PL-9
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The PL-9 is a short-range, infrared-homing air-to-air missile (AAM) developed by the People's Republic of China.
The PL-9C is the surface-to-air variant of the PL-9. The PL-9C tactical low-altitude surface-to-air missile (SAM) was first revealed during the 1989 Paris Air Show. The launch unit is available in both towed and self-propelled arrangement. The self-propelled version has a launch complex consisting four-rail launcher and the associated target acquisition and radar and electro-optical director mounted on a 6X6 WZ551 armored personnel carrier (APC). The towed version has a four-rail launcher mounted on a four-wheel carriage. The launch unit is supported by a range of truck-mounted ground equipment for maintenance and missile testing.
The missile is fitted with a cryogenic liquid nitrogen gas-cooled IR seeker capable of +/-40 degree off boresight angles. Flight control is by long span pointed delta fins at the front of the missile with Sidewinder-type slipstream driven rollerons on the aft tail fin surfaces to prevent roll and so enhance the operation of the guidance system. The missile has a maximum effective range of 35km and an altitude limit of 6.5km. The single-shot hit probability for a single missile launch at an approaching target is 90%. The missile can be used at a stand along system, or as a part of the Type 390 (DK-9) brigade (regiment)-level combined AAA/SAM air defence system. The missile entered production in 1991 and saw limited service with the PLA ground forces.
[edit] Specifications
- Missile dimensions: Length 2.99m;
- Diameter 0.167m;
- wingspan 0.81m
- Launch weight: 320kg
- Propulsion : Single-stage solid propellant rocket motor
- Operating altitude: Minimum 10m; Maximum 6,500m
- Operating Range: Minimum 1,000m; Maximum 35,000m
- Maximum speed: Mach 4
- Guidance: all-aspects passive infrared seeker, with proportional navigation
- Warhead: 36.8kg HE
- System reaction time: 3 sec
- Single-shot hit probability: 95%