The project I-Dome SAM (Israel). "Iron dome" on wheels
There are several types of missile defense systems in service with Israel, and new models may appear in the foreseeable future. The main novelty of recent times in this area is the project I-Dome. He proposes the transfer of funds from the Kipat Barzel stationary complex to a self-propelled chassis and the expansion of the range of tasks to be solved. The resulting combat vehicle is designed to accompany the troops or the rapid organization of air defense and missile defense of a given area.
The first missile defense system "Kipat Barzel" / Iron Dome / "Iron Dome" took over on duty in 2011, and since then such equipment regularly participates in repelling missile attacks. In the future, the company-developer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. engaged in the development of the project and the adaptation of the complex to use for various purposes. For example, several years ago, a draft version of the ship's “Iron Dome” air defense system was presented, and now the land mobile version is also offered.
For the first time, the project of the mobile complex I-Dome was told last year during the Eurosatory 2018 exhibition. The company-developer revealed the basic data on the new project, and also pointed out its advantages. Experienced equipment is not yet available, and only graphic materials and models appear on the exhibitions. The timing of the appearance of a complete sample remains unknown.
In the original version of the system, the Iron Dome includes several different tools on stationary platforms, which makes it difficult to transport and deploy. The new project I-Dome provides for some changes in the composition of the complex and the transfer of its main components to a self-propelled chassis with suitable characteristics.
I-Dome promotional materials feature a triaxial foreign-made special chassis. It has a platform with mounts for the necessary devices and tools. A self-propelled combat vehicle carries a radar station, communications and control systems, as well as a launcher with interceptor missiles. Some of the funds of such a complex are directly borrowed from the stationary “Dome”, while others are being developed anew.
Above the cab and the engine compartment of the base chassis is a raised platform with a telescopic mast for the radar antenna device. The latter is made in the form of a pyramid with four active phased antenna arrays, providing a circular view. In the working position, the antennas are raised, which increases the detection range. The type and characteristics of the radar was not specified. Probably, it should provide target detection at ranges of at least 70 km - comparable to the parameters of an interceptor missile.
Apparently, the shooting controls and other electronic components are undergoing some changes related to the proposed methods of combat work. Radar and SLA must accompany a large number of targets and control the launch of missiles. It is required to provide independent work and actions as part of a developed integrated air defense-missile defense.
A lifting launcher with 10 transport and launch containers for Tamir missiles is placed on the landing gear of the chassis. No special revision of the interceptor missiles is envisaged. It is planned to use the same missiles as on the stationary complex, including those that have been upgraded. This provides for the expansion of combat capabilities.
At the moment, the Tamir serial anti-missiles are intended only to combat unguided rockets of various types. An improved rocket is also being developed, capable of hitting aerodynamic targets like aircraft, helicopters and UAVs. After the appearance of such a modification of the missile defense system, the Kipat Barzel complex in a stationary or mobile version will be able to expand the range of tasks to be solved. In fact, the new missile defense system will make it a universal air defense system.
Complex I-Dome will not get the opportunity to fire on the go. Before use weapons the car will have to stop and get ready to start. The required procedures are said to take no more than a few minutes. The air defense system will be able to just as quickly return to the traveling position and continue to move.
An anti-aircraft system of this kind is proposed for solving two main problems. She will have to protect stationary objects, quickly going to a given position and performing deployment. In addition, I-Dome will be able to replenish military air defense and ensure the protection of troops on the march or in positions. In both cases, the use of universal missiles should provide high performance and fighting qualities.
A promising air defense and missile defense system I-Dome exists only in the form of documentation and promotional materials. As far as we know, a full-fledged prototype has not yet been built or tested. His appearance is a matter of the future. Nevertheless, even on the basis of the available materials one can consider the proposed sample and draw preliminary conclusions.
In the I-Dome project, first of all, the very fact of transferring funds from the Kipat Barzel stationary complex to a self-propelled chassis is interesting. On one machine, it was possible to place all the fixed assets, although at the price of this was a certain reduction in tactical and technical characteristics. A machine of this architecture can quickly go to a given area and begin combat work. Also provided escort troops.
