Latest news with #NationalUniversityofDefenceTechnology
Sustainability Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'China Stuns the World Again': New 2.47kW Portable Laser Works in Arctic Cold and Blistering Saharan Heat
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Chinese scientists have developed a portable laser weapon that operates in extreme temperatures, ranging from -58°F to 122°F. have developed a portable laser weapon that operates in extreme temperatures, ranging from -58°F to 122°F. 🚀 The laser boasts a power of 2.47 kilowatts and can disable drones or cut through materials from over 0.62 miles away. and can disable drones or cut through materials from over 0.62 miles away. 🎯 This innovation is significant for both military and industrial applications , offering precise cutting and anti-drone capabilities. , offering precise cutting and anti-drone capabilities. 🌐 With China's control over ytterbium supplies, the country holds a strategic advantage in advancing laser technologies. In a groundbreaking development, Chinese scientists have unveiled a revolutionary laser technology that promises to change the landscape of both military and industrial applications. Designed by China's National University of Defence Technology, this portable laser weapon boasts a power of 2.47 kilowatts and can function under extreme temperature conditions ranging from -58°F to 122°F. This technological marvel is not just about power; it's about adaptability, offering unprecedented flexibility by eliminating the need for traditional cooling or heating systems. As the world witnesses this innovation, questions arise about its future implications and potential uses. 2kW Laser Works Anywhere, Anytime The new laser technology from China represents a significant leap forward in laser design and functionality. At the heart of this innovation is a novel pump laser design that naturally generates less heat, effectively reducing the need for bulky cooling systems. These pump lasers inject energy into the laser-generating fiber using smart light injection techniques. This involves nine forward and eighteen backward diodes that direct light in multiple directions, ensuring that the system remains balanced and efficient even when experiencing drastic temperature changes. Thermal isolation is another crucial aspect of this technology. By relocating heat-sensitive components away from the core laser cavity, the system maintains its integrity under extreme conditions. Tight fiber cooling, maintained to a diameter of approximately 3.15 inches, helps suppress parasitic modes that could otherwise waste energy or destabilize the laser beam. The use of a ytterbium-doped fiber core, a rare earth metal abundant in China, enhances the laser's ability to operate across a wide temperature range while converting energy into laser light with remarkable efficiency. 'China Leaves West in the Dust': Its Small Nuclear Reactor Leap Puts Beijing Years Ahead in the Future of Clean Energy Military and Industrial Applications The implications of this new laser technology are profound, especially in the military sector. Unlike traditional militarized laser systems, which require large infrastructure for cooling, China's portable laser can fit into a suitcase, making it ideal for mobile units, drones, or battlefield operations. This portability offers a significant tactical advantage, allowing for rapid deployment and versatility in various combat scenarios. Beyond military uses, the laser's potential in industrial applications is equally promising. Industries that rely on precision cutting and welding could benefit immensely from this technology. Additionally, the laser's anti-drone capabilities could be leveraged in factory settings or remote sites where climate control is challenging. The ability to operate in extreme temperatures without additional cooling systems makes it a valuable tool for various sectors. 'This China's EV Range Shocks World': 1,300 Miles on One Charge With Record-Smashing 47% Thermal Efficiency Revealed Leveraging China's Ytterbium Supply China's dominance in the global supply of ytterbium gives it a strategic advantage in developing and deploying this cutting-edge technology. Ytterbium's properties make it an ideal component for lasers, allowing for efficient energy conversion and robust performance across varied environmental conditions. With a stronghold on this critical resource, China is poised to lead in the advancement of laser technologies, potentially setting the standard for future developments. Looking ahead, the development team, led by Chen Jinbao, is focused on enhancing the laser's power output, broadening its operating temperature range, and refining its engineering to make the device even more compact and resilient. As they continue their research, the potential for this technology to become a staple in both military and industrial arsenals grows. 'China Is Already There': Shocking Lunar Strategy Exposes How Beijing Plans to Dominate Space and Rewire Global Power Structures Future Prospects and Challenges The introduction of this portable laser technology opens up a world of possibilities, yet it also presents challenges that need to be addressed. As other nations observe China's advancements, there will likely be a push to develop competing technologies. This could lead to an arms race in laser technology, with implications for global security and industrial competitiveness. Furthermore, the ethical considerations surrounding the use of such powerful weapons in military contexts cannot be ignored. As this technology continues to evolve, it raises important questions about its long-term impact on global industries and military strategies. How will countries respond to this leap in technology? Will it prompt new regulations or international agreements? As we ponder these questions, one thing is certain: the future of laser technology is bright, and its potential is vast. What role will this innovation play in shaping the world of tomorrow? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (26)
