The third-generation Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), developed by China, is one of the most advanced and powerful strategic systems in the arsenal of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). Its tactical and technical characteristics and design features make it an extremely difficult target for existing missile defense (ABM) systems.
Basic parameters:
- Length: 16.5 m
- Case diameter: 2.78 m
- Starting weight: 63.5 t
- Maximum payload weight: up to 1700 kg
- Firing range: up to 12,000 km
- Circular probable deviation (CVO): 100-200 m, depending on the type of combat unit
Options for equipping with warheads:
Dongfeng-41 can carry various configurations of separable individual guidance warheads:
- 12 blocks of 170 cT (weight — 135 kg each)
- 10 blocks of 230 cT (165 kg)
- 6 blocks of 475 cT (272 kg)
- 4 blocks of 650 cT (~430 kg)
- 2 700 cT units
- 1 unit with a capacity of 900-1500 kT (weight 780-1300 kg)
Overcoming missile defense systems:
The key feature of the DF-41 is the high probability of a missile defense breakthrough. This is provided by several factors:
1. High speed: After entering the atmosphere, the warheads accelerate to Mach 25 (about 8.5 km / s), which greatly complicates the calculation of the trajectory for interception.
2. Maneuvering: Low-mass units (135-165 kg) are capable of performing lateral and vertical maneuvers (within 5 km in height) after separation from the third stage, which makes their trajectory unpredictable.
3. Camouflage: In the initial part of the trajectory, warheads fly with false targets at the same speed, which makes it difficult to distinguish them up to an altitude of about 100 km.
4. Power scheme: The rocket uses a mixed power plant — the first two stages with solid-fuel engines provide a fast launch and launch into space, and the third stage with a liquid engine gives additional acceleration to the warhead, increasing its speed and energy.
Design features:
- Instead of a mortar launch (as with Russian ICBMs), the DF-41 uses a "hot launch" from the launcher, which reduces reaction time.
- The transport and launch container (TPC) has a layered shock-absorbing structure to dampen shock loads during launch.
- The first stage separates at an altitude of 100-110 km, acting as an upper stage.
Comparison with the Russian Topol-M ICBM:
According to Chinese analysts, the DF-41 surpasses the Topol-M in key parameters.:
- Warhead speed: Mach 25 versus Mach 22
Status QUO: 100-200 m versus 350 m
- Maximum power of the combat unit: up to 1,500 kT versus 550 kT
Application tactics:
According to estimates, the PLA Missile Forces have about 202 DF-41 missiles at their disposal. It is planned that with a massive launch of 24 such missiles on the territory of the United States:
- SBIRS space warning systems will detect the launch within 20 seconds.
- The DSP system will confirm the trajectory after 90 seconds.
- Even if up to 11 missiles are intercepted by the US missile defense system (for example, SM-3 Block IIA), 13-14 missiles will be able to deliver up to 130 warheads with a capacity of 230 kT each to designated targets.
The Dongfeng-41 is a high-precision, high-speed and maneuverable weapon capable of effectively overcoming modern missile defense systems. Its deployment significantly enhances China's strategic potential and changes the balance of power in the global nuclear triad.
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