The SPYDER AIO is an Israeli air defense system manufactured by Rafael. Unlike other anti-air units such as the IRIS-T SLM and CLAWS which utilize separate radar and missile-launching vehicles, the SPYDER AIO integrates a radar and launcher on a single 8×8 truck. Its sole armaments are the Python 5 and I-DERBY-SR missiles, which can be used to combat all types of aircraft. While it does have less offensive capability than other air defense systems due to its somewhat short-ranged missiles, the SPYDER AIO is an excellent addition to Israel’s toptier ranks and a worthy successor to the antiquated Drakon.
Fun fact: The SPYDER AIO holds the record for being the tallest and longest ground vehicle in War Thunder (when this article was published) if the radar and missile launcher are extended!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Missiles and radar are located on a single vehicle (easier to manage) | Python 5 and I-DERBY-SR missiles are not very maneuverable and lack range |
| Good mobility for a large vehicle | Vehicle is a huge bullet magnet |
| Python 5 missiles are very hard to detect without MAW (smokeless motor) | Radar can be inconsistent and provide false information about targets |
| Great optics and sight position | Poor minimum engagement range |
Mobility
The SPYDER AIO platform is based on a 30-ton Tatra 815-7 truck, which has surprisingly good mobility for its size. The engine is located behind the crew cab, which provides a respectable 450 hp and a power-to-weight ratio of 15 hp/ton.
The SPYDER AIO will have no problem driving across most types of terrain and can reach speeds above 60 km/h when on paved roads. However, the SPYDER AIO has an extremely wide turning radius due to its length, so maneuvering in urban environments can be quite difficult. The reverse speed is also a bit underwhelming, at only 10 km/h.
Radar and optics
exMHR
The SPYDER AIO is equipped with the exMHR radar operating in the F band, which has a rather unique configuration: instead of having a rotating radar panel, the exMHR is composed of four non-rotating radars that each cover a 90-degree sector, which provides full 360-degree coverage. The exMHR is mounted on top of a retractable mast, which can be extended or retracted to lower the profile of the vehicle.
The exMHR has a maximum range of 110 km and only has a TWS search mode. Nearly all aircraft (with the exception of some helicopters) will be identified automatically due to the exMHR’s NCTR feature.
Warning: The exMHR is quite susceptible to ground clutter and will frequently mistrack or ignore low-flying targets.
TOPLITE
The SPYDER AIO has an excellent TOPLITE gunner sight (there is no sight for the commander), with 3rd Generation thermals and a very high magnification level (2x — 27x). The optics are mounted above the exMHR radar. A laser rangefinder is also included.
Due to the high position of the sight view, it is possible to easily look over obstacles such as hills and buildings when the radar mast is extended, which makes it very easy to scout enemy ground targets. The TOPLITE can also be used to verify the identity and location of aircraft in conjunction with the exMHR radar.
Armaments
The SPYDER AIO can use the Python 5 and I-DERBY-SR missiles, which are located in launch silos at the rear of the vehicle. Up to 8 missiles can be carried in the launcher, and the launcher can be reloaded once by using the ammo crate feature. The launcher will automatically fold when the vehicle is traveling at speeds above 5 km/h.
Python 5
The Python 5 is a smokeless infrared (IR) guided missile and the successor to the Python 4 and Python 3 missiles found on Israeli aircraft. It is the most effective for close-range air defense against lighter targets. The Python 5 is more agile than the I-DERBY-SR and does not trigger radar warning receivers or create a visible smoke trail, which makes it well-suited for stealth attacks.
The Python 5 is the most effective against:
- Scout drones
- Helicopters
- Aircraft that are around 1.5 — 7 km away
In most circumstances, the Python 5's maximum effective range is around 5 — 7 km. The Python 5 is not able to consistently hit targets beyond this distance and has a poor effective range when compared to other missiles like the IRIS-T due to its smaller booster.
The Python 5 has relatively good flare resistance thanks to its dual IRCCM (FoV gatewidth + tracking suspension), and most targets will not be able to evade it with countermeasures easily. Note that newer DIRCM systems on the Mi-28NM and the Z-10ME can fool the Python 5, so use an I-DERBY-SR against these helicopters.
I-DERBY-SR
The I-DERBY-SR is an active radar-homing (ARH) missile and trades some maneuverability for a few extra kilometers of range. The I-DERBY-SR’s maximum effective range is around 10 km.
The I-DERBY-SR is the most effective against:
The I-DERBY-SR is generally better at combating aircraft and intercepting munitions than the Python 5, as it travels faster and has less wobble in flight. Keep in mind that low-flying helicopters and aircraft will be able to multipath the missile.
Warning: Do not use the I-DERBY-SR at nearby targets (below 3 km). The missile will overshoot since it cannot turn into the target in time.
Protection and survivability
The SPYDER AIO has no effective protection for the crew, and it is extremely vulnerable to explosions and gunfire. Most of the vehicle’s modules, such as the power supply, are also unprotected. The large size of the vehicle also turns the SPYDER AIO into a bullet magnet, so proper concealment from opposing ground units is paramount to success.
Tip: The radar is very visible and acts as a giant overpressure magnet. When travelling, retract the radar (the default keybind for this is R + ALT).
Usage in battles
The SPYDER AIO is limited to combating aircraft only in ground battles due to its lack of offensive weaponry for ground targets. Remember that ammunition can be replenished via the ammo crate feature. Going to a friendly capture zone also allows for the replenishment of ammo, but this is not recommended.
Recommended loadout: 4x Python 5, 4x I-DERBY-SR
Positioning
Generally, the SPYDER AIO should be positioned behind friendly lines, where it can be protected by teammates from enemy ground units. More open maps (e.g., Fields of Poland or Sands of Sinai) give the player more flexibility to reposition wherever they want, even behind enemy lines.
In urban maps such as Breslau, the SPYDER AIO can easily hide behind tall buildings and other obstacles. However, the buildings can obstruct the radar, so it may be difficult to locate low-flying enemy aircraft (especially helicopters).
Avoid sitting around near the spawn points since most experienced CAS pilots look at the spawn points first for any SPAA. The most optimal location is somewhere that offers enough concealment against air and ground targets, but that also leaves the radar unobstructed.
Warning: Pay attention to your surroundings on the ground. Relocation may be necessary if there are no more friendly ground units to protect the vehicle.
Combating aircraft
The radar control screen is the most useful tool when combating enemy aircraft, and should be used instead of relying on the 3rd person camera. The Plan Position Indicator (PPI) is more intuitive and makes the process of locating and engaging aircraft much easier.
As previously mentioned, the Python 5 is the most effective against helicopters, smaller scout drones, and nearby aircraft, while the I-DERBY-SR should be used against munitions, larger attack drones, and aircraft that are further away. A great strategy to down aircraft is by firing one Python and one DERBY simultaneously. Most targets that are not equipped with MAW will usually be caught off guard.
Prioritize the interception of munitions that are headed toward the vehicle first, as they will become very hard to destroy once they are within 3 km of the SPYDER AIO. The SPYDER AIO also has no way to defend itself against targets that are closer than 1 km to the vehicle, since the missiles will not be able to maneuver in time, so plan accordingly when engaging targets and focus on those that are closer to the vehicle.
