DF-41: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
 
(38 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{For|the locomotive|China Railways DF41}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|is_missile=yes
|is_missile=yes
|name = DF-41
|name = DF-41
|image =[[File:Dongfeng-41 CSS-20 sketch.svg|400px]]
|image =[[File:Dongfeng-41 CSS-20 sketch.svg|300px]]
|caption=DF-41 missile on a [[HTF5980]].
|caption=DF-41 missile on a [[HTF5980]].
|type = [[ICBM]]
|type = [[ICBM]]
|origin = China
|origin = China
|engine=[[multistage rocket|Three-stage]] [[Solid-fuel rocket]]
|engine=[[multistage rocket|Three-stage]] [[Solid-fuel rocket]]
|weight= ~{{convert|80000|kg|lb}}
|weight= ~{{convert|91000|kg|lb}}<ref name="missilethreat-2019">{{Cite web|date=October 8, 2019|title=DF-41 (Dong Feng-41 / CSS-X-20)|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/df-41/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-28|website=Center for Strategic and International Studies|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202231805/https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/df-41/ |archive-date=2017-02-02 }}</ref>
<ref name="missilethreat-2019">{{Cite web|date=October 8, 2019|title=DF-41 (Dong Feng-41 / CSS-X-20)|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/df-41/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-28|website=Center for Strategic and International Studies|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202231805/https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/df-41/ |archive-date=2017-02-02 }}</ref>
⚫
|length= ~{{convert|22.7|m|ft}}<ref name=missilethreat-2019/>
|diameter=~{{convert|2.28|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=missilethreat-2019/>
|length= ~{{convert|22|m|ft}}<ref name=missilethreat-2019/>
|vehicle_range = ~{{convert|12000|-|13000|km|mi}}<ref name=missilethreat-2019/>
|diameter=~{{convert|2.25|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=missilethreat-2019/>
⚫
|vehicle_range = ~{{convert|12000|-|15000|km|mi}}<ref name=missilethreat-2019/>
|filling = 3 x 400 kt or 8 x 600-750 kt [[MIRVs]]
|filling = 8 x 250 kt or 10 x 150 kt [[MIRVs]]
|speed = {{convert|27|Mach|km/h mph km/s}}<ref name="armedforces-int.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/china-reports-df-41-icbm-test-launch.html |title=China Reports DF-41 ICBM Test-Launch: Armed Forces International News |access-date=2013-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808060732/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/china-reports-df-41-icbm-test-launch.html |archive-date=2014-08-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|speed =Mach 25 (31,425 km/h; 19,625 mph; 8,660 m/s)<ref>https://fairbd.net/fastest-missiles-in-the-world/</ref>
|manufacturer = [[China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology]] (CALT)
|manufacturer = [[China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology]] (CALT)
|unit_cost =
|unit_cost =
Line 22: Line 24:
}}
}}


The '''Dongfeng-41''' or '''DF-41''' ({{zh|t=東風-41|s=东风-41|l=East Wind-41}}; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''CH-SS-20'''<ref name="IISS_2023">{{Cite book|work=The International Institute for Strategic Studies|title=The Military Balance 2023|date=15 February 2023 |publisher=Routledge |location=London |chapter=6 Asia |isbn=9781003400226 |doi=10.4324/9781003400226 }}</ref>) is a fourth-generation [[China|Chinese]] [[solid fuel|solid-fuelled]] [[missile vehicle|road-mobile]] [[intercontinental ballistic missile]] operated by the [[People's Liberation Army Rocket Force]] (formerly the [[Second Artillery Corps]]). DF-41 is the fourth and the latest generation of the [[Dongfeng (missile)|''Dongfeng'' series]] strategic missiles developed by China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201910/02/WS5d93e15aa310cf3e3556e8f6_2.html|title=China's strategic deterrents on display|date=2 October 2019|website=China Daily|language=en-US|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref> The missile was officially unveiled at the [[70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China|China National Day military parade]] on 1 October 2019.
The '''Dongfeng-41''' or '''DF-41''' ({{zh|t=東風-41|s=东风-41|l=East Wind-41}}; [[NATO reporting name]]: '''CH-SS-20'''<ref name="IISS_2023">{{Cite book|author=The International Institute for Strategic Studies|title=The Military Balance 2023|date=15 February 2023 |publisher=Routledge |location=London |chapter=6 Asia |isbn=9781003400226 |doi=10.4324/9781003400226|s2cid=256916955 }}</ref>) is a fourth-generation [[China|Chinese]] [[solid fuel|solid-fuelled]] [[missile vehicle|road-mobile]] [[intercontinental ballistic missile]] operated by the [[People's Liberation Army Rocket Force]] (formerly the [[Second Artillery Corps]]). DF-41 is the fourth and the latest generation of the [[Dongfeng (missile)|''Dongfeng'' series]] strategic missiles developed by China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201910/02/WS5d93e15aa310cf3e3556e8f6_2.html|title=China's strategic deterrents on display|date=2 October 2019|website=China Daily|language=en-US|access-date=19 October 2019}}</ref> The missile was officially unveiled at the [[70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China|China National Day military parade]] on 1 October 2019.


