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Israeli anti-tank missile From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Spike (Hebrew: ספייק) is an Israeli fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. As of 2024[update], it is in its sixth generation.[5] It was developed and designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It is available in man-portable, vehicle-launched, helicopter-launched and maritime variants.
| Spike | |
|---|---|
Spike ATGM Command & launcher unit (CLU) with mock-up Spike LR missile mounted on a tripod at Singapore Army Open House 2007 | |
| Type | Anti-tank guided missile |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Service history | |
| In service |
|
| Used by | See Operators (41 countries ordered it[1]) |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems |
| Designed | Late 1970s (Spike NLOS) |
| Manufacturer | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems & EUROSPIKE GmbH
|
| Unit cost | $249,966 (US Army Spike NLOS, 2022), $140,000 (German Spike LR, 2017)[2] |
| Produced |
|
| No. built | 40,000 (2023)[3] (7,000 fired) |
| Variants | See variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | Spike ER from helicopter:
Spike MR/LR from tripod:[4]
Spike SR:
|
| Length |
|
| Diameter |
|
| Rate of fire | Ready to launch in 30 seconds, 15 seconds to reload |
| Effective firing range |
|
| Sights | 10× optical sight |
| Warhead | HEAT Tandem-charge |
Detonation mechanism | Piezoelectric trigger |
| Engine | Solid-propellant rocket |
Guidance system | Target acquisition (day and night capacity):
Missile guidance:
|
The missile can engage and destroy targets within the line-of-sight of the launcher ("fire-and-forget"), and some variants can make a top attack through a "fire, observe and update" method (essentially lock-on after launch);[5] the operator tracking the target, or switching to another target, optically through the trailing fiber-optic wire (or RF link in the case of the vehicle-mounted, long-range NLOS variant) while the missile is climbing to altitude after launch. This is similar to the lofted trajectory flight profile of the US FGM-148 Javelin.
Spike is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. The missile is equipped with an imaging infrared seeker.
The long and extended range versions of the Spike also have the capability of "Fire, Observe and Update" operating mode (also known as Lock-on after launch (LOAL)). The missile is connected by a fiber-optical wire that is spooled out between the launch position and the missile. With this, the operator can obtain a target if it is not in the line of sight of the operator at launch, switch targets in flight, or compensate for the movement of the target if the missile is not tracking the target for some reason. Hence, the missile can be fired speculatively for a target of opportunity, or to provide observation on the other side of an obstacle. The missile has a soft launch capability – the motor firing after the missile has left the launcher – that allows the missile to be fired from confined spaces, which is a necessity in urban warfare.
The missile uses a tandem warhead consisting of two shaped charges: a precursor warhead to detonate any explosive reactive armor, and a primary warhead to penetrate the underlying armor. Currently, it is replacing aging semi-automatic command to line of sight second generation anti-tank missiles like the MILAN and M47 Dragon in the armies of the user nations. Spike missile is also equipped with heat chasing technology.
The Spike system is made up of the launching tripod with its fire control unit and the missile. There is no dedicated thermal sight on the launcher: the missile's imaging seeker is used. Altogether, the long range variant of the system weighs around 26 kg (57 lb).
Spike can be operated from the launcher by infantry, or from mounts that can be fitted to vehicles such as fast attack vehicles, armoured personnel carriers or utility vehicles. Vehicles that are not normally fitted with anti-tank weapons can therefore be given anti-tank capability.
Spike has been tested as a weapon system for the SAGEM Sperwer unmanned aerial vehicle. The Spanish Army has fitted the Spike ER to its Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters.[6][7] Both Israel and the United States have experimented with arming Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with the Spike missile; the US variant is used in UH-60M Battlehawk helicopters.[8]
In order to facilitate the selling of the weapon system in Europe, the company EuroSpike GmbH was formed in Germany. Its shareholders are Diehl Defence (40%), Rheinmetall Defence Electronics (40%) and Rafael via ERCAS B.V (20%). ERCAS B.V. is a Dutch holding company owned 100% by Rafael.
