In the absence of flight testing, the final operational configuration of this solid fueled missile remains uncertain, particularly with respect to the length of the third stage. However, this derivative of the DF-31 would be unlikely to have a throwweight in excess of 1000 kgs, and most estimates are in the range of 800 kg. Some estimates anticipate that, as with previous Chinese ICBMs, the DF-41 will carry only a single warhead [with a 0.35 - 1.0 MT yield]. In any event, depending on the weapon's yield, it seems unlikely that China would be able to mount more than a few lower-yield [50-100 KT ?] RVs on this ICBM. The American Minuteman III has 3 RVs and a throwweight of 1100 kgs at 12,900 kms, while the MX Peacekeeper carries 10 RVs and has a throwweight of 3950 kgs at 11,000 kms. Both American missiles carry warheads with yields of a few hundred kilotons.
Specifications |
|
| Contractor | Academy of Rocket Motors Technology - ARMT |
| Operator | Second Artillery Corps |
| Basing | |
| Configuration | Three Stage |
| Length [meters] | ~15? |
| Diameter [meters] | 2.0 |
| Mass [kilograms] | 30,000?? |
| Propellant | Solid |
| Guidance | Inertial |
| First Flight | xx |
| IOC | 2010? |
| Deployment | Silo or mobile |
| Range (km) | 10,000 - 12,000 |
| Re-entry Vehicle Mass (kg) | 800-1,000 [?] |
| Warhead Yield | 1 @ 0.35 - 1.0 MT or 3-6 @ 50-100 KT |
| CEP (meters) | 700 - 800 ?? |
| Launch Preparation Time | 3-5 minutes |