Rafael SkySonic ABM

[Big_Zukini]

In June 2023 Rafael unveiled the SkySonic, a hypersonic interceptor designed to defeat conventional ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles, at altitudes 20-70km.

To me it was quite strange to see such size difference between stages 1 and 2.


Here we see its launch canister. Its narrow build allows it to utilize existing canisters.


In these images from a video published today, the SkySonic appears to have a much longer booster but of the same diameter as the Python 5, 2nd from the right. The Python 5's booster is of the same diameter as the David's Sling's Stunner, to its right.




We can therefore see that the SkySonic is most likely designed to be fired from David's Sling canisters as it retains the same diameter.

This would allow quicker integration into Israel's IAMD, and boost buyers' capabilities. This means not only David's Sling users (Finland), but also every user of the Spyder LR variants.

Curiously, Rafael say they independently funded and developed the project (as opposed to Israeli MoD R&D funds), and it's been reported that the MoD hasn't decided to invest in the system yet (as of 2023, no reports since). Yet it did receive a Hebrew name in IDF naming convention - Kelah Had, or "Sharp Sling", similar to the IDF's David's Sling ("Kelah David").

At the moment, IDF and IAI are developing the Arrow 4 jointly with the US.

 

[kqcke for you]

In June 2023 Rafael unveiled the SkySonic, a hypersonic interceptor designed to defeat conventional ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles, at altitudes 20-70km.

To me it was quite strange to see such size difference between stages 1 and 2.
View attachment 763204

Here we see its launch canister. Its narrow build allows it to utilize existing canisters.
View attachment 763203

In these images from a video published today, the SkySonic appears to have a much longer booster but of the same diameter as the Python 5, 2nd from the right. The Python 5's booster is of the same diameter as the David's Sling's Stunner, to its right.
View attachment 763206

View attachment 763205

It looks to be larger too me. U would guess atleast 20-50mm larger diameter.

 

[Big_Zukini]

It looks to be larger too me. U would guess atleast 20-50mm larger diameter.

Really? On 2nd look it perhaps looks a bit wider. I'll keep that as a possibility.

 

[Big_Zukini]

Morocco reportedly interested in the SkySonic system

link

Translated text

Morocco continues to develop its capabilities in the field of air and missile defense, in parallel with expanding its defense cooperation with specialized Israeli companies, most notably Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, where the name “Sky Sonic” stands out, which is an interception system developed by the Israeli company specifically to counter hypersonic missiles and threats.

According to the Arab Defense website and Israeli websites, Morocco has expressed interest in a number of advanced Israeli systems, including "Sky Sonic," in light of the absence of an official Moroccan or Israeli announcement confirming the Kingdom's acquisition of this system.

The importance of "Sky Sonic" lies in the nature of the threat it was designed to counter. Hypersonic missiles move at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, and some can change course mid-flight, making them more difficult to detect, track, and intercept than dealing with a number of conventional missiles. Rafael says that "Sky Sonic" was specifically developed to deal with this type of threat.

Rafael first unveiled Sky Sonic in June 2023, presenting the project as a new defensive solution against hypersonic threats. The company explains that the system is designed to operate within air defense systems, allowing it to be integrated with existing monitoring and tracking systems, rather than being a completely separate system from the rest of the defense network.

The function of "Sky Sonic" is evident in that it is not directed at ground targets, but rather attempts to stop an enemy missile before it reaches its target, which gives the project special importance in the race to develop air defenses, as some countries move towards possessing faster and more maneuverable missiles.

The manufacturer says that the "Sky Sonic" design is intended to deal with several types of advanced threats, including hypersonic glide vehicles, hypersonic cruise missiles, and some maneuverable ballistic missiles. The company also notes that the system is designed to work with existing radar and tracking systems, which could facilitate its integration into existing air defense networks.

The importance of this project for Morocco comes in the context of a broader process to modernize the air defense system of the Royal Armed Forces. In recent years, the Kingdom has entered into armament programs that have included Israeli air defense systems, including the "Barak MX" and "Spyder", in addition to the "Spike" anti-tank missiles.