Which is better between the DF-15C and the US military's large bunker-busting bomb dropped from the air?

To compare the Chinese ground-to-ground tactical missile's penetration technology with the US military's large bunker-busting bomb from a technical perspective, we need to consider penetration capability, accuracy, delivery method, operational flexibility, survivability, and cost-effectiveness.

Penetration capability is the core indicator of a bunker-busting weapon, directly determining whether it can destroy deeply buried hardened targets (such as underground command centers or nuclear facilities).

According to reports, the DF-15C uses a high aspect ratio penetration warhead, achieving penetration through high-speed kinetic energy impact. Ballistic missiles re-enter the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds (about 6-10 Mach), relying on massive kinetic energy and a sharp warhead design to enhance penetration. The warhead may be combined with hardened materials such as tungsten alloy to counter reinforced concrete. The kinetic energy from high-speed impact far exceeds that of conventional air-dropped bombs, theoretically providing stronger destructive power against deeply buried targets.

The penetration depth of a ballistic missile depends on the mass and speed of the warhead, but public information does not clearly specify its warhead weight, which may be in the hundreds of kilograms range, limiting the explosive yield and secondary destructive power.

The US GBU-57 weighs about 13.6 tons and has a 2.4-ton charge, capable of penetrating about 60 meters of the ground surface. The GBU-57 uses free-fall, relying on gravity acceleration and hardened casing to achieve penetration. The casing has a large charge, and its explosive yield far exceeds that of the DF-15C, making it suitable for destroying large underground facilities.

The GBU-57's huge charge and explosive yield ensure a destructive strike on the target, compensating for the lack of penetration depth.

It has slightly better penetration depth than the DF-15C, but is limited by the low speed of the B-2 bomber, resulting in weaker kinetic energy.

In short, the DF-15C benefits from the high-speed kinetic energy of the ballistic missile, and its penetration depth is comparable to that of the GBU-57. However, the GBU-57, with its huge charge and explosive yield, has greater destructive power when destroying large underground targets. The DF-15C may be more suitable for small underground targets, but for highly fortified large facilities, the GBU-57's explosive power has an advantage.

In modern warfare, precision guidance is key to ensuring the effectiveness of strikes. The DF-15C has improved upon the early DF-15, using BeiDou navigation combined with inertial guidance, with a circular error probable estimated to be in the range of 10-30 meters. The terminal guidance technology of ballistic missiles has advanced significantly, making it suitable for rapid strikes on fixed targets. However, its accuracy may not be as good as that of air-dropped bombs.

The GBU-57 integrates GPS and inertial navigation systems, allowing it to maintain high precision even in environments where GPS is restricted, with a reported accuracy within 5 meters. However, its strike accuracy depends on the stability of the delivery platform and the battlefield environment. If the B-2 is detected or jammed, the delivery effect may be affected.

The DF-15C has an advantage in delivery speed and mobility, suitable for rapid strikes on fixed targets. The GBU-57 relies on the stealth and flexibility of the B-2 for deep strikes behind enemy lines, but is limited by the scarcity and speed of the delivery platform.

The DF-15C can be equipped with various warheads (such as penetration, cluster, or tactical nuclear warheads), suitable for striking underground facilities, airport runways, or command centers. The fixed trajectory and single mission mode of ballistic missiles make them difficult to deal with temporary or mobile targets. Their terminal maneuverability is limited.

The B-2 can adjust its route and bombing point based on real-time intelligence, suitable for striking temporarily discovered high-value targets. The GBU-57's explosive yield allows it to destroy large areas of underground facilities, demonstrating strong adaptability. However, this type of mission is limited to B-2 delivery, with complex mission planning and difficulty in quickly responding to sudden targets. The inventory is approximately 20 units, unsuitable for sustained high-intensity combat.

The DF-15C has higher survivability during the launch phase due to its mobility and rapid deployment capability. The GBU-57 is safer during the delivery phase thanks to the B-2's stealth, but its overall survivability is limited by the scarcity of the B-2.

The cost of a single DF-15C is not publicly disclosed, but ballistic missiles typically range from 2 to 5 million dollars per unit. Production and maintenance costs are relatively low, making them suitable for large-scale deployment. Each GBU-57 costs about 16 million dollars, and the maintenance and fuel costs for each B-2 sortie can reach millions of dollars. In short, Americans can't afford it either.

From a technological perspective, both have their strengths and are evenly matched. The DF-15C excels in speed, cost, and regional operations, making it more suitable for China's strategic needs; while the GBU-57 has advantages in accuracy, flexibility, and global strike capabilities, aligning with the US military's global hegemony strategy. The outcome depends on specific operational requirements and battlefield conditions. If "cost-effectiveness" and regional applicability are the criteria, the DF-15C has a slight edge; however, if "single strike effectiveness" and global delivery are considered, the GBU-57 has a clear advantage.



Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7522786809433162279/

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