- Yes
- No (Explain why)
Suggestion No.80
G’day lads. Due to the recent addition of seperate AA vehicles, I’ve decided to suggest one of Israel’s most popular systems that they use, which is none other than the Iron Dome :)
Description:
Spoiler
The Iron Dome is a combat-proven air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in Israel. Designed to intercept and destroy short-range threats, including rockets, artillery shells, UAVs, and cruise missiles, it has been instrumental in protecting civilian areas and military assets. It has a multi-mission capability, defending against various aerial threats, and uses selective defense to determine whether an incoming projectile will land in a populated area or an open field, reducing unnecessary interceptions. The system boasts a high success rate, achieving over 90% interception success, with thousands of rockets neutralized since 2011, and operates effectively 24/7, functioning in all weather conditions, including fog, dust storms and rain.
Something important to note (as others often don’t know) is that the missile it fires is not called “Iron Dome”, but Tamir (although the missile is also sometimes called Iron Dome by Rafael in exhibitions). Iron Dome is just the system. The Tamir missile is the guided interceptor used by the Iron Dome to eliminate incoming threats mid-air, ensuring maximum protection against hostile attacks. It features an advanced guidance system utilizing radar and electro-optical sensors for precise tracking, has a rapid response capability, traveling at Mach 2.2 to intercept threats in seconds, and employs a blast-fragmentation warhead with a proximity fuze.
History:
Spoiler
The Iron Dome was developed in response to escalating rocket attacks on Israeli cities during 2006, overwhelming existing defenses. In 2007, Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz authorized the development of a short-range missile defense system.
Development progressed rapidly, with the first successful field test conducted in March 2009. The system became fully operational in 2011, with its first deployment near Beersheba. On April 7, 2011, it successfully intercepted a rocket launched from Gaza, marking its first combat success.
Following its initial success, Israel sought to enhance the system’s capabilities. During Operation Pillar of Defense in November 2012, the Iron Dome intercepted hundreds of rockets launched from Gaza, significantly reducing the impact of the attacks. By late October 2014, the system had shot down over 1200 incoming threats. In response to further challenges, Israel announced plans to increase the Iron Dome’s interception range from 70km to 250km and improve its ability to engage multiple threats simultaneously.
The United States has played a big role in funding the Iron Dome, contributing $1.6 billion between 2011 and 2021, with an additional $1 billion approved by Congress in 2022. The system has also been integrated into Israel’s naval defense, deployed aboard Sa’ar 6-class corvettes to protect offshore gas platforms.
Armaments:
Spoiler
20 Tamir missiles
G-Overload is still unknown, but many videos show it’s high turning capability. This is also further supported with reports about it’s high manouverbility. It can go up to Mach 2.2. According to Janes and other sources, the Tamir has a length of 3m, a diameter of 160mm and a weight of 90kg. It has up to 70km range
In order to use it’s weapons, it needs an additional truck using the same hull, carrying a ELM-2084 Multi Mission Radar (MMR). This features AESA. 2 different variants can be carried
Specifications:
Spoiler
The truck carrying the Iron Dome is a MAN TGS 41.440. It has a length of 9.57m, a width of 2.98m (mirrors included) and a maximum height of 3.44m (this is in its base version). It has a payload capacity of 30140kg and a permissable gross weight of 41000kg. It’s powered by a MAN D2066 LF44 engine, giving it 440hp, making it go up to 85km/h
Sources:
Spoiler
Older Iron Dome brochures
Rafael Air & Missile Defense Systems brochure
https://www.rafael.co.il/exhibitions/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IRON-Dome_Brochure_new-2023b.pdf
Iron Dome Missile Defense System | Missilery.info
Raytheon and Rafael to build Iron Dome in US
The Case For Arming Drone-Hunting Fighters With Iron Dome's Tamir Missile
https://www.mycity-military.com/uploads2/111781_1402728394_38029.pdf
https://cdn.vanvliet.com/specsheets/vma5062-man-tgs-41440-bb-ch-8x8-chassis-cabin-en.pdf
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/resrep08965.8.pdf
Ballistic Missile Defense: Iron Dome Description (December 5, 2012) | mostlymissiledefense
Iron Dome advances to meet Qassam threat
https://www.deagel.com/Weapons/Tamir/a002507
Israeli Company Rafael presents Iron Dome rockets missile defense syst
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)