Difference between revisions of "PL-5B"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.'' -->
PL-5B is a domestic heat-seeker AAM developed in PRC by Institute 612, Ministry of Aviation Industry (now Luoyang Electro-optics Technology Development Centre). A vast improvement over the previous model, the [[PL-2]], with higher tracking rate and overload.
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[[File:WeaponImage PL-5B.png|thumb|left|420px|The PL-5B missile (scale is approximate)]]
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{{Break}}
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The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a Chinese [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]], it was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].
  
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
  
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* {{Specs-Link|j_7d}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|j_7e}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|j_7e}}
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* {{Specs-Link|j_8b}}
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* {{Specs-Link|jh_7a}}
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
<!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.'' -->
 +
As a domestic heat-seeker AAM developed by the PRC by Institute 612, Ministry of Aviation Industry (now Luoyang Electro-optics Technology Development Centre), the PL-5 was a vast improvement over the previous model, the [[PL-2]], with a higher tracking rate and overload.
  
* Length: 3.128 m
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
* Maximum overload: 20G
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! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
* Launch overload limit: 4G
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|-
* Lock distance from rear-aspect:5.5 km
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| '''Mass''' || 84.5 kg
* Max range: 18 km
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|-
* Warhead: 4.76kg HBX, equivalent to 7.62 kg TNT
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| '''Guidance''' || IR
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|-
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| '''Aspect''' || Rear-aspect
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|-
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| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 5.5 km
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|-
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| '''Launch range''' || 16 km
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|-
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| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M
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|-
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| '''Maximum overload''' || 30 G
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|-
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| '''Missile guidance time''' || 23 secs
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|-
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| '''Explosive mass''' || 7.62 kg TNTeq
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|-
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|}
  
 
=== Effective damage ===
 
=== Effective damage ===
 
<!-- ''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)'' -->
The warhead of PL-5B was filled with 4.76 kg of HBX, equivalent to 7.62 kg of TNT and comes with proximity fuse that helps to blast enemy aircraft into pieces.
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The warhead of PL-5B was filled with 4.76 kg of HBX, equivalent to 7.62 kg of TNT, and comes with a proximity fuse that helps to blast enemy aircraft into pieces.
  
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
<!-- ''Give a comparative description of missiles that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give a comparative description of missiles that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' -->
At the same tier, the AIM-9J and the AIM-9P are very common and the PL-5B in many ways is similar to them in terms of explosive mass and overload, while it also suffers the problem of launch overload limiter. The Matra Magic R.550 is in many ways better than the PL-5B but in the right hands, they can be equally lethal.
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At the same tier, the AIM-9J and the AIM-9P are very common and the PL-5B in many ways is similar to them in terms of explosive mass and overload, its acceleration speed is a two-bladed sword- on one hand, it caused overshoot due to its immense acceleration to top speed in merely a second; on the other hand, this acceleration also helped to shoot down enemies who had bailed from their manoeuvre, they would have a hard time dodging a missile travelling at Mach 2.2.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe situations when you would utilise this missile in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe situations when you would utilise this missile in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)'' -->
The best way to use the PL-5B is do not trigger-happy on these missiles, 30G overload a 8 kg TNT equivalent explosive mass and do seem wonderful at first glance. But this missile comes with drawbacks: its rather heavy overall mass of the missile itself as well as a launch overload limit at 4G. So pick up targets who is a least 1.5 km apart and those that might not pay attention to their tail, with some distance this missile can do it jobs well on hitting its targets. Very likely your target will not ever have the luxury to do a emergency landing at base, either they has been shattered by the missile or they barely gain control to the aircraft.
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PL-5Bs can be used in 3 ways: surprising the enemy, using it as a dogfight missile due to its surprising off-boresight capabilities and long-range snipes. Due to its massive acceleration, the PL-5B can reach a higher top speed than conventional missiles at lower altitudes. For example, whereas an AIM-9P/9J would take 3 to 4 seconds to reach its target from 2 km on the deck at high speeds, the PL-5 covers this same distance in less than 2 seconds. The missile can track targets at around 1.5 km (anywhere closer will drastically decrease the odds to payback on your foe), so surprising enemies who just missed their shots upon you or those who are chasing teammates and didn't pay enough attention to your existence is suggested to maximize PL-5B; alternatively, the immense acceleration and speed also means PL-5B can even surprise targets at even up to 6 km given the missile does constantly tracking on your designated target.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Higher explosive mass among the same tier IR AAMs that can make short work of enemies
 
