Israel unveils miniature spy plane

[rafi]

Israel unveils miniature spy plane


As it prepares for possible future wars, Israel has unveiled its latest weapon — a miniature spy plane that can be launched almost as easily as a model airplane in a field. But this is no toy, and has already seen action in two major war zones, as Worldfocus partner The Media Line reports.

http://worldfocus.org/blog/2009/08/0...py-plane/6665/

[ralfabco]

I would like to see the IDF develop something similar in size, to attack sophisticated SAM sites.

The spy plane could be packed with materials, to destroy the SAM site on impact.

[haamimhagolan]

Originally Posted by ralfabco

I would like to see the IDF develop something similar in size, to attack sophisticated SAM sites.

The spy plane could be packed with materials, to destroy the SAM site on impact.

To be effective as an anti-SAM system, it would need to be much larger - to allow for a warhead capable of demolishing the site. Such a system has already existed for some time, in the form of IAI's Harpy drone.

[ralfabco]

Originally Posted by haamimhagolan

To be effective as an anti-SAM system, it would need to be much larger - to allow for a warhead capable of demolishing the site. Such a system has already existed for some time, in the form of IAI's Harpy drone.

Perhaps just the S-300 launch control network can be attacked ?

[SpacemanSpiff]

Originally Posted by ralfabco

Perhaps just the S-300 launch control network can be attacked ?

Right.

Actually, anti-radiation missiles (and drones) home in on the emitting ground radar. Since the accuracy of radar homing is generally not sufficient for hit-to-kill, a large warhead (often fragmentation) is required. As radars are rather soft, this is enough to destroy it. But if the missile launchers or command center are protected by revetments or are remote in any sense (a couple hundred feet ?), they will generally survive this attack.

Finally, many of the larger SAM systems have enough radar redundancy so that they can continue to operate at a reduced level even if some elements of the system have been destroyed.

[ralfabco]

"SeE-FouR" does not weigh much. You do not need a lot to destroy any soft target. It is true, that some AAA and SAM units are armored. A military solution must be found.


Hopefully intelligence will be able to give a good fix on most targets, before any airborne attacks. I believe the mobile SAM units, are the most difficult targets to destroy. The fixed SAM units can be methodically attacked.


I do believe a military solution can be found. The S-300 is very effective at it's mission. Perhaps a flood of tiny RPV's "R.C. aircraft" with satellite-feed-GPS could be developed, to attack S-300 SAM units, for just a few pennies ? The airplanes are becoming more expensive to purchase. How much is the latest price, for a combat capable F-35A ? The F-35B, is even more expensive. In addition, the # of airplanes fielded by the IDF, will fall over the next decade. Israel will not be able to replace all Gen IV cockpits, with stealth Gen V platforms. Those stealth airplanes must be protected.