LEADING ISRAELI missile company Rafael is to use components from its Python 4 air-to-air missile, in the development of a weapon aimed at destroying ballistic missiles in the boost phase. The weapon is expected to have a range of 100km (55nm).
Rafael is part-way through a feasibility study into a stand-off heat-seeking missile and Israel Aircraft Industries has been studying the possible use of an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) as the platform.
The programme is soon to become a joint US/Israeli development - although Washington has yet to back the plan with much money. While the USA is focusing on a kinetic-energy-kill missile with a range of over 200km, the Israelis are concentrating on an infra-red-guided missile with a proximity warhead and a maximum range of half that of the USA's objective.
It is believed that the greater range of the US proposal is needed because the USA is still evaluating the possible use of manned aircraft for boost-phase-intercept (BPI) missions, while Israel sees a UAV as the only viable platform.
The idea of developing a system for the BPI of ballistic missiles originated in Israel after the Gulf War following the Iraqi Scud missile attacks on Israeli cities.
An additional $15 million allocation will allow Rafael to continue the development of the missile, making a demonstration launch possible within three years.
Source: Flight International