Rafael David's Sling (PAAC-4) - Skyless Kingdom

Surbaissemaxxing · September 14, 2025, 9:03pm

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Suggestion No.96

G’day lads. I want to suggest a long range missile AA for Israel, with up to 4 300km range Stunner missiles, which can be found on the David’s Sling system using an upgraded PAAC-4 Patriot :)

(Obviously not meant to be added now)

davidssling

Description:

Spoiler

David’s Sling, also known as the Magic Wand back then, is a medium to long-range missile defense system developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in partnership with Raytheon Technologies in the United States. It was created to intercept a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, large caliber rockets, and enemy aircraft. The system has an operational range of approximately 40 to 300km (although can go lower than 40, will be explained in Armaments). Its primary interceptor, the Stunner missile, employs a hit to kill mechanism, which helps with destroying incoming targets through direct impact rather than explosive payloads, so kinetic. Guidance is achieved through a sophisticated multi-sensor system, including an AESA radar and electro-optical sensors, which provide high-precision tracking and targeting capabilities. It is operational since 2017 with Israel, with Finland operating it too. The missiles, including other upgrades, were given to Patriots, now named PAAC-4 (Patriot Advanced Affordable Capability-4)

davidsslingstationary

History:

Spoiler

David’s Sling was conceived in the early 2000s in response to Israel’s growing vulnerability to medium-range missile threats from Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran. By 2003, Israeli officials had alerted the U.S. Missile Defense Agency to the evolving threat landscape, particularly the emergence of systems like the Zelzal missile. In 2006, Congress allocated $2 million to begin research, followed by $24 million in 2007, leading to the formal launch of the program. Rafael and Raytheon were tasked with developing a system that could intercept threats between 40 and 300km, using a fast, agile interceptor and covering all of northern Israel. The system was designed to replace aging U.S.-supplied Patriot PAC-2 batteries and complement the Iron Dome and Arrow systems.

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The Stunner missile, which the David’s Sling uses, was engineered with a unique dolphin shaped nose for high maneuverability and precision. It can reach speeds up to Mach 7.5 and uses a hit to kill kinetic intercept method, capable of destroying both fast ballistic reentry warheads and slower cruise missiles within centimeters of accuracy. The missile’s engine is designed to switch on and off during flight, helping it with its range and agility. The system includes mobile launchers, multi mission radar developed by ELTA (an IAI subsidiary), and the Golden Almond fire control center built by Elbit Systems’ Elisra division.

David’s Sling underwent multiple tests between 2012 and 2017. An early setback occurred in November 2013 due to a faulty sensor, but subsequent tests including DST-2 through DST-5 were successful. These trials validated the system’s ability to track and intercept complex targets using its integrated radar and battle management systems. The final test series in December 2015 eventually led the way for delivery to the Israeli Air Force in early 2016. On April 3, 2017, David’s Sling was officially declared operational during a ceremony at Hatzor Air Base, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior defense officials. It has also been successfully integrated into the Patriot missile system. Raytheon and Rafael developed a configuration called PAAC-4 (Patriot Advanced Affordable Capability-4), which allows the Stunner to be launched from existing Patriot PAC-3 launchers.

Armaments:

Spoiler

The TEL launcher of the David’s Sling can carry up to 4 Stunners.

Its a two-stage hit to kill interceptor. It uses a three-pulse solid-fuel motor and reaches speeds up to Mach 7.5, enabling it to engage fast-moving aerial threats at ranges up to 300km. The missile is guided by a sophisticated system that includes an AESA millimeter wave 3D radar, dual electro-optical seekers combining focal plane array imaging infrared (CCD/IIR), and an asymmetric 360° multi seeker sensor suite. It features a three-way data link that supports advanced real-time automatic and manual retargeting, along with ECCM and IRCCM to resist jamming and deception. The steering system is based on an asymmetric kill vehicle design that enables super maneuverability, allowing the missile to adjust its trajectory with extreme precision during flight. The Stunner does not carry a warhead, so it uses it’s kinetic power instead.

Despite it’s range being 40 - 300km, it can go below 40. The reason why it’s minimum range is at 40 is because other systems exist for those ranges, like the SPYDER and Iron Dome. Regardless, the Stunner should have no problem going much lower than that thanks to it’s supermanouverbility.

For it’s radar, it uses an ELM 2084 AESA radar compared to its older AN/MPQ-65 Patriot radar

Specifications:

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Sadly, I cannot find the weight and dimensions of the David’s Sling system, so I will have to use the chassis for reference instead, which I assume is a MAN KAT1 8x8. The MAN KAT1 8x8 military truck has overall dimensions of 10.3m in length, 2.5m in width, and 3.5m in height, with internal cabin dimensions measuring 8m long, 1.96m wide, and 2.3m high. It has an empty weight of 15400kg and a maximum loaded weight of 25400kg. The vehicle is powered by a 12.7 liter air-cooled diesel engine producing 320 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed transmission and equipped with a differential lock for enhanced traction. It reaches a top speed of 90km/h.

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