Spike NLOS is simply a multi-purpose guided rocket whose latest version, presented at the global Defence manufacture Salon in Kielce, has a scope of up to 50 km. “This strategy has virtually no competition,” says maker Rafael, an Israeli company. NLOS missiles have already been tested in Poland by American soldiers from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.
– NLOS is the only combat-tested, serially manufactured anti-tank rocket designed for usage on an air platform that has specified a range," says Dr. Robie Stark of Rafael Advanced defence Systems. As a standard, these missiles were capable of firing targets over a distance of 32 km. However, the latest version presented by the Israeli company has a scope of up to 50 km erstwhile firing from a helicopter. It is different from another specified missiles, specified as Hellfire or JAGM. “They usage active guidance, for example laser or radar guidance, while Spike NLOS is passive, based on an electrooptic system, which allows it to operate very effectively in GPS interference conditions, in an environment without satellite signal,” explains Stark.
Spike NLOS for the Polish Army
Spike NLOS missiles have not yet been purchased by Poland, but they have already been tested at Polish post in the mouth in August of this year. It was at the same time the first Spike NLOS rocket shooting with Apache helicopter in Europe. The Israeli weapons test was carried out by US units of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade. It features AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters in v6, integrated with Spike NLOS missiles with a scope of up to 32 km. The Polish military uses another versions of Spike missiles, specified as Spike-LR. They are besides licensed at Mesko plants.
Will Rafael's cooperation with the Polish Army and the arms manufacture include the latest missiles? The company has already made specified an offer Polish Armed Forces Group. As with Spike-LR rockets, NLOS missiles would be produced in plants Mesko in Skarżysko-Kamienna, and the contract would include technology transfer. The missiles produced in Poland could be utilized as weapons for Apache and Black Hawk helicopters. They can besides be integrated with ground platforms or floating units
