PL-7

The PL-7 (Chinese: 霹雳-7; pinyin: Pī Lì-7; lit. 'Thunderbolt-7') is the PRC version of the French Magic R.550 air-to-air missile. It is a short-range, Infrared homing missile used by Chinese fighters. It was designed by Wu Shendao, and produced at the Factory 331 (Zhuzhou Aeroengine factory) (中国株洲航空发动机厂).

Specifications

• Length - 2.74 m
• Diameter - 157 mm
• Wingspan - 0.66 m
• Weight - 89 kg
• Warhead - 12.5 kg
• Speed - Mach 2.5
• Range - 0.5 to 14 km
• Guidance - Infrared homing

Operational history

During late 2000 and 2001, Zimbabwean BAE Hawks were reportedly armed with PL-7s for air escort missions against possible Ugandan MiG-21s during their deployment in support of Laurent Kabila's government.

External links

• https://web.archive.org/web/20060510171721/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/weapon/pl7.asp
• http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=246&Itemid=47