Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has developed a lightweight, vehicle-integrated launch system for the Spike non-line-of-sight (NLOS) multipurpose tactical missile, Janes reported this week. Spike is portable fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, with a maximum range of 18.5 miles.
The new Spike NLOS Modular Launcher is an adaptable, pallet-based, stand-off launch system specifically configured for air portable reconnaissance units and special forces – but is compatible with most lightweight all-terrain vehicles – as a modular system, with a baseline configuration that features a missile launch pod (MLP) of four ready-to-launch Spike NLOS missiles, an MLP of four reserve missiles, and a communications pod for the RF datalink.
The MLP is securely mounted on a host platform with just seven screws – enabling easy installation on light vehicles.
“We have reduced the weight of the entire system from its original ‘few tons’ to just 1,350 kg – which includes eight Spike NLOS rounds,” Gal Papier, head of marketing and business development, Precision Tactical Weapons Systems at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, told Jane’s.