The US Army conducted a flight test of the AH-64 Apache helicopter equipped with the Spike NLOS missile at Erbil Air Base. This represents a key milestone in operational readiness for the missile, which is intended for use in the fight against the Islamic State. The Spike missile offers significant enhancements over existing munitions, and its selection for the I-LRPM program underscores its long-range precision capabilities.
The United States Army recently conducted a flight of an AH-64 Apache helicopter equipped with the Spike NLOS (Non Line-of-Sight) missile at Erbil Air Base, Iraq. This event was part of operational tests involving the missile and the helicopter, which belongs to the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. Notably, this was the first occasion a training (inert) Spike missile was employed by a conventional army unit.
Previously, the Spike missile had undergone testing at various locations, including Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and several sites in Germany. This recent flight represents a significant milestone, marking the approach to operational readiness of the missile for combat deployment.
Colonel Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, noted, “The 101 Combat Aviation Brigade continues to find opportunities to transform in contact and advance Army aviation integration in the combined arms fight… Operational Testing Spike NLOS munitions with the AH-64E V6 onboard systems helps us build readiness for real-world employment and ultimately provide more combat power and capability to the ground force.”
The Army intends to utilize the Spike missile in support of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, aimed at combating the Islamic State. The Spike missile boasts over four times the range of the AGM-114 Hellfire missile, extending up to 32 kilometers (20 miles), compared to the Hellfire’s range of 7 to 11 kilometers (4 to 7 miles).
The Apache helicopter also carries the AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile, which can reach distances of 8 to 16 kilometers (5 to 10 miles). The Spike missile is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared guidance system and features multi-purpose warheads suited for various targets, including anti-tank and anti-structure. It allows for real-time video tracking and has the capability for mid-flight retargeting.
Additionally, the US Army has chosen the Spike missile for the Interim-Long Range Precision Munition (I-LRPM) program to evaluate long-range precision capabilities. This decision followed a competitive assessment conducted in November 2022, although the identities of other competing munitions remain undisclosed due to sensitivity concerns, as cited by Defense News.
The successful integration of the Spike NLOS missile with the AH-64 Apache helicopter represents a significant enhancement in the operational capabilities of the US Army. This development not only expands the range of engagement possibilities against adversaries but also underscores the ongoing evolution of Army aviation in contemporary warfare. As the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade prepares for deployment in the fight against the Islamic State, the addition of the Spike missile is poised to enhance combat effectiveness and mission success.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
