Rafael SPYDER-SR Roman DFAEG 6x6 - Romanian Truck, Israeli System, Georgian Operator

Surbaissemaxxing · April 6, 2025, 12:27am

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Suggestion No.72

G’day lads. I want to suggest the SPYDER-SR system mounted on a Romanian Roman DFAEG 6x6 truck, which is operated by Georgia :)

Description:

Spoiler

The Rafael SPYDER-SR is a short-range air defense system designed to counter aerial threats such as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries, it utilizes Python 4, Python 5, Derby and I-Derby missiles for interception. Python 4 uses a dual band IR seeker, the Python 5 meanwhile uses a IIR seeker, while Derby relies on active radar homing, as well as the I-Derby, which also has a better seeker compared to the normal Derby. The system is mounted on various truck platforms, however the one I am suggesting is the one used by Georgia, being mounted on a Roman DFAEG 6x6 truck.

History:

Spoiler

The SPYDER-SR system was first displayed at the Paris Air Show in 2005. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), it was designed as a quick-reaction, mobile air defense system capable of engaging various aerial threats.

Following its introduction, the system underwent successful test firings in Shdema, Israel, where it demonstrated its ability to intercept targets with Python-5 and Derby missiles. Over the years, the SPYDER-SR has been showcased in multiple military exhibitions worldwide, attracting interest from various nations, leading up to actual customers.

One of the first operators of the SPYDER-SR was Georgia, where they bought the system and mounted them on Romanian Roman DFAEG 6x6 trucks. It got delivered during 2008 (exact date unknown) and was swiftly used during the Russo-Georgian war. During the war, it managed to shoot down a Su-24M, however some sources say it was a Buk. Interestingly, the Georgian one, during and after the war, doesn’t have the usual containers where Python and Derby missiles are stored, which are found almost all the time on SPYDER-SR systems.

Georgia still has the SPYDER systems, where they got upgraded with Python 5 missiles to replace the Python 4. Last time the SPYDER-SR was seen (at least from what I can find) was during Georgia’s independence day, which is at 26 May of 2017. During September 11, 2020, the MoD signed a modernization contract with Rafael for Georgias SPYDER-SR, however I do not know what exactly is getting modernized, maybe

Armaments:

Spoiler

Up to 4 missiles can be carried. The coverage is up to 15 to 20km according to Rafael.

Python 5

Python 4 (Something that should be noted is that the Python 4 has the same range as the Python 5, as they are the same missile but with big seeker changes.)

I-Derby/Derby (Sadly I cannot find any photos of the Georgian one carrying them, however Georgia did receive Derby missiles, and the vehicle should be fully working with Derby because…well, it’s in the name (SPYDER = Surface-to-air Python and Derby). As for I-Derby, they can be carried on any SPYDER-SR according to it’s brochure

Unlike the early 2005 SPYDER-SR, it does not have a built-in EL/M-2106 NG search radar

TopLite EOS (Electro-Optical ISR & Targeting System)

Specifications:

Spoiler

Sadly, I cannot find out the exact dimensions and weight of the SPYDER-SR on the Roman DFAEG chassis, therefore I will use the data of the Roman instead. The Roman 6x6 DFAEG has an overall length of 9.7m, a total width of 2.5m, and a total height of 3.2m when loaded or unloaded. The ground clearance for the front and back is 0.4m. The permissible total weight of the vehicle is 22.3t, with an empty weight of 12.3t and a loading capacity of 10t. It is powered by a MAN 0836 LF 6-cylinder inline diesel engine with a displacement of 6.9 liters, producing 290hp at 2,400 rpm and generating a torque of 1,150Nm at 1,200–1,800 rpm. The engine meets EURO 5 emission standards, with an optional EURO 3 variant available. The vehicle is equipped with an F & S MFZ 430 single-disc dry clutch and a ZF 16S 2230 synchronized mechanical transmission with 16+2 gears, alongside a ZF VG 2000 distribution box offering two transmission ratios. It features a RABA 784-27 front steering axle with engine drive and a RABA tandem rear axle with lockable differentials for enhanced traction.