The Dong Feng-5

The Dong Feng-5 (DF-5, NATO codename: CSS-4) is China’s first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle (CALT, also known as 1st Aerospace Academy), it is a silo-based, two-stage, liquid propellant ballistic missile. The missile carries a single 3 megatons nuclear warhead and has an effective range of 12,000km. The DF-5A is the improved variant with an extended range. The PLA currently deploys approximately 24~36 of this missile deployed in central China.

DongFeng-5 specifications:

Configuration: Two stage liquid

Length: 33m

Diameter: 3.4m

Launch Weight: 183,000kg

Propellant: Liquid fuel (Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine/Nitrogen Tetroxide mix [UDMH/N2H4])

Guidance: Inertial with onboard computer

Range: 12,000km (DF-5); >13,000km (DF-5A)

Deployment: Silo and launch pad

Re-entry Vehicle Mass: ~3,000kg

Warhead: Single 3,000~5,000kT

CEP: ~1,000m

Launch Preparation Time: 120 min (mobile), or 45~60 min (in silo)