The YJ-21 missile is a hypersonic vehicle that uses a double-cone warhead configuration. Among them, the rear of the projectile is boosted by a solid rocket motor, and the head of the projectile is a double-cone configuration glider. This type of glider has a high supersonic lift-to-drag ratio performance, which meets the technical requirements for gliding at hypersonic speeds.
The YJ-21 missile is a Chinese hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile. The missile system is reportedly capable of engaging land targets and surface warships with a hypersonic, maneuverable, conventional warhead. The missile is possibly based on an export-oriented ballistic missile produced by China, named CM-401, but with more advanced features and capabilities. Publications of the PLA Navy suggested the YJ-21 is derived from DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles. The missile is claimed with a flight speed of Mach 6, and a terminal speed of Mach 10. The missile was revealed by Chinese Navy ahead of its 73rd anniversary, launching from a universal vertical launch system of the Type 055 destroyer. An export version called YJ-21E was showcased in Airshow China 2022.
YJ-21 |
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|---|---|
| Type | Anti-ship ballistic missile, Land-attack missile |
| Place of origin | People’s Republic of China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2022- |
| Used by | People’s Liberation Army Navy |
| Specifications | |
| Length | c. 8.3 metres (27 ft) |
| Warhead | Conventional |
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| Operational range |
c. 1,500 kilometres (930 mi) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 6 – Mach 10 (7,400–12,300 km/h) |
| Launch platform |
Type 055 destroyer air platforms |