In the proposed form, I-Dome is able to protect troops or areas from air strikes. In addition, there remains the opportunity to work on unguided rockets - a characteristic threat to Israel. Thus, the new development of Rafael can be considered as a typical modern air defense system, assembled from the available components.
However, there are also reasons for criticism, some of which are directly related to the transfer of components to a mobile platform. Obviously, the on-board radar in its parameters is lagging behind the larger and more powerful, used in the composition of the Iron Dome. In addition, the ammunition of one launcher is reduced by half. The impossibility of firing on the move, due to the design of the launcher, imposes restrictions on combat use and its effectiveness.
Some questions are caused by the stated possibility of intercepting aerodynamic targets. Work on the modernization of Tamir missiles, aimed at obtaining such functions, has been going on for several years, but has not yet reached the adoption of improved missiles. The lack of progress on the anti-aircraft missile limits the potential of the complex. If the tasks of updating the missiles are not solved, then I-Dome will become not a universal air defense system, but a specialized anti-missile system, even if it is in a mobile version.
Apparently, the complex I-Dome has a commercial potential. Such a system may be of interest to both the Israeli army and the military of other states. The international market of air defense and missile defense is large enough, and any new model has a chance to become the subject of a contract. The presence of certain positive qualities increases the likelihood of receiving an order.
As a competitive advantage I-Dome can be considered basic combat capabilities. In addition, the results of the operation of the Iron Dome systems with Tamir missiles are a good advertisement for this air defense system. During operation, stationary complexes attacked more than 2 thous. Rockets, shells and mines, intercepting 90% targets. The proposed modernization provides for the preservation of anti-missile potential during the development of the fight against aircraft. All this may interest the buyer.
However, while the project I-Dome is in its earliest stages and is not yet ready for mass production and supply of equipment to customers. In the past and this year, the company-developer showed only advertising materials and equipment mock-ups, but not full-fledged prototypes. The progress of the last year is unclear, which is why the real prospects of the project remain questionable. It is obvious that Israel offers an interesting version of the universal short-range air defense system, but its future has not yet been determined.
Exhibition sample
The first missile defense system "Kipat Barzel" / Iron Dome / "Iron Dome" took over on duty in 2011, and since then such equipment regularly participates in repelling missile attacks. In the future, the company-developer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. engaged in the development of the project and the adaptation of the complex to use for various purposes. For example, several years ago, a draft version of the ship's “Iron Dome” air defense system was presented, and now the land mobile version is also offered.
For the first time, the project of the mobile complex I-Dome was told last year during the Eurosatory 2018 exhibition. The company-developer revealed the basic data on the new project, and also pointed out its advantages. Experienced equipment is not yet available, and only graphic materials and models appear on the exhibitions. The timing of the appearance of a complete sample remains unknown.
Technical features
In the original version of the system, the Iron Dome includes several different tools on stationary platforms, which makes it difficult to transport and deploy. The new project I-Dome provides for some changes in the composition of the complex and the transfer of its main components to a self-propelled chassis with suitable characteristics.
I-Dome promotional materials feature a triaxial foreign-made special chassis. It has a platform with mounts for the necessary devices and tools. A self-propelled combat vehicle carries a radar station, communications and control systems, as well as a launcher with interceptor missiles. Some of the funds of such a complex are directly borrowed from the stationary “Dome”, while others are being developed anew.
Above the cab and the engine compartment of the base chassis is a raised platform with a telescopic mast for the radar antenna device. The latter is made in the form of a pyramid with four active phased antenna arrays, providing a circular view. In the working position, the antennas are raised, which increases the detection range. The type and characteristics of the radar was not specified. Probably, it should provide target detection at ranges of at least 70 km - comparable to the parameters of an interceptor missile.
Apparently, the shooting controls and other electronic components are undergoing some changes related to the proposed methods of combat work. Radar and SLA must accompany a large number of targets and control the launch of missiles. It is required to provide independent work and actions as part of a developed integrated air defense-missile defense.
