Longer range, more accurate, and now lighter: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. today unveiled photographs from a series of recently completed launching trials of Spike NLOS missiles (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. Rafael said that the launcher in the trials was lightweight, contained eight missiles, and could be rapidly adapted to being carried by a variety of vehicles in the field, depending on operational needs.
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. We 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," Rafael tactical weapons system administration head Zvi M. said today.
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 IDF, which calls them Gil missiles. To date, Rafael has supplied 30,000 Spike missiles of various types to dozens of customers.
Published by Globes, Israel business news - en.globes.co.il - on February 4, 2019
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