The PL-1 Air-to-air missile (English: PL-1 Air-to-air missile) was China’s first short-range air-to-air missile, developed in the late 1950s through reverse engineering based on the Soviet K-5 air-to-air missile. Development of the PL-1 began in 1958, it was officially adopted in November 1963, entered mass production in April 1964, and was subsequently equipped on J-6 fighter aircraft. Production ceased and the missile was retired from service in 1974. The PL-1 features radar beam guidance and a canard aerodynamic configuration, comprising five distinct sections: the radio proximity fuze and warhead section, the guidance and control section, the rocket motor section, the stabilization section, and the antenna/receiver section. It is capable of all‑weather operations. With a maximum range not exceeding 4.5 kilometers, the missile must be launched within 2.5 kilometers due to limitations imposed by the carrier aircraft’s fire control radar. Its minimum operational altitude is 2,000 meters, and it is primarily employed for rear‑quarter attacks against medium‑sized bombers.