A modern kit derivative of the operationally successful Popeye (Popeye, Popeye Lite) missile family, SPICE can upgrade existing ordnance into precision guided Air-to-Surface weapons. SPICE is a fully autonomous Precision Guidance Munition (PGM) bomb which for the first time incorporates autonomous Electro-Optical guidance with satellite guidance. This astonishing ability could not be achieved if not by an Electro-Optical breakthrough carried by Israel's Armament and Development Authority (RAFAEL). The bomb's uniqe advantage over regular stand-off bombs is its ability to utilize Scene Matching by preloading several target images, and then comparing the targets to a real-time Electro-Optical image which is acquired by the bomb's Electro-Optical seeker. Thus, the bomb can locate the target autonomously, prepare its flight course and hit it with absolute precision.
SPICE surpasses the GPS-guided bombs that starred in the recent war in Iraq , since the Target Acquisition System is not dependent solely on its Imaging capability, but has a backup- the system deploys GPS guidance, in case the Electro-Optical sensor cannot acquire the target for some reason. In such case, the SPICE has the accuracy of a regular JDAM-type GPS-guided weapon.
The bomb flies at 0.9 Mach, at all weathers conditions, scans the sighted area, and constantly compares it to its preloaded targets bank. Once an image of the targets bank matches the real-time acquired image, the seeker will guide the bomb into the specified target with striking accuracy.
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SPICE has an effective drop range of 60 km, which allows the attacking aircraft to destroy the target without getting into the threat zone. Any aircraft can carry several bombs, and select the targets at the course of flight. Since it is not dependent on coordinates fed to it by a satellite, the Israeli-made PGM cannot be jammed. Nor can it be "spoofed" that is, given false coordinates by the enemy who then sends a very expensive bomb into a strategically valueless meadow . The bomb significantly improves pilots preparation and studying of targets, thus shortens time preparation intervals between flights. After the targets are loaded into the bomb's computer, and the bomb is dropped, it homes, navigates and guides itself without pilot's intervention. It has all the characteristics of a Fire-and-Forget munition, without the high costs of a missile.
RAFAEL has started production of its SPICE stand-off precision guidance kit and is adapting the system for smaller bombs than the initial weapon's 900kg Mk84 bomb, such as the 450kg Mk83 bomb.
Another source relates to the fact that the kit has also been cleared for the BLU-109 penetrator warhead.
The forward element, which contains the Electro-Optical seeker and a combined inertial/GPS satellite navigation system will be unchanged. The rear element – comprising wings, moveable tail surfaces to steer the weapon and the power supply – will be modified to match the Mk83's smaller diameter. A senior programme official says all systems will be unaltered, as the existing line-replaceable units will fit the new profile. One official adds that RAFAEL is considering Spice technology with lighter warheads, creating a system similar to the US small diameter bomb programme. Sources at RAFAEL at Haifa, northern Israel, also say initial production for the Israeli air force has started following the conclusion of tests. RAFAEL does admit that the Spice is more expensive than other PGMs. But then again, an American-made Tomahawk cruise missile costs $ 1 million. |
