Python IV

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: 1978–present
Specifications
Weight	103.6 kilograms (228 pounds 6 ounces)
Length	3.1 metres (10 feet)
Diameter	160 millimetres (6.3 inches)
Warhead	11 kg (24 lb 4 oz)
Detonation mechanism	proximity
Engine	solid fuel rocket motor
Wingspan	640 mm (25 in)
Operational range	>20 kilometres (12 miles)
Flight altitude	N/A
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

Aircraft:

The Rafael Python 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 Dragonfly, a male form of inflection for Damselfly (שפרירית)) 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.

In the 1950s, the Israeli 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 the Shafrir (Hebrew: שפריר‎‎, loosely translated as Dragonfly, a male form of inflection for Damselfly (שפרירית)) in 1959. The missile entered operational status with Israeli Mirage jets in 1963, but the IAF was unhappy with its performance and no air combat kills were achieved with it during the Six-Day War, kills being made with guns instead. The improved Shafrir-2 was soon introduced in 1971, it proved to be one of the most successful and deadly missiles ever made. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the IAF launched 176 Shafrir-2 missiles, destroying 89 enemy aircraft. The Shafrir-2 was exported along with Israeli-made aircraft to South American countries.