PL-15 vs PL-17

The PL-15 and the PL-17 are both Air-to-Air missiles. The PL-17 has a range of 400 km — 2.0x the PL-15's 200 km. The PL-15 reaches 6,125 km/h vs 7,408 km/h for the PL-17. The PL-15 uses Active radar homing guidance, while the PL-17 relies on Inertial, satellite navigation, data-link, active AESA radar, passive sensors, IR-homing. The PL-15 entered service 6 years before the PL-17 (2016 vs 2022).

Chinese air-to-air missile, entered service in 2016, guided by active radar homing.
Origin 🇨🇳 China
Category Air-to-Air
Type Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile
Manufacturer China Airborne Missile Academy (CAMA)
Service year 2016
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price NA
Chinese air-to-air missile, entered service in 2022, uses active AESA radar for guidance.
Origin 🇨🇳 China
Category Air-to-Air
Type Beyond Visual Range
Manufacturer Chinese State Industry
Service year 2022
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price NA
Range 200.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 5.0
Weight 210 kg
Length 4.00 m
Diameter 203 mm
Guidance Active radar homing
Range 400.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 6.0
Weight -- kg
Length 6.00 m
Diameter -- mm
Guidance Inertial, satellite navigation, data-link, active AESA radar, passive sensors, IR-homing

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the PL-15 or PL-17?
The PL-17 has a longer range at 400 km compared to the PL-15's 200 km.
Which is faster, the PL-15 or PL-17?
The PL-17 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 6.0 compared to the PL-15's Mach 5.0.
Which is heavier, the PL-15 or PL-17?
The PL-15 is heavier at 210 kg compared to the PL-17's 0 kg.
Which is longer, the PL-15 or PL-17?
The PL-17 is longer at 6.00 meters compared to the PL-15's 4.00 meters.
What guidance systems do the PL-15 and PL-17 use?
The PL-15 uses Active radar homing guidance while the PL-17 uses Inertial, satellite navigation, data-link, active AESA radar, passive sensors, IR-homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the PL-15 or PL-17?
The PL-15 entered service first in 2016, 6 years before the PL-17 which entered service in 2022.