AIM-9X Sidewinder vs PL-7
The AIM-9X Sidewinder and the PL-7 are both Air-to-Air missiles. The AIM-9X Sidewinder has a range of 35 km — 2.5x the PL-7's 14 km. The AIM-9X Sidewinder reaches 3,087 km/h vs 3,087 km/h for the PL-7. The AIM-9X Sidewinder carries a 9 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the PL-7. Launch weight is 85 kg for the AIM-9X Sidewinder vs 89 kg for the PL-7. The AIM-9X Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing guidance, while the PL-7 relies on Infrared homing.
| American air-to-air missile, entered service in 1956, utilizes imaging infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Short-range air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon Company |
| Service year | 1956 |
| Number produced | 110,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.4 million |
| Chinese infrared-guided air-to-air missile, with a 7 km range, manufactured by Zhuzhou Factory 311. | |
| Origin | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Zhuzhou Factory 311 |
| Service year | -- |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| Range | 35.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 ◉ |
| Weight | 85 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 9.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 3.02 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 127 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared homing |
| Warhead type | Annular blast-fragmentation |
| Range | 14.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 ◉ |
| Weight | 89 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 12.5 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.74 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 165 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or PL-7?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder has a longer range at 35 km compared to the PL-7's 14 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or PL-7?
Both the AIM-9X Sidewinder and PL-7 have the same maximum speed of Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or PL-7?
The PL-7 carries a larger warhead at 12 kg compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 9 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or PL-7?
The PL-7 is heavier at 89 kg compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 85 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or PL-7?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is longer at 3.02 meters compared to the PL-7's 2.74 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-9X Sidewinder and PL-7 use?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing guidance while the PL-7 uses Infrared homing guidance.