DF-21C medium-range road-mobile ballistic missile - DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile | China Chinese army missile systems vehicles | Chinese China army military equipment armoured UK

: 11 November 2021

DF-21C medium-range road-mobile ballistic missile

DF-21D ASBM anti-ship ballistic missile

Description

Technical Data

Specifications

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Description

The DF-21C is a modernized version of the DF-21 family medium-range road-mobile ballistic missile. The development of the DF-21C began in 1984, intended to offer the ability to carry a much larger warhead. 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 DF-21 was unveiled for the first time to the public during a military parade on October 1, 2009. The latest variant to enter service is the DF-21D, an ASBM (Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile) variant employing a terminally guided MaRV (Maneuvering Reentry Vehicle).

Variants:

- DF-21A: has improved accuracy with an estimated circular error probable (CEP) of 100~300m, with both GPS and a radar-based terminal guidance system in a redesigned nose. This version is reported to have a similar range of 1,770 km.
- DF-21B: is estimated to be the same physical size and shape of the DF-21A, but it is equipped with an enhanced terminal guidance system. The accuracy is believed to be 10 m CEP.
- DF-21C: Its maximum range is believed to be about 1,700 kilometers (1,100 mi). The new GPS-based guidance system has reduced the missile’s CEP to 30~40m, enabling it for precision-strike missions
- DF-21D: is an anti-ship ballistic missile. U.S. reports suggest a range of 1,450 to 1,550 km, but Chinese reports indicate a range of 2,700 km. Similar to the DF-21B, the warhead is likely maneuverable and may have an accuracy of 20 m CEP

Technical Data

Launch unit

The DF-21C/D missile is placed inside a cylinder-shaped container/launcher (TEL), with its nose extending outside of the launcher. The missile container/launcher is in horizontal position when in traveling and vertical position during launch. At the bottom of the container/launcher, there are four large hydraulically operated stabilisers, which are lowered in preparation for the missile launch.

Missile

The DF-21C is a two-stage, solid-fuel, single-warhead medium-range ballistic missile system. The DF-21C missile range is shorter than the DF-21A/-21B due to a larger payload. This missile can carry a single warhead up to 2,000 kg. The accuracy is reportedly 40 to 50 m CEP. The DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile has a maximum range of 1,550 km according to U.S. reports, but Chinese reports indicate a range of 2,700 km. Similar to the DF-21B, the warhead is likely maneuverable and may have an accuracy of 20 m CEP.

Guidance

The terminally guided-missile DF-21C can deliver a 2,000 kg warhead to a maximum range of 17,750 km with a circular error probability of fewer than 50 meters.

Mobility

The DF-21C is mounted on a WS-2500 (TEL) 10x10 high-mobility vehicle, which is also used by the DF-21D, to enhance survivability by allowing the system to move off-road, making it harder to locate. This truck has a maximum load capacity of 28 tons.

Combat Use

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.

Specifications