Posted on 06/27/2006 5:52:09 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Israeli Spike snares Tiger
By Arie Egozi in Tel Aviv
The Spanish army is to equip its Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters with Rafael’s Spike-ER anti-armour missile, with the French army also evaluating the weapon for its production aircraft.
Eurocopter has already partially integrated the Spike weapon system on the Tiger using initial funds from Spain, with this work culminating with four test launches of the 8km (5 mile)-range weapon. A full contract is now expected to be placed by year-end to arm Spain’s future fleet of 24 Tigers. Spain has already decided to purchase the ground-launched LR version of the Spike to equip its land forces.
Spain had originally considered acquiring the Trigat LR missile for the Tiger with France, but later decided against procuring the weapon. French army officials also visited Israel last May, during which time a French pilot launched three Spike-ERs from an Israeli air force Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter. All three weapons struck their targets, according to Rafael. The fibre-optic-guided Spike-ER weighs 33kg.
Who are the French and Spanish military fighting?
I like the arrow symbol on the front of the rocket launcher, very helpful. "you see, missile goes theese way!" "ohh, of course"
Incredible. They will boycott the Israelis, except when they need to save their own sorry skins.
All nations must plan for the enemy of tomorrow.
True however the French plan is to always give-up.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.