DF-15

Dong Feng 15
Type SRBM
Service history
In service 1990
Used by PRC
Production history
Manufacturer Academy of Rocket Motors Technology
Specifications
Weight 6,200 kg
Length 9.1 m
Diameter 1.0 m
Warhead One, with Maneuverable reentry vehicles [1]
Blast yield 90 kt
Engine single-stage solid-propellant rocket
Operational
range
 600 km (370 mi) (DF-15)
900 km (560 mi) (DF-15A)
800 km (500 mi) (DF-15B)
700 km (430 mi) (DF-15C)
Guidance
system
 Astro-inertial guidance (including ring-laser gyroscope) + Beidou
Accuracy 10 m[1][2]
Launch
platform
 Road-mobile TEL

The Dong-Feng 15 (a.k.a. DF-15, M-9, CSS-6) is a short-range ballistic missile developed by the People's Republic of China. The DF-15 and the newer DF-16 are thought to be the only non-nuclear missiles in use by the People's Liberation Army Second Artillery Corps. The U.S. Department of Defense estimated in 2008 that China had 315-355 DF-15 missiles and 90-110 launchers.[3]

History

Development on the DF-15 began in 1985 with a finalized design proposal being approved by the PLA in 1987. From the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, testing of the missile was done in the Gobi Desert. The first public display of the missile took place at the Beijing Defense Exposition in 1988. The SAC had allegedly deployed a small number of the missiles the following year.

Description

The DF-15 uses a solid fuel, single-stage rocket. It is vertically launched from an eight-wheeled transporter erector launcher (TEL). The missile's trajectory is guided using small thrusters and an inertial guidance system on the warhead. The warhead is only a tenth of the size of the missile body. After the body and warhead separate, the body trails behind to camouflage the warhead. The terminal velocity of the missile is over Mach 6.[4] It can deliver a 500–750 kg (1,100–1,650 lb) payload up to 600 kilometres (370 mi), with accuracy of 300 m circular error probability (CEP).[2]

The DF-15A is a variant that employs control fins at the rear of the missile and on the reentry vehicle, GPS updates, and terminal radar guidance. Its payload is believed to be 600 kg (1,300 lb) with a range of 900 km (560 mi) and improved accuracy of 30-45 m CEP. The DF-15B is a further upgraded variant with similar features, as well as an active radar seeker and laser rangefinder. It is capable of ranges between 50–800 km (31–497 mi) with greater accuracy of 5-10 m CEP.[2]

The DF-15C is a bunker buster variant equipped with a deep-penetration warhead, with a range of 700 km (430 mi) and accuracy of 15-20 m CEP. It was originally designed with the intention of destroying the Heng Shan Military Command Center in Taiwan's capital of Taipei, which was built to withstand a 20 kiloton nuclear blast, a 2 kiloton conventional bomb blast, or an electromagnetic pulse; another target would be Chiashan Air Force Base. In the event of an invasion, the destruction of Taiwan's major command center would make it difficult to coordinate defenses. The missile's range also threatens locations as far as Kyushu in Japan and the Indian capital of New Delhi.[5][6]

References

  1. 1 2 NEW DONG FENG 15
  2. 1 2 3 http://missilethreat.com/missiles/df-15-15a-15b-css-6m-9/
  3. ↑ "Military Power of the People's Republic of China 2008" (PDF). Office of the Secretary of Defense: 56 (p66 of PDF).
  4. ↑ "DF-15 (CSS-6 / M-9) - China Nuclear Forces". GlobalSecurity.org. 2005-05-06.
  5. ↑ Photos published of China's DF-15C bunker buster - Wantchinatimes.com, 3 June 2014
  6. ↑ China releases first photos of DF-15C ‘bunker buster’, short-range ballistic missile with deep-penetration warhead - News.com.au, 4 June 2014
Preceded by
?		 DF-15
? 		Succeeded by
?
  1. ↑ http://www.janes.com/article/65208/airshow-china-2016-casc-unsheathes-its-hidden-blade-lightweight-missile-system
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