Drones cruising through Chinese airspace may be set for rude awakening, with local scientists reportedly developing a laser capable of shooting the vehicles out of the sky. Chinese media are reporting that researchers from the China Academy of Engineering Physics have been working on a laser defense system to safeguard against the proliferating technology, and its early testing has been largely viewed as a success.
November 4, 2014
As they torment football coaches at World Cups, hover over French nuclear plants and endanger Kanye West's baby, the question of how drones can be kept in check is of growing concern.
Referring to a statement from the China Academy of Engineering Physics, China Daily says the Low Altitude Sentinel System is designed to target smaller aircraft, and then within five seconds reduce them to a fine dust. It is capable of tracking drones moving at 180 km/h (111 mph) at an altitude of 500 m (1,640 ft) or lower within a radius of 2 km (1.24 mi).
China Daily quotes Yi Jinsong, a manager at the China Jiuyuan Hi-Tech Equipment Corp, which is working with the academy on the project: "Intercepting small drones has usually been the work of snipers and helicopters, but their success rate is not as high, and mistakes with accuracy can result in unwanted damage."
The academy says the laser system can be installed or transported in vehicles, and anticipates it being used to prevent drone flyovers during events in urban areas. It claims that in testing, it shot down more than 30 drones with a 100 percent success rate. Scientists are continuing to work on similar systems with improved power and range.
Source
http://www.gizmag.com/china-laser-system-drones/34590/
November 4, 2014
Chinese scientists are reportedly developing a laser capable of shooting the drones out of the sky (Image: Shutterstock)
As they torment football coaches at World Cups, hover over French nuclear plants and endanger Kanye West's baby, the question of how drones can be kept in check is of growing concern.
Referring to a statement from the China Academy of Engineering Physics, China Daily says the Low Altitude Sentinel System is designed to target smaller aircraft, and then within five seconds reduce them to a fine dust. It is capable of tracking drones moving at 180 km/h (111 mph) at an altitude of 500 m (1,640 ft) or lower within a radius of 2 km (1.24 mi).
China Daily quotes Yi Jinsong, a manager at the China Jiuyuan Hi-Tech Equipment Corp, which is working with the academy on the project: "Intercepting small drones has usually been the work of snipers and helicopters, but their success rate is not as high, and mistakes with accuracy can result in unwanted damage."
The academy says the laser system can be installed or transported in vehicles, and anticipates it being used to prevent drone flyovers during events in urban areas. It claims that in testing, it shot down more than 30 drones with a 100 percent success rate. Scientists are continuing to work on similar systems with improved power and range.
Source
http://www.gizmag.com/china-laser-system-drones/34590/
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