In First, US Army Fires Spike Missile
During a test, eight missiles were fired from Apache helicopters of the advanced E model to test different scenarios
Photo: US Army, Technology Development Directorate – Aviation
The SPIKE missile, manufactured by Rafael and capable of attacking targets at a range of 25 km, was reportedly fired for the first time in a test from a U.S. Army Apache AH-64E attack helicopter.
Lockheed Martin and the US Army showcased the integration of the SPIKE missile, an electro-optical multi-mission missile, with the Apache attack helicopter produced by Boeing.
The test was part of the process leading to operational approval to meet the requirements for long-range precision munition systems. The test took place at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona and lasted five days.
Eight SPIKE missiles were fired from Apache helicopters of the advanced E model to test different scenarios.
Shephard Media reported that starting next month, Lockheed Martin and the Army plan to train Apache helicopter crews in operating Spike missiles. The plan is to equip all 18 helicopters of the new Echo (E) model with Rafael’s Spike missiles by September.
The US Army plans to acquire 791 E-model helicopters to complete its fleet of attack helicopters.
During a test, eight missiles were fired from Apache helicopters of the advanced E model to test different scenarios
Photo: US Army, Technology Development Directorate – Aviation
The SPIKE missile, manufactured by Rafael and capable of attacking targets at a range of 25 km, was reportedly fired for the first time in a test from a U.S. Army Apache AH-64E attack helicopter.
Lockheed Martin and the US Army showcased the integration of the SPIKE missile, an electro-optical multi-mission missile, with the Apache attack helicopter produced by Boeing.
The test was part of the process leading to operational approval to meet the requirements for long-range precision munition systems. The test took place at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona and lasted five days.
Eight SPIKE missiles were fired from Apache helicopters of the advanced E model to test different scenarios.
Shephard Media reported that starting next month, Lockheed Martin and the Army plan to train Apache helicopter crews in operating Spike missiles. The plan is to equip all 18 helicopters of the new Echo (E) model with Rafael’s Spike missiles by September.
The US Army plans to acquire 791 E-model helicopters to complete its fleet of attack helicopters.
