View source for Spike (missile)

{{For|the US light missile under development by the [[Naval Air Warfare Center]]|DRS Spike}}
<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/spike.html |title=NAWC/DRS Spike |last=Parsch |first=Andreas |date=19 May 2007 |publisher=Designation-Systems.Net |accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf&AD=ADA500538 |title=US Navy Spike Missile System: A New Generation of Miniature Precision Guided Weapons |publisher=[[Defense Technical Information Center]] (DTIC) |format=[[PDF]] |accessdate=30 June 2010}}</ref>

{{Infobox Weapon
|name=Spike
|image=[[File:SPIKE ATGM.jpg|300px]]
|caption=''SPIKE ATGM'' launcher control unit (LCU) with [[mock-up]] ''SPIKE LR'' missile mounted on a tripod at [[Singapore Army]] Open House 2007
|origin=[[Israel]] 
|type=Man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile 
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_ranged=yes
|is_explosive=yes
|is_missile=yes
|is_UK=no
<!-- Service history -->
|service=1997 - Present
|used_by=See [[#Operators|''Operators'']]
|wars= [[Second Intifada]], [[2006 Lebanon War]], [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)]], [[Gaza War]]
<!-- Production history -->
|designer= 
|design_date=1987
|manufacturer=[[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]]<br>[[Diehl BGT Defence]] (Now part of [[Rheinmetall|Rheinmetall Defence Electronics]])
|production_date= 1997 - Present
|number=
|variants=[[#Versions|See ''Versions'']]
<!-- General specifications -->
|spec_label=
|weight= '''Spike-ER from helicopter:'''<br>
• Missile in canister: {{convert|34|kg|lboz|abbr=on|lk=on}}<br>
• Launcher: {{convert|55|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}<br>
• Launcher + 4 missiles: {{convert|187|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}<br>
'''Spike-MR/LR from ground:'''<ref name=GLEurospike>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurospike.com/ground.html |title=A multitude of launchers - for a multitude of use |publisher=EuroSpike GmbH |accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref><br>
• Missile round: {{convert|14|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}<br>
• Launch control unit: {{convert|5|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}<br>
• Tripod: {{convert|2.8|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}<br>
• Battery: {{convert|1|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}<br>
• Thermal sight: {{convert|4|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}
|length={{convert|1670|mm|ftin|abbr=on|lk=on}} (Missile w/launcher)
|part_length=
|width=
|height=
|diameter={{convert|170|mm|ftin|abbr=on}} (Missile w/launcher)
|crew=
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications --> 
|cartridge= 
|caliber=
|barrels=
|action=
|rate=Ready to launch in 30 seconds, reload in 15 seconds
|velocity=
|range=
|max_range= {{convert|800|to|25000|m|abbr=on}} depending on version
|feed=
|sights=10× [[optical sight]]
<!-- Explosive specifications --> 
|filling=[[Tandem-charge]] [[High explosive anti-tank warhead|HEAT]] warhead
|filling_weight=
|detonation=Impact
|yield=
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
|armour=
|primary_armament=
|secondary_armament=
|engine=[[Solid-fuel rocket]]
|engine_power=
|transmission=
|payload_capacity=
|fuel_capacity=
|pw_ratio=
|suspension=
|clearance=
|vehicle_range=
|speed=
|guidance=[[Infrared homing]] - Electro Optical ([[Charge-coupled device|CCD]], [[Infrared|IR]] or Dual CCD/IIR), Passive CCD or dual CCD/IIR seeker
}}

'''Spike''' is a fourth generation<ref name=4thgen>{{cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/features/du-2-07/helicopters_EO_missiles.htm |title=Defense Update issue 2-07 (May - June 2007) : Electro-Optically Guided Weapons |publisher=Defense-Update.Com |accessdate=1 July 2010}}</ref> Man-portable [[fire-and-forget]] [[anti-tank guided missile]] with [[Tandem-charge]]d [[High explosive anti-tank warhead|HEAT warhead]], developed and designed by the [[Israel]]i company [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]] and in service with a number of nations.

