Israel's Elbit Systems has developed the Star guided rocket for launch
from helicopters. The 15 kilogram rocket was said to be much cheaper than
Hellfire, sold to several U.S. allies in the Middle East.
"This can compete with Hellfire as it can execute 90 percent of the
missions that Hellfire can do," an executive said.
Also In This Edition
Star was meant for 68mm and 72mm rocket launchers found on most
military
helicopters. Executives said the laser-guided rocket was designed to destroy
armored vehicles as well as soft targets.
Executives said Star was meant for launch from helicopters, but they did
not rule out deployment on unmanned aerial vehicles.
So far, the rocket has undergone trials with the Israel Air Force. No
orders have been reported.
Executives said Elbit planned to market Star abroad, particularly in the
United States. They said Elbit has been working with the U.S. firm ATK to
market Star.