Foreign media analyze the PL-15 air-to-air missile, surprised by a data: feel that the Rafale's loss is not unwarranted

Recently, a Western think tank provided an intuitive demonstration of how the PL-15 air-to-air missile uses "dual-pulse" technology, analyzing its no-escape zone and maneuverability. The core breakthrough of the PL-15 lies in its dual-pulse solid-fuel rocket engine, a technology that has completely changed the way air-to-air missiles manage energy.

Traditional single-pulse missiles are "thrust for 5 seconds after launch," while dual-pulse is "thrust for 2.4 seconds after launch, and then again 2.4 seconds before hitting the target." This power distribution method significantly improves the missile's terminal speed and no-escape zone.

Data shows that the PL-15's terminal penetration speed can reach 4 Mach, while the American AIM-120D reduces its speed to 2.5 Mach after flying 120 kilometers. This makes the PL-15's no-escape zone as high as an astonishing 145 kilometers, far exceeding the 60 kilometers of the Meteor missile.

The export version of the PL-15E has a stated range of 145 kilometers, but the Pakistani Air Force set a real combat strike record of 190 kilometers during exercises. The self-use version of the PL-15 has a range close to 200 kilometers, making it one of the longest-range air-to-air missiles currently in service worldwide.

More surprisingly, the PL-15 employs an active phased array radar seeker. This advanced guidance system, the only one in the world that has been deployed in combat, has already been used in export models, while similar U.S. technology is still in testing phase.

French media tried to justify the failure of the Rafale fighter jet, attributing the cause to "Indian pilot quality" or "maintenance issues." However, technical data comparisons cruelly show that the Rafale's nose diameter is only 55 centimeters, and its radar detection range is more than 20% shorter than that of the J-10C. Finally, this think tank reluctantly admitted that the United States is caught in a vicious cycle in the air-to-air missile field — the equipment under development is already outdated, yet it continues to be delayed endlessly.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838777391839305/

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