PL-8 Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile | Air Power

The PiLi-8 is a Chinese licensed copy of the Israeli Rafael Python-3 infrared-homing short-range air-to-air missile (SRAAM). The missile was developed by China Air-to-Air Missile Research Institute (also known as 607 Institute) based in Luoyang, Henna Province. The missile has been serving with the PLA since the early 1980s as a standard short-range air-to-air weapon for its new-generation indigenous fighters such as J-7E/G, J-8B/D, and J-10. A surface-to-air version of the missile was developed but did not enter production.

Python 3 is a third-generation short- to medium-range air-to-air missile developed by Israel in the early 1980s to arm its F-15, F-16 and Mirage fighter fleet. The missile took part in the 1982 Fifth Middle-East War (Lebanon War) against Syrian aircraft before its design was even finalised. The Israeli Air Force claimed that the missile has better performance in speed, turning radius, and range compared to the U.S. AIM-9L Sidewinder.

China and Israel agreed on the deal of Python 3 and its licensed production in 1982, and the transfer began in September 1983. The PLAAF test fired some Python 3 missiles provided by Israel and was highly satisfied with its performance. The reverse-engineering of the Python 3 began in 1983. Israel has reportedly supplied 1,200 sets of Python 3 kits for licensed local production of the missile in China.

To streamline the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of the air-to-air missile, in the mid-1980s China integrated most of its air-to-air missile R&D teams and manufacturing facilities located in different regions into one AAM complex, known as Luoyang Electro-Optics Technology Development Centre (EOTDC). The PL-8 became the first project undertaken by this centre. In 2002 the centre was rename as China Air-to-Air Missile Research Academy after Shaanxi Hanzhong Air-to-Air Missile Factory (also known as Hanzhong Nanfeng Machine Factory or 202 Factory) was relocated to Luoyang and merged with the centre.

The first batch of Chinese-assembled Python 3 using Israeli kits rolled out between March 1988 and April 1989. The missile was given an official designation PL-8. The Python 3 seeker technology was also used to upgrade China’s own indigenous PL-9 air-to-air missile programme. The PL-8 was possibly tested in the early 1990s and the batch production began thereafter. The Israeli-made contents on these missiles were gradually reduced and by the late 1990s China was able to produce the missile using 100% indigenously made components.

The PL-8 is the PLA’s first air-to-air missile with all-aspect attack capability. Unlike the older generation AAMs, the pilot does not have to steer his plane to aim the enemy plane to fire the missile. Instead, he can fire the missile immediately after the enemy plane enters a 30 degree cone of target zone. Later variants of the PL-8 is said to be able to use in conjunction with the helmet-mounted sight (HMS) to improve the performance. The missile is mainly used to arm the high-performance fighters such as J-8B/D and J-10, while the older PL-5 is being used to arm low-performance fighters such as J-7 and ground attack aircraft such as JH-7 and Q-5.

The PL-8 resembles the Python 3 in appearance. The missile features four front canard control surfaces located near the missile nose, and four large stabilising fins near the tail. The IR seeker is located at the nose of the missile, followed by the warhead and fuse section. The missile is powered by a single solid rocket motor.

The main features of the PL-8 include:

All-aspect capability, including head-on interception

Effective against most evasive tactics

Capable of intercepting low-signature and low-altitude threats

15km maximum effective range at high altitude

Active proximity fuse, based on lead bias navigation system

Highly efficient warhead

Versatile target acquisition modes, including slaving to advanced radar system

Reliability greater than 95%

Missile length: 2.99m
Missile diameter: 0.16m
Wingspan: 0.81m
Launch weight: 115kg
Warhead: 10kg HE
Propulsion: One solid-propellant rocket motor
Off-boresight capability: N/A
Speed: Mach 2
G Limit: 35G
Range: 0.5~15km
Guidance: All-aspect infrared (helmet-mounted sight guidance in later versions)