An experiment on “Block 4” of “Arrow 2” missiles was conducted in central Israel. The experiment consisted of the initial examination of the “Great Pine” radar as a part of the weapon system. The Ministry of Defense: The experiment was successful and the new version will arrive at the force until the middle of the year
Another step has been taken toward integrating renewed “Arrow 2” missiles in the IAF: a successful system experiment was conducted today as a part of the multiyear work plan. Representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the IAF, together with their American partners, arrived to observe the experiment.
In the experiment to test the discovery and tracing capabilities of the new version of the “Arrow 2”, an intercepting missile was not launched. This in contrast to the experiment held in February of this year in the United States. This time, an F-15 plane launched a target missile, which was then recognized by a variety of radar systems, including Alta Company’s “Great Pine” radar, which was examined for the first time as part of the new version. The radars recognized the target, the statistics were transferred to the management center and analyzed, and the experiment was sealed successfully.
“We’re talking about a complex experiment, in which we examined the activities of the “Great Pine” radar on a target together with other radars. We examined the ranges and other characteristics of the radar and discovered impressive discernment capabilities”, says Yair Ramati, Head of the “Wall” Administration in the Ministry of Defense. “‘Great Pine’ is a more powerful radar and that’s why it has far-range capabilities, an ability to manage objects simultaneously and an advanced computing formation. Everyone was very pleased with the results of the experiment”.
The “Arrow 2” missile system, which serves as defense from ballistic missiles, was developed in Israel in cooperation with the United States and has been in service since the year 2000. Every several years, a new version is developed in order to improve the system’s activity. The version examined today, “Block-4”, is expected to be integrated into the IAF until the middle of 2012. Aside from the addition of the “Great Pine” radar, the new version is expected to include improvements in the weapon, interception and control systems as well.
Simultaneously, work to develop the “Arrow 3”, the future of “Arrow” missiles, is being conducted. The new missiles are designed to contend with the far-range threat. “We’ve begun development in a short period of time and will continue to work”, said Head of the “Wall” administration.
