS-7 Mod 1 300 500 2 7.5 0.8 Solid I/Terminal 1985 1990

DF-11A CSS-7 Mod 2 500 500 2 8.5 0.8 Solid I/Terminal 1993 Oct 6 1997 1999
8610 CSS-8 300 500 2

Solid booster, SL main
1986

HQ-2 modification
B611 CSS-11 150



Solid



Licensed to Turkey













JL-1 CSS-N-3 1700 600 2

Solid I
Oct 12 1982

JL-2 CSS-NX-14 7200



Solid




Table: Author.
SL / NSL
 Storable Liquid / Non Storable Liquid
LOX Liquid Oxygen
AK-20F/I/K
 Azotnaya Kislota [80% HNO3 + 20% N2O4 + fluorine/iodine/unknown inhibitor] melange oxidiser
AK-27I Azotnaya Kislota [73% HNO3 + 27% N2O4 + iodine inhibitor] melange oxidiser
TG-02 samine fuel [50% triethylamine and 50% xylidine]
UDMH Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine ((CH3)2NNH2) - hypergolic fuel component
N2O4 dinitrogen tetroxide / nitrogen tetroxide - hypergolic oxidiser component

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles

DF-31/DF-31A/CSS-10 / JL-2/CSS-NX-13



The latest addition to the PLA's nuclear arsenal is the road-mobile DF-31 series. The DF-31 is available in three variants: road mobile DF-31, road mobile DF-31A with extended range, and submarine launched JL-2 SLBM (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile). Development of the DF-31 began as far back as 1970, when plans were drawn up for a new solid-fueled IRBM  (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile) and SLBM counterpart. The land-based missile was originally referred to as the DF-23, being renamed DF-31 in 1985.

After a protracted development period, the DF-31's first test launch took place in August of 1999. The DF-31 was intended to target the entirety of the former USSR. A next-generation ICBM, the DF-41, was being developed concurrently since 1986 to target the CONUS. The DF-41 was cancelled at some point before 2000, with the capability being retained by modifying the DF-31 into the DF-31A. The DF-31 was deployed in 2006, with the DF-31A following in 2007.

The primary drawback to the DF-31 and DF-31A is the reliance on a TEL design that lacks a significant degree of off-road mobility. Publicly exhibited TELs are mounted on HY4430 semi-trailers towed by a ZX-TJ 2000 turbocharged diesel 8 x 8 tractor, being forced to rely on prepared surfaces for travel. This limits the dispersal options for these weapons,  potentially impacting their survivability. The DF-31 has also been noted as being launched from a TEL which was not erected in a fully vertical orientation. This could imply that the missile must be aligned with its target prior to launch.

The DF-31 has likely been supplanted by the DF-31A. The US DoD has claimed for some time that approximately 10 DF-31s are in service, a number which has not changed since 2008. In contrast, the number of DF-31As in service has gradually risen, with 10-15 weapons now believed to be operational in 2010 up from an estimate of less than 10 in 2008. This suggests that the DF-31 is operated by a single unit in the PLA, most likely the 813th Brigade at Nanyang. The 812th Brigade at Deidao/Tawanli likely represents the initial DF-31A unit.

The JL-2 is a variant of the DF-31 deployed on the Type 094 SSBN, and was originally expected to achieve IOC in 2010. The DoD reports that the JL-2 has suffered a series of flight test failures, and as such the weapon is unlikely to reach operational status in 2010. The failure of the JL-2 may be linked to the apparent lack of DF-31 deployment as the weapons are believed to be derivatives. This could suggest that the DF-31A enjoys improvements conferring greater reliability that either have not or cannot be retrofitted to the JL-2/DF-31 design.

Principal Specifications Notes1
Category
 ICBM mobile
Maximum Range [km]
 7,200 DF-31/JL-2; 11,200 DF-31A
Apogee [km]
 1,000
Vehicle Guidance Inertial
RV CEP @ Maximum Range [m]
 -
RV Warhead Type / Mass [-/kg]
 700 kg; 1 x 250 kT
Configuration
 3 Stage Solid Propellant
Length, Total [m]
 11.0
Span/Dia, Total [m]
 2.0
Launch Weight, Total [kg]
 20,000



First Stage Length
 8.0 / JL-2-1
First Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg]
 -/-
First Stage Motor Type/Config
 DF-31-1 Solid Propellant Rocket
First Stage Propellant
 N-15 NEPE (Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether)



Second Stage Length 4.0 / DF-31-3
Second Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg] -/-
Second Stage Motor Type/Config KT-1-2 Solid Propellant Rocket
Second Stage Propellant N-15 NEPE (Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether)



Third Stage Length 2.0 / DF-31-3
Third Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg] -/-
Third Stage Motor Type/Config JL-2-3 Solid Propellant Rocket
Third Stage Propellant N-15 NEPE (Nitrate Ester Plasticized Polyether)




















DF-5/DF-5A / CSS-4


The PLA's first true ICBM was the DF-5. The DF-5 began development in 1965, with the first successful test flight occurring in September of 1971. Strained relations with the USSR forced the DF-5 into service in late 1980, being deployed in two silos on a trial basis. Full IOC occurred in 1981, however, following the completion of testing of the silo basing system.