==Design==
==Design==
The missile reportedly has an operational range between {{convert|12000|to|13000|km|mi|abbr=}}.<ref name="missilethreat-2019"/> It is believed to have a top speed of Mach 25,<ref name="armedforces-int.com"/> and to be capable of [[MIRV]] delivery (up to 10).<ref name=jane/> The development of the MIRV technology is reported to be in response to the deployment of the [[United States national missile defense]] system which degrades China's [[nuclear deterrence]] capability.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/DF-41ChinasanswertotheUSBMDefforts_ArjunSubramaniam_121112 |title=DF-41: China's answer to the US BMD efforts |author=Arjun Subramanian P |publisher=[[Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses]] |date=12 November 2012 |access-date=8 March 2014}}</ref> The project started in 1986,<ref name=jane/> and may now be coupled with the [[JL-2]] program.
The missile reportedly has an operational range between {{convert|12000|to|13000|km|mi|abbr=}}.<ref name="missilethreat-2019"/> It is believed to have a top speed of Mach 25,<ref name="armedforces-int.com">{{Cite web |url=http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/china-reports-df-41-icbm-test-launch.html |title=China Reports DF-41 ICBM Test-Launch: Armed Forces International News |access-date=2013-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808060732/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/china-reports-df-41-icbm-test-launch.html |archive-date=2014-08-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and to be capable of [[MIRV]] delivery (up to 10).<ref name="jane">{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Strategic-Weapon-Systems/DF-41-CSS-X10-China.html|title=DF-41 (CSS-X-10) (China) - Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems|date=June 1, 2010|website=Janes.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326182303/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Strategic-Weapon-Systems/DF-41-CSS-X10-China.html|archive-date=2011-03-26}}</ref> The development of the MIRV technology is reported to be in response to the deployment of the [[United States national missile defense]] system which degrades China's [[nuclear deterrence]] capability.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/DF-41ChinasanswertotheUSBMDefforts_ArjunSubramaniam_121112 |title=DF-41: China's answer to the US BMD efforts |author=Arjun Subramanian P |publisher=[[Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses]] |date=12 November 2012 |access-date=8 March 2014}}</ref> The project started in 1986,<ref name=jane/> and may now be coupled with the [[JL-3]] program.


Though there have been reports that the DF-41 can carry 3 to 8 [[warhead]]s, analysts think it most likely carries only three warheads, with the additional payload used for many [[penetration aid]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal|first1=Hans M.|last1=Kristensen|first2= Robert S.|last2=Norris|doi=10.1080/00963402.2018.1486620|title=Chinese nuclear forces, 2018|journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|volume=74|issue=4|date=2018|pages=289–295|bibcode=2018BuAtS..74d.289K|doi-access=free}}</ref>
Though there have been reports that the DF-41 can carry 3 to 8 [[warhead]]s, analysts think it most likely carries only three warheads, with the additional payload used for many [[penetration aid]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal|first1=Hans M.|last1=Kristensen|first2= Robert S.|last2=Norris|doi=10.1080/00963402.2018.1486620|title=Chinese nuclear forces, 2018|journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|volume=74|issue=4|date=2018|pages=289–295|bibcode=2018BuAtS..74d.289K|doi-access=free}}</ref>