EuroSpike GmbH is located in Röthenbach, Germany. The European variant of the Spike weapon system differs a little from the Israeli version and is marketed under the name EuroSpike.[9]
The missiles were also marketed and produced under license in Singapore by ST Engineering.[10] For other areas of the world, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is solely responsible.[11]
Rafael state over 40,000 missiles had been delivered to 41 countries by 2023, of which about 7,000 had been used in trials, training, and combat.[3]
The reusable Command & launch unit (CLU), battery, tripod and the thermal sight are common for both MR and LR versions of the Spike missile family, each weighing 5 kg (11 lb), 1 kg (2.2 lb), 2.8 kg (6.2 lb), and 4 kg (8.8 lb) respectively.[4]
They are used for the newer variants LR2 and ER2 variants.[12]
Launching system used on all turrets equipped with the Spike missile. The Spike LR, ER and NLOS as well as the modernised variants can be used with these systems.[12]
The short range version of the weapon was unveiled in 2012 to give infantrymen a guided missile between the larger Spike MR and unguided rockets.[13] The missile is 8 kg (18 lb) for a 9.8 kg (22 lb) disposable munition for use at platoon-level whose minimum range is 50 m (160 ft) and whose maximum range is 1.5 km (0.93 mi). It is equipped with a stiff-necked uncooled electro-optical infrared seeker and advanced tracker, as opposed to the gimballed seeker in the Spike MR/LR/ER versions.[14] The Spike SR does not require a separate sight, instead utilizing the low-cost thermal camera and guidance electronics strapped to the missile's nose to provide this function through a display integrated into the launcher, showing the target until launch.[15] The warhead can either be a multi-purpose tandem shaped-charge warhead with blast-fragmentation effect[13] or a new Penetration-Blast-Fragmentation (PBF) variant leveraged from the MATADOR's anti-structure warhead to equip maneuvering forces in urban environments to breach enemy cover and structures with a lethal blast effect.[14] In May 2016 Rafael concluded deliveries of Spike SR to its first export customer,[16] later revealed to be the Singapore Armed Forces to replace the Carl Gustaf M2.[17]
The medium range version (Israeli designation: NT-Gil). The weight of the missile is 14 kg (31 lb), its minimum range is 200 m, while its maximum range is 2,500 m (1.6 mi). It is used by infantry and special forces.[18]
Long range version (Israeli designation: NT-Spike). The weight of the missile is 14 kg (31 lb), and the weight of the complete system is less than 45 kg (99 lb).[19] Maximum range is 4,000 m (2.5 mi) and it is used by infantry and light combat vehicles. It adds fiber-optic communication to and from the operator during flight.[20] Reported armour penetration capability is more than 700 mm (28 in) of Rolled homogeneous armour (RHA).[21] It is also deployed in Sentry Tech remotely controlled weapons stations along the Gaza border.[22] In early 2014, Rafael revealed they had increased the range of the Spike LR to 5.5 km (3.4 mi), enhancing versatility on existing firing platforms and allowing it to be utilized on new ones like light helicopters.[23]
A new generation of the original Spike LR is in full-scale development and scheduled to be operational by the end of 2018[needs update]. Spike LR2 (Israeli designation: Gil-2, גיל 2) has a reduced missile weight to 13 kg (29 lb), and a reduced total system weight of 25 kg, increased range of 5.5 km (3.4 mi) at ground level and 10 km (6.2 mi) from helicopters using an RF data-link.[24] Warhead options of tandem HEAT with 30% increased armor penetration or a multipurpose blast warhead with selectable impact or penetration detonation fusing, a new seeker that includes an uncooled IR sensor with a smart target tracker with artificial intelligence features, the ability to fire on grid target coordinates using an inertial measurement unit for third party-target allocation, and is compatible with legacy launchers. The missile is designed with a counter-active protection system (CAPS) capability, being able to hit targets at higher impact angles of up to 70 degrees.[12][25][26] First ordered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in October 2017.[27]
