Guancha trio uploaded their podcast of latest analysis on nuclear arm formation, laying out their 2cent for the same question.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?
Just a question: I am familiar with DF31/DF31AG/ with "G" being a transliteration of the Chinese word "modified" but what does "BJ" mean in DF31BJ?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.
Someone here mentioned that B stands for variant B and J for silo (Pinyin "JING" for 井 in 发射井).Just a question: I am familiar with DF31/DF31AG/ with "G" being a transliteration of the Chinese word "modified" but what does "BJ" mean in DF31BJ?