Chinese air defense combat lasers
LAG complex without carrier. Photo Airdefence.in
Like other developed countries, China pays great attention to the development of laser weapons. Combat complexes of different architecture with different missions are being created and tested. At the same time, special attention is paid to air defense systems that can effectively withstand the typical threats of the present time.
First family
For the first time, the development of a laser air defense complex in China was reported in 2014. It was a Low Altitude Guard or Sentinel complex from Poly Technologies. It was developed for the PLA and other Chinese structures, and it was also planned to enter the international market. However, as it became known later, in its original form, the LAG did not interest potential customers.
The LAG project proposed the creation of a container laser installation for mounting on a compatible triaxial chassis. The installation was built around an unnamed type of laser with a power of 10 kW. It was claimed what is weapon capable of "burning through" air targets at ranges of up to 2 km.
During the tests, the complex successfully hit 30 drones-targets. At the same time, the developers openly said that he could only fight commercial models and only at limited altitudes. Military UAVs were an overly difficult target.
The layout of the modernized LAG II. Photo Armyrecognition.com
In 2016, an upgraded version of the complex called Low Altitude Guard II was presented. The main decisions of the project remained the same, but the key components were replaced, which led to an increase in all characteristics. LAG II used a laser with a power of 30 kW, due to which the range of confident destruction of the UAV increased to 4 km. The control system was also improved, which increased the accuracy of "shooting" at moving targets.
LAG II was demonstrated at foreign exhibitions in order to obtain export contracts. However, as far as is known, no orders followed. Since a certain time, the once promising laser complex has disappeared from the exhibitions.
Mobile "Hunter"
At the IDEX 2017 exhibition in the UAE, Poly Technologies showed its new development - a product called Silent. Later, at new exhibitions, several times its improved modifications with certain features were demonstrated.
Like LAG, Silent Hunter is a container with equipment that can be installed permanently or placed on a three-axle cargo chassis - depending on the needs of the customer and the characteristics of his air defense. On the roof of the container there is a laser installation with "fire" control optics. The complex is built on the basis of a fiber laser with a power of 30 to 100 kW.
Silent Hunter complex. Photo Defense-blog.com
At maximum power, such a laser is able to burn through a 5-mm steel plate from a distance of 1 km in a minimum time. The "firing" range, depending on the type of target and other factors, is not less than 4-5 km. When working on unprotected targets, such as plastic UAVs, a certain increase in the range and speed of destruction is provided.
It was reported that the Silent Hunter complex entered service and went on duty, at least several months before the first open display. So, in September 2016, a similar technique was used to defend the G20 summit in Hangzhou.
Product for export
The next curious premiere in the field of laser air defense systems took place at the Airshow China 2018 aerospace show. It was the LW-30 self-propelled complex developed by the CASIC corporation. Then it was reported that it has broad combat capabilities and is intended for sale to third countries.
The LW-30 project again offers a short-range air defense system. All equipment is housed in two kung containers mounted on three-axle cargo chassis. One machine carries a radar for viewing and detecting targets, and the second is equipped with a rising laser installation. The laser power was reported to be 30 kW. It is capable of hitting UAVs, precision weapons and even artillery shells. The "firing" range reaches 25 km.
Product LW-30. Photo Defenseworld.net
A few weeks after the first demonstration of the LW-30, it became known that CASIC was starting to export such products. Since a certain time, various media have mentioned the introduction of the complex into service with the PLA. However, more detailed information is not available. In addition, the developer and the customer (or customers) have not yet demonstrated the operation of the complex.
In the interests of the fleet
About a year ago, the Chinese TV channel CCTV7 first showed the tests of another combat laser complex. It is curious that the activities were carried out at one of the naval bases, and the prototype had the characteristic camouflage color of coastal troops. This showed that the topic of air defense lasers, incl. land, and the PLA Navy became interested.
The experimental laser is built on the basis of a wheeled trailer with a simple rectangular body. An opening is provided in the roof, in which the laser system is installed. In the stowed position, it is protected by a movable cover. As can be seen on the existing survey, the combat laser is equipped with aiming optics and can be guided in two planes.
Coastal defense laser tests. Photo CCTV7
Any technical data has not yet been disclosed. According to various estimates, a complex of this type can have a capacity of up to 100 kW. In this case, it is capable of hitting air targets at distances of at least 8-10 km, depending on their type. In addition, the complex will be able to fight surface targets at comparable distances.
A typical carrier trailer bears little resemblance to equipment suitable for full-fledged operation in the army. It is quite possible that after such tests, the laser "combat module" is planned to be transferred to another platform. It can be used as part of a self-propelled complex similar to existing ones, or installed on a ship. Depending on the performance and the capabilities received, the complex can be used in coastal defense and at sea, to protect the ship's order.
Technologies and achievements
In recent years, China has been paying considerable attention to combat lasers in general and air defense laser systems in particular. This has already resulted in a number of products that have been shown at exhibitions and on television. In addition, it can be assumed that some of the new developments have not yet been shown for reasons of secrecy. Accordingly, the exact number of new projects, their potential and prospects remain unknown, and it is rather difficult to assess them.
However, it is clear that the Chinese industry has advanced far enough and has the technology to create relatively compact and lightweight high power lasers. A power of 100 kW was reached, and the "firing" range reached the level of 20-25 km. At the same time, lasers with such characteristics are placed in containers that are compatible with army trucks.
"Naval"laser, top view. Photo CCTV7
It should also be noted that at least one of the modern air defense lasers has not only been adopted by the PLA, but has also been involved in real combat duty. Moreover, he was entrusted with the protection of the most important international event - which shows the level of trust in this product and, it seems, in the entire laser direction.
Apparently, Chinese enterprises continue to work, and the already known samples of air defense lasers will not be the last of their kind. It should also be expected that new models will be accepted into service, mass-produced and take up full combat duty. They will complement "traditional" air defenses and take on difficult targets to intercept. In the navy, lasers will strengthen air defenses and provide protection against surface threats.
Thus, by now, China has become one of the world leaders in the field of laser weapons, incl. air defense systems. At the same time, the development of this direction continues and gives new results in the form of experimental and serial products. How soon combat lasers will become a full-fledged part of China's defense is not yet clear. However, there is no longer any doubt that it will happen sooner or later.
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