Here's a better view of those "DF-17" hypersonic payload buses:
Looks like a typical flat-bottomed "hypersonic sled" design, IMO...
Actually, that overhead view in the article just shouts, "Propaganda Photo" to me...
- The propaganda "DF-17" nomenclature was added to the parade" missiles -- for "our" benefit -- "using Roman characters, instead of the Chinese "Dong Feng" ideograms: ("东风").
- Sorta reminds me of the freshly hand-painted propaganda sign put on TV after we bombed Baghdad:
"Baby Milk Factory" - That overhead view appears to be a rep of "cloned CGI transporter+Missile images -- or "cloned" model photos -- with added-in(serialized) vehicle numbers ...
- (Notice that the lug nuts on all wheels are in the exact same rotational position...)
I suppose the above observations should be tempered with the fact that the ChiCom (and Nork) cultures are extremely "symbolism-oriented".
For example, examination of photos of their "Propaganda Parades"shows that all vehicles have freshly-painted, white Roman character ID numbers on their sides -- and that vehicles are deployed side-by side -- In perfect numerical order...
IMO, our intel folks should be studying that symbolism-driven" cultural mindset carefully. Methinks there are some tactical ( if not strategic) clues therein...
Thanks for your keen observation!! Without it, I'd just have passed by this article as "more of the same redchink stuff..."
FReegards,
TXnMA
There may be much to be gleaned from the fact that "DF-17" is fairly low in their Dongfeng" missile series. (Does it mean they finally solved hypersonic glide-flight? Or does it mean that they have perfected "Mini-MIRV" capability? Or... is it all propaganda...?)