TSAMTO, February 25. The upgraded QW-12 man-portable air defense missile system (MANPADS), designed to intercept helicopters, airplanes and cruise missiles, has been tested with live firing in China.
On February 14, the Chinese state newspaper Global Times, citing China Central Television (CCTV), reported that the QW-12 had recently been tested at a test site in northern China.
Global Times reports that the QW-12 hit a target specially designed to simulate the infrared signature of a combat helicopter. The rocket "ignored" 8 infrared traps, which the target shot off until the moment of defeat. After studying the possibilities of hitting low-speed targets, the QW-12 also intercepted a 122-mm rocket projectile flying at a speed of 360 m/s that simulated a jet plane and a cruise missile. In addition, the missile hit this target on a collision course. At the same time, a laser proximity fuse was used to detonate near the target.
China Aerospace Scientific and Industrial Corporation CASIC (China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation Limited) first introduced the QW-12 at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2014. CASIC stated that the MANPADS retains the capabilities of the "safe launch" of the QW-2 missiles, has excellent interference characteristics, and its warhead carries ready-made striking elements made of a tungsten-based alloy.
According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defense, the QW-12 is a variant of the QW-2 MANPADS, the missile system of which is equipped with an infrared GPS. The complex is similar to the launch tube of the 9K313 Igla-1 MANPADS. It allows you to hit targets at ranges from 0.5 to 6 km and at altitudes from 10 m to 4 km. The QW-12 can be used both in a wearable version and installed on light vehicles and ships.
