Low Altitude Guard
In order to deal with “low, slow, and small” threat, in 2014 China had successfully tested its own laser anti-aircraft defense system capable of knocking down small unmanned vehicles flying at low altitude. According to the information agency Xinhua, the range of the facility is two kilometers, and it can hit the target within five seconds after its detection. The maximum height at which a laser can shoot down a drone is 500 meters, and its speed should not exceed 50 meters per second. Specialists from the Chinese Academy of Technical Physics, who participated in the development of the laser system, note its rapidity and noiselessness. According to them, usually the interception of small drones is part of the task of snipers or combat helicopters, but the new installation is much more successful in coping with this task.
The Chinese laser can be installed on an ordinary truck. According to its creators, during the tests the device was able to knock down more than 30 drones, without missing any goal. Engineers of the academy promise to continue to improve the installation, increasing its strength and long-range. While the power of the device is 10 kilowatts. The machine specially targets small-scale drones flying at low attitude, and is able to shoot down various small aircraft within a two-kilometer (1.25 miles) radius — which it can do in five seconds after locating its target — according to a statement released Sunday by the China Academy of Engineering Physics, one of the system’s co-developers. Characterized by its speed, precision, and low noise, the system is designed to destroy unmanned, small-scale drones flying within an altitude of 500 meters and at speeds below 50 meters per second.
“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,” said Yi Jinsong, a manager with China Jiuyuan Hi-Tech Equipment Corp., a group under the academy spearheading the project. According to Yi, small-scale, unmanned drones are relatively cheap and easy to use, which makes them a likely choice for terrorists. In addition, concerns have been raised over drones engaged in unlicensed mapping activities and the affect this could have on military and civil aerial activities.
The new laser system, which will either be installed or transported in vehicles, is expected to play a key role in ensuring security during major events in urban areas, the statement said, adding that a recent test saw the machine successfully shoot down more than 30 drones, which has a 100 percent success rate.
The academy revealed that it was developing similar laser security systems with greater power and range.
Low Altitude Guard II
The Low Altitude Guard II laser is one of the most powerful operational Chinese laser weapons, designed to shoot down drones. Poly Technologies revealed new details about its lethal laser gun at the Africa Aerospace and Defense 2016 tradeshow in South Africa.
Built as a joint venture by the Chinese Academy of Physics Engineering and Jiuyuan Hi Tech Equipment Corporation, and marketed by Poly Technologies, the Low Altitude Guard I first debuted in 2014. LAG I was marketed as a law enforcement/counter terrorism tool, using its electroptical sensors to target errant and rogue UAVs. By knocking small targets down using lasers, the changes of collateral damage were reduced compared to explosive anti-aircraft artillery or missiles.
Chinese laser technology is compact enough to put a 30 kilowatt laser on a four wheel light truck. Compared with its predecessor, LAG II is more apparently militarized. Its range is doubled to 4 km and has a 300 percent increase in maximum power output to 30 kilowatts. That's comparable to the Laser Weapons System (LAWS) installed on the USS Ponce, which has a power of 15-50 kilowatts for attacking UAVs, small boats, and helicopters.
The LAG II has a removable dome that protects the laser's electro-optical camera and active components when not in combat. The LAG II can be either mounted on a medium sized truck, or a 6X6 armored personnel carrier, to provide frontline protection against small drones. The LAG II's electro-optical guidance system is suitable for knocking out drones, but would require more sophisticated fire control sensors to target fast-moving objects like incoming artillery shells, cruise missiles, and rockets.
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