Extended range or extra-long range version of the weapon (Israeli designation: NT-Dandy or NT-D). It has a minimum range of 400 m and a maximum range of 8,000 m (5.0 mi).[28] It has a larger diameter and is heavier than the other systems, and is usually vehicle mounted. It is used by infantry, Light Combat Vehicle (LCVs), and helicopters. The Finnish Navy's Coastal Jaegers and Philippine Navy's Multi-purpose Attack Craft Mk.III also operate this version in the anti-ship role. The weight of the missile is 34 kg (74 lb 15 oz), the launchers are 30 kg (66 lb) and 55 kg (121 lb) respectively for the vehicle and air-launched versions. Penetration is around 1,000 mm (39 in) of RHA.[21]
A maritime version of the Spike ER, with a stated range of up to 10 kilometres (5.4 nmi) and equipped with an electro-optical guidance system. The deck launcher can hold 4 missiles.[29]
In August 2018, Rafael disclosed the development of an enhancement of the missile called the Spike ER2. It retains the same weight, airframe, surface geometries, and propulsion unit but introduces a two-way RF data-link to increase real-time control to an extended range of 16 km (9.9 mi) from helicopters; it also has an extended fiber optic link to increase range to 10 km (6.2 mi) from land and naval platforms.[30]
"Non Line Of Sight" is an ultra long-range version of the weapon (Israeli designation: Tamuz, תמוז), with a claimed maximum range of 32 km (20 mi). It is a significantly larger missile than other Spike variants, with an overall weight of around 70 kg (150 lb). It can be launched from the ground or from helicopters. It was developed following lessons learned in the Yom Kippur War, which showed a need for a high-precision guided tactical ground-to-ground battlefield missile. The first variants entered service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in tandem with the Pereh missile carrier in 1981, though the existence of both was not revealed to the public until 2011.[31][32][33] The Spike NLOS uses a fiber optic link similar to other Spike versions, but only out to 8 km, after which it employs a radio data link for command guidance.[34]
In 2011 it also became known that in a highly unusual move, the British Army was hastily equipped with the missile for counter-mortar fire, drawn directly from IDF inventory after being exposed to increasing insurgent attacks in Iraq. Beginning in 2007 three variants of the NLOS were procured. A total of 600 missiles were acquired, the breakdown being 200 optical camera equipped NLOS Mk.2 in 2007, 200 thermal imaging equipped NLOS Mk.4 in 2008 for night operations (together with the NLOS Mk.2 these were known as EXACTOR-1), 200 dual camera equipped NLOS Mk.5 (EXACTOR-2) followed in 2009 which featured wings for slower but better maneuvering flight and a multi-purpose warhead replacing the anti-armor warhead of previous versions.[35] For operational security, the codename of 'EXACTOR missile' was assigned in British service and it was initially mounted on launchers atop leased M113 APCs. The NLOS Mk.2 performed badly being too fast and difficult to control, the M113 overheated in the desert and had a poor resolution camera display that compared unfavorably with its contemporaries.[36] So Britain financed the development of the NLOS Mk.5 known in British service as the EXACTOR 2 which replaced the M113 APC with a towed trailer known as SPARC holding four missiles in a 360-degree rotating turret that could be remotely controlled up to 500 m away[37] ditching the non-standard M113 APCs altogether when in 2010 the batteries were transferred from Iraq to Afghanistan.[38][39]
In a deal concluded on 6 September 2011, the South Korean government had agreed to purchase an unknown number of Spike NLOS Mk.5 missiles.[40][41]
Rafael is working on expanding the missile's versatility by enhancing the existing EO-IR/CCD seeker with semi-active laser (SAL) capability and different anti-armor, blast-penetration, and high-explosive fragmentation warheads to meet specific applications.[23]
In 2020 the US Army announced its intention to procure Spike NLOS missiles to be mounted on Apache helicopters.[42] A test was conducted in March 2021 where an AH-64E fired a Spike NLOS at a target 32 km (20 mi) away and scored a direct hit.[43]
