The missile can be launched from up to eight kms from the target.
The Israel Air Force (IAF) is likely to make the latest member of the Rafael (Israel Armament Development Company) Gill/Spike family of missiles its weapon of choice for precision strikes against moving targets in urban areas.
"Defense News" reports that the innovative Spike ER (extended range) missile can be launched from both attack helicopters and specially equipped unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from up to eight kms from the target.
The Spike ER has an electro-optical guidance system. It was specially designed for anti-terrorist operations in urban areas, It will give helicopter crews or UAV operating teams maximum flexibility to change the missile's path, or to destroy it after launch. The latter capability is critical when the terrorist target is moving among civilians.
After launch, the Spike ER transmits a video picture back to launch crew.
Sources at Rafael said the missile had been sold to one foreign country, and that they expected large-scales sales over the next five years, assuming that more countries launch anti-terrorist operations in urban areas.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on June 3, 2004