The DF-15B short-range ballistic missile is a further upgraded variant of the DF-15 family. The DF-15B was unveiled for the first time to the public during the 2009 military parade in Beijing, China.
Country users: China
Technical Data
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Missile Launcher Unit
The missile is located at the rear roof of a TEL (Transporter-Erector-Launcher) vehicle. In firing position two hydraulic circular jacks are lowered on the ground and the missile is erected at the rear of the truck chassis.
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Missile
The DF-15B missile is an upgraded version of the previous version of the DF-15 missile family with improved accuracy, using control fins, improved terminal radar guidance, control fins on the reentry vehicle, and an active radar seeker and laser rangefinder. It has a range from 50 to 800 km depending on the payload. The DF-15B missile can carried a single 500 kg conventional warhead and its accuracy was said to have dramatically improved to a CEP of 50 - 100 m.
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Mobility
The DF-15B uses a 8x8 military truck chassis TA5450. This vehicle was developed by Taian Special Vehicle Company to carry various missiles, launchers with artillery rockets and other military equipment. The TA5450 has a payload capacity of around 25, 000 kg offering high mobility in all-terrain conditions. A four doors cab is located at the front of the truck chassis which can accommodate 5 military personnel. The TA5450 is motorized with Deutz turbocharged diesel engine, developing 517 hp. This engine is license-produced in China. This truck can run at a maximum road speed of 80 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 800 km. The TA5450 has a full-time all-wheel drive. It is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. Tyre pressure can be adjusted by the driver while the vehicle is on the move in order to improve cross-country performance over different types of terrain. 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.
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Combat Use
The DF-15B short-range ballistic missile system could be quickly mobilized from bases to launch locations via railway. The TEL truck carries the missile to the launch site. The 2010 U.S. DoD Report on the PRC Military Power estimated that 350–400 missiles and 90–110 launchers were in operational deployment with the PLA Second Artillery Corps, though this number may have increased significantly in the future.
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