China ICBM/SLBM, nuclear arms thread

[by78]

High-resolution images from the parade.

 

[by78]

 

[Maikeru]

Is what we see of JL-3 a launch canister, not the missile itself?

 

[Kalec]

In all seriousness, I find it very confusing that both visually or logically that DF-41 and DF-61 are almost the same thing in every aspect, the only different I spotted so far that their codenames were painted in different area on their bodies.

Between DF-41 and DF-61, I can imagine the difference is better carbon fiber and propellant with perhaps different warhead layout however the reason behind it remains unknown.

Meanwhile DF-31B looks completely different than DF-31AG in diameter of canister, the commentator goes as vague as possible on it and one of the interesting points is that the official commentator labels "DF-31" as new missile after others.



We can go further on the line once we have more clues about

1. What exactly DF-31B contains in its canister? Missile with Warhead? Only missile? Only booster without PBV?
2. What makes them change DF-41 to DF-61, instead of DF-41A?
3. Where did DF-51 go?

Guancha trio uploaded their podcast of latest analysis on nuclear arm formation, laying out their 2cent for the same question.

1. Why the canister of DF-31JB is bigger than DF-41(61) in diameter?

The silo is more like UVLS concept to fit in DF-31, DF-41 or whatever next-gen missile like DF-71, 81 in the future. The canister has more to deal with temperature control and alignment, and require low maintenance cost compared to old generation ICBM.

2. What makes them change DF-41 to DF-61

They were speculating on improved range/guidance and different payload. Mostly thanks to supercomputer advancement during the past 30 years, it offers opportunity for China to refine the ministration of RV beyond 1990s.

3. JL-3 and JL-1

We have heard or seen them for years and their sizes are limited by the bomber and SSBN. Type 093/094 was constrained by financial reason back in early 2000s and it wont be a problem for Type 096 with JL-4.