Rafael based in Haifa, Israel, manufacture the Spike family of anti-armour weapons. The weapons are lightweight fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles and use electro-optical and fibre-optic technologies. The systems are used by infantry soldiers, special rapid reaction forces, ground forces and helicopter aircrew.

The Spike family includes: Spike-SR with a range of 800m, Spike-MR (Gill) with range of 2,500m, Spike-LR with 4,000m range and Spike-ER (formerly known as NTD Dandy) with a range of 8,000m. Spike-LR and Spike-ER can also be fitted on light combat vehicles and a package for mounting Spike-ER on helicopters is also available. The Spike missile system is currently in production and in service with the Israeli Defence Force and with the Singapore Armed Forces.

In October 2003, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) awarded a production contract for Spike C4I, the Spike-ER system fitted with networking capability. The Spike launcher will be fitted with a variant of the Azimuth Comet Global Positioning System (GPS), laptop computer and VHF datalink.

In June 2004, a joint venture company, EuroSpike GmbH, was formed by Rafael with Rheinmetall Defence Electronics (formerly STN Atlas Elektronik) and Diehl Munitionssysteme (DMS). This followed a co-operation agreement signed by the three companies in November 1998. EuroSpike GmbH is the prime contractor for the Spike family of missiles in Europe.

In May 2000, the Finnish Army selected the Spike-MR system to meet its requirement for a medium-range anti-tank missile system. Rheinmetall DeTec will produce the launchers, Diehl the munition and Rheinmetall the warhead.

In August 2001, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence ordered the Spike-MR (Gill) missile system to replace the Dragon missile of the RNl Army and Marine Corps. Rafael is the prime contractor, with Rheinmetall, Diehl and Thales Nederland (formerly Signaal) the major subcontractors.

In January 2004, Poland signed a contract with ZM Mesko for the purchase of the Spike-LR missile system. ZM Mesko will manufacture elements of the missiles and perform final assembly from 2006. The requirement is for 264 tripod launchers and 2,675 missiles. Deliveries began in November 2004 and will conclude in 2013. Poland also requires 160 systems to be integrated on the Oto Melara HITFIST 30 turret mounted on Patria Armoured Modular Vehicles. The system is also being trialled by the Romanian Army.

In December 2006, the government of Spain placed an order for 260 launchers and 2,600 Spike-LR missiles, to replace Milan and Dragon missiles. General Dynamics Santa Barbara has signed a contract with Rafael for local production of the missiles. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2007 and conclude in 2014.

in October2007, Spanish Government signed acquisition contract for Spike-ER missiles. AGREEMENT that authorize the signature of the acquisition contract for the Spike-ER Air-Land missiles systems for the Tiger helicopter by a global amount of 44.027.963 Euro, to distribute among the exercises 2007-2012.The GD Santa Barbara and Rafael deal is a follow up on last year's contract signed by the two companies for the supply of Spike Missiles to the ground forces.

Fire and Forget

The basic mode of operation for all the members of the SPIKE Family is “Fire and Forget”. Following target acquisition through the optical or thermal sight, the gunner activates the missile, locks the seeker on target and presses the FIRE button to launch the missile.  From this moment on, the missile automatically guides itself towards the target, allowing the gunner to launch another missile or to change firing position. This mode of operation is applicable for SPIKE-MR, SPIKE-LR and SPIKE-ER.

Fire, Observe and Update

The second mode of operation is the "Fire, Observe and Update" or "Fire and Forget…PLUS".  The fibre optic link enables the gunner to control the hit point by using the four-way updating switch during flight.  The main advantage of such a mode is to be able to engage targets that are not visible (No Line Of Sight) at firing position.   Because of the lofted trajectory, immediately after launch the missile climbs above the ground, and enables the gunner to "see" and aim at the top areas of the target.

Fire and Steer

The third mode of operation is the "Fire and Steer" mode (SPIKE-ER and LR only), which allows the operator to launch the missile without locking-on target first. The operator launches the missile, and then, due to the fibre optic link, can either steer the missile towards the target, or he can lock-on target and proceed with the Fire and Forget mode.

