DF-4
| DF-4/CSS-3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | ICBM |
| Place of origin | People's Republic of China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1975/1976[1][2]–present |
| Used by | PRC |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Factory 211 (Capital Astronautics Co.) |
| Unit cost | ? |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 82,000 kg |
| Length | 28.05 m |
| Diameter | 2.25 m |
| Warhead | One,[1] or three (DF-4A)[3][4] |
| Blast yield | 3.3 Mt[1] |
| Engine | Liquid fueled |
Operational range | 5,500 km[1]-7,000 km[5][6] |
| Maximum speed | ? |
Guidance system | Astro-inertial guidance |
The Dong Feng 4 (Chinese: 东风4, meaning "East Wind") or DF-4 (also known as the CSS-3) is a two-stage Chinese Intercontinental ballistic missile[7] with liquid fuel (Nitric acid/Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine). It was thought to be deployed in limited numbers in underground silos beginning in the 1970s and early 1980s. The Dong Feng 4 has a takeoff thrust of 1,224.00 kN, a takeoff weight of 82000 kg, a diameter of 2.25 m, a length of 28.05 m and a fin span of 2.74 m. The range of the Dong Feng 4, which is equipped with a 2,190 kg nuclear warhead with 3.3 Mt yield, with a nominal range of 5,500 km. This gives it sufficient range to strike targets as far away as Russia, India, and American bases in the Pacific.[8] The missile uses an inertial guidance system, resulting in a large CEP of 1,500 meters.
History
The decision to develop the DF-4 was made in 1965[9] in response to the U.S. ballistic missile submarine patrols that began operating out of Guam. The missile's designer has been variously identified as Ren Xinmin or Tu Shou'e [屠守锷], and it was produced at Factory 211 (Capital Astronautics Co. [首都航天机械公司], also known as Capital Machine Shop [首都机械厂]).
In 1972 US intelligence estimated an IOC for this system as being expected in 1974 or 1975. Deployment actually began in 1975-76, but only four DF-4s were believed to be in place by 1984.[10]
There were two versions of the missile developed,[11] one version housed in caves or garages to be rolled out on launch and another silo based version.
The U.S. DoD estimates that the missile will continue to serve as a regional deterrence instrument until they can be replaced by the DF-31.[12] This will be a significant capability gain for the Second Artillery Corps. The DF-31A has a range of 11,700 kilometers (as opposed to just 7,000 for the DF-4) and is road- and rail-mobile, and thus more survivable than the silo-based DF-4.[13]
Notes
- ^ a b c d The Federation of American Scientists & The Natural Resources Defense Council Chinese Nuclear Forces and U.S. Nuclear War Planning p. 202 [1]
- ^ PRC Defense Policy and Armed Forces, National Intelligence Estimate 13-76, November 11, 1976, p. 47.
- ^ 中国东风系列导弹简介
- ^ http://csatm.cn/f0309110006.html
- ^ DF-4 - China Nuclear Forces
- ^ DF-4 - China Nuclear Forces
- ^ 东风4型洲际导弹 (Dongfeng VI intercontinental ballistic missile)
- ^ Diamond, Howard (July 1, 1999). "Chinese Strategic Plans Move Forward with Missile Test". Arms Control Today. Arms Control Association. ISSN 0196-125X. Retrieved August 22, 2015 – via HighBeam Research.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|subscription=ignored (|url-access=suggested) (help) - ^ U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, 2005, 2005, p. 28
- ^ "DF-4 - China Nuclear Forces". Fas.org. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
- ^ U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, 2000, 2000, p. 17.
- ^ U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, 2006, May 22, 2006, p. 50.
- ^ http://missilethreat.com/missiles/df-31-31a-css-9/?country=china#china
Operators
China: The People's Liberation Army is the only operator of the Dong-Feng 4.
