Dongfeng-41 (DF-41 / CSS-X-20)

InterContinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Launcher [ 2019 ]

The Dongfeng-41 ICBM was introduced by China in 2019 and represents its most lethal missile solution to date.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 08/09/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image from www.News.cn via the Chinese Ministry of Defense; Public Release..

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The Dongfeng-41 (CSS-X-20) - or "DF-41" - is an InterContinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) designed, developed, and manufactured by the nation of China. At the time of this writing (August 2022), it represents the longest-ranged, most lethal ICBM available to the Chinese military's "Rocket Force", representing the latest, most advanced, oversized missile design offering a maximum target range out to 9,320 miles (15,000 kilometers) with modular warhead capability to boot.

The DF-41 began testing in July 2012 with more advanced tests following into late-2014 and throughout 2015-2016. It was debuted to the public in the October 2019 National Day military parade in Central Beijing thereafter.

With a length measuring 72 feet (22 m), the missile's diameter reaches 7.38 feet (2.25 m) and its payload tips the scales at 5,510 miles (2,500 kg) while the missile, as a whole, weighs 176,400lb (80,000 kg). A three-stage, solid propellant propulsion system is used to propel the massive missile into the sky on its one-way trip. Up to ten nuclear warheads can be seated in the missile to maximize the blast radius.

The flexibility in deployment of the missile is such that it be launched from its multi-wheeled, eight-axle mobile carrier, by rail, or from a reinforced underground silo housing. The typical launcher vehicle consists of a heavy-duty sixteen-wheeled military truck with split-cab arrangement. The missile is seated over the entire length of the truck and even extends beyond the bow - such is its size. Prior to firing, the missile is raised in its cradle and made vertical to begin its trajectory.

The Chinese military's rocket force operates the missile in two missile brigades as the DF-41 makes up a critical main component of Chinese nuclear deterrence and missile force strength.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Service Year

2019

Origin

China

Status

ACTIVE
In Active Service.

Crew

8
CREWMEN

Production

500
UNITS

State Factories - China

(View other Vehicle-Related Manufacturers)

China

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Special Purpose
Special purpose design developed to accomplish an equally-special battlefield role or roles.

Wheeled Arrangement

Wheeled arrangement gives this system an inherent road-running capability, enhancing mobility.

Cross-Country Capability

Design includes such features as a track-link system or high ground clearance to better traverse offroad.

NBC Protection

Crew is provided (either as standard or optional) protection against Nuclear-Biological-Chemical agents for enhanced survivability in contaminated zones.

Nightvision

Crew has access to night-vision equipment, allowing for low-light or night time operations.

Versatility

Vehicle's proven running gear and overall makeup lends itself well to fulfill other battlefield roles by way of specialized designs.

In-Direct Fire Capable

This system's capability is such that it can engage targets / target areas without Line-of-Sight attained.

Psychological Effect

Ability to provide lethal, in-direct firepower at range for area saturation; can include nuclear, biological, and chemical agents.

Length

72.2 ft
22 m

Width

7.4 ft
2.25 m

Weight

176,370 lb
80,000 kg

Tonnage

88.2 tons
HEAVY

(Showcased structural values pertain to the Dongfeng-41 production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)

Powerplant: 1 x Conventional drive system for mobile component utilizing all-wheeled arrangement comprised of eight axles and sixteen roadwheels. Missile component has three-stage solid propellant booster unit.

Range

9,320.6 mi
(15,000.0 km)

(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the Dongfeng-41 production variant. Compare this entry against any other in our database)

1 x Modular warhead with variable filling; supports conventional and nuclear-based types.

Supported Types

(Not all weapon types may be represented in the showcase above)

Not Applicable.

Dongfeng-41 (DF-41) - Base Series Designation.

CSS-X-20 - Alternative designation.

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Images Gallery

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Image of the Dongfeng-41 (DF-41 / CSS-X-20)

Image from www.News.cn via the Chinese Ministry of Defense; Public Release..

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