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The PL-21 or PL-XX 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 American AIM-260 JATM, and the Russian R-37 (missile).[4]
PL-21 | |
---|---|
Type | Beyond-visual-range 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 |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology |
Specifications | |
Mass | 250 kg |
Diameter | 250–300 millimetres (9.8–11.8 in) (estimated)[1] |
Operational range | 300-400 km [2][3] |
Guidance system | Active radar with AESA[1] |
Launch platform |
Development and history
editIn 2016, China successfully test fired a very long range air-to-air missile, which was believed to be the PL-21. But it may also be the PL-17.[5] PL-21 is estimated to have a range of over 300 kilometers and powered by a ramjet engine.[4]
Operators
editSee also
edit- AIM-260 JATM – (United States)
- Meteor – (France, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, Sweden)
- Long-Range Engagement Weapon – (United States)
- R-37 (missile) – (Russia)
- PL-15 – (China)
- PL-17 – (China)
Related lists
References
edit- ^ a b "This new ramjet engine could triple the range of Chinese missiles". 12 June 2017.
- ^ "The US Wants To Arm Fighters With These New Long-Range Missiles To Hunt Down China & Russia's Best Jets".
- ^ "China's New Fighter Jet Is A Problem For Australia".
- ^ a b Wood, Yang & Cliff 2020, p. 40.
- ^ Wood, Yang & Cliff 2020, p. 19.
- Bibliography
- Wood, Peter; Yang, David; Cliff, Roger (November 2020). Air-to-Air Missiles: Capabilities And Development In China (PDF). Montgomery: China Aerospace Studies Institute. ISBN 9798574996270.