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DF-21
CASC · Ballistic · China · Cold War (1970–1991)
The Dongfeng 21 (DF-21; NATO reporting name CSS-5 - Dong-Feng is a two-stage, solid-fuel, single-warhead medium-range ballistic missile developed by China's Changfeng Mechanics and Electronics Technology Academy. A part of the Dongfeng missile family, the DF-21's development started in the late 1960s, and it was completed around 1985–86, but not deployed until 1991. It was developed from the JL-1 submarine-launched missile, and is China's first solid-fuel land-based missile. The U.S. Department of Defense in 2008 estimated that China had 60-80 missiles and 60 launchers; approximately 10-11 missiles can be built annually.
Specifications
- Category
- Missiles
- Sub-Category
- Ballistic
- Domain
- Defence
- Era
- Cold War (1970–1991)
- Country
- China
- Manufacturer
- CASC
- Operator
- China
- Primary Role
- Ballistic
- Status
- In Service
- Service Entry
- 1991
- Produced
- 300
- Propulsion
- Rocket
- Engine
- Solid-fuel 2-stage rocket
- Thrust / Power
- None (rocket)
- Launch
- Ground-launched
- Length (ft)
- 35.1
- MTOW (lb)
- 34600
- Payload (lb)
- 1323
- Service Ceiling (ft)
- 900000
- Range (mi)
- 1700
- Max Speed (mph)
- 7670
- Max Speed (Mach)
- 10
- Armament
- Nuclear (300 kT) / conventional anti-ship