Rafael / Lockheed Martin Spike NLOS
Spike is the brand name of a very diverse family of fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles, which has been developed and produced by Rafael for more than 20 years. The basic design is a line-of-sight missile, with lock-on before launch and an IIR (Imaging Infrared) seeker. Longer-ranged versions add a fibre-optic wire connection from the launcher to the missile for LOAL (Lock-On After Launch) capability, an electro-optical seeker, and optional active command guidance.
 |
| Image: Rafael |
| Spike Variants |
The longest-ranged version of Spike is called Spike NLOS (Non Line-Of-Sight). It is larger than the other variants, and can be employed from ground vehicles and helicopters. The wire link is replaced by a radio data link for ranges up to 32 km (20 miles). Spike NLOS is equipped with GPS/INS navigation, to launch it into a predefined target area, where the operator can use the missile's electro-optical camera seeker to identify and lock on targets. There are three warhead options available: fragmentation against unarmored targets, HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank), and PBF (Penetrating Blast-Fragmentation).
 |
| Photo: Lockheed Martin |
| Spike NLOS |
In 2020, the U.S. Army selected Spike NLOS as an interim solution for its LRPM (Long Range Precision Munition) requirement for a long-range air-launched stand-off precision weapon. The missile will be used on AH-64E Apache helicopters. Prime contractor is Lockheed Martin, Rafael's partner for marketing Spike NLOS.
The latest development of Spike NLOS is the so-called 6th Generation variant, also called Spike NLOS Mk.6. It has a further extended range (50 km), a salvo-fire capability and an option to hand over control to another operator after launch. The Mk.6 might become a contender for the Army's ultimate LRPM system.
Specifications
Note: Data given by several sources show slight variations. Figures given below may therefore be inaccurate!
Data for Spike NLOS:
| Length | 1.7 m (5.6 ft) |
| Diameter | 17 cm (6.7 in) |
| Wingspan | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) |
| Weight | 71 kg (156 lb) |
| Speed | ? |
| Range | 32 km (20 miles) |
| Propulsion | Solid-propellant rocket |
| Warhead | (various) |
Main Sources
[1] Wikipedia: Spike (missile)
[2] Rafael: SPIKEŽ NLOS
[3] Lockheed Martin: Spike NLOS
[4] Breaking Defense:
Decision time: Army nears deadline for long-range precision munition acquisition plan
[5] Missilery.info: Spike-NLOS multi-purpose missile system
Back to Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles, Appendix 4
Last Updated: 26 June 2024