| DF-4/CSS-3 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | ICBM |
| Place of origin | People's Republic of China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1975/1976[1][2]–present |
| Used by | PLA Rocket Force |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Factory 211 (Capital Astronautics Co.) |
| Unit cost | ? |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 82,000 kg |
| Length | 28.05 m |
| Diameter | 2.25 m |
| Warhead | One,[1] or three (DF-4A)[3][4] |
| Blast yield | 3.3 Mt[1] |
| Engine | Liquid fueled |
Operational range | 5,500 km[5][6] |
| Maximum speed | ? |
Guidance system | Astro-inertial guidance |
| Accuracy | 1.5 km |
TheDong Feng 4 (Chinese:东风-4;pinyin:Dōng Fēng Sì;lit. 'East Wind 4') orDF-4 (also known as theCSS-3) is a first-generation two-stageChineseintercontinental ballistic missile[7] with liquid fuel (Nitric acid/Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine). It was thought to be deployed in limited numbers in underground silos beginning in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Dong Feng 4 has a takeoff thrust of 1,224.00 kN, a takeoff weight of 82000 kg, a diameter of 2.25 m, a length of 28.05 m and a fin span of 2.74 m. The range of the Dong Feng 4, which is equipped with a 2,190 kgnuclear warhead with 3.3Megaton yield, with a nominal range of 5,500 km. This gives it sufficient range to strike targets as far away asRussia, India, and American bases in the Pacific.[8] The missile uses aninertial guidance system, resulting in a largeCEP of 1,500 meters. As of 2017, 10–15 launchers are deployed.[9]
The decision to develop the DF-4 was made in 1965[10] in response to the U.S. ballistic missile submarine patrols that began operating out of Guam. The missile's designer has been variously identified asRen Xinmin orTu Shou'e [屠守锷], and it was produced at Factory 211 (Capital Astronautics Co. [首都航天机械公司], also known as Capital Machine Shop [首都机械厂]).
In 1972 US intelligence estimated an IOC for this system as being expected in 1974 or 1975. Deployment actually began in 1975–76, but only four DF-4s were believed to be in place by 1984.[11]
There were two versions of the missile developed,[12] one version housed in caves or garages to be rolled out on launch and another silo based version.
The US DoD estimates that the missile will continue to serve as a regional deterrence instrument until they can be replaced by theDF-31.[13] This will be a significant capability gain for theSecond Artillery Corps. The DF-31A has a range of 11,700 kilometers (as opposed to just 7,000 for the DF-4) and is road- and rail-mobile, and thus more survivable than the silo-based DF-4.[14]
China: ThePeople's Liberation Army Rocket Force is the only operator of the Dong-Feng 4.| Preceded by | DF-4 | Succeeded by |