PL-15
It was first rumored in 2011 that 607 Institute wasdeveloping the nextgeneration of active radar homing LRAAM dubbed PL-15 replacing PL-12 which is comparable to American AIM-120D . The missile was initially speculated as a PL-12variant (PL-12C?) but it appears to be a new design. PL-15 features redesigned stabilizing fins and tail control fins with smaller wingspans in order to fit into the internal weapon bay of J-20 (up to 4). A major improvement of the missile is a new a dual pulse rocket motor which could extend its range up to 200km. Its two-way datalink and a new active/passive dual mode AESA seeker onboard will give it an excellent ECCM capability against severe jamming. A PL-15prototype was first seen underneath the wing of a J-11B testbed in 2012. In 2013 PL-15 was first seen inside J-20's main internal weapon bay during its weapon integration tests. It was reported by US intelligence thatPL-15 was successfully test-fired from a J-11B in 2015. In 2016 PL-15 started to be carried by J-10C, J-11B and by J-16 a year later. The further improved version (PL-20?) was rumored to have been under development. It might feature a streamlined missile body with a smaller diameter so that additional missiles can be fitted into the internal weapon bay of J-20 (up to 6). The latest rumor (March 2019) claimed that PL-15 has been cleared for export as PL-15E.
- Last Updated 3/21/19