Spike Firefly Loitering Munition

The Spike Firefly is a tactical optical-electro loitering munition designed for use by soldiers in an urban environment. It is part of Rafael's larger Spike Family of Precision Guided Missiles.

The weapon system kit includes three loitering munitions and a control unit consisting of a ruggedized tablet and backpack. The loitering munition weighs 6.6 lb (3 kg), while the full system weighs approximately 33 lb (15 kg).

The Firefly miniature is equipped with a 0.7 lb (350g) omnidirectional fragmentation warhead, providing powerful blast effective against enemy structures hidden behind cover and out of direct sight. The warhead can be swapped with an extra battery to extend the endurance of the system for tactical reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

The Firefly loitering weapon can function in two modes: autonomous and manual control. In autonomous mode, it navigates using preset waypoints and flight plans. In manual control mode, a single operator controls it from a ground control unit.

Additionally, the weapon system includes an abort or wave-off feature. This enables the operator to cancel the mission mid-flight, safely disposing of the weapon.

The Firefly features a dual seeker (IR/CMOS), proximity sensors, target tracker, homing algorithms, computer vision, Safe and Arm fusing mechanisms, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI).

When powered by a single battery, the Firefly system can remain airborne for up to 15 minutes, extending to 30 minutes with the inclusion of a second battery. Additionally, it provides an endurance of up to two hours in standby mode.

The system is designed for single-user operation. It can attack beyond line-of-sight targets.

Firefly has a compact design, utilizing retracting blades that fold along the body when not in flight. It was a rugged airframe with coaxial rotors. It has three retractable legs at the base.

The battery and payload can be extracted. The entire system fits into a canister and can be carried in a backpack.

In service.

The Firefly was first showcased at the MILIPOL Paris exhibition for homeland security and safety held in Paris, France, in November 2019.

Israel’s Ministry of Defense placed an order for the Spike Firefly loitering munition on May 4, 2020.

The Spike Firefly was first used publicly in June 2023. According to Breaking Defense, the system was used during an operation in the West Bank and in the refugee camp of Jenin.

Rafael, Haifa, Israel

 Israel

loiterning munition (LM)

 WEIGHTS             
   total               33.0 lb (15 kg)
   LM                   6.6 lb ( 3 kg)

 DIMENSIONS
   length               2 ft 6 in (0.08 m)
   depth                2 ft 6 in (0.08 m)
   height               1 dt 3 in (0.40 m)

 PERFROMANCE 
   range                
      urban             1,640 ft ( 500 m)
      open              3,280 ft (1000 m) 
   speed
      maneuvering       37 mph (60 kph)
      dive              43 mph (70 kph)
   endurance
      one battery w/ warhead    15 min
      double battery no wahead  30 min

"Maoz" (Hebrew designation)