In June 2022, Rafael unveiled the Spike NLOS 6th generation with range increased to 50 kilometres (31 mi), a salvo feature which can launch up to four missiles at a time, and the ability to hand over control after firing to another platform. It also has a Target Image Acquisition capability that can prioritize important targets for strike, and can be carried by strategic UAVs in the Heron-TP-class.[44][45]
The Israeli Navy uses a maritime version of the Spike NLOS, with a stated range of up to 32 kilometres (17 nmi) and equipped with a dual passive electro-optical guidance system and an infrared imaging camera with image processing capabilities. The deck launcher is available for 8 or 4 missiles.[46][47]
On 2 September 2009, at an IDF exhibition held at the third Latrun annual land warfare conference, the Israeli Defense Force unveiled a new member of the Spike family of missiles – the Mini Spike Anti-personnel guided weapon (APGW).[48][49] Rafael claimed that this latest member of the Spike family of missile costs and weighed only a third of the Spike LR at 4 kg (8.8 lb), while offering a longer engagement range of 1.3–1.5 km (0.81–0.93 mi) when compared to the Spike SR. It was to introduce new flight modes to enable precision strikes in urban areas, such as flying through windows or attacking an enemy hidden behind defilade or obstacles using non-line-of-sight engagement. Mini Spike would use the same launcher and sight system of the Spike LR, loading the missile on a special adaptor.[15][50] By 2016, Mini Spike development had been discontinued.[14]
In May 2022, Rafael unveiled the Aerospike, a version of the Spike LR2 designed to be launched from fixed-wing aircraft. Weighing 14 kg and utilizing the same airframe, EO/IR seekers and warheads as the Spike LR2, it features longer wings to give it an improved glide ratio for a range of 30 km (19 mi) when launched from 8,200 metres (27,000 ft). The munition does not require GPS to navigate, incorporating scene-matching technology and detection and tracking capabilities. A real-time RF data-link allows for man-in-the-loop operation enabling mid-flight target handover, re-targeting and abort options while also controlling approach angle, azimuth and flight trajectory, achieving accuracy within 3 meters of the target with a HEAT or blast fragmentation warhead. By the time of public announcement, the Aerospike was already in service with unnamed users.[51][52][53]
Iran received some Israeli Spike MR that were captured during the 2006 Lebanon War by the Hezbollah.[54] An unlicensed variant that goes by the name of Almas (Persian: الماس).[55] The ATGM was unveiled in public on 7 July 2021.[55] It was shown overseas at the MILEX 2023 exhibition held in May in Belarus[56] and at the Partner 2023 exhibition held in September in Serbia.[57][58]
On 25 January 2024, a video was released that appeared to show Hezbollah forces using the system against an Israeli surveillance outpost[59] at Shlomi.[60] On 27 January 2024, another attack involving the Almas was reported at Rosh HaNikra.[60]
Variants include the Almas-1, an exact copy of the Spike with a range of 4,000 meters and weight of 15 kg.[61] The Almas-2 has a range of 8,000 meters when fired from the ground with claims of penetrating up to 1,000 mm of armor.[61] The Almas-3 is a clone of the Spike ER with its warhead based on a two-stage high-explosive or thermobaric type.[61]
Wiesel 1 AWC - MELLS (weapon carrier), entered service in 2022:[72]
Infantry fighting vehicles on order, to be equipped with a launch container for 2 Spike LR missiles on the right of the ZSSW-30 turret:
Infantry fighting vehicles planned to be equipped with a launch container for 2 Spike LR missiles on the right of the ZSSW-30 turret:
Piranha V (Dragon VCR) from the first order:[86]
Azerbaijan used Spike missiles on Armenian T-72 tanks during Second Nagorno-Karabakh War.[87]
During the 2023 Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Navy attacked Hamas targets on the Gaza Strip coastline using Spike NLOS missiles.[46]
Reports state that the killing of seven humanitarian aid workers during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip was accomplished by Spike missiles fired by a Hermes 450 drone.[88][89]
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