The Iron Dome is a topic of widespread discussion, and for those unfamiliar with it, here's an overview.
The Iron Dome serves as a Missile Defense System, providing protection against missile threats. In Sinhala, it's referred to as a missile defense system. Israel is the home of this technology, and both its production and development occur within the country. Additionally, the United States provides financial support for this project.
One of the crucial aspects of the Iron Dome is its range. It can protect against missiles launched from distances spanning 4km to 70km. Manufacturers continually work to enhance this range, emphasizing the system's adaptability.
You might wonder how a system with a 70 km defense range can safeguard an entire nation. The key is that the Iron Dome isn't a single entity but comprises numerous units, with each unit containing 20 missiles. These units are highly mobile, capable of being transported quickly on trucks to where they are needed. Notably, each missile's production cost is around $40,000, with a complete unit costing approximately 90 million dollars. Due to this considerable cost, the system primarily targets missiles threatening populated areas, allowing others to fall harmlessly to the ground.
Now, let's delve into how the Iron Dome operates.
The Iron Dome is an anti-missile defense system with three core components:
1. Radar System (Detection and Tracking Radar)
2. Battle Management and Control System
3. Missile Firing Unit
These components work in synergy. Suppose a missile or rocket is launched from the Gaza Strip. The radar system swiftly detects this launch from the Palestinian side and tracks the missile's trajectory. Simultaneously, the battle management and control units calculate the rocket's landing area.
At this point, the Iron Dome responds by launching a counter missile. However, it's essential to clarify that it's not a matter of one missile intercepting another. Instead, the Iron Dome deploys the Tamir interceptor missile, which approaches the enemy missile and neutralizes it.
To provide further context, the Iron Dome operates as an embedded system, and complex data processing requires the capabilities of a supercomputer. AI algorithms play a vital role, and the system undergoes rigorous training in AI before being utilized in the embedded system. These systems are versatile and can be transported on vehicles, with the ability to connect to a supercomputer for importing processing algorithms. It's worth noting that the architect developed the system independently, contributing to its successful improvement with American support, while Israel retains 100% of the patent.