A lifting launcher with 10 transport and launch containers for Tamir missiles is placed on the landing gear of the chassis. No special revision of the interceptor missiles is envisaged. It is planned to use the same missiles as on the stationary complex, including those that have been upgraded. This provides for the expansion of combat capabilities.
At the moment, the Tamir serial anti-missiles are intended only to combat unguided rockets of various types. An improved rocket is also being developed, capable of hitting aerodynamic targets like aircraft, helicopters and UAVs. After the appearance of such a modification of the missile defense system, the Kipat Barzel complex in a stationary or mobile version will be able to expand the range of tasks to be solved. In fact, the new missile defense system will make it a universal air defense system.
Complex I-Dome will not get the opportunity to fire on the go. Before use weapons the car will have to stop and get ready to start. The required procedures are said to take no more than a few minutes. The air defense system will be able to just as quickly return to the traveling position and continue to move.
An anti-aircraft system of this kind is proposed for solving two main problems. She will have to protect stationary objects, quickly going to a given position and performing deployment. In addition, I-Dome will be able to replenish military air defense and ensure the protection of troops on the march or in positions. In both cases, the use of universal missiles should provide high performance and fighting qualities.
Weapon of the future?
A promising air defense and missile defense system I-Dome exists only in the form of documentation and promotional materials. As far as we know, a full-fledged prototype has not yet been built or tested. His appearance is a matter of the future. Nevertheless, even on the basis of the available materials one can consider the proposed sample and draw preliminary conclusions.
In the I-Dome project, first of all, the very fact of transferring funds from the Kipat Barzel stationary complex to a self-propelled chassis is interesting. On one machine, it was possible to place all the fixed assets, although at the price of this was a certain reduction in tactical and technical characteristics. A machine of this architecture can quickly go to a given area and begin combat work. Also provided escort troops.
In the proposed form, I-Dome is able to protect troops or areas from air strikes. In addition, there remains the opportunity to work on unguided rockets - a characteristic threat to Israel. Thus, the new development of Rafael can be considered as a typical modern air defense system, assembled from the available components.
However, there are also reasons for criticism, some of which are directly related to the transfer of components to a mobile platform. Obviously, the on-board radar in its parameters is lagging behind the larger and more powerful, used in the composition of the Iron Dome. In addition, the ammunition of one launcher is reduced by half. The impossibility of firing on the move, due to the design of the launcher, imposes restrictions on combat use and its effectiveness.
Some questions are caused by the stated possibility of intercepting aerodynamic targets. Work on the modernization of Tamir missiles, aimed at obtaining such functions, has been going on for several years, but has not yet reached the adoption of improved missiles. The lack of progress on the anti-aircraft missile limits the potential of the complex. If the tasks of updating the missiles are not solved, then I-Dome will become not a universal air defense system, but a specialized anti-missile system, even if it is in a mobile version.
Apparently, the complex I-Dome has a commercial potential. Such a system may be of interest to both the Israeli army and the military of other states. The international market of air defense and missile defense is large enough, and any new model has a chance to become the subject of a contract. The presence of certain positive qualities increases the likelihood of receiving an order.
As a competitive advantage I-Dome can be considered basic combat capabilities. In addition, the results of the operation of the Iron Dome systems with Tamir missiles are a good advertisement for this air defense system. During operation, stationary complexes attacked more than 2 thous. Rockets, shells and mines, intercepting 90% targets. The proposed modernization provides for the preservation of anti-missile potential during the development of the fight against aircraft. All this may interest the buyer.
However, while the project I-Dome is in its earliest stages and is not yet ready for mass production and supply of equipment to customers. In the past and this year, the company-developer showed only advertising materials and equipment mock-ups, but not full-fledged prototypes. The progress of the last year is unclear, which is why the real prospects of the project remain questionable. It is obvious that Israel offers an interesting version of the universal short-range air defense system, but its future has not yet been determined.
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