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Liu Zhen

China’s latest air-to-air missile, the PL-16, could have a range of more than 300km (186 miles) thanks to a variable-thrust rocket motor, according to an unverified image being circulated online.
It comes weeks after the first image emerged of the US Air Force’s new AIM-260 air-to-air missile – a joint advanced tactical missile with a range of at least 193km (120 miles).
It is not clear when the AIM-260 will enter service, but US officials have cited China’s PL-15 missile as a key driver for the programme.
The PL-15 currently serves as the backbone of the Chinese air force’s missile inventory. Its next-generation successor, the PL-16, has reportedly been under development in recent years though details remain highly classified.
However, an image has surfaced online of what is said to be a briefing slide on the development of air-to-air missiles in China – from the PL-11 to the PL-12, the PL-15 and the new PL-16.
The authenticity of the image has not been independently confirmed.

According to the slide, the PL-16 will have a range exceeding that of the AIM-260 by more than 50 per cent – suggesting the American missile would be more comparable to the PL-15, which has a range of 200km.
It also claims that the PL-16 will perform significantly better than the PL-15, with a “longer strike range, stronger anti-jamming capability, improved penetration and survivability, and wider operational adaptability”.
It says the new missile – as well as being equipped with a variable-thrust solid rocket motor – will have a two-way data link on top and an active electronically scanned array, or AESA, radar.
The PL-15 gained international prominence after its export variant, the PL-15E, was used by the Pakistan Air Force to shoot down multiple Indian fighter jets during their conflict last year.
It was the first time the Chinese missiles had been put to the test in a real combat situation.
In one case, one of India’s Nato-standard Rafale jets – made by French aircraft maker Dassault – was reportedly destroyed by a PL-15E missile launched from more than 180km away by a Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jet.
The PL-15 is powered by a dual-pulse solid rocket motor that allows for an extended range. It also has an AESA radar and a one-way data link to receive updates in-flight.

America’s new AIM-260 also reportedly has a dual-pulse solid rocket motor and is equipped with an AESA seeker.
In comparison, a variable-thrust solid rocket motor would give the PL-16 a continuous, real-time thrust adjustment for optimal energy management and even longer range.
The AIM-260 dimensions are said to be similar to those of the AIM-120 – currently America’s most advanced air-to-air missile – meaning it could fit into the F-22 and F-35 weapons bays but would have a much longer range.
It has a wingless body configuration so it relies solely on four tail fins.






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An unverified briefing slide has emerged with details of the new weapon, weeks after an image appeared of America’s AIM-260


An unverified briefing slide has emerged with details of the new weapon, weeks after an image appeared of America’s AIM-260.


China’s PL-15 missile has downed Rafale jets. Is the PL-16 even more powerful?

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}An unverified briefing slide has emerged with details of the new weapon, weeks after an image appeared of America’s AIM-260

An unverified briefing slide has emerged with details of the new weapon, weeks after an image appeared of America’s AIM-260