Turkey may become the launch customer for the Popeye Lite, the smaller, lighter version of the Rafael air launched stand-off weapon.
The Turkish air force has acquired an initial batch of 50 standard Popeye TV-guided missiles for use on its McDonnell Douglas F-4s and is evaluating the possibility of equipping its Lockheed Martin F-16s with the lighter version. Ankara is also considering buying more standard missiles.
The Popeye Lite is the 1,130kg (2,500lb) version of the Israeli missile. The 230kg reduction in weight will enable smaller fighters to carry it on standard hardpoints. Other changes will allow operation from single seat aircraft, including greater autonomy after launch.
The basic Popeye Lite was developed by the Israeli company. Final development will be conducted by Pegasus, the joint Lockheed Martin-Rafael missile facility established recently in Troy, Alabama.
Source: Flight International
