Air Weapons: April 9, 2003

Archives

Israeli Military Industries Tald (Tactical air launched decoy) aerial decoy, for use against enemy air defenses, was so successful in Iraq that the U.S. Navy has rushed out a $12.5 million for the improved (Itald) version of the decoy. The original Tald was a 7.3 foot long, 400 pound glider that deployed wings after it was launched and could go for about 100 kilometers, looking like an approaching warplanes to enemy radars. You could equip Talds to drop chaff, to further confuse radar, or broadcast deceptive signals. Enemy missiles and guns would fire at the Tald, especially during night attacks, taking pressure off the real bombers. Each Tald cost about $145,000. The Itald has a small jet engine and can fly for about 300 kilometers along a preprogrammed course, aided by GPS, making it appear even more realistic to enemy radars. Itald costs about $160,000 each. The Tald was developed and built by an American company until an Israeli firm took over development and manufacture. 

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   Contribute   Close