July 23, 2007: Israel has decided not to expand or upgrade its fleet of 47 AH-64 helicopter gunships, and instead will modify about 40 of its UH-60 transport helicopters, so they can handle combat operations as well. The UH-60s will get better communications, fire control systems, electronic warfare gear and the ability to carry eight Spike missiles (in two launcher racks, each weighing 400 pounds, including four 77 pound missiles.) Spike ER has a range of 8 kilometers and is "fire and forget. It's similar to the U.S. Hellfire missile. The UH-60 can also carry machine-guns and unguided rockets.