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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.
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