New SPICE: New Ammunition for the IAF
The IAF operates various munitions adapted to its different missions and aircraft. It is now permitted to publicize that the force is expected to soon receive a new bomb manufactured by "Rafael" Systems, which is expected to bring new technological and operational tidings
Shachar Zorani | Translation: Ohad Zeltzer Zubida
"SPICE 1000", a new munition manufactured by "Rafael" is currently in the final stages of development and is expected to enter operational use in the IAF soon. It is expected to be integrated in all of the fighter squadrons in the force and the first to operate it will be the "Barak" (F-16C/D) aircraft.
Spice 1000, is an advanced electro-optic munition which will bring new abilities and technological progress to the IAF. "The munition is a quantum leap in our operational ability, a fact that is reflected in its deep penetration abilities, its immunity from threats and it precision", said Capt. Tomer from the Guided Munitions Department in the Air Staff. "It has improved software and algorithmic and advanced identification and processing abilities".
As stated, the Spice 1000 bomb is camera operated and has real time maneuver and response abilities when facing fixed and mobile targets. "The munition adjusts itself to the new battlefield, to the various threats and the changing theatre", stated Avi Danon, the project and development manager in "Rafael", and Capt. Tomer confirms: "It has a range that we haven't seen in the IAF in munition of this magnitude".
Photography: Ayelet Eder
Operational and Economical Advantage
Authorities in the IAF and in "Rafael" testify that the development process that lasted three years, succeeded by means of cooperation and discussion between the sides. Along the way, many tests were performed and different considerations were made in accordance with the operational requirements and needs.
"The development was escorted by a wide observation of all of the users", testified Maj. Farhan Tarif, who is responsible for the integration of the munition in the Material Directorate. Maj. Farhan also shared that the munition is built to shorten the work time and quicken the "rotation process" - the time it takes from the moment the aircraft lands until it is armed and takes off again. "Much consideration was performed in order to fit the munition to the work in the cockpit and make the operating interface comfortable and flexible", Capt. Tomer added.
Alongside the operational advantage the munition holds, it also creates an economical advantage based on the Israeli industry and accumulation of economic capital and knowledge. "The development project alongside ‘Rafael' was challenging and interesting", concluded Maj. Farhan. "It was very important to us to stay on schedule and still maintain high quality and uncompromising performance".
http://www.iaf.org.il/4449-46861-en/IAF.aspx
Spice 250 integration to boost Israeli air force
The Israeli air force is equipping its strike aircraft with Rafael’s Spice 250 glide bomb, which the company says offers a stand-off range of up to 54nm (100km) by using its deployable wings.
Lockheed Martin F-16s equipped with the manufacturer’s smart quad rack will be able to carry four of the weapons per pylon, allowing each aircraft to engage multiple targets. Maximum load-out on the Boeing F-15 is 28 bombs.
The Spice 250 is provided as a complete system, unlike previous members of the same guided weapons family – which came in kit form for integration with Mk 83 454kg (1,000lb) and Mk 84 908kg “dumb” bombs.
Israel’s air force has used the 908kg version of Spice in combat, and the weapon has a range of over 32nm. The kit adapted for Mk 83 bombs enables a range of over 54nm, with an upgrade effort intended to extend this further.
Rafael says the Spice 250 can be loaded with up to 100 optional targets in a given area. A datalink allows for the impact point to be updated post-release, enabling the weapon to engage time-sensitive and moving ground targets.
Rafael
After reaching a target area using GPS/INS navigation, the Spice 250’s dual-mode charge-coupled device/imaging infrared seeker enables positive identification – by using a scene-matching algorithm to compare the received electro-optical image with stored mission reference data – and pinpoint accuracy. It also supports battle damage indication needs by transmitting the target image just before impact. Rafael cites a circular error probable figure of less than 3m (9.8ft) for an engagement.
Yuval Miller, executive vice-president and head of Rafael’s Air and C4ISR division, says the Spice 250 has different types of explosives to handle “specific” targets.
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/spice-250-integration-to-boost-israeli-air-force-414503/