PL-10 (courtesy of
hxqy,
ZNHBB)
A dummy PL-10 AAM was fully extended outside the side weapon bay onboard the J-20 #2002 prototype. PL-10 (K/AKK-10?) is the new generation IIR-guided missile in the same class of AIM-9X, ASRAAM, A-Darter, AAM-5 and IRIS-T. It features an IIR seeker (containing a 128x128 focal plane array?) and TVC, giving the missile a 90° off-boresight angle and 50
g max load plus an excellent IRCCM capability against aerial target maneuvering at high-
gs. It also has a "lock-after-launch" capability, which could extend its range to BVR. Similar to AAM-5 and IRIS-T, the latest design (circa 2013) features 4 enlarged tailfins plus 4 narrow stabilizing strips attached to the mid-section of the missile body, which help maintain missile's manoeuvrability at the terminal stage after the solid motor stops working. The development of
PL-10 started in 2005 and a test round was launched from the ground in November 2008. The development was thought to have entered a new phase in 2010 after being test fired from a CFTE J-11B. PL-10 is expected to be carried by J-10B/C, J-11D and
J-16 fighter bomber as well as internally by J-20 and
J-21 stealth fighters which are still under development.
- Last Updated 8/23/14