SPYDER

Rafael SPYDER
A missile firing unit (MFU) of the SPYDER system
Type	Short to medium range air defence system
Place of origin	Israel
Service history
In service	Company firing tests of the system are underway as of 2010
Used by	See users
Production history
Manufacturer	Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Unit cost	$55.55 million for 1 system in September 2008
Specifications
Mass	103.6 kg
Length	3.1 m
Diameter	160 mm
Warhead	11 kg
Detonation mechanism	proximity
Engine	solid fuel rocket motor
Wingspan	640 mm
Operational range	Python: >15 km; Derby: >35 km
Flight altitude	Python: 9 km; Derby: 16 km
Maximum speed	Mach 4
Guidance system	Python: IR + 320×240 pixel dual waveband electro-optical imaging seeker, lock-on after launch, with infrared counter-counter-measures (IRCCM); Derby: active RF radar, infrared seeker
Launch platform	Tatra chassis, Mercedes-Benz Actros or MAN TGS for Republic of Singapore Air Force

The SPYDER (Surface-to-air PYthon and DERby) is an advanced anti-aircraft missile system developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which is fitted atop a Czech Tatra truck. It implements surface-to-air versions of the Python-5 and Derby missiles of the same company.

SPYDER is a quick reaction medium range missile system that can engage aircraft, helicopters, unmanned air vehicles, drones and precision-guided munitions. It provides air defence for fixed assets and for point and area mobile forces in combat areas. Research that was used to develop the SPYDER was later used to develop the Iron Dome. Test firings of the system by the company were underway as of 2010

Description

Launcher

The SPYDER-SR system has 360° engagement ability and missiles can be launched from the full-readiness state in less than five seconds after target confirmation. The kill range is up to 20 mi (32 km) and at altitudes from a minimum of 50 ft (15 m) to a maximum of 120,000 ft (37 km)^{[citation needed]}. The system can perform multi-target simultaneous engagement and single, multiple and ripple firing, by day and night, in all weather.

The command and control unit is developed by Israel Aerospace Industries. It is housed in a truck-mounted shelter with a mounted Elta EL/M-2106 ATAR radar, identification friend or foe (IFF) interrogator and communication equipment. The VHF/UHF communication system is for internal squadron communication and to upper tier command. The Elta EL/M-2106 ATAR 3D surveillance radar can track up to 500 targets simultaneously. The radar has 360° operation and all-weather day and night ability. The radar includes advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to operate in dense hostile electronic warfare environments.

It has been suggested that a SPYDER system could be armed with David's Sling missiles, modified with boosters to increase speed at launch and different seekers. The missile can hit targets from 65 feet to 28,000 feet, making the SPYDER a mobile long-range rocket interceptor.

Export

India plans to acquire 18 systems at a cost of $415 million (Rs. 1800 crore) for its air force, but the deal was reviewed by the Central Vigilance Commission, the government’s anti-corruption agency. The deal was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council in August, 2009.

Operators

Georgia

• Georgian Air Force

India

• Indian Air Force - 18 batteries (108 launchers with 750 Python-5 and 750 Derby missiles).

Peru

• Peruvian Army - 1 battery ordered (6 launcher trucks).

Singapore

• Republic of Singapore Air Force - 165 Squadron with two batteries (12 launchers with 75 Python-5 and 75 Derby missiles).

See also

• NASAMS

External links

• SPYDER ADS-SR Rafael's official Site
• SPYDER ADS-MR Rafael's official Site