Richard Fisher, an expert on [[Asia-Pacific]] military affairs, says that a typical [[People's Liberation Army Rocket Force|PLA Rocket Force]] unit has 6-12 missile launchers and may have an additional 6-12 "reload missiles", i.e. missiles to be launched after the first missile with which the launcher is equipped are launched, indicating 12-24 DF-41 missiles per unit. If a missile had 10 warheads, that would give a single PLARF unit the capability to target the contiguous United States with 120-240 nuclear warheads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freebeacon.com/national-security/chinese-government-website-confirms-new-multi-warhead-icbm/|title=Chinese Government Website Confirms New Multi-Warhead ICBM|date=2014-08-01|website=Washington Free Beacon|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-02}}</ref>


==Development==
==Development==
[[Air Power Australia]] reported that the DF-41 was cancelled pre-2000, with the technology developed transferred to the [[DF-31A]].<ref name=jane/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-Ballistic-Missiles.html |title=PLA Ballistic Missiles |author=Sean O'Connor |publisher=Air Power Australia |date=April 2012 |pages=1 |id=APA-TR-2010-0802 |access-date=18 January 2014}}</ref> It was incorrectly anticipated that the DF-41 would be delivered to the Second Artillery around the year 2010.<ref name="jane">{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Strategic-Weapon-Systems/DF-41-CSS-X10-China.html|title=DF-41 (CSS-X-10) (China) - Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems|date=June 1, 2010|website=Janes.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326182303/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Strategic-Weapon-Systems/DF-41-CSS-X10-China.html|archive-date=2011-03-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/china/df-41.htm |title=DF-41 - China Nuclear Forces |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |access-date=2010-03-21}}</ref> Some military experts had expected that it could be unveiled at the 2009 National Parade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/02/content_11982723.htm |title=Five types of missiles to debut on National Day_English_Xinhua |publisher=News.xinhuanet.com |date=2009-09-02 |access-date=2010-03-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110175201/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/02/content_11982723.htm |archive-date=2015-01-10 }}</ref> However, rehearsals of the military parade did not feature this missile.

The American conservative website ''[[The Washington Free Beacon]]'' reported in August 2012 that the DF-41 had its first flight test on July 24, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freebeacon.com/national-security/manchu-missile-launch/|title=China test fires new long-range missile|last=Gertz|first=Bill|date=2012-08-15|website=Washington Free Beacon|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-02}}</ref>


In April 2013, [[Taiwan]]'s [[National Security Bureau (Taiwan)|National Security Bureau]] head reported to the [[Legislative Yuan]] that the DF-41 was still in development, and not yet deployed.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201304150027.aspx |title=China yet to deploy 094 sub, JL-2 & DF-41 missiles: security head |author=Rogge Chen and Sofia Wu |newspaper=Focus Taiwan |publisher=[[Central News Agency (Republic of China)|Central News Agency]] |date=15 April 2013 |access-date=19 April 2013}}</ref>
In April 2013, [[Taiwan]]'s [[National Security Bureau (Taiwan)|National Security Bureau]] head reported to the [[Legislative Yuan]] that the DF-41 was still in development, and not yet deployed.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201304150027.aspx |title=China yet to deploy 094 sub, JL-2 & DF-41 missiles: security head |author=Rogge Chen and Sofia Wu |newspaper=Focus Taiwan |publisher=[[Central News Agency (Republic of China)|Central News Agency]] |date=15 April 2013 |access-date=19 April 2013}}</ref>