* Higher explosive mass among the same tier IR AAMs that can make short work of enemies
* Sufficient 20G overload
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* Excellent 30G overload
* Sufficient top speed
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* Missile without launch overload limits such as AIM-9G and SRAAM
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* Immense acceleration
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* Higher range than most conventional IR missiles except the AIM-9D/G
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* Short burntime while retaining very long range
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* 4G launch overload limit that could be troublesome
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* Somewhat sensitive to the sun and flares
* Somewhat less agile due to the overall high mass
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.'' -->
The PL-5B started its development during the 1970s in parallel with its "brother", the PL-5A SARM when Mainland China was in their crisis (the Cultural Revolution). While it had already done aerial simulation tests in September of 1972, it came into service in 1986 while the PL-5A had been cancelled 3 years prior due to outdated technology.  
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In the late 1960s, as the PL-2 was already deemed obsolete, the need for new SARH and IR missiles arose alongside the ongoing new interceptor projects. Both PL-3 and PL-5 had separate SARH (PL-5A [甲]) and IR (PL-5B [乙]) designs using the same missile airframe. Development started on both projects in April 1966, and the PL-5B had better progress by the late 1960s when it could already start its ground and airborne tests. Although the PL-5B had already completed its required tests by the 1970s, the Cultural Revolution hindered its further certifications and it would only enter PLAAF service by September 1986, while the PL-5A was cancelled in 1983 during budget cuts in the early times of economic reform.
  
After 2 decades of development and the technologies learnt from foreign IR AAMs, CATIC introduced the latest export-intended version of this missile- PL-5EII, with a brand new multi-band tracker and able to lock from front-aspect, enhancing this missile to a new level.
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Soon after the certification of PL-5B, the limited-all-aspect PL-5C and later PL-5E entered PLAAF service in the early 1990s alongside new domestic jets. The final version of the PL-5, named PL-5EII with a new IR seeker and up to 40G overload, entered service as the replacement of earlier missiles and was used by the JH-7A and the export JF-17 (FC-1) Thunder.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==

Latest revision as of 13:40, 6 November 2023

Description

The PL-5B missile (scale is approximate)


The PL-5B is a Chinese infrared homing air-to-air missile, it was introduced in Update "Red Skies".

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

General info

As a domestic heat-seeker AAM developed by the PRC by Institute 612, Ministry of Aviation Industry (now Luoyang Electro-optics Technology Development Centre), the PL-5 was a vast improvement over the previous model, the PL-2, with a higher tracking rate and overload.

Missile characteristics
Mass 84.5 kg
Guidance IR
Aspect Rear-aspect
Lock range (rear-aspect) 5.5 km
Launch range 16 km
Maximum speed 2.5 M
Maximum overload 30 G
Missile guidance time 23 secs
Explosive mass 7.62 kg TNTeq

Effective damage

The warhead of PL-5B was filled with 4.76 kg of HBX, equivalent to 7.62 kg of TNT, and comes with a proximity fuse that helps to blast enemy aircraft into pieces.

Comparison with analogues

At the same tier, the AIM-9J and the AIM-9P are very common and the PL-5B in many ways is similar to them in terms of explosive mass and overload, its acceleration speed is a two-bladed sword- on one hand, it caused overshoot due to its immense acceleration to top speed in merely a second; on the other hand, this acceleration also helped to shoot down enemies who had bailed from their manoeuvre, they would have a hard time dodging a missile travelling at Mach 2.2.

Usage in battles

PL-5Bs can be used in 3 ways: surprising the enemy, using it as a dogfight missile due to its surprising off-boresight capabilities and long-range snipes. Due to its massive acceleration, the PL-5B can reach a higher top speed than conventional missiles at lower altitudes. For example, whereas an AIM-9P/9J would take 3 to 4 seconds to reach its target from 2 km on the deck at high speeds, the PL-5 covers this same distance in less than 2 seconds. The missile can track targets at around 1.5 km (anywhere closer will drastically decrease the odds to payback on your foe), so surprising enemies who just missed their shots upon you or those who are chasing teammates and didn't pay enough attention to your existence is suggested to maximize PL-5B; alternatively, the immense acceleration and speed also means PL-5B can even surprise targets at even up to 6 km given the missile does constantly tracking on your designated target.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Higher explosive mass among the same tier IR AAMs that can make short work of enemies
  • Excellent 30G overload
  • Missile without launch overload limits such as AIM-9G and SRAAM
  • Immense acceleration
  • Higher range than most conventional IR missiles except the AIM-9D/G
  • Short burntime while retaining very long range

Cons:

  • Somewhat sensitive to the sun and flares

History

In the late 1960s, as the PL-2 was already deemed obsolete, the need for new SARH and IR missiles arose alongside the ongoing new interceptor projects. Both PL-3 and PL-5 had separate SARH (PL-5A [甲]) and IR (PL-5B [乙]) designs using the same missile airframe. Development started on both projects in April 1966, and the PL-5B had better progress by the late 1960s when it could already start its ground and airborne tests. Although the PL-5B had already completed its required tests by the 1970s, the Cultural Revolution hindered its further certifications and it would only enter PLAAF service by September 1986, while the PL-5A was cancelled in 1983 during budget cuts in the early times of economic reform.

