Rafael Unveils New Air-Launched Cruise Missile

Ice Breaker
Credit: Rafael

FARNBOROUGH—State-owned Israeli contractor Rafael will unveil an air-launched version of the Sea Breaker powered munition at the Farnborough Airshow. 

A promotional video shows a Lockheed Martin F-16 releasing the new Ice Breaker cruise missile, which ignites a turbojet engine and unfolds a wing kit. Rafael says Ice Breaker’s 250-lb. warhead can hit targets at up to 300 km (186 mi.) away. 

The missile also could be launched from a wide range of combat aircraft, including a heavy fighter like the Boeing F-15, light fighters like the Embraer A-29 Super Tucano and helicopters, according to the video. 

The aircraft uses an onboard imaging infrared seeker for moving targets, and the optical sensor also can be used in areas where satellite-based navigation is being jammed. 

A data link aboard the Ice Breaker can receive mid-flight updates and send back information about the target area.

Steve Trimble

Steve covers military aviation, missiles and space for the Aviation Week Network, based in Washington DC.