The Sichuan Aerospace Industry Corporation (SCAIC) is currently marketing the 252 mm WS-1D Short Range Multiple Launcher Rocket Weapon System (SRMLRWS).

The photographs released by SCAIC show these 252 mm unguided surface-to-surface rockets being launched from the current NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) 253 mm (10-round) Type 81 minesweeping rocket system based on a 6 × 6 truck chassis. This system, covered in detail in a separate entry, fires short-range 252 mm rockets with a long nose probe to clear minefields.

The new WS-1D rockets are a new design and are different in appearance. They are much shorter and are fitted with four fins that unfold after they have left the launcher and a short nose probe, which may well extend in flight.

When compared to the older 253 mm rockets, the WS-1D rockets have a longer range, are heavier and the launcher has eight to 24 launch tubes.

In addition to the normal 6 × 6 wheeled chassis, a new launcher with three rows of eight rockets has also been observed mounted on an armoured superstructure, installed on the roof of a standard PLA NORINCO Type 59 tank chassis that has had its turret removed. The armoured launcher mechanism has powered traversed left and right.

CASC claims that the 252 mm unguided surface-to-surface rockets can be fitted with various types of warhead including blasting, blast burning and cloud blasting. It is probable that the last of these is of the fuel air explosive type.

It is assumed that these can be launched from the existing NORINCO 253 mm (10-round) Type 81 minesweeping rocket system, although it may have to be modified. Details of this are provided in a separate entry.