Soon after the certification of PL-5B, the limited-all-aspect PL-5C and later PL-5E entered PLAAF service in the early 1990s alongside new domestic jets. The final version of the PL-5, named PL-5EII with a new IR seeker and up to 40G overload, entered service as the replacement of earlier missiles and was used by the JH-7A and the export JF-17 (FC-1) Thunder.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;
  • references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Missiles
USA 
AAM  AIM-54A Phoenix · AIM-54C Phoenix · ATAS (AIM-92)
Sparrow  AIM-7C · AIM-7D · AIM-7E · AIM-7E-2 · AIM-7F · AIM-7M
Sidewinder  AIM-9B · AIM-9C · AIM-9D · AIM-9E · AIM-9G · AIM-9H · AIM-9J · AIM-9L · AIM-9M · AIM-9P
AGM  AGM-22 · APKWS II (M151) · APKWS II (M282) · BGM-71D TOW-2
Bullpup  AGM-12B Bullpup · AGM-12C Bullpup
Hellfire  AGM-114B Hellfire · AGM-114K Hellfire II
Maverick  AGM-65A · AGM-65B · AGM-65D
ATGM  LOSAT/MGM-166A
TOW  BGM-71 · BGM-71A · BGM-71B · BGM-71C
SAM  FIM-92 Stinger · MIM-72 · MIM146
Naval SAM  RIM-24A
Germany 
AAM  AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder · Flz Lwf 63/80
AGM  9M14M Malyutka · Flz Lwf LB 82 · HOT-1 · HOT-2 TOW · HOT-3 · PARS 3 LR
AShM  AS.34 Kormoran
ATGM  HOT-K3S
SAM  Roland
USSR 
AAM  9M39 Igla · R-3R · R-3S · R-13M1 · R-23R · R-23T · R-24R · R-24T · R-27ER(1) · R-27ET(1) · R-27R(1) · R-27T(1) · R-60 · R-60M · R-60MK · R-73(E)
AGM  9K127 Vikhr · 9M17M Falanga · 9M120 Ataka · 9M120-1 Ataka
  Kh-23M · Kh-25 · Kh-25ML · Kh-29L · Kh-29T · Kh-29TE · Kh-29TD · Kh-66 · S-25L
ATGM  3M7 · 9M14 · 9M113 Konkurs · 9M114 Shturm · 9M123 Khrizantema · 9M133 · 9M133FM3 · 9M133M-2
SAM  95Ya6 · 9M311 · 9M311-1M · 9M331 · 9M37M
Naval SAM  Volna-M
Britain 
AAM  Fireflash · Firestreak · Red Top · Skyflash · Skyflash SuperTEMP · SRAAM
AGM  AS.12 · ZT-6 Mokopa
AShM  AJ.168
ATGM  BAe Swingfire · MILAN · MILAN 2 · ZT3
SAM  Starstreak
Japan 
AAM  AAM-3
AGM  Ki-148 I-Go Model 1B
ATGM  Type 64 MAT · Type 79 Jyu-MAT
SAM  Type 81 SAM-1C · Type 91
China 
AAM  PL-2 · PL-5B · PL-5C · PL-7 · PL-8 · TY-90
AGM  AKD-9 · AKD-10 · HJ-8A · HJ-8C · HJ-8E · HJ-8H
ATGM  302 · HJ-73 · HJ-73E · HJ-9 · QN201DD · QN502CDD
SAM  HN-6
Italy 
AAM  Aspide-1A
AGM  CIRIT · L-UMTAS · Spike ER
ATGM  Spike-LR2MR
Naval AShM  Nettuno
SAM  Mistral SATCP
France 
AAM  AA-20 Nord · Matra R511 · Matra R530 · Matra R530E · Matra Super 530D · Matra Super 530F · Matra R550 Magic 1 · Matra R550 Magic 2 · Mistral
AGM  9M14-2 Malyutka-2 · AS-20 Nord · AS-30 Nord · AS-30L Nord · HOT-1 · HOT-2 TOW · HOT-3 · Spike ER
ATGM  HOT · SS.11
SAM  Roland · VT1
Sweden 
AAM  RB24 · RB24J · RB71 · RB 74 · RB 74(M)
AGM  Rb05A · RB 53 Bantam · RB 55B Heli TOW · RB 55C Heli TOW · RB 75
ATGM  Rbs 55 · Rbs 56
SAM  Rbs 70
Israel 
AAM  Shafrir · Shafrir 2 · Python 3
ATGM  Spike-MR
  AAM = Air-to-Air Missile   AGM = Air-to-Ground Missile   AShM = Anti-Ship Missile   ATGM = Anti-Tank Guided Missile (Ground mounts)   SAM = Surface-to-Air Missile