PL-17: China presents one of the most dangerous missiles for air combat

China has presented details of its state-of-the-art PL-17 missile, designed to destroy enemy aircraft.

A model of the air-to-air missile was installed at the exhibition stand. Behind it was an advertising stand for the Chinese J-20 fighter jet, according to Clash Report.

When the missile first appeared in public in 2016, it was referred to in the West as the PL-XX, and later as the PL-20.

However, judging by the new photo, the designation PL-17 can now be considered confirmed.

After being adopted for service, the missile was assigned the Western reporting name CH-AA-12 Auger.

From the outset, the PL-17 was considered an ultra-long-range air-to-air missile, as evidenced by its large dimensions.

The main targets for such a weapon are likely to be large and particularly important airborne objects—refueling aircraft, as well as airborne early warning and control aircraft.

According to available data, the PL-17 is equipped with a solid-fuel rocket engine. Flight control is provided by four relatively small tail fins and a nozzle with a controlled thrust vector.

The approximate launch range is estimated at 400 kilometers, although the actual effective range may vary significantly depending on combat conditions. The maximum speed of the missile is estimated to exceed 4,900 kilometers per hour.

To realize the full potential of the PL-17 in terms of target designation range, it will likely need to rely on external sources — long-range radar detection aircraft (in which China is actively investing), other aircraft, as well as ground-based and naval radar stations.

As of today, the PL-17 has only been observed on J-16 fighters, but it is assumed that in the future it may be adapted for external hardpoints on the J-20.

At the same time, the PL-17 may well be considered as armament for future Chinese combat aircraft, in particular the J-36 fighter jet, which has spacious internal weapon compartments.