On September 25, 2024, the Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China announced the test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the South Pacific Ocean. As reported, after launching from Hainan Island, the Dongfeng-31AG ICBM ("East Wind 31AG") flew about 11,700 km. The launch was part of the annual exercises of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), but the first since 1980 with the practical launch of ICBMs.
The Dongfeng-31AG intercontinental ballistic missile is classified as a Generation 2+ product. The rocket has a length of 13 m, a diameter of 2.25 m and a launch weight of 42 tons.
When creating the hulls of all three stages of this ICBM, Chinese designers used carbon fiber materials of the T800 series. This made it possible to significantly reduce the weight of the product and increase the firing range, which, according to various estimates, ranges from 11,200 to 12,000 km. The minimum launch range is 2000 km.
Note. Due to the placement of more N15 grade fuel (NEPE type - NitrateEsterPlasticizedPolyetherPropellant / Nitrate ether plasticized polyester propellant, similar to fuel from Trident II D5 ICBMs and Tou-2 ATGM), the launch range has been increased by 1000 km (compared to Dongfeng-31A) and probably ranges from 11500 to 12200 km. For comparison, the maximum launch range of the Dongfeng-31 does not exceed 8000 km.
The maximum mass of the warhead (warhead) of the missile is 1000 kg. Compared to early-generation missiles, the DF-31AG ICBM is equipped with 20/90/150 kT warheads in the amount of 9, 5 and 3 units, respectively. When using compact bombs with a capacity of 20 kT, it is possible to place an enhanced set of false targets.
In addition, the Dongfeng-31 ICBM can be equipped with a high–speed maneuvering head of the DFZF type - it was successfully tested as part of several test launches carried out by brigades of the PLA Missile Forces in 2016-2017.
Note. Letters in the designation: DF - "Dongfeng". Letters after the number: A – nuclear warhead, B – non–nuclear warhead, G - modified separable warhead.
Such a high-speed maneuvering warhead (HF) is designed to destroy mobile large-scale targets or objects covered by several missile defense and electronic warfare echelons. Chinese experts do not rule out the possibility of equipping such a launch vehicle with a non-nuclear warhead, since moving a launcher with a missile equipped with a nuclear warhead requires the development of a complex route and a costly set of camouflage measures.
Dongfeng-31AG ICBM on the launcher
The second distinctive feature of the Vostochny Wind 31AG ICBM is the WS-5120 (or 2900) eight-axis launcher developed by Sanjiang Wanshan Special Vehicle Co., Ltd. When creating the PU, Chinese specialists borrowed the constructive solutions of their Belarusian colleagues – the supporting frame was copied from the special wheeled chassis MZKT-79221, which is used to transport the Topol-M ICBM.
The maximum curb weight of the PU is 122 tons, of which 42 tons is the weight of the installation itself and 80 tons is the mass of the combat load. Probably, all 16 PU wheels are driving. The suspension is independent, spring-loaded, with a large stroke, which allows the crew to move off asphalt-paved roads onto unpaved roads.
The Dongfeng-31AG PU can be distinguished from the same eight-axis Dongfeng-41 ICBM by the shape of the cabin. The Dongfeng-31AG has a solid cabin, while the Dongfeng-41 has a cabin consisting of two separate sections. In addition, it is possible to distinguish mobile control units when viewed from a rear projection – the location of the hydraulic supports that stabilize the machine during take-off differs.
The start is carried out "on the hot". The front lid of the container is designed to be hinged and reusable for subsequent use on other transport and launch containers.
The Vostochny Veter 31 and 31A ICBMs are currently being decommissioned, using a HY4330 four-axle tractor and a ZX-TJ-2000 four-axle trailer. In addition, we note that the Dongfeng-31AG ICBM is maximally unified with the JL-2 SLBM, due to the work of the same development teams.
Based on the materials of specialized Chinese publications
