Python (missile)
The Rafael Python (פיתון) is a family of air-to-air missiles (AAMs) built by the Israeli weapons manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, formerly RAFAEL Armament Development Authority. Originally starting with the Shafrir (Hebrew: שפריר, loosely translated as a dome, or a protective cloak – the Israeli military considers itself mostly defensive, but also similar sounding to Dragonfly, a male form of inflection for Damselfly (שפירית)) series, the Shafrir-1 missile was developed in 1959, followed by the Shafrir-2 in early 1970s. Subsequently, the missiles were given the western name of "Python" by the parent company for export purposes, starting with the Python-3 in 1978. Since then, it has been further developed and evolved into the Python-4, Python-5, Derby and also, the SPYDER, an advanced ground-based air-defence system. Currently, the missiles are in service with the armed forces of over fifteen countries from around the world.
| Rafael Python | |
|---|---|
The newest and the oldest member of the Python family of AAM for comparisons, Python-5 (displayed lower-front) and Shafrir-1 (upper-back). | |
| Type | Short-range air-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See operators |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems |
| Unit cost | Shafrir series: Shafrir-1: US$20,000 |
| Produced |
|
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 103.6 kilograms (228 pounds 6 ounces) |
| Length | 3.1 metres (10 feet) |
| Diameter | 160 millimetres (6.3 inches) |
| Wingspan | 640 mm (25 in) |
| Warhead | 11 kg (24 lb 4 oz) |
Detonation mechanism | proximity |
| Engine | solid fuel rocket motor |
Operational range | >20 kilometres (12 miles) |
| Flight altitude | N/A |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4 |
Guidance system | infrared homing + 320×240 pixel dual waveband electro-optical imaging seeker, lock on after launch, with infrared counter-counter-measures (IRCCM) |
Launch platform | Aircraft:
CASA C-101 Aviojet F-4E Kurnass 2000 F-5E/F Tiger-II McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Dassault Mirage III Dassault Mirage 5 Dassault Mirage 2000 IAI Nesher/Dagger/Finger IAI Kfir BAE Sea Harrier HAL Tejas SAAB Gripen NG Sukhoi Su-30MKI Su-25KM Scorpion |