| 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 | Seeoperators |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems |
| Unit cost | Shafrir series: Shafrir-1:US$20,000 |
| Produced |
|
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 103.6kilograms (228 pounds 6 ounces) |
| Length | 3.1metres (10feet) |
| Diameter | 160millimetres (6.3inches) |
| Wingspan | 640 mm (25 in) |
| Warhead | 11 kg (24 lb 4 oz) |
Detonation mechanism | proximity |
| Engine | solid fuel rocket motor |
Operational range | >20kilometres (12miles) |
| 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:BAE Sea Harrier CASA C-101 Aviojet F-4EKurnass 2000 F-5E/F Tiger-II McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon[1] Dassault Mirage III Dassault Mirage 5 Dassault Mirage 2000 Eurofighter Typhoon[2] IAI Nesher/Dagger/Finder IAI Kfir HAL Tejas KAI T-50 Golden Eagle[2] Leonardo M-346FA Master[2] Saab JAS 39 Gripen[3] Sukhoi Su-30MKI[citation needed] Su-25KMScorpion[4] |
The RafaelPython (stylized alluppercase;פיתון) is a family ofair-to-air missiles (AAMs) built by the Israeli weapons manufacturerRafael Advanced Defense Systems, formerly RAFAEL Armament Development Authority. Originally starting with theShafrir (Hebrew:שפריר, loosely translated as a dome, or a protective cloak – but also similar sounding toDragonfly, a male form ofinflection forDamselfly (שפירית)) series, theShafrir-1 missile was developed in 1959, followed by theShafrir-2 in early 1970s. Subsequently, the missiles were given the western name of "Python" by the parent company for export purposes, starting with thePython-3 in 1978. Since then, it has been further developed and evolved into thePython-4,Python-5,Derby and also, theSPYDER, 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.
In the 1950s, theIsraeli Air Force (IAF) submitted requirements for a domestically made air-to-air missile, to promote domestic defense industry and reduce reliance on imports. Rafael Armament Development Authority was contracted to develop theShafrir (Hebrew:שפריר, loosely translated asDragonfly, a male form ofinflection forDamselfly, שפרירית) in 1959. The missile entered operational status with IsraeliMirage jets in 1963, but the IAF was unhappy with its performance and no air combat kills were achieved with it during theSix-Day War, kills being made with guns instead. The improved Shafrir-2 was soon introduced in 1971, and it proved to be one of the most successful air-to-air missiles ever made. During the 1973Yom Kippur War, the IAF launched 176 Shafrir-2 missiles, destroying 89 enemy aircraft.[5] The Shafrir-2 was exported along with Israeli-made aircraft toSouth American countries.
After the Shafrir-2, the new missiles made by Rafael were given the western name ofPython. This is why the next missile built by Rafael in early 1970s was named Python-3, but there is no Python-1 or Python-2 (they were Shafrir-1, Shafrir-2). The Python-3 has improved range andall-aspect attack ability, it proved itself before and during the1982 Lebanon War, destroying 35 enemy aircraft. ThePeople's Republic of China was impressed with its performance and license-built the Python-3 as thePiLi-8 (PL-8) AAM.[6]
Further improvements to the Python-3 led to the development of Python-4 in mid-1980s, which added the option for helmet-sight guidance.[7] In the 1990s Rafael started development on the Python-5 AAM, which was equipped with an advanced electro-optical imaging seeker with lock-on after-launch ability.[8] The new missile was show-cased in 2003Paris Air Show, and intended for service with IAF theF-15I Ra'am ("Thunder") and theF-16I Sufa ("Storm").
The Python-5 is said to have full sphere launch ability or is an all-aspect missile, meaning it can be launched at a target regardless of the target's location relative to the direction of the launching aircraft. It can lock onto targets after launch, even when they are up to 100 degrees off theboresight of the launching aircraft.
TheShafrir-1 was developed in 1959–1964 to fulfill IAF's requirement for a domestic air-to-air missile. It was intended to build the domestic defense industry's abilities, and reduce reliance on foreign imports. The fear of foreign dependence was later proven when France banned arms export to Israel.
The Shafrir-1 was intended for use on French-builtMirage III jets. The first testing took place in France in 1963. However the missile's performance was so poor that work immediately started on the next improved version, the Shafrir-2.[9]
The Shafrir-2 was credited with 89 kills in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.[5] During its whole service life, it is credited with a total of 106 kills.
