- Iron Dome
Iron Dome (
Hebrew : כיפת ברזל) is a mobile system developed byRafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. designed to intercept short-rangerockets with a range less the 70km.Rafael presents the system as an effective solution to short range rockets (such as
Qassam rockets) and 155mm shells, capable of operating both during the day and at night, under various weather conditions, and able to confront multiple simultaneous threats.The system is composed of a
radar , a control center, and interceptor missiles. Very limited information has been made available about the system in the Israeli media, but from this information it is known that the interceptor missile (named Tamir) is equipped with electro-optic sensors and several steering fins, providing it with high maneuverability.The system's radar identifies the rocket launch, extrapolates its flight path and transfers this information to the control center, which then uses this information to determine the projected impact location. If the projected target justifies an interception, then an interceptor missile is fired and, using a
proximity fuse , detonates in close proximity to the incoming rocket prior to its arrival at its target.In February 2007, the system was selected by
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak as theIsraeli Defense Force 's defense system against short range rockets. On July 7 2008, the first test of the system was completed successfully, and the system is scheduled to be operational in 2010. [ [http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/999680.html Israeli arms company successfully tests Iron Dome anti-Qassam missile - Haaretz - Israel News ] ]The increasing danger of rocket and missile fire against the
State of Israel (namely,Qassam rocket fire fromGaza ,Katyusha rocket fire fromSouth Lebanon , andIran 's ballistic missile arsenal) has led to the development of defense systems to counter this threat. In addition to the Iron Dome system, which is designed to intercept short range rockets, theDavid's Sling system has also been developed in order to intercept medium and long range rockets, while theArrow missile , designed to interceptballistic missiles , is already in use.= External Links =Hebrew
* [http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/6/946.pdf Information leaflet about Iron Dome from the Rafael website]
* [http://www.haaretz.co.il/hasite/spages/987222.html?more=1 Breakthrough in the Development of Iron Dome (Haaretz)]English
* [http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/999680.html Israeli arms company successfully tests Iron Dome anti-Qassam missile (Haaertz)]= References =
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