Between 1983 and 1986, work progressed on improving the range of the DF-5, resulting in the DF-5A being fielded. Today, 20 silo-based DF-5A ICBMs compose a large portion of the PLA's nuclear deterrent force, the initial DF-5s having been upgraded or withdrawn. The DF-5A is currently a single-warhead weapon, but MIRV research for the DF-5 began as early as 1983 as part of the DF-5A program.

Principal Specifications Notes1
Category
 ICBM silo launched
Maximum Range [km]
 12,000 - 15,000
Apogee [km]
 -
Vehicle Guidance Inertial
RV CEP @ Maximum Range [m]
 est 500 - 3,500
RV Warhead Type / Mass [-/kg]
 3,000 - 3,200 / 1 x 2.0 - 5.0 MT
Configuration
 3 Stage Liquid Propellant
Length, Total [m]
 32.6
Dia, Total [m]
 3.35
Launch Weight, Total [kg]
 183,000



First Stage Length
 -
First Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg]
 -
First Stage Motor Type/Config
 Liquid Propellant Rocket
First Stage Propellant
 N2O2/UDMH



Second Stage Length -
Second Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg] -
Second Stage Motor Type/Config Liquid Propellant Rocket
Second Stage Propellant N2O2/UDMH



Third Stage Length -
Third Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg] -
Third Stage Motor Type/Config Liquid Propellant Rocket
Third Stage Propellant N2O2/UDMH





DF-5 launch (PLA).

DF-4 / CSS-3



DF-4 ballistic missile erected (PLA).

The DF-4 was conceived with the intent to produce a weapon capable of reaching Guam from Chinese territory. The missile was developed from the DF-3, by the addition of a further stage.

Development began in 1965, but suffered from a focus on the DF-5 ICBM. The DF-4 was redesigned in 1970 to be able to reach Moscow, with the missile achieving IOC in 1980. The US DoD claims that 15-20 DF-4s remain in service, supported by 10-15 launchers. These weapons employ a rollout-to-launch system, being prepared inside UGFs (Under-Ground Facility) before rollout and erection on prepared launch pads.

Principal Specifications Notes1
Category
 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile
Maximum Range [km]
 4,760
Apogee [km]
 500
Vehicle Guidance Inertial
RV CEP @ Maximum Range [m]
 1,190
RV Warhead Type / Mass [-/kg]
 1 x Thermonuclear 3.3 MT / 2,190
Configuration
 2 Stage Liquid Rocket
Length, Total [m]
 28.05
Span, Total [m]
 2.74
Launch Weight, Total [kg]
 82,000



First Stage Length
 17.84
 CZ-YF-2
First Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg]
 4,100/64,100
First Stage Motor Type/Config
 4 x YF-2A / Liquid Propellant Rocket
1,224.575 kN
First Stage Propellant
 IRFNA/UDMH



Second Stage Length 5.35
 CZ-1-2
Second Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg] 2,700/15,000
Second Stage Motor Type/Config 1 x YF-2A / Liquid Propellant Rocket 306.143 kN
Second Stage Propellant IRFNA/UDMH





Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles

DF-21A/C/D/DF-25 / CSS-5 / JL-1/1A / CSS-N-3 / KT-1/SC-19 ASAT



DF-21C carried by high mobility WS-2400 TEL.

The DF-21 is China's principal IRBM, available in a wide range of variants tailored for different roles. All DF-21 variants are two-stage, solid-propellant missiles transported on road-mobile TELs.

Four land-based DF-21 variants are operational, and the derivative JL-1 SLBM arms the Type 092 SSBN. DF-21 development began in the late 1960s. Initially, the focus was on developing the JL-1 SLBM variant. Actual DF-21 development did not proceed until 1978, following the successful testing of the JL-1's solid rocket motor. This represented the first successful solid-rocket ballistic missile design in China.

While the JL-1 is considered a weapon of dubious effectiveness due to its short range and the limitations of the Type 092 SSBN, the DF-21 family developed into a host of effective weapons.

