Page 94 - AirForces Monthly - Issue 381 (December 2019)

Aircraft weapons

Above: A view of the SPICE 1000 as provided by the manufacturer. SPICE 1000 guidance kits can
be applied to various 1,000lb warheads, including the Mk83 and RAP-1000. Right above: Earlier this
year, Rafael received the Israel Defense Prize for its SPICE 1000. The honour recognises projects and
operations that “contributed to the security of Israel and to its qualitative military edge and technological
superiority.” Rafael Right below: A close-up view of a SPICE 2000 under the wing of an F-16. The weapon
can be combined with a 2,000lb BLU-109 penetrating warhead to tackle hardened targets.
in use with the IAF’s combat squadrons towards the target zone. As the weapon Rafale, Gripen and Typhoon. The different
is the Rafael SPICE ‘smart’ bomb. approaches the target, the SPICE’s scene- SPICE bombs use a common aircraft interface
The Rafael SPICE 1000 and SPICE 2000 matching algorithm compares the electro- and sophisticated weapon software simplifies
guidance kits convert standard 1,000 and optical image received in real time via the the effort needed for aircraft integration.
2,000lb (454 and 907kg) general-purpose and weapon seeker with mission reference data SPICE has day, night and adverse-weather
penetration warheads into precision standoff stored in the weapon computer memory capabilities, based on its dual charge-
strike weapons. The SPICE 1000 kit for 1,000lb and adjusts the flight path accordingly. coupled device/imaging infrared (CCD/
warheads, such as the Mk83 and RAP-1000, During the homing phase – after successful IIR) seeker. An automatic target acquisition
has a standoff range of 62 miles (100km). completion of the scene-matching process – capability is implemented using scene-
The SPICE 2000 kit for 2,000lb warheads, the SPICE acquires the target automatically. matching technology that, according to
such as the Mk 84, RAP-2000 and BLU-109, The weapon homes in accurately and the company official, is able to cope with
has a standoff range of 37 miles (60km). autonomously to the exact target location using scenery changes and produces a circular
According to Yuval Miller, Rafael’s executive the pre-defined impact angle and azimuth. error probable (CEP) of less than 9.8ft (3m)
vice president and head of the company’s Air & SPICE is combat-proven in the IAF and is
C4ISR Systems Division, mission planning for in service with other air arms throughout the New-generation stando
the SPICE family of weapons can be performed world, including the Colombian Air Force, which The SPICE 250 is a new-generation standoff
in the air or on the ground. It makes use of data uses the SPICE 1000 to equip its upgraded precision-guided munition. According to
including target co-ordinates, impact angle and Kfir fighters. The weapon was reportedly also Yuval Miller, considerable demand for the
azimuth, imagery and topographical features used by Indian Air Force Mirage 2000s in 250lb (113kg) class weapon is keeping
to create a mission profile for each target. strikes in Kashmir earlier this year. SPICE is the Rafael production line “very busy” .
The pilot allocates a mission to each weapon described as easy to integrate and operate “We market the system as a multi-task weapon
before release. The SPICE is released outside from other single- and dual-seat fighters, that can replace different types of bombs and
the defended area and heads autonomously including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18, Tornado, missiles carried by a fighter aircraft,” Miller added.
Right: Israeli Air Force F-16I Sufa 887 from 107
‘Knights of the Orange Tail’ Squadron takes off
from Hatzerim with a pair of the largest SPICE 2000
weapons under the wings. As well as a full load
of three external fuel tanks, the heavily laden jet
also carries two wingtip AMRAAMs and two Rafael
Python 5/6 missiles for self defence. Yissachar Ruas

92 // December 2019 #381 www.Key.Aero

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