LY-70 air defense system

 

LY-70 air defense

The LY-70 is a mobile short/medium-range air defense missile system developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). It was unveiled at AirShow China 2021 and is designed to intercept a variety of aerial threats, including cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, precision-guided bombs, rockets, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and drones.

 Features of LY-70 air defense:

• Missile Types: The LY-70 carries two types of missiles—medium-range LY-70 missiles and short-range infrared-guided FB-10A missiles.

• Detection & Tracking: Equipped with active radar and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) tracking systems, allowing it to detect and engage multiple targets.

• Firepower: The system is capable of firing on the move and can engage targets at a maximum range of 40 km.

• Mobility: Mounted on a 6x6 military truck chassis, making it highly maneuverable.

• Integration: Can function as an autonomous air defense system or be integrated into a larger air defense network.

Technical specifications of the LY-70 air defense system:

  Performance Parameters

• Crew: 2 operators

• Engine: Volvo D13C460SEUV (460 hp)

• Weight: 37 tons

• Max Speed: 86 km/h

• Intercept Radius: 2-40 km

• Maximum Detection Radius: 90 km

  Missile Specifications

• LY-70R (Medium-Range Missile)

  • Interception Altitude: 20-17,500 m

  • Interception Range: 2-38 km

  • Guidance Mode: Active radar homing guidance

  • Launch Mode: Oblique servo thermal launch

• LY-70IR (Short-Range Missile)

  • Interception Altitude: 12-7,000 m

  • Interception Range: 1.5-17 km

  • Guidance Mode: Infrared staring imaging guidance

  • Launch Mode: Oblique servo thermal launch

  Radar & Targeting

• Search Radar: Active Electronic Scanning Array (AESA)

• Detection Range: 25-90 km

• Azimuth Coverage: 0º - 360º

• Elevation Coverage: -5º to +70º

• Target Tracking:

  • Radar: Detect 100 targets, track 8 simultaneously

  • Electro-Optical (EO) System: Detect 50 targets, track 1 target

  System Composition

• Combat Equipment:

  • LY-70R Missile-in-Canister (MIC)

  • LY-70IR Missile-in-Tube (MIT)

  • Combat Vehicle (CV)

  • Firing Vehicle (FV)

• Support Equipment:

• Logistic Support Vehicle (LSV)

• Missile Test Equipment

• System Simulator & Training MIC/MIT

The LY-70 air defense system is designed for multi-layered air defense and has several practical applications in modern warfare and national security:

1. Protection of Strategic Assets

• Used to defend critical infrastructure such as military bases, government buildings, power plants, and communication hubs.

• Shield airports and naval ports from aerial threats.

2. Battlefield Air Defense

• Provides mobile air defense for ground forces during military operations.

• Can escort armored divisions and mechanized infantry to protect them from enemy aircraft, drones, and precision-guided munitions.

3. Defense Against Precision-Guided Weapons

• Specifically designed to intercept cruise missiles, air-to-ground missiles, guided bombs, and rockets.

• Helps counter modern aerial threats, including stealth aircraft and UAV swarms.

4. Urban & Civilian Protection

• Can be deployed near cities and populated areas to prevent airborne attacks.

• Useful for homeland security against terrorist drone strikes.

5. Naval & Coastal Defense

• Can be integrated into coastal defense systems to protect against low-flying threats near shorelines.

• Works alongside naval vessels to provide layered air defense.

6. Integration into National Air Defense Networks

• Can be linked with radar stations, early warning systems, and other air defense platforms.

• Enhances multi-layered air defense strategies for comprehensive protection.