The J-10C fighter jet with new generation air-to-air missiles carried on the wing tips has been spotted in China.
According to the Chinese media, the J-10C fighter jet carried under the wings the PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile.
The PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) is a new generation air-to-air Chinese missile which has a maximum range of 20 km. It has an all-weather, active infrared guidance system. The PL-10 is developed by Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) consortium for use on modern fighter jets such as the stealth J-20.
The PL-15 is a beyond visual range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM). Chinese media said the PL-15 can reach out to over 300 km at a speed greater than Mach 4 (4,900 km/h). The PL-15 can detect, attack and destroy a target with minimum aircrew input.
Some military expert said that the PL-15 missile designed to gain and sustain air superiority and shoot down defenseless aerial tankers and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft from as far away as 300 kilometers.
