One Missile, Many Missions – The Revolution

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ARIE EGOZI

This is a revolution: The importance shifts from the platforms to the systems they carry.

Rafael the Israeli company, that developed some of the best air-air missile on the market today is one big proof for the revolution.

Rafael said recently that it is developing very advanced “Multi mission, Multi platform” missile.

The classification air-air missile is not mentioned. That is because the new missiles can be launched also from fighter aircraft in air-air missions and from the ground for air defense.

The new approach was adapted to answer the diversified needs of armed forces and the heavy investments in developing different missiles for different platforms.

The first implementation of the new approach could be seen when the company used two combat proven air-air missiles, to develop a surface -air point defense system. The Spyder system is based on, the Python-5 and the Derby.

The system was exported to some countries and in parallel a longer range version was developed. Boosters attached to the missiles increase their range.

The basic short range version has a 20 km effective range. By attaching boosters to the two missiles the new Spyder MR has an effective range of 50 km.

The Spyder MR has different radar than the one installed on the basic Spyder SR system.

The two canisters on the launcher, can be opened before launch to enable the active sensor of the Derby and the passive sensor of the Python -5, to acquire the targets.

The Derby is capable of receiving data from any search radar, using a data link that is part of the launcher. This data link is used also to transfer the cuing data to the missile after launch.

The missile can also be launched after lock on, normally at very close range.

The Derby is equipped with a Pulse Doppler radar, made by Israel aircraft industries (IAI). The radar has a look down capability.

According to the Rafael source, the Spyder in its two versions is a good example  for using  two air-air missiles to offer a point defense system.

Rafael has confirmed last year that its “Stunner” missile is actually a next generation air-air missile. The Stunner is already used  as part of the “David’s Sling” system aimed at intercepting short and medium range rockets.