The Chinese designated DF-21 (East Wind -21), intermediate-range ballistic missile
has the NATO designation CSS-5, and is a variant of the CSS-N-3 (JL-1) submarine-
launched ballistic missile developed from the mid-1960s and first test launched in 1982.
The road mobile CSS-5 was first successfully test flown in 1985, CSS-5 was China's
first road mobile solid-propellant ballistic missile. An improved version of CSS-5 Mod 2,
known in China as DF-21A, has been developed with an increased range and several
different warhead options. Reports in 1996 indicated that DF-21A had an improved
accuracy; using both GPS and a radar-based terminal guidance system. CSS-5 is
launched from a Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) vehicle with the missile being
cold-launched from its canister, with motor ignition occuring about 20 m above the
launch vehicle. The TEL consists of a tractor vehicle and an open flat-top trailer with a
single launch platform at the rear. The missile test and targeting functions are carried
out from separate logistics and command vehicles. A six vehicle convoy is used by
PLA artillery regiments for the CSS-5 system, including a command vehicle, a logistics
support vehicle, a reload vehicle and three TEL vehicles. A new TEL vehicle was
displayed in 1999, with a tractor-trailer unit having three axles on the tractor vehicle
and three axles on the trailer. The missile was carried in a sealed canister, with
several access hatches to provide for maintenance and testing.
