Israel is perfecting its Shavit II meteorological rocket and adapting it for use as a tactical weapon, according to the latest edition of Jane’s All the World Aircraft. This is the first time that Israel is listed in the rocketry section of the reference book.
Noting that the rocket weapon would have a potential range of over 60 miles, the editors of Jane’s write that very little information about Israel’s rocket development is available but give some details of the Shavit II’s performance.
The rocket is said to weigh between 500 and 600 pounds and is powered by solid fuel. The vertical range is given at about 45 miles. Jane’s also gives additional details on Egypt’s missile, noting that it has a range of 300 miles, is about 39 feet long, three and one-half feet wide and is powered by liquid fuel.
(In Tel Aviv, Army circles declined to comment on the rocket report in Jane’s.)
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