Euronews
3 days ago
- Science
- Euronews
China unveils tiny spy drone that looks like a mosquito
A Chinese defence research institution has revealed a spy drone that closely resembles a mosquito. The bionic microdrone was showcased on China's state-run military broadcaster, CCTV-7, on June 20. 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot,' Liang Hexiang, a student at the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT), told the broadcaster. 'Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield,' he added. About 2 cm long and weighing just 0.3 grams, the insect-inspired device features two tiny wings and three spindly legs. The wings can flap at 500 times per second, according to a Korean newspaper, Chosun Ilbo. The stick-thin body is packed with sensors intended for covert surveillance and other military operations. The team also introduced a prototype with four wings controllable by a smartphone, according to the South China Morning Post. While the report did not reveal exactly what sort of data it can collect, experts say, its minuscule size would make it difficult to detect using conventional radar systems. Microdrones on trend Microdrones like these are becoming increasingly common in modern warfare. Several countries are actively exploring or already deploying similar technologies in the field. For example, Norway's palm-sized helicopter-style micro-UAV, dubbed Black Hornet, is already in use by multiple armed forces, including the US military. The pocket-sized drone uses cameras and thermal imaging for quick, stealthy reconnaissance. In 2006, the US Department of Defence's secretive DARPA lab launched a project named Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (HI-MEMS) to create 'insect cyborgs' by placing micro-mechanical systems inside the insects.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mirror
China unveils mosquito-sized stealth operation drone as UK 'prepares for war'
A tiny 2cm-long drone used for 'special missions on the battlefield' has been unveiled by Chinese scientists - while the Prime Minister has warned of how technology could embolden an attack on UK soil China has unveiled a futuristic mosquito-sized drone on the same week the British government warned that rapidly advancing technology is 'transforming the nature of war'. The tiny flying device - developed by the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT) in China 's Hunan province - is designed for "covert" military operations, and marks the latest war-ready device shown off by Beijing. Modelled after a mosquito, it has two wings, a black body, and three hair-thin legs, allowing it to carry out "special missions on the battlefield" without being detected. Researchers from the university showed off the gadget this week alongside a host of other robots, including humanoid machines and tiny drones, on state-run media. The mosquito drone is just two centimetres (0.7in) long and 3cm wide (1.18in), weighing less than 0.2 grams. Another prototype of the device, which had four wings, appeared to be controlled via a smartphone. Explaining how it could be deployed in battle, Liang Hexiang, a student at NUDT, told CCTV: 'Here in my hand is a mosquito-like type of robot. Miniature bionic robots like this one are especially suited to information reconnaissance and special missions on the battlefield.' China has invested heavily in the use of AI-powered gadgets for military purposes, and plans to introduce the largest drone carrier in the world by the end of this month. The 'drone mothership' will being able to launch huge swarms of 'kamikaze' devices upon enemy targets. It comes after Keir Starmer warned that Britons must prepare for possibility of an attack on our own soil amid high tensions on the international stage. Speaking this week as he unveiled the UK's National Security Strategy, the Prime Minister said: "Russian aggression menaces our continent. Strategic competition is intensifying. Extremist ideologies are on the rise. Technology is transforming the nature of both war and domestic security. Hostile state activity takes place on British soil." One part of the 53-page document, authored by the Government, tells of how "adversaries are laying the foundations for future conflict, positioning themselves to move quickly to cause major disruption to our energy and or supply chains, to deter us from standing up to their aggression. It adds: "For the first time in many years, we have to actively prepare for the possibility of the UK homeland coming under direct threat, potentially in a wartime scenario." China was identified as a particular potential threat as the country tries to devlope AI capability allowing them to release 'swarms' of drones in an attack. With the right programming these would be extremely difficult to shoot down or disable if they flew in overwhelming numbers, controlled by artificial intelligence responding at lightning speed.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
China Military Unveils Mosquito-Sized Drones for ‘Special Missions'
