The missile test (video: Raphael)
Raphael completed this week the development of the ground version of the I-Derby ER air-to-air missile. In an experiment conducted in the Shedma experimental field in the south of the country, a ground-to-air launch of the missile was carried out to test the command and control capabilities, navigation and flight path.
The “Derby” missile is an air-to-air missile that reaches a range of more than 100 km. The missile has a dual-pulse rocket engine and an active radar heater, which provides fighter aircraft with exceptional advantage and performance, both in the short and long ranges. The missile has a “launch and forget” capability, which enables coping capabilities both beyond sight and the destruction of many targets simultaneously. It can be launched both day and night, as well as in all weather conditions.
Raphael points out that the light weight of the missile makes it suitable for a variety of modern fighter jets. The ground version of the missile can be integrated almost immediately into Spider-type air defense batteries that provide air defense for ranges between 20 and 60 km.
As part of the announcement of the series of experiments, Rafael first revealed the national set of experiments that she has been operating for several years. The array includes the national test field in the south of the country – Shdema, the missile test unit in the center of the country – YNT, as well as advanced deployment capabilities of complex experiments in the middle of the sea that include huge ship arrays carrying the advanced systems.
National Experimental System (Video: Rafael)