Big_Zukini
ACCESS: Confidential
- Joined
- 23 November 2024
- Messages
- 130
- Reaction score
- 191
In June 2023 Rafael unveiled the SkySonic, a hypersonic interceptor designed to defeat conventional ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles, at altitudes 20-70km.
To me it was quite strange to see such size difference between stages 1 and 2.
Here we see its launch canister. Its narrow build allows it to utilize existing canisters.
In these images from a video published today, the SkySonic appears to have a much longer booster but of the same diameter as the Python 5, 2nd from the right. The Python 5's booster is of the same diameter as the David's Sling's Stunner, to its right.
We can therefore see that the SkySonic is most likely designed to be fired from David's Sling canisters as it retains the same diameter.
This would allow quicker integration into Israel's IAMD, and boost buyers' capabilities. This means not only David's Sling users (Finland), but also every user of the Spyder LR variants.
Curiously, Rafael say they independently funded and developed the project (as opposed to Israeli MoD R&D funds), and it's been reported that the MoD hasn't decided to invest in the system yet (as of 2023, no reports since). Yet it did receive a Hebrew name in IDF naming convention - Kelah Had, or "Sharp Sling", similar to the IDF's David's Sling ("Kelah David").
At the moment, IDF and IAI are developing the Arrow 4 jointly with the US.
To me it was quite strange to see such size difference between stages 1 and 2.
Here we see its launch canister. Its narrow build allows it to utilize existing canisters.
In these images from a video published today, the SkySonic appears to have a much longer booster but of the same diameter as the Python 5, 2nd from the right. The Python 5's booster is of the same diameter as the David's Sling's Stunner, to its right.
We can therefore see that the SkySonic is most likely designed to be fired from David's Sling canisters as it retains the same diameter.
This would allow quicker integration into Israel's IAMD, and boost buyers' capabilities. This means not only David's Sling users (Finland), but also every user of the Spyder LR variants.
Curiously, Rafael say they independently funded and developed the project (as opposed to Israeli MoD R&D funds), and it's been reported that the MoD hasn't decided to invest in the system yet (as of 2023, no reports since). Yet it did receive a Hebrew name in IDF naming convention - Kelah Had, or "Sharp Sling", similar to the IDF's David's Sling ("Kelah David").
At the moment, IDF and IAI are developing the Arrow 4 jointly with the US.