A military university in China's Hunan province has unveiled a mosquito-sized drone designed to carry out surveillance while evading detection. "This type of micro-robot is especially suitable for special missions, such as information reconnaissance, on the battlefield," said Liang Hexiang, a student at the National University of Defence Technology, told China Central Television in a June 14 report. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. Technological advances have enabled sensors, batteries, and other components to be packed into ever smaller frames, enabling development of smaller, lighter, and increasingly sophisticated drones. Miniaturization opens up a host of possibilities, from a low-cost alternative to missiles to search and rescue operations. At the same time, it also raises concerns over personal privacy and criminal exploitation. What To Know The new device, developed at China's National University of Defence Technology, is just 2 centimeters long (under an inch), 3 cm wide (just over an inch), and weighs less than 0.2 grams. It appeared almost weightless between the researcher's fingers in the CCTV broadcast. While the design pushes the limits of miniaturization, similar micro-robotics research has been ongoing elsewhere. Another insectoid robot, Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory's RoboBee, achieves flight by beating its wings 120 times a second with artificial muscles. The goal is for swarms of these tiny robots to one day assist with tasks like rescue missions or artificial pollination. On the military side, slightly larger micro-drones like the Black Hornet-originally developed in Norway and produced by Teledyne FLIR Defense-have boosted situation awareness among dozens of armed forces. The newest Black Hornet 4 can transmit thermal images, cover distances up to 2 miles, and remain airborne for more than 30 minutes, according to the company. Despite their promise, analysts say ultra-tiny drones like the "mosquito" are limited in their potential on the battlefield. Bryce Barros, a security fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Truman National Security Project, told Newsweek: "The impact of this mosquito-sized drone on wartime surveillance will likely be minimal due to its limited capacity, short range, and presumable short battery life," Timothy Heath, senior international defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, told The Telegraph: "If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, it would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas. Perhaps most consequential, Barros said, is how UAVs like the National University of Defence Technology's new model could be integrated into China's dual-use drone strategy, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence and asymmetric warfare, where such technologies can offer an edge against larger conventional forces. Related Articles Tesla Suffers Fresh Blow in EuropeBusiness Optimism Collapses Under TrumpNewsom California Initiative Accused of Links to Chinese Influence NetworkChina Responds to Trump's Cryptic Post About Iran Oil 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
China Military Unveils Mosquito-Sized Drones for 'Special Missions'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A military university in China's Hunan province has unveiled a mosquito-sized drone designed to carry out surveillance while evading detection. "This type of micro-robot is especially suitable for special missions, such as information reconnaissance, on the battlefield," said Liang Hexiang, a student at the National University of Defence Technology, told China Central Television in a June 14 report. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. Why It Matters Technological advances have enabled sensors, batteries, and other components to be packed into ever smaller frames, enabling development of smaller, lighter, and increasingly sophisticated drones. Miniaturization opens up a host of possibilities, from a low-cost alternative to missiles to search and rescue operations. At the same time, it also raises concerns over personal privacy and criminal exploitation. What To Know The new device, developed at China's National University of Defence Technology, is just 2 centimeters long (under an inch), 3 cm wide (just over an inch), and weighs less than 0.2 grams. It appeared almost weightless between the researcher's fingers in the CCTV broadcast. A student at National University of Defense Technology in Hunan province, China, hold a mosquito-sized drone in a report aired by China Central Television on June 14, 2025. A student at National University of Defense Technology in Hunan province, China, hold a mosquito-sized drone in a report aired by China Central Television on June 14, 2025. CCTV While the design pushes the limits of miniaturization, similar micro-robotics research has been ongoing elsewhere. Another insectoid robot, Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory's RoboBee, achieves flight by beating its wings 120 times a second with artificial muscles. The goal is for swarms of these tiny robots to one day assist with tasks like rescue missions or artificial pollination. On the military side, slightly larger micro-drones like the Black Hornet—originally developed in Norway and produced by Teledyne FLIR Defense—have boosted situation awareness among dozens of armed forces. The newest Black Hornet 4 can transmit thermal images, cover distances up to 2 miles, and remain airborne for more than 30 minutes, according to the company. Despite their promise, analysts say ultra-tiny drones like the "mosquito" are limited in their potential on the battlefield. What People Are Saying Bryce Barros, a security fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Truman National Security Project, told Newsweek: "The impact of this mosquito-sized drone on wartime surveillance will likely be minimal due to its limited capacity, short range, and presumable short battery life," Timothy Heath, senior international defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, told The Telegraph: "If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, it would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas. What's Next Perhaps most consequential, Barros said, is how UAVs like the National University of Defence Technology's new model could be integrated into China's dual-use drone strategy, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence and asymmetric warfare, where such technologies can offer an edge against larger conventional forces.
