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 RAFAEL and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) have teamed to
introduce a short range (15km max range) low level (20 – 9,000m
altitude) integrated, all-weather air defense system, which
consists of the Python 5 IR guided, and Derby RF guided Beyond Visual Range
(BVR)
missiles.
Both missile systems are offering Lock-on Before Launch
(LOBL) and Lock-on After Launch (LOAL) modes, for faster response
time and improved engagement flexibility. The system can
effectively defeat all modern aerial threats including aircraft,
helicopters, cruise missiles, UAVs and precision guided weapons.
It uses two operational missiles which complement each other in
their target detection, tracking and pursuit profile - the Python
5 missile is equipped with a dual waveband Imaging IR (IIR)
seeker, while Derby is fitted with an active RF seeker, both
missiles are highly immune to advanced countermeasures.
 SPYDER
firing unit deploys four missiles stored in ready-to-fire
launcher-containers, installed on a high mobility vehicle, this
configuration enables simultaneous engagement of multi-targets and
ripple firing capability. A SPYDER system supports up to
 six
firing units, missile reloaders and Command and Control Unit which
can also accommodate the Elta EL/M-2106NG ATAR 3D surveillance radar
and two operating consoles. The
surveillance radar can simultaneously track and engage up to 60
targets, at a range beyond 35km (depending on the terrain). The control unit interfaces with the firing units via
wireless datalink to enable optimal unit dispersion for effective
area coverage, mutual protection and survivability. The system's
high mobility offers quick deployment and operational agility. The
system has VHF/HF communication for internal squadron
communication and to upper tier command.
A typical SPYDER Squadron
consists of one Mobile Command & Control Unit (CCU) for its
operation and four Mobile Firing Units (MFU). The CCU is equipped
with surveillance radar and two operator's stations. Each MFU can
carry up to four ready-to-fire missiles (RF or IIR) in any
combination. The CCU controls the MFUs and supplies them with
engagement data. The missiles can be fired either from the CCU in
remote mode or from the CCU with the confirmation of the MFU
operator.
By using the latest Air Situation Picture (ASP), which is
available by the local surveillance radar, the CCU assigns the
targets for destruction to the appropriate MFU. The CCU system is
built in an open architecture design and can receive data from
upper tier Command & Control from a distance of up to 100km. In
addition, there is a provision for receiving Air Situation
Pictures communicated by other agencies.
Once the operator decides to launch, an automatic procedure
begins. The CCU assigns the target to the appropriate MFU and the
selected missile will start to search for the target. If the
target is within acquisition range the missile will be launched in
LOBL mode. If the target is beyond seeker acquisition range the
missile will be launched in LOAL mode. The seeker searches for the
target and when it acquires the target it begins the final homing
phase. Both LOAL and LOBL modes are available for the Derby and
for the Python 5. Destruction of the target is achieved either by
warhead blasting upon impact or by the proximity fuze.
September
2006: The Indian Army is all set to acquire the Israeli
quick-reaction Spyder air defense system, developed by RAFAEL,
which would enhance the capability to overcome the vulnerability
of its formations to threats from the air. According to India
Defence online magazine, the army has finalized plans to acquire
four regiments of the Spyder systems, equipped with Derby
surface-to-air radar guided missiles and Python-5 infra-red
missiles as part of a contract worth over US$250 million (Rs
1,100, crore) awaiting the approval of the Cabinet Committee on
Security (CCS). The new systems will replace the army's
Russian-made OSA-AKM and Strela-10M missile systems. The system
has been proposed and is being evaluated by the Israel Air Force,
as a future replacement of the Vulcan, Chaparral air defense
systems. A Medium Range version of the system (Spyder MR) is also
under development, and proposed to several international
customers.
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