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PL-15 vs AIM-120 AMRAAM: Which Beyond Visual Range Missile Is More Advanced?

PL-15 vs AIM-120 AMRAAM: Which Beyond Visual Range Missile Is More Advanced?

The PL-15 and AIM-120 AMRAAM are among the world’s most advanced beyond visual range air-to-air missiles. China’s PL-15 is designed with long-range engagement capabilities and advanced radar guidance, while the U.S.-made AIM-120 AMRAAM remains combat proven across multiple air forces worldwide. This comparison examines their range, speed, guidance systems, operational roles, and overall effectiveness in modern air combat. Learn how these two missiles compare in the evolving race for air superiority and next-generation aerial warfare technology.

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	Chinese PL-15 Missile AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile

Price
Our Rating	8.0 8.0
Manufacturer	China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp. (CASC) Raytheon Technologies
Category	Missiles & Precision Weapons Missiles & Precision Weapons

1. General Information

Name / Designation	PL-15 AIM-120 AMRAAM
Type / Role	Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile Air-to-Air Missile, Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR)
Country of Origin	China United States
Manufacturer	CASIC (China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation) Raytheon Technologies
Service Entry / Year Introduced	2015 1991
Operational Status	Active Active

2. Performance & Range

Range	200–300 km (Long Range) Up to 160 km (AIM-120D variant)
Speed	Mach 4 Mach 4+
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	Over 20,000 m Over 20,000 m
Accuracy (CEP)	High precision with radar homing <5 meters
Warhead Type	High-Explosive Fragmentation High-Explosive Fragmentation

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	Inertial + Active Radar (AESA) Active Radar, Inertial Navigation
Targeting Mode	Fire-and-Forget / Midcourse Update Fire-and-Forget
Launch Platform Compatibility	Fighter Jet F-15, F-16, F/A-18, F-22, F-35
Seeker Type	Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Active Radar Seeker

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	4.0 m 3.7 m
Diameter	0.20 m 0.18 m
Wingspan	0.60 m 0.53 m
Launch Weight	~210 kg 152 kg
Propulsion	Dual-pulse Solid-fuel Rocket Solid-fuel Rocket Motor

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	~40 kg 18 kg
Explosive Type	High-Explosive Fragmentation High-Explosive Fragmentation
Detonation Mechanism	Proximity Fuse Proximity / Impact Fuse
Payload Options	Conventional Conventional

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long Medium to Long
Deployment Platform	Air Air
Target Types	Fighter Aircraft, AWACS, Tankers Aircraft, Drones, Cruise Missiles
Combat Proven	Limited Information Yes
Users / Operators	China United States, UK, Japan, NATO Allies

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