Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has developed a lightweight, vehicle-integrated launch system for the Spike non-line-of-sight (NLOS) multipurpose tactical missile. Spike is portable fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, with a maximum range of 18.5 miles. Spike NLOS is a multipurpose precision-guided missile system equipped with a dual-mode electro-optical (EO)/infrared (IR) seeker and a real-time encrypted radio frequency (RF) two-way datalink. With a stated maximum range of 30 km, the missile can be equipped with three warhead options: tandem high explosive anti-tank (HEAT), penetrating blast fragmentation (PBF), and fragmentation.
Developed in response to requests from undisclosed special forces customers, The new Spike NLOS Modular Launcher is an adaptable, pallet-based, stand-off launch system specifically configured for air portable reconnaissance units and special forces. But Spike NLOS Modular Launcher is compatible with most lightweight all-terrain vehicles ” as a modular system, with a baseline configuration that features a missile launch pod (MLP) of four ready-to-launch Spike NLOS missiles, an MLP of four reserve missiles, and a communications pod for the RF datalink. The Lightweight Modular Spike NLOS Launcher concept was first shown at Eurosatory 2016 in Paris on a down-scaled Polaris MRZR 4-style 4×4 all-terrain vehicle with an integrated Spike NLOS missile magazine that included two Spike NLOS ready-to launch-rounds, and a clip-on magazine of two additional rounds.
Rafael has since refined the concept ” shown on a TomCar 4×4 platform, but compatible with most lightweight all-terrain vehicles ” as a modular system, with a baseline configuration that features a missile launch pod (MLP) of four ready-to-launch Spike NLOS missiles, an MLP of four reserve missiles, and a communications pod for the RF datalink. The MLP is mounted on a pallet ” securely mounted on the host platform with just seven screws ” enabling rapid and easy integration onto light vehicles. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have reduced the weight of the entire system from its original ‘few tons’ to just 1,350 kg ” which includes eight Spike NLOS rounds.
