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DF-5
Photo: 中国航天科技集团 · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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DF-5

ICBM · People's Republic of China · 1981
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DF-5

DF-5
DF-5 Photo: 中国航天科技集团 · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Range
75
Throw-Weight / Payload
70
Accuracy (CEP)
50
Survivability
40
BMD Penetration
45
MIRV Capability
60
Readiness
65
Reliability
55
Strategic Impact
70
Technology
60
Origin People's Republic of China
CategoryICBM
EraCold War
In service1981
Operators1 countries
Data Quality83%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
60
ICBM MASS Rating
9/17
Cold War
32/66
All-Time
ICBM · 10 axes scored
Range
75
Throw-Weight / Payload
70
Accuracy (CEP)
50
Survivability
40
BMD Penetration
45
MIRV Capability
60
Readiness
65
Reliability
55
Strategic Impact
70
Technology
60
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the icbm category.
01 / Overview
DF-5
Category
Production
1981–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
ICBM · COLD WAR
9
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
65
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
60
icbm category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the icbm category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General7MOD.7
  • Missile Classintercontinental ballistic missile
  • Service Entry Year1981
  • DesignerTu Shou'e; Li Xu'e
  • Length32.6 m
  • Diameter3.35 m
  • Launch Weight183,000 kg
  • In ServiceYes
◈Propulsion4MOD.4
  • Propulsion Typetwo-stage liquid-propellant rocket
  • Number of Stages2
  • Fuel TypeUDMH/NTO
  • Solid-FuelNo
▣Performance4MOD.4
  • Minimum Range13,000 km
  • Maximum Range20,000 km
  • Re-Entry Speed (Mach)22 Mach
  • Throw Weight10,200 kg
◇Accuracy & Re-Entry2MOD.2
◆Warhead7MOD.7
▤Basing5MOD.5
⬢Production1MOD.1
  • First Test1971
▲Warhead Detail1MOD.1
  • Explosive Filler TypeOne (DF-5 & DF-5A); MIRV (up to 10 warheads) (DF-5B & DF-5C)
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1981Production started
45
years in service
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries1country
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE5terms
Guidance system combining inertial navigation (self-contained motion tracking) with GPS (satellite-based positioning) for precise trajectory correction in ballistic missiles.
MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle) is a ballistic missile payload that carries several warheads, each capable of being aimed at separate targets after reentry.
Relating to or using nuclear energy, typically fission, for propulsion or power generation in military vessels.
Silo-based: a launch configuration in which an intercontinental ballistic missile is stored and launched from a hardened underground silo.
Relating to nuclear weapons that derive destructive power from both fission and fusion reactions, typically used in intercontinental ballistic missiles.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the ICBM entry →