Python (missile)

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	Shafrir series: 1961–1983 Python series: 1980–present
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[1] Dassault Mirage III Dassault Mirage 5 Dassault Mirage 2000 IAI Nesher/Dagger/Finger IAI Kfir BAE Sea Harrier HAL Tejas SAAB Gripen NG[2] Sukhoi Su-30MKI[citation needed] Su-25KM Scorpion[3]

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.