First Clear Image of Chinese 5th Gen J-20 “Mighty Dragon” Launching PL-10 Missile Revealed

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The first clear image of a fifth-generation J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter from the Chinese PLA Air Force (PLAAF) launching a PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) has surfaced.

The image shows the PL-10 missile emerging from the fighter jet’s right-side internal weapons bay, which features the PLAAF logo.

It is believed to have been initially uploaded to the PLAAF’s official Weibo account. The side internal bays of the J-20 are specifically designed to house the PL-10 missile, capable of engaging targets up to 20 km away.

The J-20’s internal bay mechanics and structural design demonstrate an impressive combination of engineering precision and tactical air combat functionality, highlighting how these elements work cohesively.

The recent image, shared by Chinese Air Force expert Andreas Rupprecht on social media, offers a rare glimpse of the missile launch.

While the PL-10 is easily identifiable in the image, a related video from November 2023 showing the missile launch is notably grainy.

BRIEF:

The first clear image of China’s fifth-generation J-20 “Mighty Dragon” stealth fighter launching a PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile has been revealed, showcasing the aircraft’s advanced internal weapons bay design. The PL-10, developed since 2005, features cutting-edge imaging infrared sensors, lock-on after launch (LOAL) capability, and strong resistance to electronic countermeasures. Initially deployed on the J-11 in 2011, it has become the PLA Air Force’s standard short-range missile, replacing the PL-8B. Reports suggest China is working on a successor, the PL-16, though details remain undisclosed.

However, it has been confirmed as the PL-10, given that the J-20’s internal side bays are designed for short- and medium-range air-to-air missiles like the PL-10.

Development of the PL-10 reportedly began around 2005, with the first test launch conducted in late 2008.

The missile features an advanced multi-element imaging infrared (IIR) sensor, allowing it to identify targets based on their shape, providing all-aspect targeting capability, extended range, and enhanced resistance to countermeasures like chaff and flares.

It is also highly resistant to jamming and electronic countermeasures.

The PL-10 is equipped with lock-on after launch (LOAL) capability, enabling it to update target data via datalink mid-flight, further enhancing its effectiveness.

The missile was designed by Dr. Liang Xiaogeng at the Luoyang Electro Optical Center, also known as Institute 612, later renamed the China Air-to-Air Guided Missile Research Institute in 2002.

Development of the PL-10 began in 2004 for use on stealth fighters such as the J-20 and J-35.

Early production examples appeared on the PLAAF’s J-11 Flanker in 2011, although most reports suggest it entered service later, possibly before its public debut at the Zhuhai Airshow 2016.

Since then, the PL-10 has gradually replaced the PL-8B as the PLAAF’s standard short-range air-to-air missile.

According to the U.K.’s Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the PL-10 is comparable to the European ASRAAM and IRIS-T, offering superior kinematic performance compared to the American AIM-9X Sidewinder.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that China is now developing a successor to the PL-10, tentatively referred to as PL-16, but no further details are currently available. – DSA