RAFAEL is unveiling new missile-carrying variants of the Typhoon marine stabilized weapon system at IMDEX 2013. Two systems – MLS-ER and MLS-NLOS represent two modular evolutions of the combat proven Typhoon, enhancing the operational capabilities of small and medium naval crafts, responding to evolving requirements of navies facing new asymmetric threats.
The MLS utilizes the standard Typhoon pedestal, electronics and control systems providing a complete naval missile and gun system. Defense-Update reports from IMDEX 2013.
[nonmember]This is an excerpt of an article currently reserved for members only. [/nonmember][ismember]MLS-NLOS carries up to eight Spike-NLOS missiles, a fire control system, communications link and an electro-optical payload. The compact system can be installed on a range of platforms from fast attack crafts to larger ships.
The Spike NLOS is a multipurpose, electro-optically guided missile with an effective range of up to 25 km. Autonomous mid-course navigation, and man-in-the-loop terminal guidance based on electro-optical guidance, Spike-NLOS delivers pinpoint accuracy and midcourse navigation. The missile offers unique advantages of, long range, high precision engagement, including ‘selective targeting’, enabling operators to hit specific objects of the targets (engine room, radar, command center) to gain a measured effect.
According to RAFAEL, the high precision and selective targeting enables the missile to create the required effect with relatively small warhead. In shore fire support Spike NLOS can support ground operations, with high safety margins, engaging targets hidden target with high precision. Fired in tandem, the missiles can also provide real-time tactical intelligence and battle damage assessment.
Typhoon MLS-ER uses the Spike-ER missiles, carried in tandem with a machine gun and a fire control system. This lightweight, stabilized system can be installed on a variety of platforms ranging from Rigid Hull Inflated Boats (RHIBs) to larger boats and ships.
Typhoon MLS-ER features day and night operation and includes Fire-and-Forget, as well as Fire-and-Observe and Update modes of operation. The smaller, lighter Spike-ER has the same attributes of its larger NLOS sibling, at a range of eight kilometers. Complementing the missile’s longer-range capabilities, the stabilized Mini-Typhoon mount carries a machine gun, providing accurate gun firing capabilities at short to medium range.
The Typhoon system can be installed on a wide range of ship classes and platform designs of 40 tons or greater displacement without requiring deck penetration. Both have identical ship interfaces and power requirements. The mount structure/enclosure is designed for a very low Radar Cross Section (RCS) Signature. Built-in-Trainer capability maintains operator skill level and reduces the costs of live fire training.
The system is linked to a Toplite Electro- Optical System (EOS), used for surveillance, observation and target acquisition. The latest EOS integrates thermal imagers, daylight HD video cameras with powerful zoom, laser rangefinder, designator etc. The EOS can be operated autonomously from the gun, thus providing all-around surveillance capability, while keeping the gun in an unthreatening “home” position. Video output from the EOS can be routed to the Bridge, Combat Information Center (CIC) or other users on board.
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30mm Typhoon to Upgrade 25mm Gun Mounts
RAFAEL’s latest variant of Typhoon Stabilized Naval Gun carries the ATK Mk 44 Bushmaster II automatic cannon, which is currently considered the optimal weapon for small boats. Over 350 such systems have been delivered and are operational with 15 navies worldwide. This design features well over 90% commonality with the U.S. Navy’s fielded Mk 38 incorporating the same electronics and man-machine interfaces. The Typhoon adds significant capability for shipboard defense against small, fast, and agile surface threats.
The company has recently launched an upgrade program, enabling Typhoon operators, using the M242 Bushmaster cannon to upgrade their Typhoon mounts to the more powerful Mk44 cannon. This cannon fires all 30mm x 173mm NATO Standard ammunition and is also capable of firing the new programmable airburst munitions (ABM). The mount also features two options for a Coaxial Mounted Machine Gun – either the M2HB 0.5 caliber or a 7.62mm machine gun with remote charging capability built-in. The new mount has a magazine capacity of over 400 ready 30mm rounds, compared 200x25mm rounds in the current configuration. Retaining the M242, the new mount will more than double ammunition capacity to 500 rounds.
[ismember]The Typhoon system can be installed on a wide range of ship classes and platform designs of 40 tons or greater displacement without requiring deck penetration. Both have identical ship interfaces and power requirements. The mount structure/enclosure is designed for a very low Radar Cross Section (RCS) Signature. Built-in-Trainer capability maintains operator skill level and reduces the costs of live fire training.
The system is linked to a Toplite Electro-Optical System (EOS) that can be mounted on the turret or at a higher elevation, on the main mast. Used for surveillance, observation and target acquisition. The latest EOS integrates thermal imagers, daylight HD video cameras with powerful zoom, laser rangefinder, designator etc. The EOS can be operated autonomously from the gun, thus providing all-around surveillance capability, while keeping the gun in an unthreatening “home” position. Video output from the EOS can be routed to the Bridge, Combat Information Center (CIC) or other users on board.[/ismember]