As well as engaging and destroying targets within the line-of-sight of the launcher ("Fire-and-forget"), some variants of the missile are capable of making a [[top-attack]] profile through a "Fire, Observe and Update" guidance method;<ref name=4thgen/> the operator tracking the target, or switching to another target, optically through the trailing [[Optical fiber|fiber-optic wire]] while the missile is climbing to altitude after launch. This is similar to the lofted trajectory flight profile of the US [[FGM-148 Javelin]].

==Design==
[[File:Spike LR 3.jpg|thumb|left|Israeli soldier with ''Gil'' type Spike launcher]]

Spike is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. The missile is equipped with an [[imaging infrared]] seeker. 

The medium, long and extended range versions of the Spike also have the capability of "Fire, Observe and Update" operating mode. The missile is connected by a fiber-optical wire that is spooled out between the launch position and the missile. With this the operator can obtain a target if it is not in the line of sight of the operator at launch, switch targets in flight, or compensate for the movement of the target if the missile is not tracking the target for some reason. Hence, the missile can be fired speculatively for a target of opportunity, or for to give an observation on the other side of an obstacle. The missile has a [[soft launch]] capability - the motor firing after the missile has left the launcher-  which allows for the missile to be fired from confined spaces, which is a necessity in urban warfare.

The missile uses a  [[tandem warhead]] - two [[shaped charge]]s, a precursor warhead to detonate any explosive [[reactive armor]] and a primary warhead to penetrate the underlying armor. Currently, it is replacing aging [[SACLOS|second generation anti-tank missiles]] like the [[MILAN]] and [[M47 Dragon]] in the armies of the [[#Operators|user nations]].

The Spike system is made up of the launching tripod with its fire control unit and the missile. There is no dedicated thermal sight on the launcher - the missile's imaging seeker is used. Altogether, the long range variant of the system weighs around {{convert|26|kg|lb|abb=on}}

Spike can be operated from the launcher by infantry, or from mounts that can be fitted to vehicles such as [[fast attack vehicle]]s, [[armored personnel carrier]]s or utility vehicles. Vehicles that are not normally fitted with anti-tank weapons can therefore be given anti-tank capability. 

Spike has been tested as a weapon system for the [[SAGEM Sperwer]] [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]. The [[Spanish Army]] has fitted the Spike-ER to its [[Eurocopter Tiger]] attack helicopters.{{Clarify|instead of anything carried on other nations Tigers, or in addition?|date=June 2010}}

==Marketing==
In order to ease the selling of the weapon system in [[Europe]], the company EuroSpike GmbH was formed in Germany. Its shareholders [[Diehl BGT Defence]] (40%), [[Rheinmetall|Rheinmetall Defence Electronics]] (40%) and Rafael via ERCAS B.V (20%). ERCAS B.V. is a Dutch holding company owned 100% by Rafael. EuroSpike GmbH is located in [[Röthenbach an der Pegnitz|Röthenbach]], [[Germany]]. The Spike weapon system differs a little from the Israeli version and is then marketed under the name '''[[STN Atlas]] EuroSpike'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurospike.com/company.html |title=EuroSpike GmbH |publisher=EuroSpike GmbH |accessdate=1 July 2010}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Spike missile launcher 3.jpg|thumb|Frontal close-up of the SPIKE missile's Launch control unit with thermal-imagining sight, tripod mount and an attached dummy missile canister.]]

;Spike-SR
:the short range version of the weapon, minimum range is {{convert|200|m|abbr=on}} while the maximum range is {{convert|800|m|abbr=on}}  and is intended for infantry use. The launch control unit (LCU), battery, tripod and the thermal sight are also used by other land-based versions (with the exception of '''Spike NLOS''') of the Spike missile family, each weighing {{convert|5|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}, {{convert|1|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}, {{convert|2.8|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}, and {{convert|4|kg|lboz|abbr=on}} respectively.<ref name=GLEurospike/>

;Spike-MR
:the medium range version. The weight of the missile is {{convert|14|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}, minimum range is {{convert|200|m|abbr=on}} while the maximum range is {{convert|2500|m|abbr=on}} and is used by infantry and special forces.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurospike.com/mr.html |title=SPIKE Medium Range (MR) - "Fire & Forget" for visible targets |publisher=EuroSpike GmbH |accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref>

