Technological breakthrough at Northwestern Polytechnical University
The successful development of a surface-to-air missile with a range of up to 2,000 kilometers at Northwestern Polytechnical University demonstrates significant progress in the field of military technology. The missile design uses a two-stage propulsion system, the first stage is a solid rocket motor, which provides the main power for the initial lift-off and acceleration of the missile. The second stage is an air-breathing engine, which uses the airflow in the near space as a booster to keep the missile at high speed and reduce energy loss when approaching the target. This structure not only increases the range of the missile, but also optimizes its flight path, allowing it to reduce thermal resistance and mechanical pressure when entering the atmosphere, guaranteeing precise strikes against long-range targets.
Synergy between satellites and UAVs
The combination of a constellation of satellites and a hypersonic UAV provides a reliable target detection and tracking system for this new surface-to-air missile. Satellites can quickly identify and locate large enemy aircraft, such as AWACS and bombers, around the globe, which are often bulky and slow, making them suitable for long-range missile attacks. Once the target is identified and locked onto by the satellite system, the Wuzhan 8 UAV, located in near space and capable of speeds of Mach 5-6, will be dispatched to the target area. These UAVs can provide real-time data when approaching the target, optimize the missile's flight trajectory and strike timing, and ensure that the missile can effectively hit the target under complex meteorological conditions and enemy interference.
The strategic significance of missiles
The emergence of surface-to-air missiles with a range of 2,000 km is not only technically innovative, but also strategically significant. The missile is capable of striking high-value targets thousands of kilometers away from the launch point, significantly expanding the geographical range of defense and deterrence. Its deployment can expose the enemy's strategic bombers, AWACS aircraft, and tankers to threats before they approach the theater of operations, thereby forcing the enemy to re-evaluate its air combat tactics and path planning in real combat. In addition, considering the current lack of effective defense measures against such weapons by the US military, the presence of this missile has significantly increased the tactical concerns of opponents, thus providing China with more strategic discourse and military advantages in the international community.
Solutions to technical challenges
During the design and manufacture of the missile, the research team faced a number of technical challenges, especially how to maintain stability and reduce aerodynamic heat when the missile entered high-speed flight. The team used a variety of advanced materials to reduce thermal resistance, while optimizing the missile's form factor design to reduce air resistance and improve maneuverability. The innovation of this technology not only ensures the performance of the missile in extreme conditions, but also increases its survivability and hit rate in a complex battlefield environment.
Through experiments and simulations, the team adjusted the parameters and finally determined the most effective boost-glide trajectory to ensure that the missile could accurately hit the target in changing battlefield conditions. This boost-glide technology enables the missile to use a solid rocket to accelerate to high speed before approaching the target, and relies on the air-breathing engine to maintain speed and altitude after entering the gliding stage, greatly reducing the chance of being detected by the enemy's air defense system, thereby improving the survival rate and the probability of a successful strike.
Actual combat prospects
The combat combat of this surface-to-air missile has great prospects, not only because of its technical characteristics, but also because it fills a gap in existing weapons systems. At present, the range of air defense missiles of most advanced countries in the world generally does not exceed 400 km, but the range of this new missile of 2,000 km allows it to cover a wider range of theaters of operations and enhance strategic deterrence. In addition, its rapid deployment and launch capabilities enable it to respond quickly in unexpected situations and form an immediate threat to the enemy's strategic assets, which will greatly enhance a country's rapid strike and countermeasure capabilities in the future form of warfare.
International strategic implications
At the international strategic level, the deployment of such long-range surface-to-air missiles will have an important impact on the global military balance. Especially in the current international political environment, the military encirclement and pressure of the United States and its allies on China is increasing, and this missile can effectively enhance China's strategic defense capability, enable China to control potential threats from a safer distance, and reduce its dependence on direct military conflict. In addition, the existence of such missiles can serve as a strategic deterrent, prevent hostile countries from easily launching attacks, and maintain national security and regional stability.