PL-12 | |
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![]() A model of an export version of the PL-12, SD-10A, (bottom-left corner) with a Pakistan Air Force JF-17 on display at the Farnborough Airshow 2010. | |
Type | Medium-range, active radar homing air-to-air missile |
Place of origin | People's Republic of China |
Service history | |
Used by | People's Liberation Army Air Force People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force |
Specifications | |
Mass | 180 kilograms (400 lb)[1] |
Engine | Solid fuel rocket |
Operational range | 70–100 kilometres (43–62 mi)[2][3] |
Guidance system | Active radar[4] |
Launch platform |
The PL-12 (Chinese: 霹雳-12; pinyin: Pī Lì-12; lit. 'Thunderbolt-12') is an active radar-guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by the People's Republic of China. It is considered comparable to the US AIM-120 AMRAAM and the Russian R-77.[4]
The first public information of the Leihua Electronic Technology Research Institute's PL-12 – then called the SD-10 – emerged in 2001.[10] Development was assisted by Vympel NPO and Agat of Russia.[11] Liang Xiaogeng is believed to have been the chief designer.[12] Four successful test firings were made in 2004. By 2005, the missile was also known as the PL-12.[11]
The PL-12 may use the radar and data link from the Russian R-77,[13] or otherwise use systems benefiting from technology transfers from Russia. The missile uses a Chinese rocket motor[10] and airframe.[13] The PL-12 may have a passive homing mode for use against jammers and AEW aircraft.[10]