The initial DF-21 was deployed in 1988, with the enhanced DF-21A following in 1996. Primary improvements in the DF-21A included increased accuracy and extended range. The development of the DF-21C began in 1984 as the DF-25, intended to offer the ability to carry a much larger warhead. The DF-21C also introduced a new WS-2400 TEL, conferring a measure of off-road mobility not present in the original towed launchers used by the DF-21 and DF-21A.

While the DF-21 and DF-21A were nuclear strike weapons, the DF-21C is employed as a conventional weapon system, employing terminal guidance for increased accuracy. The latest variant to enter service is the DF-21D, an ASBM  (Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile) variant employing a terminally guided MaRV (Manoeuvring Re-entry Vehicle). The MaRV may be equipped with a RADAC system similar to that found on the MGM-31 Pershing II IRBM.

DF-21 variants serve as the basis for the KT-1 space launch vehicle and the SC-19 direct-ascent ASAT weapon system.

Principal Specifications Notes1
Category
 IRBM/SLBM
Maximum Range [km]
 1,700 (JL-1/DF-21), 2,500 (DF-21C/JL-2)
Apogee [km]
 500+
Vehicle Guidance Inertial (claimed stellar/satnav);

RV CEP @ Maximum Range [m]
 Precision Capability in Terminal Guided Variants
RV Warhead Type / Mass [-/kg]
 1 x 250 kT / 600.0
Configuration
 Two Stage Solid Propellant
Length, Total [m]
 10.43
Span, Total [m]
 1.4
Launch Weight, Total [kg]
 14,664



First Stage Length
 6.0
 JL-1-1
First Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg]
 10,000
First Stage Motor Type/Config
 DF-21-1 / Solid Propellant Rocket
First Stage Propellant
 Solid Propellant



Second Stage Length 4.0
 DF-21-1/JL-1-2
Second Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg] 4,000
Second Stage Motor Type/Config DF-21-2 / Solid Propellant Rocket
Second Stage Propellant Solid Propellant



DF-21C TEL.



DF-21C TEL elevated for launch.



DF-21C TEL.



DF-21C TEL.



DF-21C.



DF-21C.



DF-21C.



DF-21/21A TEL.



DF-21/21A TEL.



DF-21/21A TEL.

JL-1 SLBM on towed transporter.


Early road mobile DF-21/21A TEL.

DF-3A / CSS-2



DF-3 ballistic missile erected for launch (PLA).

The DF-3 was the 2nd Artillery's first credible IRBM design, developed during the 1960s to provide a capability to attack US basing in the First Island Chain. It is a single stage liquid propellant design reminiscent of 1950s Soviet IRBM designs such as the R-12. The DF-3 is based on the first stage of the DF-4. Development began in 1960 as the DF-1, and the weapon was renamed DF-3 in 1964 following a number of changes to the design (the original DF-3 was a liquid propellant ICBM cancelled in 1963). IOC was reached in 1971. The improved DF-3A with greater range and increased accuracy was developed in the 1980s and remains the only variant still serving in the PLA. The DF-3 employs a towed launcher conferring a measure of mobility, but likely lacks a significant off-road capability.

While the US DoD still credits the PLA with an operational DF-3A capability of 5-10 launchers and 15-20 missiles, the system is arguably more significant for having been exported to Saudi Arabia in a conventionally armed version.

Principal Specifications Notes1
Category
 IRBM semi-mobile
 DF-3A IOC 1987
Maximum Range [km]
 2,810 or greater
Apogee [km]
 ~500.0
Vehicle Guidance Inertial
RV CEP @ Maximum Range [m]
 0.87
RV Warhead Type / Mass [-/kg]
 1 x 3.3 MT / 2,140.0
Configuration
 Single Stage Liquid Propellant
Length, Total [m]
 24.0
Span, Total [m]
 2.74
Launch Weight, Total [kg]
 63,843.0



First Stage Length
 24.0
First Stage Mass, Launch/Empty [kg]
 64,100.0 / 4,100.0
First Stage Motor Type/Config
 4 x YF-2A / Liquid Propellant Rocket
First Stage Propellant
 AK-27F/UDMH








Prelaunch preparations - fuelling and warhead mating.








DF-2A / CSS-1

The DF-2A was the first IRBM design produced by China. The missile is no longer operational, having been retired in 1979. It began as the DF-2, but was redesigned as the DF-2A following problems encountered during trials.

Tactical/Theatre Ballistic Missiles

DF-15 / M-9 / CSS-6



The DF-15 series is one of the most widely used Chinese TBMs, and is often classed as a shorter ranging IRBM. Three variants of the solid propellant missile are deployed by the 2nd Artillery, with the M-9 forming the basis of Pakistan's Shaheen TBM. Development of the single-stage DF-15 began in 1984, and the system achieved IOC in 1989.