;Spike-LR
:long range version. The weight of the missile is {{convert|14|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}, maximum range is {{convert|4000|m|abbr=on}} and is used by infantry and light combat vehicles. It adds fiber-optic communication to and from the launching soldier during flight.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurospike.com/lr.html |title=SPIKE Long Range (LR) - "Fire & Forget" or "Fire Observe & Update" for different targets |publisher=EuroSpike GmbH |accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref> Reported armour penetration capability is approximately {{convert|700|mm|abbr=on}} of [[Rolled homogeneous armour]] (RHA).<ref name=Rafael>[http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/6/606.pdf Rafael Co. marketing brochure]</ref>

;Spike-ER
:extended range or extra long range version of the weapon. It was formerly also known as the '''NT-Dandy''' or '''NT-D'''. It has a maximum range of {{convert|8000|m|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurospike.com/er.html |title=SPIKE Extended Range (ER) - a longer range of "Fire & Forget" or "Fire Observe &  Update" |publisher=EuroSpike GmbH |accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref> It has a larger diameter and is heavier than the other systems, and is usually vehicle mounted. It is used by infantry, [[LCV]]s, and helicopters. The [[Finnish Navy]]'s [[Finnish Jäger troops|Coastal Jaegers]] also operates the version in the anti-ship role. The weight of the missile is {{convert|34|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}, the launchers are {{convert|30|kg|lboz|abbr=on}} and {{convert|55|kg|lboz|abbr=on}} respectively for the vehicle and air-launched versions. Penetration is around {{convert|1000|mm|abbr=on}} of RHA.<ref name=Rafael/>

;Spike NLOS 
:"Non Line Of Sight" is an ultra long range version of the weapon with a claimed maximum range of up to {{convert|25|km|abbr=on}}. As a newer, larger missile with an overall weight of around {{convert|70|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}, it can be fired from helicopters. The Spike NLOS is already operational with a military customer, which is most likely to be [[Israel Defense Forces]].<ref name=IDF1>{{cite press release |title=Advanced Spike Missile Unveiled |publisher=[[Israel Defense Forces]]' official website|date=25 November 2009 |url=http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/Tech/09/default/3001.htm |accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/11/25/335463/rafael-unveils-new-long-range-spike-missile.html |title=Rafael unveils new long-range Spike missile |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |date= |publisher=[[Flight International]] |accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref>

{{externalimage
|topic=Mini Spike Anti-personnel guided weapon
|width=
|align=right
|image1=[http://defense-update.com/Images_new3/zaatut_minispike.jpg '''Mini Spike''' with integral LCU]
|image2=[http://defense-update.com/images_large2/zaatut_with_spike_clu.jpg '''Mini Spike''' with attached Spike LCU]
}}

===Further developments===
On 2 Sep 2009, at an IDF exhibition held at the 3rd [[Latrun]] annual land warfare conference, the Israeli Defense Force unveiled a new member of the Spike family of missiles - the '''Mini Spike''' Anti-personnel guided weapon (APGW).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/features/2009/sept/020909_israel_unveil_new_missiles.html |title=Israel Unveils New Precision Weapon Systems for the Ground Forces |date=2 September 2009 |publisher=Defense-Update.Com |accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/photos/mini_spike.html |title=Mini-Spike Anti-Personnel Guided Weapon |date=2 September 2009 |publisher=Defense-Update.Com |accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Operators of Spike atgm.png|thumb|300px|Operators of Spike ATGM colored in dark blue.]]
[[File:Spike cutaway diagram.jpg|thumb|Cut away diagram of Spike ATGM.]]
[[File:Spider LSV with SPIKE ATGM.jpg|thumb|[[Singapore Airshow]] 2008, a locally developed twin-tube launcher for the Spike as mounted on a [[Spider Light Strike Vehicle]] of the [[Singapore Army]].]]
<!-- Note: Most, if not all, of the below figures was obtained from [http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php] -->

