In a formal statement made by its state media department, China has announced the country has in place a new, highly accurate laser weapon system that can shoot down various small aircraft within five seconds of identification.
The system is said to be effective up to a maximum altitude of 500 meters (1,640 feet) and against small aircraft flying at up to 112 mph. Additionally, the laser weapon’s range extends 2 kilometers (approx. 1.25 miles).
All of this information was released by the official Xinhua news agency, which cited a statement made by the China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP).
In the announcement, Xinhua showed pictures of large metal boxes in camouflage paint; there were also images of what appeared to be the burning remains of a small drone.
The system is expected to “play a key role in ensuring security during major events in urban areas” and prevent unlicensed mapping activities, according to Xinhua.
As per Yi Jinsong, a manager with China Jiuyuan Hi-Tech Equipment Corp., a firm that works under the CAEP, small-scale, unmanned drones are relatively cheap and easy to use; this makes them a likely choice for terrorists.
“Intercepting such drones is usually the work of snipers and helicopters, but their success rate is not as high and mistakes with accuracy can result in unwanted damage,” he explained.
The laser weapon system, which can be installed on vehicles, was able to shoot down 30 drones in a recent test with 100% success according to the CAEP statement.
The academy is currently working on similar laser security systems with greater power and range.
Via: phys.org
Advertisement
Learn more about Electronic Products Magazine
