// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
DF-17
The DF-17 is a Chinese medium-range missile system equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). Its extreme speed and unpredictable flight path make it very difficult for traditional missile defense systems to intercept.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Dongfeng-17 (DF-17, NATO reporting name: CSS-22) is a road-mobile, solid-fueled medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) system developed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) for the PLA Rocket Force (PLARF). It is uniquely designed to launch the DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), enabling it to perform boost-glide maneuvers at speeds exceeding Mach 5, creating a depressed, unpredictable trajectory to penetrate advanced missile defense systems like THAAD and Aegis.
BACKGROUND
The Dongfeng-17 is a Chinese solid-fuelled road-mobile medium-range ballistic missile designed to carry the DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV).
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Dongfeng-17
- East Wind-17
- CSS-22
- HGV Missile
- DF-ZF carrier
- boost-glide weapon
USAGE NOTE
The DF-17 is frequently cited as a key component of China's anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy, designed to hold high-value targets like aircraft carriers at risk.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to DF-17.
The main state-owned enterprise and primary contractor for China's space program and its strategic and tactical missile systems. CASC oversees the various academies responsible for the DF-17's design and production.
A key subsidiary of CASC, also known as the First Academy. CALT is a primary developer of China's ballistic missiles and is responsible for designing the rocket booster for the DF-17.
A research institute and subsidiary of CASC, also known as the 11th Academy. It specializes in advanced aerodynamics and is believed to be a principal developer of the DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) that the DF-17 carries.
A subsidiary of CASC, also known as the Fourth Academy, responsible for the research, design, and manufacture of solid-propellant rocket motors used in many of China's ballistic missiles, including the DF-17's booster.
China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center (CARDC)
A major military research and testing facility located in Mianyang, Sichuan. CARDC operates a complex of advanced wind tunnels, including hypersonic facilities crucial for testing and validating the aerodynamic design of HGVs like the DF-17's warhead.
People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF)
The strategic missile force of the People's Liberation Army and the end-user of the DF-17 system. The PLARF is responsible for operating the missile and developing the doctrine for its use, thereby driving its operational requirements and development priorities.