Posted on 07/20/2017 9:18:12 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
On this J-10C fighter, PL-10 air-to-air missiles hang from the outboard wing pylons and long-range PL-15s from the inboards. (Image Credit: Chinese Internet)
An operational People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Chengdu J-10C fighter has been seen carrying pairs of PL-10 and PL-15 air-to-air missiles (AAMs) for the first time. They are the PLAAF’s next-generation short-range and long-range AAMs, respectively. According to Chinese reports, their performance is equivalent or superior to that of their Western counterparts.
Developed by the 607 Institute, the PL-15 (Pi Li or Thunderbolt), is China’s latest beyond-visual-range air-to air missile (BVRAAM). It achieved a first firing in September 2015. Powered by a dual-pulse rocket motor, the PL-15 has a maximum speed of Mach 4 and is reported to achieve a standoff range of 300 km. In comparison, its predecessor PL-12 has a range of 100 km, similar to its Western counterpart, the AIM-120C AMRAAM. According to Chinese reports, the PL-15 will enable the PLAAF to down enemy high-value assets such as tankers and AEW aircraft, beyond the engagement range of their escorts.
After seven years of development, the PL-10 short-range AAM was introduced last year. Chinese media has highlighted that the PL-10 is the first all-aspect missile in the PLAAF, with a 90-degree off-boresight angle and thrust-vectoring capabilities. It is reported to have a range of at least 20 km and with a multi-element imaging infrared seeker, the PL-10 is said to be very resistant to electronic countermeasures.
The PL-10 has been seen on various test aircraft, including the Shenyang J-16 and Chengdu J-20, as the PLAAF prepares to replace the PL-8 on its next-generation fighters. To further exploit the PL-10’s high off-boresight capabilities, the PLAAF could develop a helmet cueing system, which is currently not seen on any Chinese pilots.
The PLAAF has stopped production of the Chengdu J-10B, in favor of the improved J-10C. Like its predecessor, the J-10C features the diffuser supersonic inlet (DSI) but it is equipped with an indigenous active electronically scanned array (AESA) fire-control radar.
The J-10B/C series has also become PLAAF’s latest multi-role fighter, since it can perform ground strike and suppression of enemy anti defense roles with the KD88H missile and YJ91 anti-radiation missile, respectively. Chinese analysts estimate that with the standard configuration of three drop tanks and air-to-air missiles, the J-10B/C could have a combat radius of 1,200 km, covering the Korean peninsula and into Japanese air space from its Yanji base in northeastern China.
After many years since he Bubba administration, the chicom’s hacking and outright purchase of U.S. military technology is finally catching them up to us. Only question know is when and where will they first operationally employ their new toys.
Some guesses:
- Taiwan takeover
- N. Korea control/stabilization after KJU regime vacuum
- South China Sea claim dispute with any of many countries
Regards.
Add the current standoff with India in the Himalayas.
Few typos on last, corrected below.
After many years since THE Bubba administration, the chicom’s hacking and outright purchase of U.S. military technology is finally catching them up to us. Only question NOW is when and where will they first operationally employ their new toys.
Some guesses:
- Taiwan takeover
- N. Korea control/stabilization after KJU regime vacuum
- South China Sea claim dispute with any of many countries
Regards.
You are correct Sir.
I’ve always wondered why we have not befriended India more. After all, they are a good ally against China and less duplicitous than Pakistan. I know what some will say, “we need the Pakis to chase down AQ/Taliban/Haqqani,” yet they have not been much help in my view.
Regards.
Nepal border. They want another crack at India.
A new version of the AIM-54 might be handy to knock down any J-10 detected sneaking up on an AWACS.
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