Rafael unveils ‘SKY SONIC’ hypersonic interceptor missile, can shoot down hypersonic missiles & glide vehicles
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Rafael Advanced Defense Systems on 14th June 2023 announced that it is developing a new interceptor missile called Sky Sonic geared specifically at the hypersonic Missiles threat.
An artist rendition of Rafael’s Sky Sonic concept. The weapon is being billed as a counter-hypersonic air defense missile. (Rafael)
However, once the programme reaches a certain degree of maturity, RAFAEL is convinced it can secure support for full-scale development from potential customers. The new chairman and CEO of the firm, Yuval Steinitz, and the new interceptor, named "Sky Sonic," gave a special presentation of the Anti-Hypersonic Missile defence missile to members of the media at RAFAEL headquarters in Tel Aviv. The 54th Paris Air Show, which begins the next week, will see the formal debut of the new system.
Sky Sonic Interceptor missile’s unrivaled precision and stealth enable it to successfully neutralize hypersonic missiles thanks to its outstanding maneuverability and high-speed capabilities.
‘Addressing Hypersonic Missile Threats’
The biggest challenge an air defence system faces when it comes face to face with an adversary like a Hypersonic missile is, Hypersonic missiles may alter their course while in flight, unlike ballistic missiles. Therefore, an effective defence against hypersonic threats necessitates a complex strategy that includes limiting their speed as well as successfully tracing, identifying, and intercepting their erratic flight trajectories.
RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. announced today that it has developed an advanced interceptor, named "Sky Sonic," as a groundbreaking defensive response to the growing threat of hypersonic missiles. pic.twitter.com/nV1aoTa05t
— Tal Inbar (@inbarspace) June 14, 2023
Moreover, A synchronised sensor system that is capable of precisely identifying and locating the threat throughout its trajectory is required in order to detect and monitor hypersonic threats and develop a full defensive response.
‘Unveiling the Killer ~ Sky Sonic Interceptor Missile’
The sky sonic Hypersonic Interceptor missile integrates a two-stage missile system is made to be launched vertically and accelerate swiftly in order to get to the edge of the atmosphere, where hypersonic threats are anticipated to appear, as quickly as possible.
The first step will roughly raise the interceptor to that height, while the kill vehicle will split and boost higher to the intercept in the second stage. Fins have been installed on both levels.
Officials from the RAFAEL claim that Sky Sonic employs cutting-edge technologies to put the kill vehicle on a collision course with the approaching target while taking into account the target's manoeuvring and course changes, which are behaviours that current interceptors are unable to carry out because of the inherent limitations of legacy systems. The DSWS can engage fast-moving, agile targets, according to Rafael's officials, but Sky Sonic will be strengthened & optimised to counter these dangers.
The kill Vehicle, according to officials, is intended for a kinetic kill, but it will also be effective when it is close to its target & though it’s unclear , the missile might also feature a Proximity fuse munition. Sky Sonic will be able to combat threats that fly at Mach 10 speeds and above, including current threats like hypersonic glide vehicles and anticipated future threats like hypersonic cruise missiles. The launch of Rafael's Sky Sonic came one week after Iran unveiled FATTAH, which it claims is a 1400 km-range hypersonic re-entry vehicle and is the country's first hypersonic missile.
The Sky Sonic second stage packs a boosted kill vehicle designed to intercept hypersonic and maneuvering targets effectively. Illustration: RAFAEL
RAFAEL plans to provide the Sky Sonic interceptors as a component of a multi-layered air and missile defence system that consists of four layers: a close-in layer targeted at counter-drone systems (C-UAS), the Low Altitude Short-Range layer guarded by Spyder SR, Iron Dome, Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) systems, and the Iron Beam High Energy Laser System; The medium-altitude and medium-range layers are safeguarded by Spyder MR. David's Sling Weapon Systems (DSWS), a new Sky Sonic designed to integrate with the DSWS and air-to-air missiles used by combat air patrols that could also be used to counter incoming missiles, taking advantage of the height and forward positioning of such assets, protect the high-altitude medium to long-range layer.