Chinese scientists and engineers are working on a smart and ultra-small hypersonic glide missile that can be fired from 80 mm (3.4-inch) anti-aircraft guns. Standing out with its low cost and high production potential, this system is expected to change warfare strategies by replacing medium- and short-range air defense missiles once it enters widespread use.
Key Features and Performance Data
According to a report published in the South China Morning Post, the developed mini hypersonic missile draws attention with its compatibility with standard 80 mm anti-aircraft guns. Reaching an extreme speed of Mach 6 at muzzle exit, the munition can effectively engage targets at an altitude of 10,000 meters and at ranges exceeding 20 km. Thanks to its small size and high speed, the missile has a very low radar cross-section and can be detected by enemy aircraft only when they are as close as 3 km. This leaves the opposing side with only a few seconds of reaction time. Maintaining a speed of Mach 3.6 in the terminal phase, the system, thanks to its intelligent guidance capability, can neutralize even targets making sudden 90-degree maneuvers with a destruction probability of 99%.
Source: C4Defence / South China Morning Post
