A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter recently flew with a Spike NLOS missile in Iraq as part of operational tests. The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade executed this flight to enhance combat readiness. The Spike missile offers superior range and advanced targeting capabilities, underscoring its strategic importance in combat operations against the Islamic State.
Recently, a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter conducted a flight armed with the Spike NLOS (Non Line-of-Sight) missile at Erbil Air Base, Iraq. This flight represented part of the operational tests for the missile, assigned to the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. Notably, this was the first use of a training (inert) Spike missile with the aircraft operated by a conventional army unit.
Prior to this event, the Spike missile had been subjected to testing at locations such as the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, and several sites in Germany. The recent flight marks a significant milestone in preparing for the missile’s implementation in combat scenarios.
Col. Tyler Partridge, commander of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, remarked on the brigade’s commitment to enhancing Army aviation integration within the combined arms operations. He stated, “Operational Testing Spike NLOS munitions with the AH-64E V6 onboard systems helps us build readiness for real-world employment and ultimately provide more combat power and capability to the ground force.”
The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade intends to employ the Spike missile during its current deployment in support of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, a mission targeting the Islamic State.
The Spike missile boasts a range exceeding 32 kilometers (20 miles), which is over four times that of the Hellfire missile. The Apache helicopter is also equipped to carry AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground missiles with notably shorter ranges. The Spike features multi-purpose warheads and advanced targeting capabilities, enhancing its operational effectiveness.
For the Interim-Long Range Precision Munition (I-LRPM) program, the U.S. Army selected the Spike missile after evaluating it against several competitors during a shoot-off in November 2022. The details regarding the other contestants were not disclosed, as this information was classified as sensitive.
In summary, the recent flight of the Apache helicopter equipped with the Spike missile marks a pivotal development in enhancing the operational capabilities of the U.S. Army. The missile’s advanced range and targeting capabilities will bolster combat effectiveness, particularly in the ongoing mission against the Islamic State. The integration of the Spike missile exemplifies the commitment of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade to innovate and adapt in modern warfare.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
