R-73 vs PL-12
The R-73 and the PL-12 are both Air-to-Air missiles. The PL-12 has a range of 70 km — 2.3x the R-73's 30 km. The R-73 reaches 3,087 km/h vs 4,900 km/h for the PL-12. Launch weight is 105 kg for the R-73 vs 180 kg for the PL-12. The R-73 uses Inertial navigation system and IRCCM guidance, while the PL-12 relies on Data-linked mid-course guidance and active radar homing. The R-73 entered service 21 years before the PL-12 (1984 vs 2005).
| Russian air-to-air missile, entered service in 1984, uses inertial navigation and IRCCM guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Vympel |
| Service year | 1984 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| Chinese air-to-air missile, service entry in 2005, uses data-linked mid-course guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Medium-range air-to-air BVR missile |
| Manufacturer | Chinese State Industry |
| Service year | 2005 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| Range | 30.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 ◉ |
| Weight | 105 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 7.4 kg |
| Length | 2.90 m |
| Diameter | 170 mm |
| Guidance | Inertial navigation system and IRCCM |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 70.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 180 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | -- kg |
| Length | NA |
| Diameter | -- mm |
| Guidance | Data-linked mid-course guidance and active radar homing |
| Warhead type | -- |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the R-73 or PL-12?
The PL-12 has a longer range at 70 km compared to the R-73's 30 km.
Which is faster, the R-73 or PL-12?
The PL-12 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the R-73's Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the R-73 or PL-12?
The R-73 carries a larger warhead at 7 kg compared to the PL-12's 0 kg.
Which is heavier, the R-73 or PL-12?
The PL-12 is heavier at 180 kg compared to the R-73's 105 kg.
Which is longer, the R-73 or PL-12?
The R-73 is longer at 2.90 meters compared to the PL-12's 0.00 meters.
What guidance systems do the R-73 and PL-12 use?
The R-73 uses Inertial navigation system and IRCCM guidance while the PL-12 uses Data-linked mid-course guidance and active radar homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the R-73 or PL-12?
The R-73 entered service first in 1984, 21 years before the PL-12 which entered service in 2005.