Data Quality85%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the medium-range aam (mraam / bvr) category.
01 / Overview
PL-8
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1988–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
MEDIUM-RANGE AAM (MRAAM / BVR) · COLD WAR
13
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
70
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the medium-range aam (mraam / bvr) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- Missile TypeShort-range air-to-air missile
- Service Entry Year1988
- Length2.95 m
- Diameter160 mm
- Launch Weight115 kg
- In ServiceYes
◈Guidance3MOD.3
- Guidance TypeInfrared
- Seeker TypePassive infrared homing
- Fire-and-ForgetYes
▣Propulsion4MOD.4
- Propulsion TypeSolid rocket
- Motor Typedual-thrust solid rocket motor
- Boost StageYes
- Fuel / PropellantSolid fuel
◇Performance5MOD.5
- Maximum Range20 km
- Top Speed1,372 m/s
- Top Speed (Mach)4 Mach
- Cruise Altitude21,000 m
- Maximum G38
◆Warhead3MOD.3
- Warhead Typehigh explosive
- Warhead Weight11 kg
- Proximity FuzeYes
▤Launch Platform3MOD.3
- Launch PlatformAerial and ground
- Air-LaunchedYes
- Ground-LaunchedYes
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Operators1
- Variants4
- Production Start1,983 year
▲Warhead Detail2MOD.2
- Detonation Mechanism / FuzeImpact / Proximity
- Explosive Filler Weight11 kg
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1988Production started
38
years in service
3
countries operating
05 / MASS Score
MEDIUM-RANGE AAM (MRAAM / BVR) RANKING Medium-Range AAM (MRAAM / BVR) · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
40MEDIUM-RANGE AAM (MRAAM / BVR)13COLD WAR · MEDIUM-RANGE AAM (MRAAM / BVR)345PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA · ALL WEAPONS34PERFORMANCE/PRICE · MEDIUM-RANGE AAM (MRAAM / BVR)
ⓘ Rankings are within theMedium-Range AAM (MRAAM / BVR)category.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE6terms
Capability of launching an anti-tank guided missile from an airborne platform, such as a helicopter or aircraft.
The initial propulsion phase where a high-thrust motor accelerates the missile to operational velocity.
Fire-and-forget refers to a missile guidance system where the missile guides itself to its target after launch, requiring no further input from the operator.
Launched from a ground-based platform, such as a vehicle or tripod, rather than an aircraft or other airborne system.
Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, used in missile guidance systems to detect and track targets based on heat signatures.
A proximity fuze is a detonation mechanism in ATGMs that triggers when the missile approaches within a set distance of a target, using sensors like radar or laser to detect proximity.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources