Sky Sonic is a two-stage interceptor missile designed by the Israeli company Rafael to meet the new threat posed by hypersonic missiles.
Rafael will officially unveil this revolutionary system for the first time at the Paris Air Show, one of the world’s largest aerospace exhibitions, which opens next week.
The Israeli company says its Sky Sonic interceptor represents a technological quantum leap in hypersonic missile defense. Designed with exceptional maneuverability and high-speed capability, it effectively neutralizes hypersonic missiles, which travel at ten times the speed of sound, with unmatched accuracy and stealth. RAFAEL’s stand at the Paris Air Show will showcase the interceptor.
RAFAEL, known for its pioneering contributions in the field of defense systems, such as the famous «Iron Dome«, the «David’s Slingshot» and the cutting-edge «Iron Beam» laser-based system, introduces the «Sky Sonic» to counter the danger posed by hypersonic weapons, complementing its wide range of air defense solutions.
Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Chairman of RAFAEL «RAFAEL has identified a marked increase and arousing interest in the international arena with proven operational capabilities and a geopolitical reality that has created many opportunities. We are following the developments and emerging threats in the current security context and are developing the most advanced defense systems. Project Sky Sonic is an innovative, unique development of its kind for the hypersonic weapon threat.
Response to the new threat
Hypersonic missiles encompass a new family of threats, including hypersonic atmospheric cruise missiles, gliders that travel at incredible speeds while maintaining exceptional accuracy and maneuverability. Unlike ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles have the ability to change their course in mid-flight. Therefore, an effective defense against hypersonic threats requires a multifaceted approach that involves not only countering their speed, but also effectively tracking, detecting and intercepting their unpredictable flight paths.
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Developing a comprehensive defensive response to hypersonic threats presents numerous complex challenges, including detection and tracking difficulties that require a synchronized sensor system capable of accurately identifying and locating the threat along its entire trajectory. In addition, accurate trajectory prediction requires an interceptor that can rapidly reach the target, minimizing the uncertainty associated with target location. Finally, the interceptor must exhibit exceptional maneuverability and operate on a non-ballistic trajectory to effectively pursue and neutralize the hypersonic threat.