The [[U.S. Department of Defense]] in its 2013 report to Congress on China's military developments made no explicit mention of the DF-41, but did state that "China may also be developing a new road-mobile ICBM, possibly capable of carrying a [[multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle]] (MIRV)", which may refer to the DF-41.<ref name=USDOD-2013>{{cite report |page=6 |url=http://www.defense.gov/pubs/2013_china_report_final.pdf |title=Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2013 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |work=Office of the Secretary of Defense |year=2013 |access-date=18 January 2014 |archive-date=13 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113120816/http://www.defense.gov/pubs/2013_china_report_final.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Later in 2013 ''The Washington Free Beacon'' reported that the second launch test took place on December 13, 2013 from the Wuzhai missile launch center in [[Shanxi province]] to an impact range in western China, according to officials familiar with details of the tests.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freebeacon.com/national-security/china-conducts-second-flight-test-of-new-long-range-missile/|title=China Conducts Second Flight Test of New Long-Range Missile|date=December 17, 2013}}</ref>
The [[U.S. Department of Defense]] in its 2013 report to Congress on China's military developments made no explicit mention of the DF-41, but did state that "China may also be developing a new road-mobile ICBM, possibly capable of carrying a [[multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle]] (MIRV)", which may refer to the DF-41.<ref name=USDOD-2013>{{cite report |page=6 |url=http://www.defense.gov/pubs/2013_china_report_final.pdf |title=Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2013 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |work=Office of the Secretary of Defense |year=2013 |access-date=18 January 2014 |archive-date=13 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113120816/http://www.defense.gov/pubs/2013_china_report_final.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The ''Free Beacon'' reported in June 2014 that U.S. officials had said by then that the DF-41 was test launched twice since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freebeacon.com/national-security/pentagon-confirms-new-chinese-long-range-icbm-development/|title=Pentagon Confirms New Chinese Long-Range ICBM Development|last=Gertz|first=Bill|date=2014-06-06|website=Washington Free Beacon|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-02}}</ref>

⚫
In August 2014, China [[Shaanxi]] Provincial Environmental Monitoring Center website accidentally made a news report about events of setting environmental monitoring site for DF-41 ICBM; the news report (and the whole website) was taken down shortly after getting public attention.<ref name=afp-20140801>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11005061/China-confirms-new-generation-long-range-missiles.html |title=China 'confirms new generation long range missiles' |agency=AFP |publisher=Daily Telegraph |date=1 August 2014 |access-date=2 August 2014}}</ref>

The ''Free Beacon'' claimed that China had test-launched a DF-41 using multiple reentry vehicles for the first time on 13 December 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://freebeacon.com/national-security/china-tests-icbm-with-multiple-warheads/ |title=China Tests ICBM With Multiple Warheads] - Freebeacon.com |date=18 December 2014|first=Bill |last=Gertz |website=Washington Free Beacon}}</ref> Later that month, China confirmed that the launch occurred, saying it has a legitimate right to conduct scientific tests within its border, that they were not targeting any country, and the development of the missile did not affect China's policy of [[No first use#China|not using nuclear weapons first]] in a conflict. The launch took place at the [[Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center|Wuzhai Missile and Space Test Center]] in central China and impacted in the west of the country.<ref>[http://freebeacon.com/national-security/chinese-military-confirms-df-41-flight-test/ Chinese Military Confirms DF-41 Flight Test] - Freebeacon.com, 26 December 2014</ref>


⚫
In August 2014, China's [[Shaanxi]] Provincial Environmental Monitoring Center website accidentally published a news report about an environmental monitoring site for a DF-41 ICBM; the news report (and entire website) was taken down shortly after getting public attention.<ref name=afp-20140801>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11005061/China-confirms-new-generation-long-range-missiles.html |title=China 'confirms new generation long range missiles' |agency=AFP |publisher=Daily Telegraph |date=1 August 2014 |access-date=2 August 2014}}</ref>
In August 2015, the missile was flight-tested for the fourth time.<ref name="missilethreat.csis.org"/> In December 2015, the missile was flight-tested for the fifth time. The flight test demonstrated the use of two [[multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle]]s. The missile launch and dummy warheads were tracked by satellites to an impact range in western China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freebeacon.com/national-security/china-flight-tests-multi-warhead-missile/|title=China Missile Test &#124; Multi-Warhead Missile|date=December 11, 2015}}</ref>


In August 2015, the missile was flight-tested for the fourth time.<ref name="missilethreat.csis.org"/> In December 2015, the missile was flight-tested for the fifth time.{{cn|date=March 2024}} In April 2016, China successfully conducted the 7th test of DF-41.{{cn|date=March 2024}}
In April 2016, China successfully conducted the 7th test of DF-41 with two dummy warheads near the South China Sea, amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing about the area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freebeacon.com/national-security/china-confirms-multiple-warhead-missile-test-south-china-sea/|title=China Confirms Multiple-Warhead Missile Test in South China Sea|date=April 21, 2016}}</ref>


