A Mach 10 terminal speed would mean a 2500 km max range at least. WOW. Getting that range from a sub-800 mm rocket is hard. We are looking at an almost IRBM-class MaRVed missile. I wouldn't bet on any air defense system stopping that reliably.
Chinese cruise and anti-ship missiles
- Thread starter crobato
- Start date
How do you obtain the 2500-kilometer max range value? YJ-21 capable of striking at naval targets 2500 kilometers away is stunning, if true.
Do note that the PLASSF post said that the YJ-21 missile can travel at Mach 6 for much of its journey, and Mach 10 at terminal phase.
Besides, YJ-21 is a ballistic missile. If the conventional body warhead can somehow be replaced with a boost-glide body warhead instead like how the DF-16 is transformed into DF-17, then it's strike range can be expanded much further...
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Ballistic missile max range and speed is almost a fixed function. A re-entry speed of Mach 10 corresponds to around 1600 km max range. A Mach 10 terminal speed would mean a Mach 12-13 re-entry speed. That should achieve a range around 2500-3000 km depending on which trajectory was used for that Mach 10 figure.
seems to break the law of physics...YJ21 is not that big. perhaps its warhead flies the same way as DF17? it seems that the DF17 can fly pretty far on a SRBM booster.
Depends on the payload, propellant and building materials. I think a Mach 12-13 burnout velocity with significant payload is easily possible with staging. The PrSM achieves a 550+ range despite its 400 mm diameter. The SM-3 B2A achieves a Mach 17 top speed from the Mk 41 VLS. I know it has 3 stages and almost no payload but that is very respectable. That is a speed that should give it an ICBM-level ballistic range. I think the performance level I claimed can be achieved in Chinese UVLS' size constraints. It would be expensive per missile but easily possible.
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Given the projected dimensions, the rumored operation envelope and the assumption of a somewhat practical warhead size for the task at hand, anything more than 1500km - if even that - would seem like a stretch. Even if you go for somewhat unrealistic Isp and propellant mass fractions when crunching the numbers.
3000km seems physically impossible for a practical weapon of this size and intent.
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Does China have any stealth cruise anti-ship missile in development similar to the LRASM?
Stealth could be very useful for hiding a cruise missile until it comes too close to intercept. I know China is pursuing supersonic and faster missiles for anti-shipping role. But without stealth they could still be detected early. Maybe a stealth focused missile could be better suited for anti-shipping role.
Stealth could be very useful for hiding a cruise missile until it comes too close to intercept. I know China is pursuing supersonic and faster missiles for anti-shipping role. But without stealth they could still be detected early. Maybe a stealth focused missile could be better suited for anti-shipping role.
…did someone miss Zhuhai 2022…
If there is such a missile, what is it called?