|
First Launch Footage of Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) Hypersonic Missile
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV is for the first time airing footage showing the launch of a Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) hypersonic missile recently. The footage brings focus to the DF-17’s stated specifications, payload type, and flight profile.
Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) Hypersonic Missile:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Type | It comprises a Chinese solid-fueled medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile. |
| Official unveiling | It has been officially unveiled in 2019. |
| NATO code name | Its NATO code name is CSS-22. |
| Dimensions and weight | It measures around 11 m in length, and weighs around 15,000 kg. |
| Range | It is said to have a range of 1800 km to 2500 km. |
| Launcher | It is mounted on a mobile launcher. |
| Payload | It carries a hypersonic glide vehicle DF-ZF (HGV — Hypersonic Glide Vehicle). |
| Operation and flight profile | It is launched outside the atmosphere like a classic ballistic missile; at a certain altitude, the DF-ZF warhead separates; the warhead reenters the atmosphere and glides with its fins while changing direction and maneuvering. |
| Speed | Its speed is approximately Mach 5-10. |
| Radar detection claim | This flight profile allows the vehicle to remain below radar detection for longer durations than a ballistic missile covering the same distance. |