PL-7


The PL-7 is the PRC version of the French Magic R.550 short-range air-to-air missile. It is a short-range, Infrared homing missile used by Chinese fighters. It was designed by Wu Shendao, and produced at the Factory 331 .

Specifications

Length - 2.74 mDiameter - 157 mmWingspan - 0.66 mWeight - 89 kgWarhead - 12.5 kgSpeed - Mach 2.5Range - 0.5 to 14 kmGuidance - Infrared homing

Operational history

During the late 1998–2001 Zimbabwean intervention in the Second Congo War, Air Force of Zimbabwe BAE Hawks were reportedly modified to be armed with PL-7s for air interception missions in support of Zimbabwean and Laurent Kabila's government forces.

Operator