Cookie Consent by Privacy Policies Generator

DF-11


NATO: CSS-7


Overview


DF-11

Chinese DF-11 short range ballistic missile shown on parade, with missile in slightly raised position.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Tactical missile system
Entered service
1992
Status
In service
Development
1984 - 1990
Developer
China - Sanjiang Missile Corporation (Base 066)
Production
1992 - present? (DF-11)
1998 - present? (DF-11A)
Producer
China
Number produced
500 to 600 missiles
75 to 108 launch vehicles
Designations
DongFeng-11
Chinese for "East Wind 11"
M-11 (export designation)
CSS-7 (NATO reporting name)
Notable users
China

Description


Introduction

The DF-11 is a modern short range ballistic missile of Chinese origin. It was developed in the late 1980's alongside the larger and more complex DF-15. The DF-11 is also known as the M-11 for export and as the CSS-7 in NATO. The DF-11 also forms the basis for several Pakistani short range ballistic missiles.

Design

The DF-11 can be considered a solid propellant version of the Soviet R-17 Elbrus (SS-1 Scud). The use of solid propellant fuel reduces complexity and crew hazards. Launch preparation is significantly faster as well. The single stage missile has a conventional layout with warhead and guidance section in the nose. The lower section with rocket motor is seperated before re-entry. The four fins in the center are reportedly used for corrections in the terminal phase. The DF-11A is an improved model with increased range due to increased fuel load and adds GPS guidance to the inertial guidance.

Firepower

The DF-11 can be fitted with various types of warhead. The main types of warhead seem to be unitary high explosive, submunitions and nuclear with 2/10/20 kT variable yield. The original DF-11 has a maximum range of 280 to 350 km. The DF-11A is believed to have a maximum range of 530 to 600 km. There are also reports of a maximum range of 700 to over 825 km for the DF-11A.

Mobility

A single DF-11 missile is carried on a highly mobile transporter erector launcher (TEL). Originally the MAZ-543 chassis was used, but the very similar Chinese WS-2400 chassis is most common. These large 8x8 trucks provide good all terrain mobility and may travel over 1.300 km on road per day. Before launch the missile is raised into a vertical position. Emplacement time is 15 to 30 minutes.

Users

The DF-11 and DF-11A are used by China. About 500 to 600 missiles have been produced. The number of TELs is believed to be around 85. The M-11 export version is reportedly used by both Iran and Pakistan. Direct sales are denied by China, but technology transfer to both nations is known to be a fact.

Variants


DF-11

Left side view of Chinese DF-11.
Source: Chinese internet - © copyright lies with original owner

The DongFeng-11 is a short range ballistic missile based on a 8x8 TEL. Its appearance is somewhat similar to the ubiquitous Soviet liquid fueled R-17 Elbrus (SS-1 Scud). Early models were based on the MAZ-543 truck. Since 1999 the indigenous Wanshan WS-2400 truck is used.

DF-11
Original version with 300 km range. The NATO reporting name is CSS-7.
DF-11A
Improved model with a reported range of 550 km to 825+ km. The NATO reporting name is CSS-7 Mod 2.
M-11
Export version of original DF-11.

Details


Facts DF-11 DF-11A
General
Origin
China
Type
Short range ballistic missile
Dimensions
Length
7.5 m
Diameter
0.86 m
Wingspan
About 1.5 m (estimate)
Weight
3.8 t
Guidance
Terminal phase
None
Initial phase
Astro-inertial guidance, maneuverable warhead
Warhead
Type
Single warhead, various options
Weight
800 kg
Warhead types
Unitary high explosive
Submunitions (100x 5 kg)
Nuclear (variable 2/10/20 kT)
FAE and chemical warheads reported
Engagement envelope
Propulsion
Single stage solid propellant rocket motor
Range
280 - 350 km maximum
120 km minimum
Accuracy
500 - 600 m CEP

Media