The US Army has chosen the Spike Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) system by Lockheed Martin (developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems) for the “Mobile-Long Range Precision Strike Missile (M-LRPSM) Directed Requirement” competition, granting the first phase of the contract for the development and testing of a precision-guided missile system for use by the Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT).
Initial Testing Cycle for the US Army
A week after the contract was awarded, Lockheed Martin successfully showcased the capabilities of the Spike NLOS system to the US Army, highlighting its ability to engage long-range targets with precision, mobility, and accuracy.
The demonstration took place at the Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah and included the launching of three Spike NLOS missiles, all hitting their targets, which included a free target and two covered targets. The missiles, launched from a ground vehicle, highlighted the system’s ability to hit targets without a line of sight.
US Army Requirement and Integration on Various Platforms
The organic capability of the system to hit long-range targets from a vehicle equivalent to those carried by an IBCT is critical for the US Army. They are looking for a solution that can be readily available and easily deployed to fill a current operational requirement gap.
In the US, the Spike NLOS has been qualified under the current Long Range Precision Munitions Directed Requirement (LRPM DR) on the American Apache AH-64E.
Furthermore, the Israeli missile was tested on terrestrial vehicles and integrated on the 4×4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) by Oshkosh for the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
Second Phase of the M-LRPM DR Competition
The upcoming stages of the US Army competition include a second phase, incorporating safety confirmation tests, followed by a further selection down to a limited number of competitors. Lastly, the final decision on which competitor will be selected for the M-LRPSM Directed requirement will be announced at the end of the competition’s second phase.
Features of the Spike NLOS
The Spike NLOS, or Non-Line Of Sight, is the long-range version of Spike. It is significantly larger than other Spike variants, with a total weight of approximately 70 kg.
The Spike NLOS is a versatile missile system equipped with an electro-optical/infrared search sensor that allows for the passive engagement of the target (without laser emission, radar signals, or GPS dependency).
Its advanced rocket engine provides a range of up to 32+ kilometres. The users can integrate Spike NLOS with terrestrial, aerial, or maritime platforms, leveraging its stand-off capability to hit far or geographically hidden targets outside the line of sight.
The sophisticated search sensor and the wireless data link provide the operators with real-time video images and the ability for man-in-the-loop control during the missile’s flight. This feature gives operators the chance to alter the strike, engage another target, or abort the mission post-launch.
By using a remote launcher developed by Lockheed Martin, the weapon system can be mounted directly on almost any vehicle with a standard palletized interface in less than 20 minutes, without any modification to the vehicle.
Source and photo credit @Lockheed Martin
