Rafael Extends SPICE 250 Air-to-surface Munition Range with New Turbojet Engine

SPICE 250 ER will incorporate a miniature turbo-jet engine with an internal JP-8/10 fuel system, providing the weapon a range of at least 150 km By DA Staff / 12 Feb 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
SPICE air to surface Munition
Follow DA

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has unveiled a new variant of its SPICE 250 air-to-surface munition, with the addition of an integrated turbojet engine.

The new variant dubbed SPICE 250 ER (Extended Range) is based on the smallest of the SPICE Family, which includes the SPICE 250, SPICE 1000 and the SPICE 2000 guidance kits. SPICE is a stand-off, autonomous, air-to-surface weapon systems that strike targets with pinpoint accuracy and at high attack volumes, independently of GPS navigation, based on its autonomous electro-optic Scene-Matching Artificial Intelligence (AI) Algorithms.

Rafael-SPICE-250-ER

SPICE 250 ER will incorporate a miniature turbo-jet engine with an internal JP-8/10 fuel system, providing the weapon a range of at least 150 km, while retaining the same mission-planning system, aircraft interfaces and aircrew operation.

SPICE 250 uses a common aircraft interface and sophisticated Smart Quad Rack (SQR) which simplifies the effort needed for aircraft integration. Four SPICE 250 weapons are carried on each SQR. SPICE 250 can be directly mounted on light attack aircraft store stations, thanks to its small size and light weight.

The SPICE 250 ER retains the identical external form-factor as the gliding variant using all existing SQR and aircraft interfaces, enabling the same load-out. The extended-range variant also features the same capabilities as the gliding variant, including the recently-unveiled ATR (Automatic Target Recognition) capability, Automatic Target Acquisition (ATA) and Moving-Target-Detection homing modes.

The newly-unveiled ATR feature is a technological breakthrough, enabling SPICE 250 ER to effectively learn the specific target characteristics ahead of the strike, using advanced AI and deep-learning technologies.

Before or during flight, target type, location and strike characteristics are defined for each weapon, either by the automated mission-planning or by the pilot. The weapons fly towards the targets, using their INS for initial navigation. When approaching the target area, the weapons use their ATA and ATR modes for detection and recognition of the targets and precise aim-point. Each weapon homes-in on the pre-defined target, either autonomously or with a human-in-the-loop, aided by the ATR algorithm.

The combination of the increased loadout of SPICE 250 variants, the unique homing methods for various scenarios, and the extended range, enable a high volume, autonomous, precision-strike capability against multiple target types, with assured very low collateral damage and at a cost-effective price-point.

SPICE is combat-proven and in operational service with a number of international customers.

Alon Shlomi, VP, head of Rafael’s Air-to-Surface systems directorate: “SPICE is combat-proven, with outstanding operational benefits and achievements. This future capability will offer users the unique combination of a combat-proven system with unparalleled state-of-the-art technologies, while taking advantage of existing infrastructure, without the need for new integration. The significantly-enhanced stand-off range will enable pilots greater operational maneuverability, safety and mission assurance. 

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Commercial vs. 3D Printed Propellers

Tyto Robotics delves into whether UAV rotors produced through additive manufacturing can match the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of commercially available plastic propellers

Feb 14, 2025
Specialized Drones Trialled for Medical Supply Delivery in Military Training

Oregon National Guard combat medics are training with drones to deliver medical supplies, enhancing battlefield readiness for large-scale operations with innovative solutions

Feb 14, 2025
EFI Drone Propulsion Solutions for Military Applications

Defense Advancement showcases INF Inject's advanced EFI (electronic fuel injection) drone propulsion solutions for military and defense applications

Feb 14, 2025
New SOSA-Aligned FPGA PIC Module for Tactical Sensor Processing Applications

Curtiss-Wright is unveiling the VPX3-536 Adaptable Processor, a new SOSA-aligned 3U VPX FPGA plug-in-card (PIC) module designed for demanding tactical sensor processing applications such as radar and electronic warfare

Feb 14, 2025
U.S. Marine Corps Evaluates New Reconnaissance Vehicle Prototype

General Dynamics Land Systems has tested its Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) C4/UAS variant with the U.S. Marine Corps, focusing on mobility, AI integration, and battlefield connectivity

Feb 13, 2025
Rugged Computing Solutions for Defense Applications

Defense Advancement showcases Systel's rugged mission-critical computing solutions for defense and government applications

Feb 13, 2025

Featured Content

Rugged Computing Solutions for Defense Applications

Defense Advancement showcases Systel's rugged mission-critical computing solutions for defense and government applications

Feb 13, 2025
IDEX 2025: Allen-Vanguard to Introduce New RF CEMA Technology

Allen-Vanguard is unveiling its latest core at IDEX 2025, delivering a new level of capability for multi-function CEMA platforms with improved electronic warfare performance

Feb 13, 2025
Teledyne FLIR Unveils Software Solution to Enhance UAS Automation & AI Capabilities

Teledyne FLIR introduces Prism Supervisor, enhancing UAS capabilities by integrating autopilot systems with AI-driven analytics, enabling real-time mission adaptation, automation, and synchronized multi-UAV operations for improved efficiency and success

Feb 10, 2025