DF-21A MRBM System in service with the PLA Second Artillery Corps (Chinese Internet)
The DongFeng 21 (DF-21, NATO code name:
CSS-5) is a two-stage, solid-propellant, single-warhead medium-range
ballistic missile (MRBM) system developed by China Changfeng Mechanics
and Electronics Technology Academy (also known as 2nd Space Academy).
Developed from the JuLang 1
(JL-1) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), the DF-21 was
originally intended for strategic missions but its later variants were
designed for both nuclear and conventional missions. The latest DF-21D
was said to be the world’s first and only anti-ship ballistic missile
(ASBM) system. The DF-21 has also been developed into space launcher
and anti-satellite/anti-missile weapon carrier.
Development History
August 1965
– The Chinese Premier Zhen Enlai ordered to start the development of
the solid-propellant rocket technology. A design team was formed within
the 4th Space Academy, and a single-stage ballistic missile design
DongFeng 61 (DF-61) was proposed.
1967 –
The PLA decided to build its first nuclear-powered missile submarine,
and demanded a medium-range ballistic missile to be carried onboard. As
a result, the PLA decided to abandon the DF-61 design and develop a
submarine-based two-stage solid-propellant ballistic missile JL-1.
1970 –
The design of the JL-1 airframe was separated from the 4th Space
Academy and reassigned to the 1st Space Academy, while the 4th Space
Academy concentrated on the development of the solid-propellant rocket
technology.
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Early 1970s
– The PRC made several major breakthroughs in developing the
solid-propellant rocket technology. At the same time, the PLA began to
explore the possibility of developing a land-based version of the JL-
1.
1975 –
Two parallel development programmes were underway – the submarine-based
JL-1 and the land-based DF-21, which share the same airframe and
engine design.
1976 –
The JL-1/DF-21 programme was reassigned to the 2nd Space Academy, which
was previously responsible for the missile defence programme. Huang
Wei-Lu was appointed as the chief designer. The 2nd Space Academy was
also assigned to the development of the transporter-erector-launcher
(TEL) vehicle, missile canister, missile testing and aiming, and other
support systems for the DF-21.
May 1985 – The first successful DF-21 flight from Base 25 (Wuzhai).
May 1987 – The Second successful DF-21 flight from Base 25 (Wuzhai).
1987 – The DF-21A development programme was initiated. The missile features a 60% increase in its range.
1988 – The DF-21 MRBM was certified for design finalisation.
1995 – The first successful DF-21A flight test from Base 25 (Wuzhai).
1996 – Initial operational capability of the DF-21A was achieved.
DongFeng 21 (CSS-5 Mod-1)
The basic variant
DongFeng 21 has a maximum range of 1,700km, and a payload of 600kg. The
missile can carry a single 500kT nuclear warhead, with an estimated
CEP of 300~400m. This version did not enter operational service.
DongFeng 21A (CSS-5 Mod-2)
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The DF-21A is the
extended-range version developed in the 1990s. The PLA demanded a new
land-based MRBM as a successor to its DongFeng 3A in 1985, and the
contract with the CASIC to develop the DF-21A was signed in 1987. The
development programme suffered from major setbacks in 1991, when two
flight tests both failed. The PLA allocated additional funds to the
programme in 1993 for an improved design. Four successful flight tests
were carried out between 1995 and 1996 and the missile was operational
by 1996.
The DF-21A has an
increased range of 2,700km, and an estimated CEP of 100~300m. The
missile is believed to be configured for strategic missions only. The
missile is carried inside a canister mounted on a truck-towed trailer
for road-mobile. It was estimated that so far around 60~80 DongFeng 21
missiles and 30~40 launcher systems may have been deployed by the PLA
Second Artillery Corps in 7 missile brigades:
- 802 Brigade
- 807 Brigade
- 808 Brigade
- 809 Brigade
- 811 Brigade
- 822 Brigade
- 823 Brigade
These missiles are
generally deployed in areas closer to China’s borders to ensure adequate
target overage of areas previously covered by the DF-3 IRBM, which has a
longer range, but is less accurate compared to DongFeng 21. There have
reports suggesting that some DongFeng 21 MRBMs have been re-fitted with
conventional warheads.
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DongFeng 21C (CSS-5 Mod-3)
First revealed in 2006, the DF-21C
is a conventionally-armed MRBM system with upgraded mobile launcher
and guidance system. The missile was said to have a payload of 2,000kg
and a maximum range of 1,700km. Unlike the road-mobile DF-21A, the
DF-21C is mounted on a 10X10 WS2500 TEL vehicle, which offers some
limited off-road travelling ability. The new GPS-based guidance system
has reduced the missile’s CEP to 30~40m, enabling it for
precision-strike missions.
DongFeng 21D (CSS-5 Mod-4)
The U.S. Department of
Defense has confirmed the existence of the DF-21D land-based ASBM
system, which is the world’s first and only of its kind. By combining
manoeuvrable re-entry vehicles (MaRVs) with a terminal guidance system,
the DF-21C is capable of targeting a slow-moving aircraft carrier
battle group from a land-based mobile launcher. The maximum range of
the missile was said to be 3,000km, possibly achieved by carrying a
smaller payload.
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Kaituozhe 1 Space Launch Vehicle
The Kaituozhe 1
(KT-1) is a four-stage, solid-propellant space launcher based on the
DF-21 design. It is capable of placing up to 50kg payload into 600km
Low Earth Orbits (LEO). The launcher made its maiden flight in
September 2002 and then a second flight in September 2003, none of which
was fully successful. CASIC also developed a larger KT-1A, which is
capable of sending 300kg payload into the Geostationary Transfer Orbit
(GTO) and polar orbit, and the KT-1B with even greater payload
capability (400kg and up to three separate payloads). None of the two
designs has ever been launched.
SC-19 Kinetic Kill Vehicle Carrier
The launch vehicle for the
kinetic kill vehicle (KKV) used during China’s first ASAT weapon test
in January 2007 was reported to be SC-19, a modified variant of the
DF-21 or KT-1. This is hardly surprising since the PLA studied the
feasibility of using a single missile airframe for three missions:
SLBM, land-based MRBM, and ballistic missile defence, from the very
beginning of the JL-1/DF-21 programme.
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