| Launch unit |
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The DF-41 is believed to be approximately 21.0 m in length, 2.25 m in diameter, and 80,000 kg in weight. The missile is raised to the vertical position at the back of the TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) before launch. To provide a more stable firing platform, two large hydraulic stabilizers are lowered to the ground at the rear of the truck chassis in firing position.
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| Missile |
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The DF-41 missile uses an inertial guidance, likely with stellar updates and a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system, which provides it with an accuracy of 100-500 m CEP. The DF-41 ICBM uses a three-stage solid-fuel rocket engine and can carry a load of 1,000 kg including 10 to 12 independently targetable warheads. The three-stage solid-fuel DF-41 missile is larger than the DF-31 missile and has a range of up to 14,000 kilometers. The missile can fly at a maximum speed of Mach 25.
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| Guidance |
| The DF-41 uses an inertial navigation system with the COMPASS Chinese satellite navigation system. An inertial navigation system (INS) is a navigation aid that uses a computer, motion sensors (accelerometers) and rotation sensors (gyroscopes) to continuously calculate via dead reckoning the position, orientation, and velocity (direction and speed of movement) of a moving object without the need for external references. |
| Mobility |
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The DF-41 strategic weapons system will have a mobile launch capability providing greatly improved survivability compared with previous Chinese intercontinental missiles. The DF-41 missile is mounted on a 16-wheeled transporter-erector-launcher. This mobile launcher is capable of moving through roadless terrain and launching a missile from any point along its route.
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| Combat use |
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The DF-41 is designed as a counter to existing U.S. missile defenses intended to deal only with missile threats from North Korea and Iran. In addition to carrying nuclear payloads, the DF-41 could be modified to boost hypersonic gliders like the WU-14 across intercontinental distances. In a decade's time, a mobile hypersonic launch vehicle based on the DF-41 could deliver hypersonic gliders at targets on U.S. soil, providing a deterrent response to potential strikes on the Mainland presently conceived as part of the US's Air-Sea Battle concept.
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| Specifications |
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Type of missile
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intercontinental ballistic missile
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Country users
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China
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Launcher
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mobile truck transporter - erector - launcher
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Warhead
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nuclear
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Crew
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?
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Vehicle weight
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80,000 kg
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Effective range
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10,000 to 14,000 km
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Accuracy
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100-500 m CEP
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Guidance
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Inertial system with COMPASS
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Dimensions vehicle
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Length: 21 m; Width: ? m; Height: ? m
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