How Israel's Automatic Air Defense System Works and its Purpose
By Campbell Smith
Why is it called the Iron Dome?
This is an odd question considering it looks nothing like a dome. It is called the Iron Dome because it provides a dome shaped shield over the country of Israel. There are currently 10 Iron Domes protecting Israel.
Whenever it detects something dangerous in the sky (such as a missile) The Iron Dome will send it's own missiles to shoot it out of the sky. It was used just recently on May 15th, 2021.
How It Works
The Iron Dome is able to detect and use a tracking radar and a firing unit of three vertical launchers, with 20 interceptor missiles each. The interceptor missile uses a proximity fuse to detonate the target warhead in the air. In simpler terms, It has the ability to track down/detect possible threats. When a threat is detected, it launches a missile and takes it down.
When It Was Built
The Iron Dome was officially established in 2011. It was designed and created by
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. It took years to plan, design, and create, but now Israel has one of the strongest defense systems in the world. The United States supported the Iron Dome and provided funding to help create more domes in 2010.
Why It Was Built
For years, Israel and Gaza have been in conflict with each other. The conflict is all caused by religion. It has been 14 years, 11 months, 1 week, and 1 day since the first attack occurred. On June 28th, 2006, Israel sent aircrafts to strike the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army said the attack was aimed at preventing militants from moving the captive, Corporal Gilad Shalit. Since then, it has been an on and off war between them, filled with sudden attacks and many deaths.
Fun Facts
Each missile costs around 40,000 dollars.
The cost of one battery for the Iron Dome is 50 million dollars.
The Iron Dome has a 90% success rate.
The Iron Dome is the world’s only dual mission system that provides an effective, defense solution for countering rockets, artillery and mortars as well as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs and PGMs.
The Iron Dome works in all weather conditions.
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