Tel Aviv: The acquisition of Israel Military Industries (IMI) by Elbit Systems resulted among other things in the development of kits that transforms almost any air- ground munition to a precise high standoff weapon system.
The Range Extension & Smart Tail (REST) kit is a modular solution that includes a smart tail for navigation and guidance, and upper wings for range extension. The smart tail houses INS/GPS navigation computer and anti-jamming system. The upper wings are an aerodynamic super-structure embracing the warhead with two wings that are unfolded upon release. The REST kit provides all weather pinpoint ‘fire and forget’ capability to ranges of up to 120km and is capable of a steep impact angle for enhanced penetration of hard targets. The REST kit enables weapon system integration onboard Western and Eastern aircraft without avionic changes and is compatible with a range of warheads and fuses.
Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land, said: “Accuracy, standoff and penetration capabilities become paramount to air-to-surface operations. The REST kit attracts the attention of Air Forces as many of them increasingly seek solutions that enable to efficiently transform warhead stockpiles into munitions that are more relevant to evolving operational needs.”
The REST kit is part of Elbit Systems’ diverse portfolio of Air-to-Surface munitions including: the Rampage supersonic missile, the Delilah cruise missile, the LIZARD laser guidance kits, the GATR tactical rocket, advanced warheads, seekers, fuses, navigation and anti-jamming systems.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