The DF-15B and DF-15C are two-stage modifications of the original DF-15. The revised nosecone of the DF-15B variant and presence of cruciform tail surfaces has led to frequent claims that the DF-15B has a terminal guidance capability, the presence of a visible actuator mechanism on publicly displayed weapons suggests this is so. The DF-15C is identified by the inclusion of a new cylindrical nosecone possibly housing a new warhead or a terminal guidance system.

DF-15s are transported on TAS5450 or WS-2400 TELs conferring a high degree of mobility as well as off-road capability.

Principal Specifications Notes1
Category
 TBM/IRBM
Maximum Range [km]
 605.0
Apogee [km]
 ~100.0
Vehicle Guidance Inertial
RV CEP @ Maximum Range [m]
 1.35
RV Warhead Type / Mass [-/kg]
 1 x 20 kT / 950.0
Conventional or nuc
Configuration
 Single stage solid propellant
Length, Total [m]
 9.0
Span, Total [m]
 1.0
Launch Weight, Total [kg]
 6,200.0



DF-15B RV.




DF-15B TEL.



DF-15B TEL.





DF-15A TEL.

DF-11 / M-11 / CSS-7



DF-11 TEL on WS-2400 chassis (PLA).
The DF-11 is a short range TBM widely deployed by the 2nd Artillery. It is carried on a high mobility 8 x 8 WS-2400 series TEL. Development of the DF-11 began in 1985, with the DF-11A following in 1993. Some sources indicate that the DF-11 was initially designed for the export market as the M-11, with the PLA operating the DF-11A. The M-11 has been exported to Pakistan where it forms the basis of the Ghaznavi TBM.

Principal Specifications Notes1
Category
 TBM
Maximum Range [km]
 300.0
Apogee [km]
 ~150
Vehicle Guidance Inertial
RV CEP @ Maximum Range [m]
 -
RV Warhead Type / Mass [-/kg]
 -
Configuration
 Single stage solid propellant
Length, Total [m]
 7.4
Span, Total [m]
 0.88
Launch Weight, Total [kg]
 6,300.0



Detail of DF-11, partially elevated.







DF-11 TEL fully stowed.



DF-11, partially elevated.







DF-11 TEL LCC consoles.

8610/CSS-8
The 8610 is a conversion of the HQ-2/CSA-1 GUIDELINE SAM into a short-range SSM. The weapon began devleopment in 1986 and was exclusively targeted at the export market. The 8610 has been supplied to Iran.

B-611 / B-611M / J-600 / P-12 / CSS-11



B-611 TBM TEL on display at an arms show.

The B-611 is identified as a short range low cost TBM for battlefield strike applications. Sources disagree on whether the PLA has or will introduce the B-611, but Turkey is known to have procured a licence to build the weapon.

Principal Specifications Notes1
Category
 TBM
Maximum Range [km]
 ~250.0
Apogee [km]

Vehicle Guidance

RV CEP @ Maximum Range [m]

RV Warhead Type / Mass [-/kg]

Configuration

Length, Total [m]

Span, Total [m]

Launch Weight, Total [kg]




The B-611 TEL is based on a North-Benz ND1260 6 x 6 military truck, widely used to host air defence equipment.

Notes/References

  1. Specifications sourced from Encyclopedia Astronautica, URI: http://www.astronautix.com/index.html; and federation of American Scientists online database, URI: http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/china/index.html.
  2. Other designations include the export M-7 and M-18. No information exists on the identity of these weapons, although one designation may be applied to the 8610.
  3. No information exists as to when the switch was made from the designation DF-25 to DF-21C, nor does information exist as to what the "missing" DF-21B may have been.
  4. US DoD Military Power of the People's Republic of China (2008, 2009)
  5. US DoD Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China (2010)
  6. NASIC Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat (2009)
  7. Dr. Martin Andrew, Hot Brief: Chinese Strategic Cruise and Ballistic Missiles (2010)
  8. John Wilson Lewis and Hua Di, China's Ballistic Missile Programs, International Security, Fall 1992)
  9. AFSC Foreign Technology Division, China's Ballistic Missile Plans (Ma Ke and Wei De Yuan Zuo, translated from Hangkong Zhishi, April 1981).
  10. Line artwork courtesy Planeman.
  11. Imagery Sources: Xinhua; PLA-AF; MilitaryPhotos.net; other Internet sources.

Technical Report APA-TR-2010-0802

 



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