The first image of a demonstration model of China's latest long-range "air-to-air" missile, the PL-17, has appeared on social media.
As noted by the Telegram channel ImpNavigator, the missile has been in service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force since 2023. In the same year, the missile was observed being carried by J-16 fighters, but from a relatively long distance.
Some estimates suggest the missile's range could exceed 400 kilometers . It is approximately six meters long and is designed to destroy aerial refueling tankers , airborne radars, airborne command centers, electronic warfare aircraft, transport aircraft, and long-range bombers. However, the possibility of targeting tactical aircraft cannot be ruled out.
Specifications of the Chinese air-to-air missile PL-17 (also known as PL-XX or PL-15 Long)
Type: Very Long-Range Air-to-Air Missile (VLRAAM).
Primary objective: Designed to target and strike high-value, low-maneuverability (HVA) aerial assets at subcontinental ranges, such as:
Early Warning and Control (AWACS) aircraft such as the E-3 Sentry or E-7 Wedgetail.
Airborne refueling aircraft (tankers) such as the KC-135 or KC-46.
Electronic warfare and signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft such as the RC-135.
Strategic bombers such as the B-52 or B-1B.
Large military transport aircraft.
Effective range: 300-400 kilometers , and can reach even greater range against large, slow-moving targets. This range makes it one of the longest operational air-to-air missiles in the world.
Diameter: Approximately 330 mm (estimated, may be larger than its predecessor PL-15).
Steering system: It is believed to use a composite steering system .
Mid-course phase: Inertial guidance with target data updates via a two-way data link (such as Link-16) from the mother plane or other platforms.
Terminal guidance phase: An advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker head for independent target acquisition and engagement. It may also be equipped with an assisted infrared (IR) sensor for target thermal signature detection in the terminal phase.
Propulsion system: Solid-fuel rocket-ramjet . It uses a conventional rocket booster for takeoff and acceleration, then switches to a nozzle booster (ramjet) to maintain high speed (may reach Mach 4-5) and lower fuel consumption during the middle flight phase, giving it a long range.
Warhead: A high-explosive fragmentation warhead, estimated to weigh 40-50 kg .
It was designed to withstand and be launched by Chinese 4++ and 5 generation heavy fighters capable of carrying heavy payloads:
Chengdu J-20 (fifth generation stealth fighter): It is the primary carrier aircraft, as it can carry long missiles in its internal weapons bay to maintain stealth.
The Shenyang J-16 (Multi-Role Air Superiority Fighter): It has been seen carrying PL-17-like models at public events. It utilizes its heavy payload capacity and powerful AESA radar for missile guidance.
Unprecedented engagement range: forces enemy forces away from theaters of operations, and puts their vital support assets at risk.
Deterrent effect: It changes the enemy's calculations and strategies, and limits the freedom of movement of its supporting aircraft.
Anti-missile capability: Its high speed and flight pattern (high then swoop) make it difficult to intercept.
Integration with the command and control system: It relies on external data, which enhances the concept of "network warfare" for Chinese forces.
