I’m writing to provide detailed feedback on the recent balance adjustments to the PL-12 and PL-12A missiles in the update, and to propose a potential solution that could improve both gameplay balance and the unique identity of the Chinese tech tree.
Before the update, the PL-12 was a well-balanced missile with distinct characteristics: it offered reliable mid-range performance while also being capable of pulling high-G turns at close range, giving jets like the J-10A and J-11B a viable close-quarters combat option. This made the Chinese tech tree feel unique and engaging, rather than just another “AIM-120 clone” experience.
However, the changes to the center-of-gravity to stabilizer distance (reduced from 0.3 to 0.12) have severely impacted the missiles’ maneuverability. For the base PL-12/SD-10A, this came with no corresponding improvements, effectively cutting their agility by over 50% and bringing them nearly in line with the early AIM-120A. This has been a devastating blow to the viability of aircraft that rely solely on these missiles, especially the J-10A, which already struggles with high drag and poor energy retention. Losing its close-combat capability has made the aircraft significantly less enjoyable to play.
Additionally, players have observed a critical flaw: the PL-12 exhibits extremely poor control authority when fired at high speeds. Highly maneuverable jets like the Rafale or Typhoon can evade it in close-range head-on encounters with nothing more than a barrel roll, which feels unrealistic for an active radar-guided BVR missile. I hope the team can investigate whether this is an unintended side effect of the new flight model parameters.
While I appreciate the performance boost given to the PL-12A (increased fuel mass, thrust, and burn time), the accompanying CG-to-stabilizer change undermines these improvements. My proposal is to adjust the CG-to-stabilizer distance to 0.22 for both variants, while retaining the PL-12A’s engine upgrades. This would preserve the PL-12A’s improved mid-range performance, prevent the close-combat capability from becoming unviable, and maintain the unique identity of the PL-12 series. This change would benefit both player experience and the long-term diversity of War Thunder’s gameplay.
Thank you for taking the time to read this feedback. I hope the team will consider this adjustment, as I believe it would lead to a more balanced and enjoyable experience for all players who use the Chinese tech tree.