Spike-ER
+ Tiger = deadly accuracy
Spike-ER + Tiger = deadly accuracy
Brian M Walters
Spike-ER + Tiger = deadly accuracy
Seen mounted on the Eurocopter Tiger on the EADS outside display,
the Rafael Spike-ER missile has been cleared for use by the attack
helicopter. This follows the successful conclusion of firing trials
in Spain last month, when each of four missiles launched hit their
targets with remarkable precision.
Although the operator had only experienced use of the weapon by
means of the HeliCoat simulator, such precision can be easily
achieved because the Spike-ERs guidance system comprises day and
night vision cameras that enable crews to ride the missile to the
point of impact. The pilot can launch a missile and then mask down
out of sight of the target while following the image using a
fibre-optic communication link.
During the flight, the pilot can update the aimpoint or even switch
targets if a more important alternative comes into view. A video of
the trials in Spain, which may be seen on Rafaels stand (E38/2)
demonstrates the ease with which novice operators can hit their
targets, but visitors to the companys stand can try their hand at
hitting a tank, or a terrorist operating a machine gun from a small
truck.
Perhaps the most astonishing demonstration of accuracy using the
HeliCoat simulator shows a particular window on a designated floor
being penetrated by a Spike-ER, which was launched before the
building came clearly into view. With the helicopter out of sight
and hearing from a distance of 8km, the elevated view from the
missiles seeker gradually revealed the point designated by
intelligence as the location of a terrorist.
The importance of avoiding collateral damage when targeting an
enemy points to the value of using a weapon such as Spike-ER, since
the operator has the target in view throughout the engagement, so
that even if it moves out of sight, the missile can be guided to
open ground.
Spike-ER is in service with IDF forces and the Finnish Coastguard,
but for attack helicopter operators, the weapon offers important
advantages in addition to its accuracy; at 33kg, it weighs less
than other missiles in its category that weigh some 50kg. Moreover,
no black boxes need be fitted to the attack helicopter, as the
electrical interface and gas cooling system are integrated in the
launcher that attaches to the hard point.
Spike-ER is also in service with Romanian forces, where it is
carried by Puma helicopters, but both France and Spain are showing
strong interest in arming their Tigers with the missile, so they
will be particularly interested in the success of the firing trials
in May. Germany, another Tiger customer, is also believed to be
interested in arming the helicopter with Spike-ER.
2.Spore
Technology involved products---see p8.
more in
Chinese
3.Afier Finland (home of Nokia) and Poland,Czech
Army plans to deploy Spike on Pandur II
By Michal Zdobinsky
In late January 2006 the Czech government approved the purchase of
up to 234 Steyr-Daimler-Puch Pandur II 8x8 armoured personnel
carriers. A proportion of these will be equipped with launchers for
the Spike-LR anti-tank missile system.
A final agreement due to be concluded in April will cover 199
Pandur IIs plus an option for 35 further vehicles. The contract
will be worth CZK23.6 billion (USD1.02 billion) and includes the
armament.
The Czech Army chose the Rafael Remote Controlled Weapon Station
(RCWS). The unsuccessful contenders were Oto Melara with its
Hitfist 30 turret and Rheinmetall, which offered the E9 turret but
supplied the Czechs with the older and heavier E4 turret for
trials. All three turrets were armed with Spike.
4.Guys,sg's products not bad.more and more foreign
countries
are using them.Dunt look down or look up our
products,unnecessarily.
5.what manufacture
says
Gill/Spike
