CCTV defense channel recently reported on a brigade of the Chinese rocket force stationed on the “snowy plateau”. “As a missile unit stationed on the snowy plateau, the brigade has always been committed to cracking the impact of extreme weather on weapons and equipment, the generation of force combat power in the alpine environment and other difficult problems, collecting nearly 1,000 sets of combat data in actual combat exercises, and sorting out a set of experience initiatives applicable to combat in alpine and dangerous environments.”
In the report, a DF-31 intercontinental ballistic missile is slowly erected amidst smoke, successfully carrying out a “precision simulated strike” on a target. As China’s second-generation strategic missile, the Dongfeng-31 ICBM has a variety of technical features such as solid fuel and land-based mobility, and is one of the important equipment for China’s nuclear counterattack mission.
At present, the DF-31 series of missiles can be divided into three main technical states: the DF-31 ballistic missile, which first appeared at China’s 50th National Day parade, is the most basic version of the missile; 10 years later, at the 60th National Day parade, the longer-range DF-31A made an appearance; and at the 90th military anniversary parade, the launchable DF-31AG was unveiled without a buttress.
From this CCTV report, this Dongfeng-31 should be the newest DF-31AG type in the series. Compared with the previous DF-31 and DF-31A of tractor-semi-trailer structure, the biggest difference in the appearance of the DF-31AG is the adoption of the same series of 8-axle heavy off-road chassis as the DF-41. Secondly, due to the adoption of the mechanism of unsupported launch, the bottom of the DF-31AG cartridge has also changed from multiple adjustable brackets to a complete rubber pad, although this is not shown in the video.
Likewise, it is thanks to this 16×16 integrated chassis that the DF-31AG has strong mobility and can operate in almost most places. The previous Dongfeng-31A is limited by the limited field mobility of the tractor-semi-trailer VC, which is normally concealed in large cave bases, and then maneuvered by road to access nearby pre-defined launch positions in times of war, with limited mobility.
DF-31 missiles use solid rocket engines, fast operational response time and all-weather operations. And its launch vehicle integrates transportation, storage, and launch into one, making it easy to maneuver and conceal.
The U.S. Department of Defense’s 2013 China Military Strength Report determined that the DF-31A missile has a maximum range of more than 11,000 kilometers, and that a launch from China’s mainland basically covers the entire U.S. mainland.
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