PL-5

The PL-5 (霹雳-5) air-to-air missile (PL stands for Pi Li, "Thunderbolt" in Chinese, the generic designation for all PRC air-to-air missiles) is a short-range, Infrared homing missile used by Chinese 2nd and 3rd generationfighters and jet trainers. It is an upgraded version of the PL-2, which is based on Vympel K-13 (AA-2 "Atoll") technology that resembles the AIM-9 Sidewinder. The PLAAF's latest-generation non-stealth fighters like the J-10 and J-11 mainly use PL-8B and PL-10 missiles, while stealth fighters like the J-20 and J-35 rely exclusively on the PL-10 for short-range engagements. These models are more advanced short-range air-to-air missiles than the PL-5. However, due to the greater weight and dimensions of the PL-8 and PL-10 missiles, the PL-5, PL-7, and PL-9 are still the preferable air-to-air missiles for the F-7 at this stage.

The PL-5 was designed and developed at China's Luoyang Electro-Optics Technology Development Centre (EOTDC), also known as Institute 612; its design team members included Chen Jiali (陈家礼), Dong Chunfeng, Hu Rongchao (胡荣超), Huang Bin, Zhang Ming (张明), and Zheng Zhiwei (郑志伟). It was reportedly produced at the Hanzhong Nanfeng Machine Factory (also known as the Hanzhong Air-to-Air Missile Factory) of the China Aviation Industry Corporation I.

The PL-5 have been continuously upgraded by Luoyang and the latest variant, the PL-5EII, added a dual band, multi-element detector as well as a laser proximity fuse similar to the PL-9. According to the Chinese export/import agency CATIC, the PL-5E has an all-aspect capability with the seeker having a maximum off boresight angle of ±25° before launch, and ±40° after launch.