BVRAAMs of PAF

As I was going through its list on Wiki, I have found at currently PAF is using/purchasing two kinds of BVRAAMS for its use. One is US made AIM-120 while the other is or might be Chinese made PL-12. Following are some of the details which I could gather from the internet.

AIM-120 AMRAAM
Launch Platform F-16
Type Medium-range, active radar homing air-to-air missile
In service September 1991–present
Variants AIM-120A, AIM-120B, AIM-120C, AIM-120C-4/5/6/7, AIM-120D
Warhead High explosive blast-fragmentation
• AIM-120A/B: WDU-33/B, 50 pounds (22.7 kg)
• AIM-120C-5: WDU-41/B, 40 pounds (18.1 kg)
Detonation mechanism Active RADAR Target Detection Device (TDD)
Quadrant Target Detection Device (QTDD) in AIM-120C-6 – lots 13+
Engine Solid-fuel rocket motor
Wingspan 20.7 in (530 mm) AIM-120A/B
Operational range
• AIM-120A/B: 55–75 km (30–40 nmi)
• AIM-120C-5: >105 km (>57 nmi)
• AIM-120D (C-8): >160 km (>97 nmi)
Speed Mach 4 (4,900 km/h; 3,045 mph)
Guidance system
inertial guidance, terminal active radar homing



PL-12
Launch Platform JF17
The PL-12 is SD-10 export designation.
Operational range 70–100 kilometres (43–62 mi)[2][3]
Speed Mach 4
It is powered by a rocket motor
Guidance system Active radar
The PL-12 also reportedly has a “passive” seeking mode that would allow it to home in on an emitting target, such as a jamming or AWACs radar aircraft.
In the PL-12 the PLA has a modern self-guided AAM that is in the same class as the U.S. AIM-120 and the Russian R-77.
By 2005 to 2006 the PL-12 began to appear in photos of PLA fighters, especially the Chengdu J-10 and some versions of the Shenyang J-8II. It has also been tested on the Shenyang J-11B, now in advanced development, and has been seen in at least on photo on a wing pylon of a Xian JH-7A fighter attack fighter.

you forgot the r-darter

Blue Marlin said:

you forgot the r-darter

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I think they are about to get obsolete.

Valar Dohaeris said:

I think they are about to get obsolete.

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from what i know they were used as a stop gap in the 2001-2002 indo-pak stand-off. pakistan did not have bvraams whilst india did(r77)

Blue Marlin said:

from what i know they were used as a stop gap in the 2001-2002 indo-pak stand-off. pakistan did not have bvraams whilst india did(r77)

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Yeah there are some news over the web about PAF operating it. However, I think PAF is moving towards more advanced options. As these are not integrated to be launched from JF17. But, I am just quoting internet and my own speculations. I hope we might get some expert on-board here.

Valar Dohaeris said:

Yeah there are some news over the web about PAF operating it. However, I think PAF is moving towards more advanced options. As these are not integrated to be launched from JF17. But, I am just quoting internet and my own speculations. I hope we might get some expert on-board here.

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It's pure nonsense rumour. If it cannot be integrated into JF-17 then may I know what platform other than that?

Any information regarding PL-13 ?, its mentioned in JF-17 Ammo list in Wikipedia

Fawad alam said:

Any information regarding PL-13 ?, its mentioned in JF-17 Ammo list in Wikipedia

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Sir, there is no PL13. Only PL15 with 200KM range and VLRAAM with 400KM plus range for Hunting AWACS. jF17 can carry two PL15, but can't carry VLRAAM.

When will PAF get PL15 from China?

wanglaokan said:

Sir, there is no PL13. Only PL15 with 200KM range and VLRAAM with 400KM plus range for Hunting AWACS. jF17 can carry two PL15, but can't carry VLRAAM.

When will PAF get PL15 from China?

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Wow, If JF-17 can carry 2 x PL-15 with 200 KM range( may be assisted by AEW&C ) ,it will be nightmare for enemies.

Fawad alam said:

Wow, If JF-17 can carry 2 x PL-15 with 200 KM range( may be assisted by AEW&C ) ,it will be nightmare for enemies.

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PL15 need AESA guidance, we will see it maybe on JF17 blk3.

Fawad alam said:

Wow, If JF-17 can carry 2 x PL-15 with 200 KM range( may be assisted by AEW&C ) ,it will be nightmare for enemies.

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Dont we need better or more advanced RADARs for more advanced AAMs ?

That s why PAF should go with Vixen AESA radars with a range of 300+ km will enable it to target enemy A/C with BVRAAMs with considerable range.

Valar Dohaeris said:

Dont we need better or more advanced RADARs for more advanced AAMs ?

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Air borne Early warning system can fire Pl-15 in my understanding, Jf-17 need to just carry.[emoji12]

Fawad alam said:

Air borne Early warning system can fire Pl-15 in my understanding, Jf-17 need to just carry.[emoji12]

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Firing is only one half of the job. Detection is another. And for that, you need RADARs.

Valar Dohaeris said:

Firing is only one half of the job. Detection is another. And for that, you need RADARs.

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This is from chinese media(Pl-15 is may be devaloped version of Pl-13) and i am surprised to hear that Jf17 can carry, Wow.

" Chinese military expert Li Li said J-20 fighter and PL-13 missile will form a system together with early warning aircrafts, which will be able to find enemies hundreds kilometers away, and guide J-20 to attack them.

She added that Sidewinder missile is an infrared guidance type missile different PL-13’s rear tracking, and PL-13 air-to-air missile’s speed might be as high as Mach 4 to 5, giving no opportunity for escape of any targets. "