PL-7

The PL-7 is the PRC version of the French Magic R.550 air-to-air missile. It is a short-range, Infrared homing missile used by Chinese fighters. It was designed by Wu Shendao, and produced at the Factory 331 (Zhuzhou Aeroengine factory) (中国株洲航空发动机厂).

Specifications

 * Length - 2.74 m
 * Diameter - 157 mm
 * Wingspan - 0.66 m
 * Weight - 89 kg
 * Warhead - 12.5 kg
 * Speed - Mach 2.5
 * Range - 0.5 to 14 km
 * Guidance - Infrared homing

Operational history
During the late 1998–2001 Zimbabwean intervention in the Second Congo War, Air Force of Zimbabwe BAE Hawks were reportedly modified to be armed with PL-7s for air interception missions in support of Zimbabwean and Laurent Kabila's government forces.

Operator

 * Bangladesh Air Force
 * People's Liberation Army Air Force
 * Iranian Air Force
 * People's Liberation Army Air Force
 * Iranian Air Force
 * Iranian Air Force