Summary
The PL-5 (霹雳-5) air-to-air missile (PL stands for Pi Li, "Thunderbolt" in Chinese, the generic designation for all PRC air-to-air missiles) is a short-range, Infrared homing missile used by Chinese fighters. It is based on AA-2 Atoll technology and resembles the AIM-9 Sidewinder. The PL-5 was designed and developed at China's Luoyang Electro-Optics Technology Development Centre (EOTDC), also known as Institute 612; its design team members included Chen Jiali (陈家礼), Dong Chunfeng, Hu Rongchao (胡荣超), Huang Bin, Zhang Ming (张明), and Zheng Zhiwei (郑志伟). It was reportedly produced at the Hanzhong Nanfeng Machine Factory (also known as the Hanzhong Air-to-Air Missile Factory) of the China Aviation Industry Corporation I.
| PL-5 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Short-range air-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | China |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Luoyang Electro-Optics Technology Development Centre (EOTDC), Hanzhong Nanfeng Machine Factory |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 148 kg (PL-5B, PL-5C), 83kg (PL-5E) |
| Length | 3.128 m (PL-5B, PL-5C), 2.893m (PL-5E) |
| Diameter | 0.127m (PL-5E) |
| Wingspan | 0.657m (PL-5B, PL-5C), 0.617m (PL-5E) |
| Warhead | 6kg blast-frag, or expanding rod (RF-fuse) |
Detonation mechanism | Active infrared, laser proximity fuse(PL-5EII) |
| Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | 1.3–16km (PL-5B, PL-5C), 0.5-16~18km (PL-5E) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 |
Guidance system | Infrared homing, multi-element, dual band detector(PL-5EII) |
Launch platform | Aircraft, helicopter gunships |
The PL-5 have been continuously upgraded by Luoyang and the latest variant, the PL-5EII, added a dual band, multi-element detector as well as a laser proximity fuse similar to the PL-9. According to the Chinese export/import agency CATIC, the PL5E has an all-aspect capability with the seeker having a maximum off boresight angle of ±25° before launch, and ±40° after launch.[1]
PLAAF J-10 and J-11 fighter jets mainly use the PL-8 missile, which is more advanced when compared to the PL-5. However, due to greater weight and dimensions of the PL-8 missile, for F-7 and JH-7, the PL-5 is still the preferable air-to-air missile at this stage.[2]
Operators edit
Current operators edit
References edit
- ^ https://www.flightglobal.com/china-reveals-upgraded-variant-of-pl5-missile/20260.article
- ^ "PL-5 air-to-air missile and J-7 fighter jet modification, Chinese PLAAF". AirForceWorld.com. Archived from the original on 12 October 2017. Retrieved 5 Nov 2011.
- ^ The Military Balance 2019, p. 253.
- ^ a b Arms Transfers Database Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
- ^ Cooper, Tom; Weinert, Peter; Hinz, Fabian; Lepko, Mark (2011). African MiGs, Volume 2: Madagascar to Zimbabwe. Houston: Harpia Publishing. p. 213. ISBN 978-0-9825539-8-5.
Works cited edit
- International Institute for Strategic Studies (2019). The Military Balance 2019. Routledge. ISBN 978-1857439885.
- PL-5 SHORT-RANGE AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE, www.sinodefence.com
- Luoyang Optoelectro Technology Development Center PL-5EII