| Spike | |
|---|---|
| Type | Manportable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile |
| Place of origin |  Israel |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1997 - Present |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Wars | Second Intifada, 2006 Lebanon War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1987 |
| Manufacturer | RAFAEL Armament Development Authority |
| Produced | 1997 - Present |
| Variants | See Versions |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | Missile in canister: 33 kg Launcher: 55 kg Launcher + 4 missiles: 187 kg Tripod: 3 kg |
| Length | 167 cm (Missile w/launcher) |
| Diameter | 17 cm (Missile w/launcher) |
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| Maximum range | 400 - 8,000 meters |
| Warhead | Tandem-charged HEAT warhead |
| Detonation mechanism |
Impact force |
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| Engine | Solid Fuel Rocket |
| Guidance system |
Infrared homing - Electro Optical (CCD, IR or Dual CCD/IIR), Passive CCD or dual CCD/IIR seeker |
Spike is a fourth generation anti-tank guided missile developed by the Israeli company Rafael.
Contents |
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 posses 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. 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 2,500 meters and is used by infantry and special forces
- 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 is used by infantry, LCVs, and helicopters. The Finnish army also operates the version in the anti-ship role
Operators
Chile
Colombia
Czech Republic - Spike-LR version on Pandur 2 APC - 156 launchers (missile supplies unknown)
Finland - 100 MR (PstOhj 2000) launchers plus an option for 70 more, and 18 ER (Rannikko-ohjus 2006) launchers
Germany - LR launchers on Puma IFV- Israel
Italy
Netherlands
Poland - 264 LR launchers on Patria AMV vehicles (2,675 missiles)
Romania - In use with IAR 330 SOCAT attack helicopters
Singapore
Slovenia
Spain - 260 launchers (2,600 missiles MR and LR)
Turkey - Spike-LR Launchers on Otokar Cobra
Comparable systems
- Type 01 LMAT - Japanese missile
- FGM-148 Javelin - U.S. missile
- 9M123 Khrizantema - Russian missile
