The Qianwei-19 air defense missile (designation: QW-19), is the newest member of China’s “Qianwei” missile family. Specifically developed to counter cruise missiles and tree-top-flying attack helicopters, it employs laser active guidance (laser radar illumination) and dual-band passive infrared guidance. It detects target exhaust plumes and other heat sources to achieve firm lock-on, with a combat transition time of ten seconds [1].
The QW-19 exhibits exceptional anti-jamming capabilities. Its advanced “trigger + laser proximity fuse” composite fuse and digital information processing technology enable detonation upon target impact or proximity, proving highly effective against hard-to-hit small targets like cruise missiles and delivering pinpoint accuracy against low-flying helicopters.
The QW-19 air defense missile boasts a maximum range of 6,200 meters and an effective engagement range of 5,000 meters. Its IR seeker incorporates dual detectors operating in a combined trigger + laser proximity fuse mode.
