Greece to procure SPICE 1000 & 2000

July 1, 2009 · Posted in Blogroll, Uncategorized · 2 Comments 

090630aIn a move that is possibly a reaction to the Turkish development of indigenous JDAM-class guidance kits, the Greek MoD announced a tender for procuring an unspecified number of SPICE 1000 & SPICE 2000 guidance kits for Mk83 and Mk84 bombs respectively:

SPICE 2000 is optimized for launch at high speed & altitude, for maximum stand-off range. For example, when released at 42.000 ft at high subsonic speed, gliding range reaches up to 60km. The system does not perform post-launch rise prior to the terminal dive, so it is not suitable for low-level launch [e.d. other guidance kits like the Paveway-III perform this maneuver  to enable low-level release]. A typical mission profile may include ingressing at low altitude and performing a steep ascend prior to launch, to maximize stand-off range.

SPICE 1000 has a different arrangement, with two fold-out wings instead of fixed trapezoidal stub-wings, which provide better glide performance and thus improved launch range.

Reportedly the launch platform for the weapon system will be the F-16C. The tender is projected to be concluded by late August.

If procured in sufficient numbers, the guidance kits should significantly improve the EPA’s ability to perform strikes against comprehensive integrated air-defense systems.

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