On January 23, 2017, China was reported to have deployed a strategic ballistic missile [[brigade]] to [[Heilongjiang]] province, bordering Russia, along with another strategic ballistic missile [[brigade]] deploying to [[Xinjiang]].<ref name="2017-01-30_SD">[http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Say_Hello_to_Chinas_ICBMs_999.html Say Hello to China's ICBMs], SpaceDaily.com, 2017-01-30</ref>
On January 23, 2017, China was reported to have deployed a strategic ballistic missile [[brigade]] to [[Heilongjiang]] province, bordering Russia, along with another strategic ballistic missile [[brigade]] deploying to [[Xinjiang]].<ref name="2017-01-30_SD">[http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Say_Hello_to_Chinas_ICBMs_999.html Say Hello to China's ICBMs], SpaceDaily.com, 2017-01-30</ref>
Line 54: Line 45:
In November 2017, just two days before U.S. President Trump's visit to China, the DF-41 was tested in the [[Gobi desert]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2119201/did-china-test-missile-could-hit-any-target-us-two-days|title=Did China test a missile that could strike US ahead of Trump's visit?|date=2017-11-09|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=2019-06-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ahead-trump-visit-china-likely-tested-12000-km-range-missile-that-could-strike-anywhere-us-748942|title=Ahead of Trump visit, China likely tested 12,000-km-range missile that could strike anywhere in US|first=Kukil|last=Bora|date=November 10, 2017|website=International Business Times, India Edition}}</ref>
In November 2017, just two days before U.S. President Trump's visit to China, the DF-41 was tested in the [[Gobi desert]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2119201/did-china-test-missile-could-hit-any-target-us-two-days|title=Did China test a missile that could strike US ahead of Trump's visit?|date=2017-11-09|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=2019-06-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ahead-trump-visit-china-likely-tested-12000-km-range-missile-that-could-strike-anywhere-us-748942|title=Ahead of Trump visit, China likely tested 12,000-km-range missile that could strike anywhere in US|first=Kukil|last=Bora|date=November 10, 2017|website=International Business Times, India Edition}}</ref>


On October 1, 2019, China on its 70th anniversary displayed the missiles in a large military parade.
On October 1, 2019, China publicly displayed the missiles for the first time on [[70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China|its 70th Anniversary National Day]] [[military parade]].
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/china-displays-hypersonic-ballistic-nuclear-missile-191001031803778.html|title=China displays new hypersonic nuclear missile on 70th anniversary|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/china-displays-hypersonic-ballistic-nuclear-missile-191001031803778.html|title=China displays new hypersonic nuclear missile on 70th anniversary|website=www.aljazeera.com}}</ref>


==Rail-mobile versions==
==Rail-mobile versions==
On 5 December 2015, China conducted a launcher test of a new rail-mobile version of the DF-41, similar to the Russian [[RT-23 Molodets]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/56860/china-developing-new-rail-mobile-icbm-say-us-officials|title=China developing new rail-mobile ICBM, say US officials|last=Fisher Jr|first=Richard|date=23 December 2015|website=Jane's 360|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224140236/http://www.janes.com/article/56860/china-developing-new-rail-mobile-icbm-say-us-officials|archive-date=24 December 2015|access-date=25 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freebeacon.com/national-security/chinese-defense-ministry-confirms-rail-mobile-icbm-test/|title=Chinese Defense Ministry Confirms Rail-Mobile ICBM Test|date=December 31, 2015}}</ref>
On 5 December 2015, China conducted a launcher test of a new rail-mobile version of the DF-41, similar to the Russian [[RT-23 Molodets]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/56860/china-developing-new-rail-mobile-icbm-say-us-officials|title=China developing new rail-mobile ICBM, say US officials|last=Fisher Jr|first=Richard|date=23 December 2015|website=Jane's 360|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224140236/http://www.janes.com/article/56860/china-developing-new-rail-mobile-icbm-say-us-officials|archive-date=24 December 2015|access-date=25 October 2019}}</ref>


==Silo-based versions==
==Silo-based versions==
Line 65: Line 56:
A third site was discovered to be under construction near [[Ordos City|Ordos]] in [[Inner Mongolia]] in August, 2021. The new site will hold more than 100 ICBM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/aug/12/china-engaged-breathtaking-nuclear-breakout-us-str/|title = EXCLUSIVE: China building third missile field for hundreds of new ICBMs|website = [[The Washington Times]]}}</ref>
A third site was discovered to be under construction near [[Ordos City|Ordos]] in [[Inner Mongolia]] in August, 2021. The new site will hold more than 100 ICBM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/aug/12/china-engaged-breathtaking-nuclear-breakout-us-str/|title = EXCLUSIVE: China building third missile field for hundreds of new ICBMs|website = [[The Washington Times]]}}</ref>


