Rafael Developing a New Air-to-Air Missile
The 6th generation missile is a new application of the David’s Sling
interceptor
Amir Rapaport and Arie Egozi 16/5/2012
http://www.israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=483&ArticleID=1259

Magic Wand (Photo: Rafael) Rafael is currently developing a new 6th
generation air-to-air missile. This was revealed during a fascinating
interview with the Chairman of Rafael’s board of directors, Major General
(Res.) Ilan Biran, in the eighth issue of IsraelDefense, expected to reach
subscribers and stores in the coming week.

For decades, Rafael has been considered one of the world’s leading companies
in the field of missiles for air battles. Nevertheless, this comes as a
surprise, as nothing has been published about it previously.

When looking into the details, we learned that the next-generation missile
Rafael is developing is essentially a new application for the Stunner – the
interceptor incorporated into the David’s Sling system, which is presently
in advanced stages of development.

David’s Sling is being developed as a joint US-Israel project, conducted by
Rafael and Raytheon, with the goal of enabling the interception of cruise
missiles and medium-ranged missiles and rockets (the project is expected to
become operational at the end of 2013 or during 2014).

The Stunner has an asymmetrical dolphin-shaped warhead, which is intended to
allow all of its sensors to work simultaneously. According to Ilan Biran, a
test will be held soon that will examine all the Stunner’s capabilities,
including air-to-air capabilities. The IAF has yet to order this missile
application. However, it has not ordered previous air-to-air missiles in
advance either, rather acquired them after they were developed by Rafael.

The full interview and further revelations await in issue 8 of IsraelDefense
Magazine.