PL-9 vs R550 Magic
Overview
The PL-9 and the R550 Magic are both Air-to-Air missiles.
The PL-9 has a range of 35 km — 2.9x the R550 Magic's 12 km. The PL-9 reaches 2,400 km/h vs 3,704 km/h for the R550 Magic. The PL-9 carries a 11 kg warhead vs 12.5 kg for the R550 Magic. Launch weight is 115 kg for the PL-9 vs 89 kg for the R550 Magic. The PL-9 uses Multi-element infrared guidance, while the R550 Magic relies on Infrared homing.
The R550 Magic entered service 3 years before the PL-9 (1986 vs 1989).
| Chinese infrared-guided air-to-air missile, entered service in 1989, has a range of 22 km. | |
| Origin | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Luoyang Electro-Optics Technology Development Centre |
| Service year | 1989 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| French air-to-air missile, entering service in 1986, utilizes infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
| Service year | 1986 |
| Number produced | 11,300 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.1 million |
| Range | 35.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 115 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 11.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.90 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 157 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Multi-element infrared |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 12.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 89 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 12.5 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.75 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the PL-9 or R550 Magic?
The PL-9 has a longer range at 35 km compared to the R550 Magic's 12 km.
Which is faster, the PL-9 or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the PL-9's Mach 2.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the PL-9 or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic carries a larger warhead at 12 kg compared to the PL-9's 11 kg.
Which is heavier, the PL-9 or R550 Magic?
The PL-9 is heavier at 115 kg compared to the R550 Magic's 89 kg.
Which is longer, the PL-9 or R550 Magic?
The PL-9 is longer at 2.90 meters compared to the R550 Magic's 2.75 meters.
What guidance systems do the PL-9 and R550 Magic use?
The PL-9 uses Multi-element infrared guidance while the R550 Magic uses Infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the PL-9 or R550 Magic?
The R550 Magic entered service first in 1986, 3 years before the PL-9 which entered service in 1989.