China develops sophisticated Laser Weapon to shoot down Drones

Chinese Engineers have developed a laser weapon that can shoot down drones has reported by Chinese State Media. 

The Low Altitude Sentinel System has been successful in shooting down low-flying, slow-moving drones during tests.

It can detect small aircraft within a 1.2-mile radius and shoot it down within five seconds, according to the China Daily newspaper.

It cited a paper published by the Academy of Engineering Physics, which said the system is designed to destroy small drones flying at less than 110mph below 500 metres.The system could be integrated into vehicles to help shoot down drones during events in urban areas, China's Xinhua News Agency said.

There are benefits of lasers over missiles - they cost less to run and can be fired continuously.

They work by concentrating energy on a single spot on a drone to burn through its surface.

During the test, the laser shot down more than 30 drones - successfully hitting each of the targets.

A more powerful version is being developed by creators China Jiuyuan Hi-Tech Equipment Corp.

A statement from the firm said: "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."

Source: Sky News