The LY-80 is a state-of-the-art, medium-range, mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to provide robust, all-weather air defense against a wide spectrum of aerial threats — including fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, cruise missiles, UAVs, precision-guided munitions, and tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs) in their terminal phase. As a key component of modern Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) architectures, the LY-80 combines advanced AESA radar technology, vertical launch capability, high mobility, and network-centric operations into a highly effective and survivable platform.
Deployed on a high-mobility 8×8 armored chassis, the LY-80 Surface to Air Missile Defense System is engineered for rapid deployment, “shoot-and-scoot” tactics, and seamless integration into layered air defense networks. It serves as a critical node for protecting maneuver forces, strategic assets, and critical infrastructure in high-threat environments.
Key Features
- Dual-Band AESA Fire Control Radar: One S-band surveillance radar and one X-band tracking radar (3D-TR) for long-range detection, precision tracking, and superior electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) performance.
- Vertical Launch System (VLS): 8-cell hot-launch VLS enabling 360° engagement, rapid firing sequence, and reduced reload time.
- Multi-Target Engagement: Simultaneously guides missiles to up to 4 targets, while tracking over 40 aerial tracks.
- Active Radar Homing (ARH) Missiles: “Fire-and-forget” capability with mid-course datalink and terminal active guidance for high kill probability.
- High Mobility Platform: 8×8 armored vehicle with NBC protection, central tire inflation, and run-flat tires for off-road and expeditionary operations.
- Network-Centric Warfare Ready: Fully interoperable with C4I systems, UAV cueing, early warning radars, and other air defense assets.
- Fast Reaction Time: From alert to launch in under 6 seconds.
- Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD): Capable of intercepting short-range TBMs in terminal phase.
- Open Architecture Design: Supports future upgrades in software, sensors, and missile compatibility.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| System Designation | LY-80 Medium Range Air Defense System |
| Platform | 8×8 Armored Wheeled Chassis (NBC-protected) |
| Vehicle Dimensions | ~11.5 m (L) × 3.2 m (W) × 3.6 m (H) |
| Combat Weight | ~25 tons |
| Crew | 4 (Commander, Radar Operator, Fire Control Officer, Driver) |
| Engine | Diesel, ≥ 550 hp |
| Max Speed | ≥ 100 km/h (road), ≥ 45 km/h (off-road) |
| Range | ≥ 800 km |
| Fording Depth | 1.5 m |
| Surveillance Radar | S-band Active Phased Array (AESA), 360° coverage |
| Surveillance Range | Up to 150 km (vs. fighter), 60 km (vs. UAV/cruise missile) |
| Fire Control Radar | X-band AESA (3D-TR), dual-face array |
| Tracking Range | Up to 120 km (engagement range) |
| Tracking Capacity | Track 48 targets, engage 4 simultaneously |
| IFF System | Mode 5 / Mode S (integrated) |
| Missile Type | LY-80 ARH (Active Radar Homing) |
| Missile Length | 5.0 m |
| Missile Diameter | 230 mm |
| Missile Weight | 400 kg |
| Propulsion | Dual-pulse solid-fuel rocket motor |
| Missile Speed | Mach 4.0 |
| Effective Range | 3 km – 70 km |
| Effective Altitude | 30 m – 20,000 m |
| No-Fly Zone | < 1.2 km |
| Warhead | High-Explosive Fragmentation with proximity fuse |
| Warhead Weight | 58 kg |
| Launcher System | 8-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS), hot launch |
| Reload Capability | Dedicated reload vehicle (16 missiles) with crane |
| Reaction Time | < 6 seconds (from alert to launch) |
| Operating Temperature | -45°C to +60°C |
| Protection Level | STANAG 4569 Level 3 (ballistic), Level 3a (mine) |
| Communication | Secure UHF/VHF, MIDS/JTRS, fiber-optic, Ethernet |
| Power Supply | Onboard 12 kVA generator + battery backup |
| Self-Contained Operation | Yes (radar, command, launcher, power in one unit) |
Operational Roles
- Area Air Defense: Protects corps-level formations, airbases, command centers, and logistics hubs.
- Cruise Missile Defense: Long-range detection and high-speed engagement of low-RCS, sea-skimming threats.
- Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD): Terminal-phase interception of short-range tactical ballistic missiles.
- Expeditionary Protection: Rapidly deployable via strategic airlift (IL-76, C-17 class).
- Networked IAMD Node: Shares track data and receives cueing from AWACS, over-the-horizon radars, or UAVs.
- Electronic Warfare Resilience: Operates effectively in dense jamming environments using LPI/LPD radar modes.
Support & Export Configuration
The LY-80 is offered with a full lifecycle support package tailored for international customers:
- Comprehensive training (simulators, tactical employment, maintenance)
- Technical documentation (FMs, TMs, schematics)
- Spare parts kits, repair modules, and field diagnostics
- Remote software updates and technical advisory services
- Optional integration with third-party C2 systems or radar networks
Complies with international arms transfer standards; configurable for national operational requirements.
