The previous two Google Earth imagery updates haven't disclosed anything overly amusing, but they have included updated 2012 imagery around Shaoguan in southeastern China. Shaoguan is the home to the PLA 2nd Artillery Corps' 827th Brigade, and until now the brigade facilities remained unlocated.
The image above depicts the probable HQ compound for the 827th Brigade. The compound shares various features with other PLA 2nd Artillery Corps garrisons, including the obligatory high-bay garage and various smaller garages for launch vehicles and support equipment.
As a newer unit in the 52nd Base, the 827th Brigade compound is nonexistant in October 2005 imagery. This is logical as the 827th represents a newer unit.
Some sources suggest that the 827th Brigade is a DF-16 unit, while others suggest that the Brigade operates the DF-21C. The DF-16 is reportedly the new designation for the former DF-15C, a two-stage DF-15 modification.
Sean,
ReplyDeleteOther than the imagery, is there any other evidence pointing to this facility being the possible 827th Brigade HQ?
Thank you!
Not at this time. Hence "probable". This is the general location attributed in various sources to the 827th Brigade, so what I did was look at the military facilities to determine which if any matched the characteristics of other known missile garrisons.
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