A successful first test of the complete Israeli Arrow tactical anti-ballistic missile system was carried out on 14 September. The Arrow 2 was launched from the Israeli air force's test site at Palmachim.
No target missile was flown, but the system's fire control computers simulated a target. The Arrow 2 flew for a total of 97s until its warhead was detonated.
All the components of the Arrow system were operated in the test, including the Elta-built Green Pine detection and fire control radar and the Citron Tree fire management system, which is manufactured by Tadiran Systems.
"Everything, hardware and software, worked like clockwork," says Uzi Rubin, head of the Israeli Ministry of Defence's tactical anti-ballistic missile programme.
The Arrow is scheduled to achieve initial operational capability in the year 2000 according to Israel Aircraft Industries, which is the main contractor for the anti-ballistic missile.
The USA has been funding a major part of the programme's cost, which will have reached $1.6 billion when the system is fielded. About $900 million has been spent on development to date.
Source: Flight International