The Python-3 is a much-improved AAM with all-aspect attack ability, higher speed, range, and performance. It performed well before and during the 1982 Lebanon War, scoring 35 (other sources claim 50) kills.[8]
China'sPLAAF was quite impressed with this missile, and paid for licensed production as thePL-8 AAM in the 1980s.[6] The program code named "Number 8 Project" (八号工程) and formally started on September 15, 1983. From March 1988 to April 1989, technology transfer to China was complete while license assembly and license built parts continued, and by the spring of 1989, the complete domestic Chinese built missile received state certification. The major supplier of the missile was Xi'an Eastern Machinery Factory (西安东方机械厂) located atXi'an, and China is also reported to have developed a helmet-mounted sight (HMS) system for the PL-8.[6]
The Python-4 is a 4th generation AAM with all-aspect attack ability, and integration with a helmet-mounted sight (HMS) system.[7] It entered service in the 1990s, and like its predecessor Python-3, it is integrated with theElbit Systems DASH (Display And Sight Helmet) HMS system for Israeli F-15s and F-16s, Chilean F-16s (MLU and C/D block 50/52 plus), F-5E/F Tiger III, South American Kfirs and the SAAB JAS 39 Gripen. The missile's seeker is reported to use dual band technology array similar to that of USFIM-92 Stinger (infrared homing and ultraviolet), withIRCCM (IR ECCM) ability to reduce background IR radiation to reduce the effectiveness of enemy flares.[10]
_firing_Python-5_missile_better_visibility.png)
The Python-5[11][12] is currently the most capable visual rangeair-to-air missile in Israel's inventory. As a short range air-to-air missiles, it is capable of "lock-on after launch" (LOAL), and has full-sphere/all-direction (including rearward) attack ability. The missile features an advanced seeker which includes anelectro-optical andimaging infrared homing seeker which scans the target area for hostile aircraft, then locks-on for terminal chase, and a complex design utilizing a total of eighteen aerodynamic surfaces.[8] The Python-5 was first used in combat during the2006 Lebanon War, when it was used by F-16 Fighting Falcons to destroy two Iranian-madeAbabil UAVs used by theHezbollah.[1]On 13 May 2021, an Israeli F-16 shot down a Hamas operated Shahed suicide drone with a Python-5 air-to-air missile.[13][14][15]
Also known as the Alto, the Derby missile is aBVR, medium-range (~50 km (31 mi))active radar homing missile. Though technically not part of the "Python" family, the missile is an enlarged version of the Python-4 with an active-radar seeker.[16]
In June 2015, Rafael confirmed the existence of the I-Derby-ER, an extended range version of the Derby that increases range to 54 nmi (62 mi; 100 km), after a "Python 6" version based on an air-launchedStunner missile was abandoned. To achieve greater range, a dual-pulse solid rocket motor is added, where the secondary pulse of energy as the missile nears the target extends flight time. It also combines the seeker and fuse into an integrated sensor and fusing system to make room for the new motor.[17]
In May 2019, it was reported that India was planning to arm itsSukhoi Su-30MKI fighters with I-Derby ER missiles to replace itsR-77 missiles. Previously, in 2018, it had already been selected for the Indian Air Force'sHAL Tejas fighter.[18]
The SPYDER (Surface-to-airPYthon andDERby) is an advanced ground-based anti-aircraft missile system developed by Rafael that uses surface-to-air versions of the Python-5 and Derby missiles.
Argentina – Shafrir-2 (350 missiles, delivered 1981).[19]
Bolivia – Python-3.[20]
Brazil – Python-3 (400 missiles, delivered 2001), Python-4 and Derby (200 missiles each, all delivered 2011).[19]
Chile – Shafrir-2 (50 missiles, delivered 1978), Python-3 (120 missiles, delivered 1997), Python-4 (280 missiles, delivered 2011) and Derby (60 missiles, delivered 2003).[19]
People's Republic of China – Python-3 (3000 missiles, delivered 1983, local designationPiLi-8 (PL-8)).[6][19]
Colombia – Shafrir-2 (80 missiles, delivered 1989), Python-3/4 (75 missiles each, all delivered 2005), Python-5 (100 missiles, delivered 2011) and Derby (40 missiles, delivered 2010).[19]
Ecuador – Shafrir-2 (75 missiles, delivered 1984), Python-3/Python-4 (60 missiles, delivered 1996), Python-5 (50 missiles, delivered 2001) and Derby (60 missiles, delivered 2003).[19]
El Salvador – Shafrir.[21][clarification needed]
Georgia – Python-5 and Derby missiles delivered as part ofSPYDER system.[22]
Honduras – Shafrir-2 (100 missiles, delivered 1978).[19]
India – Python-4 and Python-5 (100 missiles, delivered 2007) and I-Derby ER.[19]
Israel – Shafrir-1/2, Python-4 and Python-5, (primary user, local designationZephyr).
Philippines – Python-5 and Derby with solid rocket booster (part ofSPYDER air defense system).[23][24]
Romania – Python-3.[25]
Singapore – Python-4 (600 missiles, delivered 2004) and Python-5 and Derby missiles.[19] As of 2023, Python-V are used on RSAF F-16C/D+ fighters.[26]
Republic of China (Taiwan) – Shafrir-2 (450 missiles, delivered 1977).[19]
Thailand – Python-4 (400–500 missiles, delivered 1990).[19]
Venezuela – Python-4 (54 missiles, delivered 2004).[19]
Vietnam – Python-5 and Derby (375 missiles each, delivered 2018 as part of SPYDER system).[19]
South Africa – Python-3 (local designation V3S Snake, delivered 1989 and retired in April 2008),[27] Derby (Local designation as R-Darter or V4).
Czech Republic – I-Derby ER (48 missiles, delivered by 2027).[28]
Military equipment produced byRafael Advanced Defense Systems | ||
|---|---|---|
| Missiles, rockets, and projectiles |  | |
| Remote weapon stations | ||
| Air-defense systems | ||
| Surface vehicles | ||
| Electronic Warfare | ||
| Miscellaneous | ||
1 Joint venture withIAI.2 Joint venture withDSTA.3 Joint venture withRaytheon.4 Joint venture withHatehof.5 Joint venture withNorthrop Grumman. | ||