DF-11/A (M-11, CSS-7) Short-Range Ballistic Missile
Last updated: 7 March 2007
The DF-11 (export name: M-11; NATO codename: CSS-7) is a road-mobile, single-stage, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) system developed by CASIC Sanjiang Space Group (also known as Base 066) located in Hubei Province. The missile and its 8-wheeled transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle bear some resemblance to the Russian SS-1C Scud-B. The DF-11 was developed in the 1980s intended for the export market. An improved variant DF-11A with extended range and greater accuracy was fielded by the PLA ground forces in 1999.
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| A DF-11A SRAM being launched during a PLA exercise (Source: Chinese Internet) |
The DF-11 development began in the late 1970s as the PRC’s first conventionally-armed tactical SRBM. The missile and its 8X8 TEL vehicle were demonstrated to the PLA in 1987, and the first test launch took place in 1990. The DF-11 is fully compliant with the requirements of the 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which restricts the export of delivery systems and related technology for those systems capable of carrying more than 500kg payload over a range of 300km or above.
The development of an improved variant designated DF-11A began in 1993 under the support of the PLA. In addition to the extended range of over 500km, the missile is highlighted by its greater accuracy achieved by using a combined INS/GPS guidance system. The first test launch took place successfully on 6 October 1997. However, during the second test launch few days after, the missile lost control shortly after lifting off. The failure caused a major setback in the DF-11A programme, with the missile’s certification postponed to mid-1998. The missile was commissioned possibly in 1999, with a tactical missile brigade activated in the Nanjing Military Region.
The DF-11A was intended to be deployed by ground forces as a conventional long-range weapon to fulfil the gap in firing range between an artillery rocket system (50~100km) and a strategic surface-to-surface missile (over 600km). Nanjing Military Region deployed the PLA’s first operational DF-11 missile brigade (with 20~30 missile launch systems) in the late 1990s. The 2007 US DoD Report to the Congress estimated that by 2007 a total of 575~625 DF-11 missiles and 110~130 launcher systems could have been deployed, most of which are located near the Taiwan Strait.
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| A DF-11A demonstrated during the 1999 National Day parade held in Beijing (Source: Chinese Internet) |
Design
The DF-11 is a road-mobile, single-stage, solid-propellant, short-range ballistic missile. The basic variant DF-11 has a range of 280~350km and delivers a single-warhead of 500kg. The improved DF-11A has an extended range of over 500~700km. As well as conventional high-explosive (HE) warhead, the missile may also be able to carry unconventional warhead such as fuel-air explosive (FAE), sub-munitions, and chemical agents. It may also be able to carry tactical nuclear warhead of 2~20kT yield.
The basic variant DF-11 uses an inertial guidance + terminal radar guidance, giving a circular error probability (CEP) of 500~600m . The improved DF-11A uses inertial/GPS guidance system with optical correlation terminal targeting, resulting in an greater accuracy of below 200m CEP. The missile has four large stabilising fins at the bottom as well as four small fins in the mid-section for corrections at the final phase of the flight.
The missile is launched from a 8X8 WS2400 transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle, to provide full road and cross-country mobility. The vehicle was developed by Wanshan Special Vehicle Manufactory, a Sanjiang subordinate company, in the early 1980s based on the Russian MAZ543 TEL vehicle.
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| A DF-11A SRBM system in service with the PLA ground forces (Source: Chinese Internet) |
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| The TEL vehicle of the DF-11A SRBM was based on the Russian MAZ543 (Source: Chinese Internet) |
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| The DF-11/A bears some resemblance to the Russian SS-1C Scud-B (Source: Chinese Internet) |
The Export of the DF-11 Technology
In 1992 US satellites provided images showing M-11 missile canisters being delivered at Sargodha air base near Lahore, Pakistan. The Clinton administration concluded that China may have already transferred the M-11 missile system and its technology to Pakistan, though no direct evidence was provided. In August 1993 the US announced its sanction against China for selling missile components to Pakistan that were barred under the MTCR. As a result of this sanction, US-made sensitive high-tech equipment and components were banned from being sold to China, and Chinese space industry were banned from launching US-made commercial satellites for foreign customers. This sanction was lifted in 1994.
Pakistan developed Shaheen-I and Shaheen-II missile systems on the basis of the M-11 design, but with a much extended range (600~700km). A further 30 to 50 missiles and TEL vehicles may have been delivered to Iran in 1995 with the objective of setting up a final assembly and maybe even full production capability, but this report cannot be confirmed. It is possible that Iran may obtained some M-11 missile technology from other sources to develop its own solid-fuel mobile missile system.
Additionally Iran has also developed its own indigenous SRBM systems which appears to be similar to the M-11.
Specifications
Configuration: Single-stage
Length: 7.5m (DF-11); 8.5m (DF-11A)
Diameter: 0.8m
Launch weight: 4,200kg
Propellant: Solid fuel
Guidance: Inertial (DF-11); Inertial + GPS (DF-11A)
Range: 280~350km (DF-11); >500km (DF-11A)
Deployment: Road mobile, 8X8 crosscountry chassis
Warhead: 500kg HE
Accuracy: CEP 500~600m (DF-11); <200m (DF-11A)
Launch preparation time: 15~30 min
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