3.5.2020
IDF acquires Rafael's Firefly loitering munition
IDF acquires Spike Firefly loitering munition – link
Source: Jane’s
Article Headlines
- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has placed an order with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems for the acquisition of an undisclosed quantity of Spike Firefly miniature tactical loitering weapon systems
- The contract follows a series of proof-of-concept trials – conducted in late 2019-early 2020 by the IDF and Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) – to verify the combat readiness of the Spike Firefly weapon system
- Designed for single-user operation, Spike Firefly is a man-portable day/night, situational awareness/lethality loitering system “specifically intended to deliver organic fire support for light maneuvering ground forces/special forces fighting in a tactical urban environment, where situational awareness is limited, the enemy is behind cover, and stand-off precision engagement is critical,” as stated by Gal Papier, marketing manager, Precision Tactical Weapons Systems at Rafael Advanced Defence Systems
- A co-operative development between Rafael and IMOD, the Firefly system leverages technologies from the Spike family of precision-guided tactical missiles
- These include a dual-mode seeker (uncooled infrared [IR]/complementary metal oxide semiconductor [CMOS], and proximity sensor), electro-optic guidance with man-in-the-loop override, target tracker, homing algorithms, computer vision, Safe & Arm mechanism and human-machine interface
- Weighing about 3 kg, the Spike Firefly is furnished with a lightweight (450 g) omnidirectional (360°) high lethality blast fragmentation warhead, housed in an 80×80×400 cm ruggedized composite airframe
Overview & Comments
- See “Firefly loitering munition integration with vehicles”
- For additional recent articles regarding loitering munitions click here
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