While the agreement between Rafael and LM is about the SPICE 1000 and SPICE 2000, the Israeli company has also developed a new version, the SPICE-250. The Rafael Spice 250 can be loaded with 100 optional targets in a given area. Its deployable wings allow an aircraft to carry more bombs. The weapon is guided by a GPS/INS Satellite/Inertial Navigation system. The INS is used both as an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and as a sensor device for weapon angular position and motion. The GPS receiver serves as a backup for the INS and reduces drift by including GPS inputs in navigation calculations.
But the main sensor of the SPICE is the CCD/IIR dual seeker that, according to Rafael, overcomes target location error and GPS jamming. While approaching the target, the SPICE 250’s scene-matching algorithm compares the electro-optical image received in real time via the weapon seeker with mission reference data stored in the weapon computer memory.
According to Rafael, the SPICE 250 achieves an extended standoff range of up to 62 miles.
The SPICE 250 can be updated after release and provides Battle Damage Indication (BDI) capability, by transmitting a target image as it strikes the target. The Israeli company says that these capabilities, along with airborne Mission Planning, provide a comprehensive solution for Time-Sensitive-Targets, land moving and maritime targets.
An F-16, using Rafael’s Smart-Quad-Rack (SQR) attached to the aircraft’s pylons, can carry four SPICE 250s, each potentially taking out a different target. An F-15 can carry 28 bombs of this type,