Together, the three new missile bases will house 350 to 400 new long-range nuclear missiles, U.S. officials said. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/08/28/the_chinese_nuclear_breakout_and_the_biden_administrations_nuclear_posture_review_792021.html|title = The Chinese Nuclear Breakout and the Biden Administration's Nuclear Posture Review &#124; RealClearDefense|date = 28 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-01|title=China's nuclear missile silo expansion: From minimum deterrence to medium deterrence|url=https://thebulletin.org/2021/09/chinas-nuclear-missile-silo-expansion-from-minimum-deterrence-to-medium-deterrence/|access-date=2021-10-02|website=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|language=en-US}}</ref>
Together, the three new missile bases will house 350 to 400 new long-range nuclear missiles, U.S. officials said.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/08/28/the_chinese_nuclear_breakout_and_the_biden_administrations_nuclear_posture_review_792021.html|title = The Chinese Nuclear Breakout and the Biden Administration's Nuclear Posture Review &#124; RealClearDefense|date = 28 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-01|title=China's nuclear missile silo expansion: From minimum deterrence to medium deterrence|url=https://thebulletin.org/2021/09/chinas-nuclear-missile-silo-expansion-from-minimum-deterrence-to-medium-deterrence/|access-date=2021-10-02|website=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|language=en-US}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 76: Line 67:
[[Category:Intercontinental ballistic missiles of the People's Republic of China]]
[[Category:Intercontinental ballistic missiles of the People's Republic of China]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2010s]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2010s]]
[[Category:Surface-to-surface missiles of China]]

Latest revision as of 17:00, 25 March 2024

For the locomotive, see China Railways DF41.
DF-41
DF-41 missile on a HTF5980.
TypeICBM
Place of originChina
Service history
In service2017
Used byPeople's Liberation Army Rocket Force
Production history
ManufacturerChina Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT)
Specifications
Mass~80,000 kilograms (180,000 lb) [1]
Length~22 metres (72 ft)[1]
Diameter~2.25 m (7 ft 5 in)[1]
Warhead8 x 250 kt or 10 x 150 kt MIRVs
EngineThree-stage Solid-fuel rocket
Operational
range
~12,000–15,000 kilometres (7,500–9,300 mi)[1]
Maximum speed Mach 25 (31,425 km/h; 19,625 mph; 8,660 m/s)[2]
Guidance
system
Inertial, likely with stellar updates and BeiDou[3]
Accuracy~100 m CEP[3]
Launch
platform
Silo, road-mobile Transporter erector launcher, rail-mobile

The Dongfeng-41 or DF-41 (simplified Chinese: 东风-41; traditional Chinese: 東風-41; lit. 'East Wind-41'; NATO reporting name: CH-SS-20[4]) is a fourth-generation Chinese solid-fuelled road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile operated by the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (formerly the Second Artillery Corps). DF-41 is the fourth and the latest generation of the Dongfeng series strategic missiles developed by China.[5] The missile was officially unveiled at the China National Day military parade on 1 October 2019.

Design[edit]

The missile reportedly has an operational range between 12,000 to 13,000 kilometres (7,500 to 8,100 mi).[1] It is believed to have a top speed of Mach 25,[6] and to be capable of MIRV delivery (up to 10).[7] The development of the MIRV technology is reported to be in response to the deployment of the United States national missile defense system which degrades China's nuclear deterrence capability.[8] The project started in 1986,[7] and may now be coupled with the JL-3 program.

