Posted on 06/02/2010 10:16:04 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Israeli defence companies are developing new weapon systems that will be carried by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters operated by the nation's air force.
Rafael confirms that it is developing smaller versions of its Python-5 short-range and Derby beyond visual-range air-air missiles, to enable the munitions to be carried in the stealth fighter's weapon bays.
Israel Military Industries is also developing a new series of internally carried bombs for the F-35. So far, it has only unveiled the MPR-500, which will offer improved penetration and timed detonation.
Sharing the configuration of the Mk 82 500lb (226kg) general purpose bomb, the MPR-500 is made of specially hardened steel and has a single aft fuze. It also features a redesigned nose section to enable it to penetrate multi-layered targets, says an IMI source.
The combination of precision accuracy with a timed fuze has enabled the company to reduce the amount of explosive charge required in the bomb by 50%, the source adds
(Excerpt) Read more at flightglobal.com ...
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I wonder if they'll have a nuclear version for knocking out bunkers?
They probably will.
Too bad the US doesn’t have such weapons.
Maybe we could buy them from Israel. Or trade for some fighters.
Why weapons when we can sing cum bai ya with our enemies?
The B61 Mod 11, which first entered military service in January 1997, was specifically developed to allow for bunker penetration, and is speculated to have the ability to destroy hardened targets a few hundred feet beneath the earth
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