Israeli agency Rafael unveiled a brand new mild weight missile, timed for the SOFIC convention. (Credit score: Rafael)
SOFIC 2022: Israeli protection agency Rafael has introduced a brand new lightweight, air-launched missile dubbed the Aerospike, with shut air help for floor forces like particular operators in thoughts.
The missile, whose official debut was timed for the opening of the Particular Operations Forces Business Convention (SOFIC) in Florida at the moment, is a “state-of-the-art, subsequent technology” Stand-Off Precision Guided Missile to be armed on fixed-wing plane, the corporate stated in a launch.
Past shut air help, Rafael stated the missile can be utilized for counter-terrorism missions, to counter anti-aircraft artillery batteries and to hit surface-to-air missile websites, in addition to armored autos and tanks.
“Right this moment’s battle area is saturated with moveable air protection threats – like MANPADs – that require CAS [close air support] parts to function with better precision and longer ranges; that’s exactly what AEROSPIKE brings to the trendy battlefield,” Rafael air-to-surface directorate chief Alon Shlomi stated in a press release, referring particularly to US Air Power particular operators.
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The missile, which was beforehand reported by Janes, is a part of Rafael’s Spike household of methods, utilizing the corporate’s Spike LR2 “precision guided missile applied sciences.”
“An actual-time data-link permits for seamless man-in-the-loop operation and superior lethality with a mix of HEAT (antitank) and blast fragmentation warheads,” the corporate stated.
The missile has a variety of 30 km, or greater than 18 miles.
One other member of the Spike household, the loitering munition Spike-Firely, has undergone testing by the US Army throughout its Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment, as Breaking Protection first reported. The Army is at the moment analyzing the drone’s efficiency and is predicted to resolve quickly whether or not it’ll purchase in.
