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Evidence emerges of possible DF-31 ICBM variant

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Evidence emerges of possible DF-31 variant
Evidence emerges of possible DF-31 ICBM variant - IHS Jane's 360
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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

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.

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An earlier side view of the new 16-wheel TEL that emerged in mid-2013. (Chinese Internet)

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So far the best view of the larger MIRV-equipped DF-41 ICBM. (Chinese Internet)

 
Not that smaller, since the diameter is very close to DF-41 and only 3 or 4m shorter. DF-31B truck design is more elegant and doesnt look "russian style mobile ICBMs" like DF-41 do instead.
As usual us intels are retarded, they figured out 31B existence almost two years later the first pics. China has many more new toys in total secret.
 

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