Easy to Operate - Fire and Forget

SPIKE Basic Combat System's mode of operation is Fire and Forget. Following target acquisition through optical or thermal sight, the gunner activates the missile (CCD/IIR), locks the seeker on target and presses the FIRE button to launch the missile.

Trajectories

The SPIKE FAMILY is equipped with two modes of attack: High trajectory, in which the missile climbs high above and dives onto the target and low trajectory, in which the missile's trajectory above ground is low.

Adverse Weather Capability

The IIR seeker has day and night capability, in adverse weather and low visibility conditions. The CCD seeker, which is an additional, unique feature of the SPIKE Family, has excellent capability during daytime including under high humidity or snow conditions. The system meets a wide variety of battlefield environmental requirements.

Hit Probability

An advanced electro-optical seeker (CCD/IIR) and automatic target tracker achieve pinpoint accuracy and high hit probability.  The high hit accuracy is independent of range, gunner's skills or combat stress.

Kill Probability

High kill probability is achieved by: lofted trajectory, high hit accuracy, and the tandem warheads.  Because of its lofted trajectory, the missile hits the tank at the weakest area. The missile's precursor and main warheads defeat modern tanks with reactive and passive armor.

Significant Countermeasures Capability

The SPIKE Combat System has robust countermeasure capability due to its missile guidance system, based on a passive electro-optic seeker and the gunner's capability to intervene during difficult scenarios.

Gunner Survivability

Gunner survivability is enhanced, compared to previous generation systems, by the fire-and-forget capability, as the gunner can reposition immediately after launch, take cover or reload the next round.  In addition, the system's extended range, minimal gunner exposure, and low missile signature further improve the survivability of the gunner.

Software Management

Missile software is stored in the memory board of the Command Launch Unit.  This software is automatically downloaded each time the missile is activated during the firing procedure.  System software upgrade is performed easily by updating the CLU software, enabling the contractor to provide future improvements or to meet additional customer requirements.

Testability

The system is equipped with Build-in-Test (BIT) for system GO/NO GO indication at field level, for the missile, CLU and thermal sight.

LCC

The SPIKE FAMILY missiles are maintenance free for 10 years ("wooden round" missile).  Service life is at least 20 years.  The long service life time, built in test (BIT), simplicity of operation and training, low maintenance cost and high commonality between family members, ensure a low Life Cycle Cost (LCC).

Integrated Logistic Support (ILS)

A complete ILS program is available, including maintenance and training.

Spike-MR and Spike-LR have the same firing post. The firing post consists of the Command Launch Unit (CLU), the thermal imaging sight and a tripod.

The system is made ready to fire in less than 30 seconds. The soldier acquires the target and lays the cross hairs of the sight on the aim point on the target using either the day sight with a 10x magnification and 5° field of view or the clip-on thermal imaging night sight with wide and narrow fields of view.

In fire-and-forget mode, the soldier activates the missile, locking the tracker on the target and pushes the Fire button to launch. The missile automatically propels itself towards the target without any additional interaction and this fire-and-forget capability allows the soldier the option of relocating to a new firing position or to reload immediately for the next engagement. Reloading takes less than 15 seconds.

After launch the missile follows a lofted trajectory and as it approaches the target it dives down to impact the target. The lofted trajectory and the tandem high explosive warhead enables the missile to penetrate tanks equipped with explosive reactive armour (ERA).

The missile has four rectangular fins for aerodynamic control at the rear, and four wings at just over halfway from nose to tail on the length of the body. They unfold as the missile leaves the launch canister.

The guidance system in the nose of the Spike missile comprises a charge-coupled device (CCD) and imaging infrared (IIR) seeker. The imaging infrared provides higher sensitivity and improved thermal background rejection characteristics for all weather day and night operation.

• Electro optical missile trainer with different sensors simulation (including IR)
• Enables mission rehearsal
• Trains the gunner in procedural, psychomotoric, cognitive and divided attention skills
• Stand alone, full task and team trainer configurations
• Customer defined terrain, targets and scenarios
• Scenario editing capability
• Trainee assessment and trainee log book management