DF-31

History

The PRC began developing the DF-31 ICBM in January 1985. ARMT (then called the 4th Aerospace Academy) was appointed as the main contractor while the research arm of the Second Artillery Corps (SAC) which, provided contributing support. The land-based variant of the JL-2 was originally called the DF-23 but was changed later on to the DF-31 because of a change in operational requirements. In 1999, the missile was first displayed publicly at the National Day Parade.The Federation of American Scientists & The Natural Resources Defense Council (DF-31A) Nov, 2006. 73 (PDF)http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/china/Book2006.pdf On August 2, 1999, the Chinese state news media reported the successful test of the DF-31. Operational deployment of the missiles reportedly began in 2006. In 2009, US Air Force Intelligence reported that under 15 DF-31 missiles had been deployed.

Description

The DF-31 is a three stage solid-fuel rocket equipped with an inertial navigation system. The missile is mounted on a transporter erector launcher. It is capable of reaching targets throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of Canada and the northwestern United States.

DF-31A

The PRC has developed an improved variant of the DF-31 called the DF-31A. This upgraded missile has a reported range of 13,200 km, will allow targeting of most of the continental United States and was designed with MIRV capability to hold 3 to 5 warheads, each capable of a 90 kt yield, but is thought to be armed with only one warhead with penetration and decoy aids to complicate missile defense efforts. The missile was shown to the public during the parade in Beijing celebrating 70 years since the end of World War II on September 3, 2015. It can carry maneuverable reentry vehicles.

DF-31AG/DF-31B

The PRC has developed an improved variant of the DF-31A called the DF-31AG (G stands for 改 (Gaï), "modified) or DF-31B with an off-road 8 axle TEL and MIRVs. China has successfully tested it from a mobile launcher. The missile's TEL features an extra pair of elevators near the aft of the missile unlike the TELs of the DF-31 or DF-31A, suggesting a heavier missile second and third stage than earlier variants. On the military parade marking the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army in 2017, DF-31AG ICBM was first unveiled.

DF-31BJ

The DF-31BJ is estimated to be an improved DF-31AG for silo-based launch operations.

References

References

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11. World TV. (3 September 2015). "China Shows Off Its Military Power on V-Day 70th Parade; Strategic Strikes Module Displays Missiles".
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13. KENHMANN, Henri. (24 July 2017). "Qui est ce nouvel ICBM mobile DF-31AG ?".
14. Minnie Chan. (4 October 2014). "China puts on show of force with DF-31B mobile ICBM missile test". South China Morning Post.
15. [http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/china-tests-10000km-range-nuclear-missile/article6471453.ece China tests 10000 km nuclear missile] {{Webarchive. link. (2017-02-27 4. October 2014)
16. [http://www.armyrecognition.com/march_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/china_has_successfully_test-launch_of_df-31b_intercontinental_ballistic_missile_from_mobile_launcher.htm "China has successfully test-launch of DF-31B intercontinental ballistic missile from mobile launcher] {{webarchive. link. (2015-04-02 19. March 2015)
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