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DF-21 / DF-21A (CSS-5) / DF-21B
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medium-range road-mobile ballistic missile
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The Dong-Feng 21 DF-21 (NATO reporting name CSS-5) is a two-stage, solid-propellant, single-warhead medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) developed by China Changfeng Mechanics and Electronics Technology Academy. The development of the DF-21 began in the late 1960s and was completed around 1985-86, but it was not deployed until 1991. The first test launch of the DF-21 missile took place in May 1985, followed by a second test launch using modified ground support system in May 1987. The missile entered operational service in the late 1980s. In the mid-1990s, 2nd Aerospace Academy also introduced the improved DF-21A (CSS-5 Mod 2) with increased range and accuracy. In September 2014, Saudi Arabia admits to purchase Chinese-made DF-21 ballistic missile.
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- 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 equipment 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 ant-ship ballistic missile. U.S. reports suggest a range a 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
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| Technical Data |
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| Launch unit |
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The DF-21 and DF21A/B missile is contained in an alumni-alloy cylinder launch–tube mounted on a on a 3-axes semi-trailer TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher). The TEL trailer and tractor are equipped with hydraulically operated stabilisers which are lowered in preparation for the missile launch.
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| Missile |
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The DF-21 and DF21A/B is a two-stage, solid-fuel, single-warhead medium-range ballistic missile system. The DF-21 has a minimum range of 500 km and a maximum range of 2,150 km. The missile carries a single 100kT, 200kT, or 500kT nuclear warhead, but can also configured to carry conventional HE warheads. Its launch time is only several minutes, allowing it to be deployed during a rapidly changing military situation.
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| Guidance |
| The DF-21 missile uses an inertial guidance, coupled to a terminal radar-guidance system to increase the accuracy. The missile is capable of striking with an accuracy of 700 m CEP. It has a length of 10.7 m, a diameter of 1.4 m and a launch weight of 14,700 kg. |
| Mobility |
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The DF-21 missile is mounted on 3-axes semi-trailer TEL, which is towed by a HY473 (Type 82) 6X6 tractor truck. The Type 82 HET comprises a Hanyang Special Vehicle Works HY473 6X6 tractor truck and a three-axle HY962 semi-trailer. The HY473 tractor truck has a twin-winch located behind the driving cab and a number of variants have been developed. It has a forward control cab that can be tilted forward for engine access and the cab is large enough to accommodate bunks behind the seats. Two winch drums are located behind the cab for loading and unloading. The HY473 truck can run at a maximum speed of 64 km/h. The truck is motorized with KHD F 12 L 413F engine developing 355 hp. at 2,500 rpm. The HY962 semi-trailer has three axles with a total of 12 tyres. Two spare tyres are carried on supports on the top of the gooseneck. The two stabiliser legs at the forward end of the loading platform can be lowered to the ground for support when the tractor truck is removed. The trailer has a maximum payload of 50,000 kg.
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| Combat Use |
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There are two hypothesized roles for conventionally-armed DF-21s. First, there is a general scholarly consensus that PLA doctrine allows for if not embraces the use of conventionally-armed theater-range ballistic missiles in war-opening/escalating strikes aimed at decisively neutralizing a superior adversary’s forward forces and military infrastructure. The second possible conventionally-armed DF-21 role is performing long range strikes throughout a protracted conflict. These could include preemptive or suppressive strikes against major force groupings as they assemble for an operation, opportunistic strikes against fleeting high campaign-value targets, or direct/indirect fires—including possible feint attacks—in support of PLA Joint combined arms operations.
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| Specifications |
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Type of missile
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Medium range l ballistic missile (ICBM)
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Country users
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China, Saudi Arabia
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Launcher
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Mobile truck transporter - erector - launcher (TEL)
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Warhead
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HE and Nuclear
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Crew
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Missile weight
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14,700 kg
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Effective range
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500 to 2,150 km
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Accuracy
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- DF-21: 300 - 400 m CEP
- DF-21A/B: 100 - 300 m CEP
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Guidance
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Inertial coupled to a terminal radar-guidance system
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Dimensions vehicle
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Length: ? m; Width: ? m; Height: ? m
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