31AG
China ICBM/SLBM, nuclear arms thread
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
SinoSoldier
Colonel
Could just be the older DF-31A.
Zooming in on the TEL in better quality versions of the picture, it is rather consistent with 31AG (single central hydraulic lifter) versus 31A (two side hydraulic lifters with an additional smaller central hydraulic lifter)
SinoSoldier
Colonel
That's a pretty astute observation. I had assumed that the AG variant is MIRV-ed whereas the RV in the test missile obviously isn't, although I guess they could just swap out the warhead bus and fairing if they need a MIRV-ed payload.
Looks like there is also a photo of the supposed TEL moving into the launch area:
I'm not sure if DF-31AG is MIRVed by default or even if it is designed to be MIRVed.
The original observation was pointed out to me by someone else who was fairly sharp eyed.
A comparison of the relevant images of the TEL on this occasion, DF-31AG TEL and DF-31A TEL models, and past DF-31A TEL pictures makes the identification a bit more straight forward.
MR-UR-100 Sotka is also pointed head, but is still an MIRVed ICBM.
They look even more similar than I thought. Looks like the only difference between A/AG is latter might be slightly longer?From left to right: DF-31, DF-31A(?), and DF-31AG.
