Evidence emerges of possible DF-31 ICBM variant

IHS Jane's — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 08:25:11 -0500

A first frontal view of a new TEL made by the Tai'an Corporation that could be for the new "DF-31B" ICBM reportedly tested in September 2014. Source: Chinese Internet

From: IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

Recent testimony by the commander of US Strategic Forces Command and recent images of a Chinese transporter erector launcher (TEL) point to a potential new variant of the solid-fuel DF-31 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

In testimony given before the US House of Representatives' Armed Services Committee on 26 February, Admiral Cecil D Haney said China is "enhancing existing silo-based ICBMs, conducting flight tests of a new mobile missile and developing a follow-on mobile system capable of carrying multiple warheads".

Previous US statements or reports have mentioned the liquid-fuelled silo-based DF-5A and the solid-fuelled, mobile and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV)-equipped DF-41. Haney's mention of "a follow-on mobile system capable of carrying multiple warheads" may be an indirect reference to the DF-31B.

The Washington Free Beacon reported on 2 October 2014 that a DF-31B was tested on 25 September 2014 but provided no other details.

On 19 February Chinese military web pages showed a new 16-wheel off-road-capable TEL with a four-door cab similar to previous ICBM TELs produced by the Tai'an Company. Partial views of the same TEL appeared on Chinese web pages in mid-2013.

Tai'an has produced tractor-trailer truck-based TELs for the 8,000 km-range DF-31 and 11,200 km-range DF-31A ICBM and a larger 16 wheel off-road TEL for the 11,000-12,000 km-range DF-41.

All of these ICBMs are made by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

The latest TEL differs from that of the DF-41 in that cab rests entirely before the missile tube, whereas the DF-41 missile tube straddles the top of its TEL's cab. Chinese sources suggest this TEL is for the DF-31B.

Whereas the DF-31 and DF-31A have a single pair of aft-mounted mechanisms for elevating the missile to launch position, the newer TEL appears to feature elevating mechanisms both fore and aft the missile tube. This could indicate that the DF-31B has heavier second and third stages.

http://www.janes.com/article/49693/evidence-emerges-of-possible-df-31-icbm-variant

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 9:04 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 09:04:42 -0500

Hmmmm someone is getting ready for something....are we?