Chinese ATGM discussion

BoraTas

Major
Registered Member
It seems QN-202 is better than Pike as
* QN-202 is True Fire-and-Forget: The QN-202 uses an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker. The operator locks onto the target's heat signature, pulls the trigger, and can immediately duck into cover.
* Anti-Drone Capability: Because the QN-202 tracks the target itself via infrared, it is highly effective against erratic or fast-moving targets like FPV drones or hovering helicopters.
* No Wingman Required: It operates completely independently.

By contrast, the Pike uses Semi-Active Laser Homing (SALH). The target must be continuously "painted" with a laser designator by the shooter or a teammate until the missile impacts. If the person holding the laser has to duck into cover, the missile loses its target. Additionally, keeping a laser steady on a fast-moving drone at 2,000 meters is incredibly difficult, making the Pike less effective for air defense

But Pike is significantly lighter ~0.8kg while QN-202 is ~1.2kg.

So, even more capable I think QN-202 would be easily 5-10x cheaper than Pike .. considering how expensive of any weapons sytem in the US
AFAIK nobody bought the Pike if we except the trial batches a few spec ops units got. It was imagined as a rifle mounted missile for urban and mountain combat needs, such as taking out a sniper or machine gun emplacement far way or high on a building.

I believe it was far too expensive and specialised for that. Giving infantry such capabilities is doctrinally weird too. Infantry is a sneaky force for close combat. It shouldn't reveal itself for engagements beyond the effective range of its weapons.

If it enters common service, the QN-202 will likely be issued to the people who are already carrying shoulder fired weapons, at least. It might even be a platoon or company level weapon. Hence multiple launchers they have trialed so far.
 
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