The PL-7 () is the PRC version of the French Magic R.550 short-range air-to-air missile. It is a short-range, infrared homing missile used by Chinese fighter aircraft. 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 (9 ft)

• Diameter - 157mm (6.2 in)

• Wingspan - 0.66 m (26 in)

• Weight - 89kg (196.2 lb)

• Warhead - 12.5kg (27.55 lb)

• Speed - Mach 2.5 (1,917.5 mph, 3,086 kmh, 1,666.26 kn)

• Range - 0.5 to 14km (0.31 to 8.7 mi, 0.27 to 7.55 nmi)

• Guidance - Infrared homing

Operational history

During the late 1998–2001 Zimbabwean intervention in the Second Congo War, Air Force of Zimbabwe BAE Hawkss were reportedly modified to be armed with PL-7s for air interception missions in support of Zimbabwean and Laurent Kabila's government forces.

Operators

• Bangladesh Air Force

  People's Liberation Army Air Force

  Iranian Air Force: Received at least 400 PL-7s.

  Korean People's Army Air Force

  Myanmar Air Force

  Sudanese Air Force

References

External links

• https://web.archive.org/web/20060510171721/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/weapon/pl7.asp