Development of the PL-12 (SD-10) began in 1997.[1] The first public information of the Leihua Electronic Technology Research Institute's PL-12 – then called the SD-10 – emerged in 2001.[9] Development was assisted byVympel NPO andAgat of Russia.[10] Liang Xiaogeng is believed to have been the chief designer.[11] Four successful test firings were made in 2004.[10] The missile enteredPeople's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) service in 2005.[1]
The early batches of PL-12 missiles reportedly used the 9B-1348 radar seeker designed for theR-77 missile. The development process was assisted by Vympel NPO and Tactical Missile Corporation and benefited from Russian technology transfers.[3] But as of 2018, the PL-12 was no longer reliant on Russian components for missile production.[3]
The guidance system comprises data-linked mid-course guidance and active radar homing for terminal guidance.[3] The missile uses a Chinese rocket motor[9] and airframe.[12] The PL-12 may have a passive homing mode for use against jammers andAEW aircraft.[9] The maximum range is estimated to be 100 kilometres (62 mi).[13]
PL-12's overall dimension is larger thanAIM-120 AMRAAM. Per PLAAF assessment, PL-12's capability sits between AIM-120B and AIM-120C, and the improved PL-12A is claimed to be comparable with the AIM-120C-4. The domestic version of the PL-12 features a variable-thrust rocket motor with a range of 70–100 kilometres (43–62 mi), while the export variant SD-10 features a reduced range of 60–70 kilometres (37–43 mi).[14] According to theRoyal United Services Institute, the range performance of PL-12 stands between AIM-120B and AIM-120C-5.[15]
NATO reporting name isCH-AA-7A.[17] Improved PL-12 with a modified seeker and digital processor. Reportedly fitted with passive mode for anti-radiation missions.[14]
PL-12C
Variant with folded control fins, designed to fit inside the J-20 weapons bay. Did not enter service and used to develop thePL-15.[15]
^The International Institute for Strategic Studies (15 February 2023). "6 Asia".The Military Balance 2023. London: Routledge.doi:10.4324/9781003400226.ISBN9781003400226.
^Barrie, Douglas (9 September 2022)."Air-to-air warfare: speed kills".Military Balance Blog. International Institute for Strategic Studies. Retrieved6 November 2022.
Bronk, Justin (October 2020).Russian and Chinese Combat Air Trends(PDF) (Report). United Kingdom: Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies.
