IAI performs Heliborne LAHAT missile firing demonstrations

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has recently successfully completed a series of impressive demonstrations of LAHAT (laser homing attack) missiles firing from helicopters.

The demonstration-firing, comprised eight highly successful launches, carried out at ranges of up to 10 km, and altitudes of 300 feet to 6,000 feet, both from moving as well as hovering helicopter - to fixed and moving targets. These scenarios included highly realistic operational scenarios, including a direct hit scored from 10 km, using the helicopter’s observation capability but laser designation by a ground force.

LAHAT is an accurate lightweight missile, homing-in on a laser spot. It has a ground launch range of 8 km (10 km from helicopters) and can be supplied a variety of mission-customised warheads. The lightweight missiles and launcher do not adversely affect the helicopter’s effective mission time. LAHAT missiles, sold in significant quantities to various customers, serve as precision-guided munitions, and may be launched from ships, vehicles and helicopters.

The LAHAT System can be adapted to almost all helicopter types, even the lightest ones.

The system comprises IAI’s MOSP3000D observation payload with designation capabilities, a weapons control system and two quad pack missile launchers.