Its launch system is made up of the launch pad, launch tube, fire control and auxiliary equipment. The launch pad can be the CM-501G missile launcher, the 122 rocket mortar or simply the ground. Through modular design, its launch tube can be readjusted to various launch pads and turned into a multiple launch system.
The fire control system comprises the fire control module, ammunition adapter and independent power cords. Once the system is connected with a battle network, operators can exercise remote control. The firing system can operate independently as it can process data received by the ammunition adapter and position a target.
The command system is a small C41SR system that can be connected with a battle network. It can guide the firing system, process and store data, relay orders, evaluate damage and monitor the system’s status. As the reconnaissance and fire power units are well connected with the command system, the projectiles have maximum combat effectiveness.
The system can also provide integrated information support to its command system, the nerve center, to help it monitor the implementation of operational tasks, data chain networking, battlefield reconnaissance and make evaluations. It can be used to give orders for pinpoint strikes or surgical strikes at key times and in key regions. It can also assess damage in real time, and attack immediately on detecting a target.
Small and light, its projectiles are based on modular designs and are very flexible to use. The army, air force and navy have all welcomed its ability to allow quick deployment under the conditions of long distance and high intensity across all battlefields. Its launch and operational control vehicles are both able to conduct autonomous navigation and can complete quick maneuvers and complex firing tasks in an unfamiliar landscape. It takes about five minutes to get the launch vehicle ready to fire. After firing, it takes one minute return to mobile status.
With a combined satellite guidance system and an uncooled infrared imaging detector that can be replaced by television imaging detector or active/passive radar seeker when necessary, its projectiles are precision-guided, able to resist strong interference and operate in all weathers.
The trajectory of its projectiles is flexible and varies with different strikes and the features of the battlefield. When a target is near, it can use a quick attack trajectory; on a long-range target, the trajectory can activate both active and passive glides. The CM-501G projectiles can also be used to strike covert targets.
The CM-501G series of projectiles can be modified according to the owners’ needs as its production was based on modular design. Changing certain modular sections enables the upgrading of projectiles.
The CM-501G ground projectile, warship and plane-loaded projectiles as well as the CM-501GA with a range of 40 kilometers are all small, light and based on modular design. All modules of these projectiles are common except the fuse warhead module and engine module. The projectiles can be quickly integrated into different combat platforms such as warships and helicopters.
Its launch system is highly integrated and independently designed. As well as the CM-501G missile launch vehicle, it can be installed on other platforms, such as the 122 rocket mortar. This has efficiently reduced the complexity of China’s military equipment, cut maintenance costs and enhanced the cost-effectiveness of military equipment.