Spike (missile)

Infobox Weapon
name=Spike


caption="SPIKE ATGM" launcher with mock-up missile
origin=Israel
type=Manportable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile
is_ranged=yes
is_explosive=yes
is_missile=yes
is_UK=
service=1997 - Present
used_by=See "operators"
wars= Second Intifada, 2006 Lebanon War
designer=
design_date=1987
manufacturer=Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
unit_cost=
production_date= 1997 - Present
number=
variants= See "Versions"
spec_label=
weight= Missile in canister: 34 kg
Launcher: 55 kg
Launcher + 4 missiles: 187 kg
Tripod: 3 kg
Battery: 1 kg
length=167 cm (Missile w/launcher)
part_length=
width=
height=
diameter=17 cm (Missile w/launcher)
crew=
cartridge=
caliber=
barrels=
action=
rate=Ready to launch in 30 seconds, reload in 15 seconds
velocity=
range=
max_range=800 - 8,000 meters, depending on version
feed=
sights=10x optical sight
filling=Tandem-charged HEAT warhead
filling_weight=
detonation=Impact force
yield=
armour=
primary_armament=
secondary_armament=
engine=Solid-fuel rocket
engine_power=
transmission=
payload_capacity=
fuel_capacity=
pw_ratio=
suspension=
clearance=
vehicle_range=
speed=
guidance=Infrared homing - Electro Optical (CCD, IR or Dual CCD/IIR), Passive CCD or dual CCD/IIR seeker

Spike is a "third generation" anti-tank guided missile developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.

Overview

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, extended and medium range versions of the Spike also has the capability of Fire, Observe and Update operating mode, by the use of fiber-optical wire that is spooled between the launch position and the missile. This allows the operator to lock onto a target if the target is not in the line of sight of the operator, switch targets, or compensate for the movement of the target if the missile is not tracking the target for some reason. Furthermore, the missile could also be used for simple observation on the other side of the hill and maybe engage a target of opportunity. The tandem warhead is fitted with two shaped charges, a precursor warhead to detonate any explosive reactive armor and a primary warhead to penetrate base armor. It is replacing aging "second generation" anti-tank missiles like the MILAN and Dragon in many armies. The missile has a soft launch capability which allows the missile to be fired from confined spaces, which is a necessity in urban warfare.

Components

Spike is broken down into two separate systems: a launching tripod / fire control unit, and the missile itself. Together, the system weighs, in the long range variant, around 26 kg. Weight savings are achieved by Spike through the elimination of a dedicated thermal sight, as the system uses the missile's imaging seeker for target acquisition.

The purchasing and operating costs of the system are relatively low compared to similar systems. By using "good enough" solutions, the system can offer high quality without gold plating. Missile capabilities are almost similar to those of many modern high-end ATGMs.

Spike can be operated by infantry teams from the launching tripod, or from standard mounts designed for fast attack vehicles, utility vehicles and APCs. This allows vehicles that are normally not equipped with anti tank weapons to have some form of anti-tank capability. Furthermore, Spike has been trialled as a weapon system for the SAGEM Sperwer UAV.

Marketing

In order to ease the selling of the weapon system in Europe, the company EuroSpike GmbH was formed in Germany. Its shareholders Diehl BGT Defence (40%), RDE (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 Spike weapon system differs a little from the Israeli version and is then marketed under the name STN Atlas EuroSpike.

Versions

*Spike-SR is the short range version of the weapon. It has a range of some 800 meters and is intended for infantry use.

*Spike-MR (also know as Gil) is the medium range version. Its range is 200 - 2,500 meters and is used by infantry and special forces. The weight of the missile is 13.5 kg, and the canister itself weighs 13 kg. The launcher, battery, tripod and the launcher are also used by other land-based versions of the Spike missile family, each weighing 13 kg, 1 kg, 3 kg, and 9 kg respectively.

*Spike-LR is the long range version. It has a range of 4,000 meters and is used by infantry and light combat vehicles

*Spike-ER is the extended range or extra long range version of the weapon. It was formerly also known as the NT-Dandy or NT-D. It has a range of 8,000 meters. It has a larger diameter and is heavier than the other systems, and is usually vehicle mounted. It is used by infantry, LCVs, and helicopters. The Finnish Coastal Jaegers also operates the version in the anti-ship role. The weight of the missile is 34 kg, the launchers are 30 kg and 55 kg respectively for the vehicle and air-launched versions.

Operators

;CHI: 2,600 missiles.;COL;FIN: 100 MR (PstOhj 2000) launchers plus an option for 70 more, and 18 ER ("Rannikko-ohjus 2006") launchers for coastal anti-ship use. ;GER: 440 LR launchers on Puma vehicles.;ISR: MR, LR, and ER launchers.;ITA;MEX: 517 LR launchers and 6,420 missiles on order, delivery date December 2008.;NLD: 297 MR launchers;POL: 264 LR launchers on Patria AMV vehicles (2,675 missiles).;ROU: ER launchers on IAR 330 SOCAT attack helicopters and LR launchers on MLI-84M IFVs.;SIN;SLO;ESP: 260 launchers (2,600 MR and LR missiles). ER launchers on Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters.;TUR: LR launchers on Otokar Cobra vehicles.

Comparable systems

*Type 01 LMAT - Japanese missile
*FGM-148 Javelin - U.S. missile
*9M123 Khrizantema - Russian missile

External links

* [http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/anti-armor/gill_spike/GillSpike.html israeli-weapons.com's webpage on the Spike family - including videos]
* [http://www.army-technology.com/projects/gill/ army-technology.com's webpage on the Spike family]