Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. unveiled video from a series of recently completed launching trials of Spike NLOS precision guided missile (known in Israel as Tamuz 5) from a lightweight launching platform that can operate from a small Tomcar field vehicle. The trials were conducted at Rafael’s Shedma test site in the Negev. Spike NLOS (non-line of sight) missiles were launched at ranges of 25-30 kilometers. In the experiment, a number of missiles were fired at different ranges, at different attack angles, according to the scenario and target type. Rafael said that the new missile launcher in the trials was lightweight, contained eight missiles, and due to the launcher’s light weight, it could be air-deployed deep in enemy territory, and mounted on any light type vehicle.
The SPIKE NLOS missile can be fired in LOS to target using the same principals of the other SPIKE Missiles of tracker lock-on and F&F abilities. The main concept of the weapon system includes the capability to fire in Non Line of sight. The Firing to a NLOS target, is based on grid coordinates using INS/GPS navigation and ending missile flight in terminal guidance based on the Electro optical guidance using missile seeker image transmitted to operator via wireless RF data link. The target coordinates are fed either manually to the SPIKE NLOS system or selected from pre-defined targets or mission data bank. After launch the Missile flight is according to its automatic navigation algorithm. During flight, manual scan of the target area is possible within the Field of Regard (FOR). Pointing to the target may be resumed any time by pushing a button. Terminal guidance is either performed by using tracker lock-on or manual steering the seeker.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd believes that extending the system’s launching capability will make it more attractive to the world’s armies, longer range, more accurate, and now lighter. Rafael added that thanks to the launchers’ light weight and the light weight of the Tomcar vehicle launcher, the system could be transported by helicopter to various fields of action and landed deep in enemy territory. The system will give ground forces precise long-range firing capability at a low signature for hitting mobile and stationary targets, independent of GPS. Rafael are continuing development of cutting edge technology for capabilities and systems that provide maneuvering and accuracy capabilities for forces in various battle environments giving them an advantage over the enemy.
The SPIKE NLOS missile can be fired from a variety of sources on land, air and sea, and allow for the destruction of a wide range of targets, including hidden targets, without a line of sight. Extending the launching capabilities of Spike NLOS missiles is designed to help Rafael to sell these systems to various customers around the world by making them adaptable to the dynamic needs of special forces in Western countries. These multi-task missiles can destroy different types of targets, including concealed targets with no direct line of vision. Other types of Spike missiles have already been sold to over 30 armies worldwide, including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which calls them Gil missiles. The Spike missile family has already been sold to 31 armies, including the IDF, and some 30,000 missiles have been delivered to date.
