The PL-9C SHORAD is a short range ground-to-air missile defense system designed by the Chinese Company by Dong Bingyin at the Luoyang Electro Optical Center. The PL-9C tactical low-altitude surface-to-air missile (SAM) was first revealed during the 1989 Paris Air Show. The launch unit is available in both towed and self-propelled arrangement.
The main component of the towed PL-9C station is the launcher unit, which is carried on a two-wheeled A-frame trailer. When in the firing position, the wheels are removed from the ground and the trailer is stabilised on four adjustable outriggers. The launcher consists of a large rectangular unit carrying two missiles on each side ready to be fire.
Missile
The missile is fitted with a cryogenic liquid nitrogen gas-cooled IR seeker capable of +/-40 degree off boresight angles. Flight control is by long span pointed delta fins at the front of the missile with Sidewinder-type slipstream driven rollerons on the aft tail fin surfaces to prevent roll and so enhance the operation of the guidance system. The missile has a maximum effective range of 35 km and an altitude limit of 6.5 km. The single-shot hit probability for a single missile launch at an approaching target is 90%.
Radar and control components.
The PL9C launcher unit is associated to target acquisition and radar and electro-optical director mounted on a 6x6 WZ551 armoured vehicle personnel carrier or to the AF902 fire control radar which is equipped with an X-Band search radar, a C-Band Search/Tracking radar, a Ka-Band tracking radar and electro-optical system with TV tracking range, IR tracking range and laser range finder.
Mobility
The mobile PL9C SHORAD is normally towed by a 4x4 light tactical vehicle or military truck.
Operations
The launcher unit is supported by a range of truck-mounted ground equipment for maintenance and missile testing.
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