The PL-4 (PiLi-4) is the medium-range air-to-air missile developed by China Air-to-Air Missile Research Academy (previously known as 607 Institute or EOTDC) of AVIC1 based at Luoyang, Henan Province. The missile is based on the U.S. AIM-7D Sparrow. Development of the PL-4 began in March 1966, but the programme was seriously delayed because of technical difficulties as well as political impact. The first example for ground testing was completed in November 1980, and the first fireable missile was delivered in 1984. Two variants were introduced including the semi-active radar-homing PL-4A and the infrared-homing PL-4B. The programme was finally cancelled in 1985 due to unsatisfactory performance.
Specifications
Length: 3.235m (PL-4A); 3.128m (PL-4B) Diameter: 0.19m Wingspan: N/A Weight: 150kg (PL-4A); 148kg (PL-4B) Warhead: 30kg HE Propulsion: Solid rocket Max speed: Mach 2.2 G Limit: 40g Max effective range: 18km (PL-4A); 8km (PL-4B) Guidance: Semi-active radar (PL-4A); Infrared (PL-4B)
