“The missile is designed to defeat enemy aircraft at extremely long distances. The approximate launch range of the PL-17 is estimated at 400 km.”, — write: www.unian.ua
The missile is designed to defeat enemy aircraft at extremely long distances. The approximate launch range of the PL-17 is estimated at 400 km.
China first showed photo ua.depositphotos.comIn China, for the first time, a detailed view of the promising PL-17 air-to-air missile, which is considered one of the most dangerous developments for air combat, was publicly shown.
As Defense Express analysts note, it is a state-of-the-art missile designed to defeat enemy aircraft at extremely long distances.
The model of the missile was presented at the exhibition stand, and advertising materials of the fifth-generation Chinese fighter jet J-20 were placed behind it.
After the first appearance of the missile in the open information space in 2016 in the West, it was conventionally designated as PL-XX. Later, the name PL-20 also appeared in the expert environment.
“However, now, judging by the new photo, the designation PL-17 can be considered confirmed,” writes Defense Express.
It is said that after being put into service, the missile received the western index CH-AA-12 Auger, which indicates its integration into the air threat classification system of NATO countries.
From the very beginning, according to analysts, the PL-17 was considered an ultra-long-range air-to-air missile, as evidenced by its considerable dimensions. The main targets for such weapons are likely to be especially important aerial objects – refueling planes, as well as long-range radar detection and control planes.
According to available information, the rocket is equipped with a solid-fuel rocket engine. Flight control is provided by four relatively compact tail rudders combined with a thrust vector controlled nozzle. Such a scheme ensures high maneuverability on various sections of the trajectory.
The estimated maximum launch range of the PL-17 is estimated at approximately 400 kilometers, although the actual effective range may vary significantly depending on combat conditions. The maximum speed of the rocket, according to expert estimates, exceeds 4,900 kilometers per hour.
To realize the full potential of the PL-17, hitting targets at long distances probably requires external targeting. Such data can come from long-range radar detection aircraft, in the development of which China is actively investing, as well as from other air platforms, land-based and sea-based radar stations.
As of today, the PL-17 was fixed only on J-16 fighters. At the same time, the possibility of its adaptation for external suspension on the J-20 fighter is not excluded. In addition, the missile is seen as a potential weapon for China’s future warplanes, in particular the J-36 fighter, which, according to preliminary data, will have roomy internal compartments for the placement of large-sized weapons.
To realize the full potential of the PL-17, hitting targets at long distances probably requires external targeting / photo @RupprechtDeinoOther gun newsIt will be recalled that on January 18-26, the US Air Force flew at least 42 heavy transport aircraft to the Middle East. According to relevant data, 41 C-17A Globemaster III aircraft and one C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft arrived there, landing at air bases in Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Most of the flights started from bases in Germany and Great Britain. It wasn’t until January 25 that several C-17As and one C-5M arrived in the region. According to analysts, this intensity of air transportation recently is one of the largest short-term logistics operations of the United States in the Middle East.
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