On January 19, state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled a new compact hand-launched cruise missile, or attack drone, that can land back in a soldier’s hand without exploding. The “Point Blank” is a small electro-optically guided missile that fits into a soldier’s backpack.
The missile is hand-fired, controlled by one soldier, and can take off and land vertically back on the soldier’s hand.
In a press release, Israel Aerospace Industries(IAI) said, “IAI has introduced its POINT BLANK electro-optically guided missile that can be carried in a soldier’s backpack. The system responds to the battlefield requirement to provide tactical units ranging in size from small tactical teams to battalion level, with an independent and organic capability to increase their lethality.
IAI announced
•The US Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded IAI a multi-million dollar contract to rapidly develop and deliver the “ROC-X”, a variant of the Point Blank system.
•The ROC-X is expected to meet specific US requirements and increase the organic strike accuracy and survivability of small tactical teams.
•It will be tested and probably operated by US special forces.
• IAI will provide MoD with initial prototypes and training for operational testing and evaluation in FY2023.
IAI’s Executive Vice President for Systems Guy Bar Lev said: “POINT BLANK joins the Israel Aerospace Industries family of missiles to provide ground tactical forces with more precise capabilities to conduct attack operations, particularly against short-lived targets.
In addition to developing a hand-launched missile for the United States, Israel is also developing the Iron Beam laser air defense system for its iron brother. At the end of last year, the American defense contractor Lockheed Martin signed an agreement with the Israeli arms manufacturer Rafael to participate in the development of the Iron Beam system.
As for the Point Blank or ROC-X system, Israel’s announcement comes at a time when the use of cluster munitions, man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and combat drones have proven useful in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
What we know about the Point Blank Weapon
The munition is about three feet long and weighs about 15 pounds, according to IAI. It can also travel at a top speed of roughly 178 mph for up to 18 minutes while flying at altitudes above 1,500 feet. Point Blank was designed with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability.
Once deployed, the Point Blank will be able to hover in the air above the target while the operator decides how to engage it and where to place it, according to IAI.
IAI’s claims that the system will provide a high level of accuracy are supported by the Point Blank circular error probability, which calculates the average distance between the target and the end of the munition’s flight path using a circle radius that is less than one meter. He further claims that this applies to both static and moving targets.
Point Blank will even be able to conduct “stealth operations” due to the minimal acoustic and thermal footprint of the munition, according to IAI. In addition, Point Blank will feature a hybrid electro-optical (EO) and GPS guidance system that will allow the munitions to be verified and collect real-time tracking information.
According to the IAI website, the munition’s Ground Data Link Terminal will be able to integrate with any current cellular network data link in terms of how it would transmit data back to the unit.
Point Blank can use manual and automatic flight modes, including an EO-based operator-in-the-loop approach. Most loitering ammo is made with this feature to improve accuracy and offer some degree of safety as it would allow accurate course correction up to the point of impact.
In contrast, Point Blank’s Reconnaissance, Tracking and Target Acquisition (RSTA) mode will only use its cameras. The IZS functionality, as well as combat capability, would contribute significantly to the expanding military prowess of the Israel Defense Forces. Furthermore, the development of this system also confirms the use of drones in modern warfare.
Written by : Vaishali Verma
