Spike (missile) Totally Explained

Everything about Spike Missile totally explained

Spike is a third generation anti-tank guided missile developed by the Israeli company Rafael.

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's spooled between the launch position and the missile. This allows the operator to lock onto a target if the target isn't in the line of sight of the operator, switch targets, or compensate for the movement of the target if the missile isn't 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 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 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 army also operates the version in the anti-ship role.

Operators

- 2,600 missiles.

- 100 MR (PstOhj 2000) launchers plus an option for 70 more, and 18 ER (Rannikko-ohjus 2006) launchers

- 440 LR launchers on Puma vehicles.

- 264 LR launchers on Patria AMV vehicles (2,675 missiles).

- ER launchers on IAR 330 SOCAT attack helicopters.

- 260 launchers (2,600 MR and LR missiles).

- LR launchers on Otokar Cobra vehicles.

Comparable systems

Type 01 LMAT - Japanese missile

FGM-148 Javelin - U.S. missile

9M123 Khrizantema - Russian missileFurther Information

Get more info on 'Spike Missile'.

External Link Exchanges

Do you know how hard it is to get a link from a large encyclopaedia? Well we're different and will prove it. To get a link from us just add the following HTML to your site on a relevant page:

<a href="http://spike__missile.totallyexplained.com">Spike (missile) Totally Explained</a>

Then simply click through this link from your web page. Our crawlers will verify your link, extract the title of your web page and instantly add a link back to it. If you like you can remove the words Totally Explained and embed the link in article text.
As long as your link remains in place, we'll keep our link to you right here. Please play fair - our crawlers are watching. Your site must be closely related to this one's topic. Any kind of spamming, dubious practises or removing the link will result in your link from us being dropped and, potentially, your whole site being banned.