;{{CHI}}: Total 2,200 missiles.<ref name=IISS>"The Military Balance 2010". [[International Institute for Strategic Studies]], 03 February 2010.</ref>
;{{COL}}: ER.<ref name=IISS />
;{{CRO}} 
;{{ECU}}: Total 244 missiles, delivery starting October 2009.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite press release |title=Ecuadorean Army OrBat|publisher=Ecuadorean Army|date=30 November 2009 |url=http://www.ejercitodelecuador.mil.ec/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1479&Itemid=1 |accessdate=1 June 2010}}</ref>
;{{FIN}}: Total 700 missiles, 100 MR (''PstOhj 2000'') launchers plus an option for 70 more, and 18 ER (''Rannikko-ohjus 2006'') launchers for coastal anti-ship use.<ref name=IISS /> 
;{{GER}}: 311 LR launchers on [[Puma (IFV)|Puma]] vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurospike.com/ground.html#vehicle |title=EuroSpike launcher — Ground — Vehicle Operation |publisher=EuroSpike GmbH |accessdate=1 July 2010}}</ref>
;{{ISR}}: MR (''Gil''), LR (''Gomed''), ER (''Dandy'') and ''NLOS'' missiles with associated launchers.<ref name=IDF1/>
;{{ITA}}: Total 1,065 missiles. The [[Italian Army]] has ordered: 65 Infantry Launchers, 36 LR launchers for the [[Freccia IFV]], 20 LR launchers for the [[Dardo IFV]], 26 indoor and 37 outdoor training systems. The [[Italian Navy]] has ordered 6 Infantry Launchers, 2 indoor and 2 outdoor training systems. In total about 1000 missiles in 4 variants; SR, MR, LR and ER are to be procured. The initial contract is worth 120 million [[Euro]]s.<ref name=IISS />          
;{{NLD}}: Total 2,400 missiles, 297 MR launchers.<ref name=IISS />
;{{PER}}: Total 244 missiles,<ref name=IISS /> 24 LR launchers ordered in 2009.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web |url=http://www.perudefensa.com/?p=335 |title=The Formation of Anti-tank hunters (transliteration) |date=2 October 2009 |publisher=PeruDefensa.Com |accessdate=29 June 2010}}</ref>
;{{POL}}: Total 2,675 missiles, 264 LR launchers.<ref name=IISS /> Some will be on [[KTO Rosomak]] vehicles.
;{{ROU}}: ER launchers on [[IAR 330|IAR 330 SOCAT]] attack helicopters and LR launchers on [[MLI-84|MLI-84M]] [[IFV]]s.<ref name=IISS />
;{{SIN}}: Total 1,000 missiles, Spike LR.<ref name=IISS />
;{{SLO}}: Total 75 missiles, Spike MR and LR. Some will be on Patria AMVs.
;{{ESP}}: Total 2,600 missiles. 236 Spike LR launchers (option for 100 more), 2,360 missiles for Spanish army, 24 Spike LR launchers/240 missiles for Spanish marines. Spike ER on [[Eurocopter Tiger]] attack helicopters (Spanish army).<ref name=IISS />
;{{TUR}}: LR launchers on [[Otokar Cobra]] vehicles.

<!-- Note: Most, if not all, of the above figures was obtained from [http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php] -->

==Comparable systems==
*[[Type 01 LMAT]] - Japanese missile
*[[FGM-148 Javelin]] - U.S. missiles

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|2|colwidth=30em}}
;Bibliography

==External links==
{{Commons category|Spike missiles}}
*[http://www.eurospike.com/index.html Official website - EuroSpike GmbH]
*[http://defense-update.com/directory/spike.htm Defense-Update.Com's webpage on Spike]
*[http://www.army-technology.com/projects/gill/ Army-Technology.Com's webpage on the Spike family]
*[http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/anti-armor/gill_spike/GillSpike.html Israeli-Weapons.Com's webpage on the Spike family - including videos]{{Dead link|date=June 2010}}

;Video
*{{youtube|o2i7Hp0rkds|New promotional video of SPIKE missile}}
*{{youtube|txObx5rWgIc|EuroSpike GmbH video of EuroSpike live-firing by Finnish Coastal Jäger troops of the [[Finnish Navy]]}}
*{{youtube|a2goq_pr25E|Old promotional video of SPIKE missile}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Spike (Missile)}}
[[Category:Modern anti-tank missiles]]
[[Category:Anti-tank missiles of Israel]]
[[Category:Anti-tank missiles of Singapore]]
[[Category:Modern German weapons]]
[[Category:Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]]

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[[Category:2Fix]]