Though there have been reports that the DF-41 can carry 3 to 8 warheads, analysts think it most likely carries only three warheads, with the additional payload used for many penetration aids.[9]

Development[edit]

In April 2013, Taiwan's National Security Bureau head reported to the Legislative Yuan that the DF-41 was still in development, and not yet deployed.[10]

The U.S. Department of Defense in its 2013 report to Congress on China's military developments made no explicit mention of the DF-41, but did state that "China may also be developing a new road-mobile ICBM, possibly capable of carrying a multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV)", which may refer to the DF-41.[11]

In August 2014, China's Shaanxi Provincial Environmental Monitoring Center website accidentally published a news report about an environmental monitoring site for a DF-41 ICBM; the news report (and entire website) was taken down shortly after getting public attention.[12]

In August 2015, the missile was flight-tested for the fourth time.[3] In December 2015, the missile was flight-tested for the fifth time.[citation needed] In April 2016, China successfully conducted the 7th test of DF-41.[citation needed]

On January 23, 2017, China was reported to have deployed a strategic ballistic missile brigade to Heilongjiang province, bordering Russia, along with another strategic ballistic missile brigade deploying to Xinjiang.[13]

In November 2017, just two days before U.S. President Trump's visit to China, the DF-41 was tested in the Gobi desert.[14][15]

On October 1, 2019, China publicly displayed the missiles for the first time on its 70th Anniversary National Day military parade. [16]

Rail-mobile versions[edit]

On 5 December 2015, China conducted a launcher test of a new rail-mobile version of the DF-41, similar to the Russian RT-23 Molodets.[17]

Silo-based versions[edit]

In 2021, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) said China was building 120 missile silos for DF-41 near Yumen in Gansu and another 110 missile silos near Hami in Xinjiang.[18]

A third site was discovered to be under construction near Ordos in Inner Mongolia in August, 2021. The new site will hold more than 100 ICBM.[19]

Together, the three new missile bases will house 350 to 400 new long-range nuclear missiles, U.S. officials said.[20][21]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e "DF-41 (Dong Feng-41 / CSS-X-20)". Center for Strategic and International Studies. October 8, 2019. Archived from the original on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2021-07-28.
  2. ^ https://fairbd.net/fastest-missiles-in-the-world/
  3. ^ a b c "DF-41 (Dong Feng-41 / CSS-X-20)". Missile Threat.
  4. ^ The International Institute for Strategic Studies (15 February 2023). "6 Asia". The Military Balance 2023. London: Routledge. doi:10.4324/9781003400226. ISBN 9781003400226. S2CID 256916955.
  5. ^ "China's strategic deterrents on display". China Daily. 2 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  6. ^ "China Reports DF-41 ICBM Test-Launch: Armed Forces International News". Archived from the original on 2014-08-08. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
  7. ^ a b "DF-41 (CSS-X-10) (China) - Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems". Janes.com. June 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 2011-03-26.
  8. ^ Arjun Subramanian P (12 November 2012). "DF-41: China's answer to the US BMD efforts". Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  9. ^ Kristensen, Hans M.; Norris, Robert S. (2018). "Chinese nuclear forces, 2018". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. 74 (4): 289–295. Bibcode:2018BuAtS..74d.289K. doi:10.1080/00963402.2018.1486620.
  10. ^ Rogge Chen and Sofia Wu (15 April 2013). "China yet to deploy 094 sub, JL-2 & DF-41 missiles: security head". Focus Taiwan. Central News Agency. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  11. ^ Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2013 (PDF). Office of the Secretary of Defense (Report). U.S. Department of Defense. 2013. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  12. ^ "China 'confirms new generation long range missiles'". Daily Telegraph. AFP. 1 August 2014. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  13. ^ Say Hello to China's ICBMs, SpaceDaily.com, 2017-01-30
  14. ^ "Did China test a missile that could strike US ahead of Trump's visit?". South China Morning Post. 2017-11-09. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
  15. ^ Bora, Kukil (November 10, 2017). "Ahead of Trump visit, China likely tested 12,000-km-range missile that could strike anywhere in US". International Business Times, India Edition.
  16. ^ "China displays new hypersonic nuclear missile on 70th anniversary". www.aljazeera.com.
  17. ^ Fisher Jr, Richard (23 December 2015). "China developing new rail-mobile ICBM, say US officials". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 24 December 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  18. ^ "China Is Building A Second Nuclear Missile Silo Field". Federation Of American Scientists. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  19. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: China building third missile field for hundreds of new ICBMs". The Washington Times.
  20. ^ "The Chinese Nuclear Breakout and the Biden Administration's Nuclear Posture Review | RealClearDefense". 28 August 2021.
  21. ^ "China's nuclear missile silo expansion: From minimum deterrence to medium deterrence". Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. 2021-09-01. Retrieved 2021-10-02.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=DF-41&oldid=1215521780"