The TL-2 air-to-surface missile was developed by China.The TL-2 air-to-ground missile is developed to meet the needs of small-and-medium sized reconnaissance/strike UAV . The missile is mainly used for borders patrol, anti-terrorism, and safeguard. The operation targets include lightweight armored vehicle, simple fortifications, armed personnel, and small boat on water.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Range | 4-7 km |
| Diameter of Missile | Φ88 mm |
| Length of Missile | 1,450 mm |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.9 |
| Guidance Mode | INS + strapdown semi-active laser homing guidance INS + platform-based semi-active laser homing guidance |
| Accuracy | CEP≤ 3 m (INS + strapdown semi-active laser homing guidance) CEP≤ 1 m (INS + platform-based semi-active laser homing guidance) |
| Weight of Mass | 16 kg |
| Weight of Warhead | 3.8 kg |
| Type of Warhead | Fragment warhead |
Key Characteristics and Capabilities:
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Guidance System: It is a GPS/INS (Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System) guided missile. This means it uses satellite guidance for high accuracy in all weather conditions, day or night. It is also reported to have a laser seeker option for terminal guidance, allowing it to engage moving targets or for increased precision against specific points on a target (e.g., a specific window or door).
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Warhead: Features a high-explosive blast/fragmentation warhead designed to destroy a wide range of targets, including:
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Buildings and bunkers
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Radar sites and air defense systems
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Command and control centers
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Parked aircraft and hangars
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Light naval vessels and port facilities
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Range: It is considered a stand-off weapon. While exact figures are often classified, its range is estimated to be over 50 kilometers (31 miles). This allows the launching aircraft to engage targets while staying outside the range of many short-to-medium-range air defense systems.
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Launch Platform: The TL-2 is integrated on several modern Chinese fighter aircraft, most notably the Chengdu J-10 and the Shenyang J-16 multirole fighters. It can be carried on multiple hardpoints, allowing a single aircraft to engage several targets in one sortie.
Comparison with Similar Weapons:
To understand its role, it’s helpful to compare it to well-known Western missiles:
| Feature | Chinese TL-2 | US AGM-65 Maverick | US JDAM (GBU-38/54) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Guidance | GPS/INS + (Optional Laser) | Imaging Infrared (IIR) or Laser | GPS/INS |
| Warhead | Dedicated Missile Warhead | Dedicated Missile Warhead | Bomb Warhead (500lb-2000lb) |
| Propulsion | Rocket Motor (Self-propelled) | Rocket Motor (Self-propelled) | None (Glide Kit available) |
| Key Advantage | Good balance of range, precision, and firepower. | Excellent against armored vehicles and moving targets. | Very low cost, high flexibility, large warhead options. |
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vs. the Maverick: The TL-2 is less specialized for hunting tanks but offers greater stand-off range and more flexible guidance (GPS vs. the Maverick’s must-see-the-target infrared or laser seeker).
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vs. a JDAM: The TL-2 is a missile, not a bomb. This means it has its own rocket motor, giving it much longer range and the ability to engage targets from any altitude without the launch aircraft needing to fly directly over the target area. A JDAM is a cheaper, unpowered gravity bomb that is most effective when dropped from medium-to-high altitude.
Strategic Significance:
The development and deployment of the TL-2 are significant because it:
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Modernizes the PLAAF: It provides the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) with a modern, networked, all-weather precision strike capability, a critical component for any modern air force.
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Enables Stand-Off Attacks: Pilots can launch the missile from a safe distance, increasing aircraft and pilot survivability.
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Increases Battlefield Lethality: Aircraft like the J-16 can carry many of these missiles, becoming highly effective “bomb trucks” capable of precisely dismantling an enemy’s infrastructure in the opening hours of a conflict.
In summary, the TL-2 is a versatile, modern air-to-surface missile that fills a crucial role in China’s aerial arsenal, providing a reliable and accurate stand-off strike option against a wide variety of land-based targets.
