PL-7 explained

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 fighters.^[1] 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 the late 1998–2001 Zimbabwean intervention in the Second Congo War, Air Force of Zimbabwe BAE Hawks were reportedly modified to be armed with PL-7s for air interception missions in support of Zimbabwean and Laurent Kabila's government forces.^[2]

Operator

• Bangladesh Air Force^[3]

• People's Liberation Army Air Force

• Iranian Air Force

External links

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

Notes and References

1. Book: Duncan . Lennox. Hewson . Robert . Jane’s Air launched Weapons, Edition 2001.. Jane’s Information Group. United Kingdom . 2001 . 978-0-7106-0866-6.
2. Web site: HAL's Gamble – Will the "Advanced Hawk" break into the Export market? . 17 February 2017 .
3. International Institute for Strategic Studies . International Institute for Strategic Studies . 2020 . Chapter Six: Asia . The Military Balance . 120 . 1 . 255 . 10.1080/04597222.2020.1707967. 219627149 .