Missile PL-5
Summary
| Category | Air-to-Air Missiles |
| Sub-type | Short-range air-to-air missile |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Manufacturer | Hanzhong Nanfeng Machine Factory |
| Status | In service |
Technical specifications
PL-5 scale diagram
Operators
Carried by
Description
The PL-5 is a short-range, infrared homing air-to-air missile used by Chinese fighter aircraft. Development of the missile was based on AA-2 Atoll technology, and the system design resembles the AIM-9 Sidewinder.
The missile utilizes infrared homing guidance. Upgrades to the system include the PL-5E and PL-5EII variants. The PL-5E variant features all-aspect target engagement capability, with seeker off-boresight limits of ±25° before launch and ±40° after launch. The PL-5EII variant incorporates a dual-band, multi-element detector along with a laser proximity fuse.
Within the People's Liberation Army Air Force, newer fighter aircraft such as the J-10, J-11, J-20, and J-35 utilize other short-range missiles. However, the PL-5 remains in service on F-7 and JH-7 platforms, as the greater weight and dimensions of newer missiles prevent their integration on these aircraft. The PL-5 has been widely exported. Current operators of the missile and its variants include Bangladesh, Burma, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.