China's new high-energy laser beam is now being developed.
(Photo : Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
An MQ-9 Reaper flies by August 8, 2007 at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada. The Reaper is the Air Force's first "hunter-killer" unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), designed to engage time-sensitive targets on the battlefield as well as provide intelligence and surveillance.
Lasers are among the most efficient defense weapons in China and other countries.
Some energy beams are designed to enhance communications, while others can destroy drones and other small UAVs.
But, the new laser tech in China is quite different. Instead of obliterating targets, it can enhance UAV flight capabilities.
China Develops New High-Energy, Laser Beam!
According to EurAsian Times' latest report, the new high-power laser beam is being developed by Chinese researchers from NPU (Northwestern Polytechnical University).
(Photo : Photo credit should read PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
The "Yi Long" drone by China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) is displayed during the 9th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai on November 13, 2012. China's air show comes as the Communist Party holds a meeting to select the country's new leaders -- including the party's Central Military Commission, which controls the armed forces.
The new laser tech is expected to have significant applications in military activities.
Experts even believe it can revolutionize how drones are designed and used in warfare.
The Chinese researchers said their new laser tech could allow drones to be in the air "forever," as reported by South China Morning Post.
To do this, they want to integrate a photoelectric conversion module into a drone.
This module, which converts light energy into electricity, could provide power to the drone mid-air.
Now, when the laser hits this photoelectric conversion module, it could boost the power of the drone.
Laser Tech Already Experimented
NPU researchers said they had already conducted an experiment to test whether the laser system would work.
During their test, they successfully combined processing technology and autonomous charging process with intelligent signal transmission.
"Highlights of the research are 24-hour intelligent vision tracking system and the autonomous long-range energy replenishment for ODD," they said.
If you want to learn more about their previous laser experiment, you can visit this link.
China is not the only country enhancing its defense technologies.
The United Kingdom's new Red Arrows Jet fleet is also expected to arrive soon.
Meanwhile, the new Boeing F-15X could be the new U.S. fighter jet that can carry the most missiles.
For more news updates about defense, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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