Containerized missile systems of Chinese development
Containerized MLRS, presented in 2016. Photo ALIT
Several years ago it became known that the Chinese defense industry was developing missile container-type complexes. Launchers and other devices were proposed to be placed in standard cargo containers. This architecture provides a number of important advantages related to transportation, deployment and use. Complexes of this kind have been repeatedly shown at exhibitions, but they have not yet entered service.
Multiple Launch Rocket Container
China began working on container missile systems no later than the middle of the last decade. It was reported that the “source of inspiration” for such projects was the Russian Club-K concept, presented several years earlier. Chinese specialists were interested in the special capabilities that could be obtained by mounting weapons in a container.
The first project of this kind was presented in the summer of 2016. It was developed by Aerospace Long-March International (ALIT), a company that is part of the state corporation China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It was reported that the container-type complex could be adopted by the PLA and exported.
The complex was made on the basis of a 40-foot container. An operator's cabin was placed at one of the ends, and the remaining volumes were given over to the launcher. In addition, hydraulic jacks were placed on the sides, under the lifting covers, for positioning and leveling.
The launcher of the complex was made in the form of a swinging frame with fastenings for transport and launch containers with missiles. It was placed near one of the ends of the container and carried a roof section. A hinged door was provided nearby for the release of reactive gases.
CSDCS missile system. Photo by Vermilionchina.com
The new system could use four types of ammunition from the Weishi family and perform various combat missions. The universal installation was proposed to be equipped with a TPK for a 122-mm unguided rocket from the WS-15 MLRS with a range of 40 km or for its corrected modification WS-22. It was also possible to use a 200-mm WS-33 rocket with a range of 70 km. An interesting innovation was the WS-43 loitering munition, capable of flying 60 km.
It was proposed to transport the containerized complex on suitable multi-axle vehicles with a manipulator for unloading at the position. It was also possible to place it on other platforms, including above-water ones.
Coastal defense
At the end of 2021, information appeared in foreign media about the development of a new container missile system in China. It was claimed that this product would be armed with anti-ship missiles of one type or another. Concerns were also expressed about the possibility of deploying such systems on merchant ships to carry out covert attacks.
This information was confirmed in the fall of 2022. At that time, a new container complex developed by China Aerospace Science and Industrial Corporation (CASIC) was presented at the Airshow China exhibition. At that time, the product was called the Containerized Sea Defense Combat System (CSDCS). A full-size model of the complex or its prototype was shown in the exhibition pavilion.
Basic information about the CSDCS project. Photo by Vermilionchina.com
The launcher was made in the dimensions of a standard 40-foot container. At the same time, the container itself was significantly reworked: part of its body was separated from the rest of the elements and turned into a movable cover for the launcher.
As in the previous project, part of the former container was occupied by the crew cabin and instrument compartment. Access to them was provided by side doors, while the standard end door became decorative. The remaining volume of the container was given over to the lifting launcher. A version with four large-sized TPKs was demonstrated. The launcher was protected from external influences by a U-shaped casing made of container elements.
The CSDCS complex was designed to use several types of anti-ship missiles. The Yingji family of products was offered in various modifications in versions for the Chinese armed forces and for export.
Subsonic anti-ship missiles of the JY-180 type (C-83 for export) were proposed to destroy surface targets at ranges of no more than 802 km. The supersonic CM-300 should be used at ranges of up to 103 km. The YJ-62 (CM-602) products allow attacking targets from a distance of up to 400 km. The supersonic YJ-12 would allow the system to destroy ships from 450-500 km. At the same time, the range of export weapons was limited to 280-300 km.
In addition to the container launcher, a set of other means of the complex was developed. A radar, a battery control point, various auxiliary means, etc. were proposed to solve various tasks during combat operations. Some of the components of the complex were also made in the form of containers.
Subsonic anti-ship missiles compatible with the CSDCS complex. Photo by Vermilionchina.com
It was reported that the CSDCS complex could be used with various vehicles and platforms. Its dimensions and weight allowed it to be transported on suitable vehicles and transferred between positions. The possibility of deployment on various types of ships was also mentioned. At the same time, the developers emphasized the versatility of the complex, rather than issues of camouflage.
Interest without prospects
In 2016, ALIT and CASC presented their containerized MLRS at one of the Chinese exhibitions. In 2022, the CSDCS project was presented by CASIC. Both developments of the Chinese industry predictably attracted the attention of specialists and the interested public.
The potential and prospects of such systems were actively discussed in specialized publications. In addition, in this context, they recalled the Russian project "Club-K", which was presented earlier and probably influenced Chinese developments. Specialists noted the characteristic advantages of the new systems and expressed understandable concerns.
However, the forecasts did not come true. Apparently, both unusual systems did not go beyond the stage of demonstration at exhibitions and the search for potential customers. The PLA or foreign armies did not want to purchase such equipment. At the same time, since 2016, the Chinese industry has repeatedly received orders for missile systems of a traditional appearance.
A YJ-62/CM-602 missile with a self-propelled launcher in the background. Photo Wikimedia Commons
In general, it is not difficult to understand what advantages and disadvantages the two Chinese developments had, and why they were not successful in the market. The strength of these systems can be considered the relative ease of transportation, due to the standard-sized body. The product can be transported by road, rail or water. At the same time, it can be transferred to a combat position and launched at almost any time.
In this context, camouflage is of great importance. A container with a launcher is difficult to distinguish from a similar product with a different load. In theory, this allows for covert delivery of the complexes to the desired area and for unexpected attacks.
The two projects show that the container launcher can carry a wide variety of missile types. CASC and CASIC have created systems for both unguided rockets and supersonic anti-ship missiles. Without significant reworking, the proposed launchers could be adapted for other types of ammunition.
With all this, there were also disadvantages. The main one is the lack of fundamental advantages over launchers of traditional appearance. The container with missiles in its functions and tasks duplicates self-propelled combat vehicles or is an analogue of the complexes on ships.
Launch of a YJ-62 missile from a production launcher. Photo Wikimedia Commons
The ability to transport the container by any means of transport simplifies the transfer over long distances, but limits tactical mobility. Deployment to and from a position involves lengthy loading operations. Unlike other MLRS or BRK, the container system will not be able to quickly leave the position.
Even during the premiere of the Club-K project, attention was drawn to the idea of placing a container with missiles on board a transport vessel. Thanks to this, any container ship could become a "missile cruiser". However, this deployment option can be difficult in terms of organization and implementation. At the same time, a missile dry cargo ship has only one advantage over a combat ship - the ability to covertly deliver missiles to the launch line.
Developments for the exhibition
Over the course of several years, Chinese industry developed and presented two missile systems of different classes, made in the form factor of a standard container. They could carry and use missiles of different classes, from unguided projectiles to full-fledged anti-ship missiles. Such systems attracted attention, but did not become the subject of orders.
As it turned out, an interesting concept with unusual capabilities and advantages does not guarantee commercial success. New solutions can impose various restrictions that will scare off a potential customer. Now we can assume that after two unsuccessful projects, China will abandon further development of unusual ideas.
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