DF-15/DF-15A M-9 CSS-6
Short-range mobile ballistic missile - China
Description
The DF-15 is a short-range road-mobile ballistic missile in the Chinese-made Dong-Feng (DF) missile family. The development of the DF-15 started in 1984 mainly for the export market. The DF-15 (export name: M-9, NATO classification: CSS-6) was developed by the Chinese Academy of Technology rocket engines (Academy of Rocket Motor Technology - ARMT, also known as the Fourth Aerospace Academy). The DF-15 was unveiled for the first time at the Beijing Defense Exposition in 1988. The DF-15 is in service with the Chinese army since 1995, with an initial force of 40 missiles. By the end of 1999, China had deployed 200 DF-15s and was increasing the force at a rate of 50 missiles per year. According to military sources, the DF-15 was adopted by the Second Artillery Corps People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 1989. The U.S. Department of Defense estimated in 2008 that China had 315 - 355 DF-15 missiles and 90-110 launchers.
DF-15 ballistic missile variants:
- DF-15A: fitted with a new missile, the accuracy is estimated to be 30 to 45 m CEP and has a maximum range of 900 km. The DF-15A missile is slightly longer.
- DF-15B: an upgraded version of DF-15A, the DF-15B has components that greatly increase the accuracy and uses a new truck launcher (TEL).
- DF-15C: This version is designed to strike hardened underground facilities by impacting at a steep trajectory.
- M-9: the Iranian version of the Chinese DF-15
- Shaheen 1: Pakistani mobile single-stage solid propellant intermediate-range ballistic missile, a license-assembled Chinese DF-15.
Technical Data
| Missile Launch Unit |
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The DF-15 ballistic missile is located at the rear roof of a TEL (Transporter-Erector-Launcher) vehicle. In the firing position, four hydraulic jacks are lowered to the ground. The first pair is located between the first and second axles and the second is located on the fourth axis of the chassis.
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| Missile |
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The DF-15 (CSS-6) is a solid-fueled, single-stage mobile missile. The vertically-launched 9.1-meter-long missile has a range of 200-600 km, carrying a payload of 500 kgs with high explosives (HE) or nuclear warhead and a CEP (Circular Error Probable) of about 280 meters. The missile uses a strap-down inertial guidance system on the warhead section which guides the trajectory using small thrusters. Assuming a nominal trajectory at a range of 500 km, the DF-15 missile would reach an altitude of about 120 km, achieve a reentry speed of about two kilometers per second, and have a flight time of only 6 or 7 minutes. Some reporting indicates the DF-15 currently has a 100-meter (CEP), but the missile has been flight tested to an accuracy of better than 50 meters.
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| Mobility |
| The DF-15 uses a Chinese-made eight-wheel cross-country military truck chassis TAS5450 Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) which can transport and launch the missile. The 8x8 truck TAS5450 has an opening roof missile compartment. The TAS5450 is a 25-ton 8x8 special heavy-duty truck used by the People's Liberation Army of the People's Republic of China. A central crew compartment is located in the middle of the truck chassis under the missile to control all the firing operations. There is one single door on each side. |
| Combat use |
| The tactical use of the DF-15 is similar to the use of Russian-made Scud missiles. It is coordinated with an advanced digital C3I computer system using digital computer-controlled technology and self-test functions to provide an operational preparation time of fewer than 30 minutes. The DF-15 is capable of rapid targeting and does not require wind corrections before launch, due to its inertial guidance system and onboard digital computer. The ability to ignore the wind, combined with the hinged doors on the TEL vehicle top which protect the missiles from the environment, allows the DF-15 to be effectively deployed anywhere in China |
Specifications
| Type | Armament |
| Short-range ballistic missile | One missile |
| Country users | Range missile |
| China | 200 to 600 km maximum |
| Warhead | Guidance system missile |
| HE High Explosive or nuclear 500 kg | Inertial guidance system |
| Propulsion | Radar and Command Station |
| Solid propellant motor | Command and control vehicle |
| Crew | Dimensions Missile |
| 3 | Length: 9.1 m; Diameter: 1.0 m |
Details View
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Pictures - Video
DF-15
DF-15A
