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{{Short description|Israeli short-range air-to-air missile}}
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missile = yes
| name = Rafael
| image = Python5-missile001.jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = The newest and the oldest member of the Python family of AAM for comparisons, Python-5 (displayed lower-front) and Shafrir-1 (upper-back).
| origin = Israel<!-- For weapons infobox, please do not change to flag icon such as {{ISR}}. -->
| type = [[Air-to-air missile#Short-range air-to-air missile|Short-range air-to-air missile]]
| used_by = [[#Operators|See ''operators'']]
| manufacturer = [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]]
| unit_cost = Shafrir series: Shafrir-1: {{US$|20,000}}
| propellant =
| production_date = * Shafrir series: 1961–1983
* Python series:
| service =
| engine = solid fuel rocket motor
| engine_power =
| weight = {{Convert|103.6|kg|lboz|abbr=off|lk=on}}
| length = {{Convert|3.1|m|abbr=off|lk=on}}
| height =
| diameter = {{Convert|160|mm|abbr=off|lk=on}}
| wingspan = {{Convert|640|mm|abbr=on}}
| speed = Mach 4
| vehicle_range = >{{Convert|20|km|abbr=off|lk=on}}
| ceiling =
| altitude = N/A
| filling = {{Convert|11|kg|lboz|abbr=on}}
| guidance = [[infrared homing]] + 320×240 pixel dual waveband electro-optical imaging seeker, lock on after launch, with infrared counter-counter-measures (IRCCM)
| detonation = proximity
| launch_platform = Aircraft:
[[British Aerospace Sea Harrier|BAE Sea Harrier]]<br />[[CASA C-101|CASA C-101 Aviojet]]<br />[[List of McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II variants|F-4E ''Kurnass 2000'']]<br />[[Northrop F-5#Upgrades|F-5E/F Tiger-II]]<br />[[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle]]<br />[[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon]]<ref name="f-16.net">[http://www.f-16.net/aircraft-database/F-16/airframe-profile/2482/ Airframe Details for F-16 #87-1672]. F-16.net. Retrieved on 2013-07-17.</ref><br />[[Dassault Mirage III]]<br />[[Dassault Mirage 5]]<br />[[Dassault Mirage 2000]]<br />[[Eurofighter Typhoon]]<ref name="rafael.co.il">https://www.rafael.co.il/system/i-derby-er/</ref><br />[[IAI Nesher|IAI Nesher/Dagger/
}}
The Rafael '''Python''' (stylized all [[Letter case|uppercase]]; '''''פיתון''''') is a family of [[air-to-air missile]]s (AAMs) built by the Israeli weapons manufacturer [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]], formerly RAFAEL Armament Development Authority. Originally starting with the ''Shafrir'' ({{
==Design and development==
[[File:PythonGenerHe.png|thumb|left|Listed from top to bottom: Shafrir-1, Shafrir-2, Python-3, Python-4, Python-5.]]
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'' ({{
After the Shafrir-2, the new missiles made by Rafael were given the western name of '''Python'''. 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 and [[all-aspect]] attack ability, it proved itself before and during the [[1982 Lebanon War]], destroying 35 enemy aircraft. The [[China|People's Republic of China]] was impressed with its performance and license-built the Python-3 as the [[PL-8 (missile)|PiLi-8 (PL-8) AAM]].<ref name="SINOD">{{cite web|url=http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/weapon/pl8.asp|title=PiLi-8 Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile|date=12 October 2008|publisher=SinoDefence.com|access-date=20 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123130704/http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/weapon/pl8.asp|archive-date=23 January 2012}}</ref>
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[[File:Python5 missile.jpg|thumb|Python-5, the latest member in the Python family of AAMs]]
[[File:HAL Tejas (LSP-07) firing Python-5 missile better visibility.png|alt=A Python-5 AAM being fired from Indian Air Force HAL Tejas fighter during certification tests|thumb|A Python-5 AAM being fired from Indian Air Force [[HAL Tejas]] fighter]]
The Python-5<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/9/1189.pdf |title=Python-5 Full Sphere IR Air-to-Air or Surface-to-Air Missile |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729222556/http://www.rafael.co.il/marketing/SIP_STORAGE/FILES/9/1189.pdf |archive-date=2016-07-29 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Python-5 |url=https://www.rafael.co.il/system/python5/ |access-date= |website=www.rafael.co.il}}</ref> is currently the most capable visual range [[air-to-air missile]] in Israel's inventory
On 13 May 2021, an Israeli F-16 shot down
*Length: {{cvt|310|cm|in|abbr=on}}
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In June 2015, Rafael confirmed the existence of the I-Derby-ER, an extended range version of the Derby that increases range to {{convert|54|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}}, after a "Python 6" version based on an air-launched [[David's Sling|Stunner 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.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-long-range-fashion-catches-on-in-iaf-421153/ ISRAEL: Long-range fashion catches on in IAF] – Flightglobal.com, 25 January 2015</ref>
In May 2019, it was reported that India was planning to arm its [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]] fighters with I-Derby ER missiles to replace its [[R-77]] missiles. Previously, in 2018, it had already been selected for the Indian Air Force's [[HAL Tejas]] fighter.<ref>{{
===SPYDER===
[[File:SPYDER.jpg|thumb|SPYDER – Missiles Firing Unit]]▼
{{Main|SPYDER}}
The SPYDER ('''S'''urface-to-air '''PY'''thon and '''DER'''by) is an advanced ground
==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:Defense.gov News Photo 010124-D-0000X-001.jpg|thumb|Two [[PL-8 (missile)|PL-8]] AAMs are clearly visible on a Chinese Navy [[Shenyang J-8]] interceptor]]
===Current operators===
*{{ARG}} – Shafrir-2 (350 missiles, delivered 1981).<ref name="SIPRI">{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=SIPRI arms transfer database|date=3 April 2014|publisher=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]]|access-date=3 April 2014|archive-date=13 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513073842/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{BOL}} – Python-3.<ref>{{cite book|last=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies|title=The Military Balance 2010|year=2010|publisher=[[Taylor and Francis]]|___location=United Kingdom|isbn=9781857435573 |page=72}}</ref>
*{{BRA}} – Python-3 (400 missiles, delivered 2001), Python-4 and Derby (200 missiles each, all delivered 2011).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
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*{{ECU}} – 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).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{ELS}} – Shafrir.<ref>{{cite book|last=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies|title=The Military Balance 2010|year=2010|publisher=[[Taylor and Francis]]|___location=United Kingdom|isbn=9781857435573 |page=82}}</ref>{{Clarify|date=March 2012}}
*{{GEO}} – Python-5 and Derby missiles delivered as part of [[SPYDER]] system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|title=Trade Registers|website=armstrade.sipri.org|access-date=2012-03-20|archive-date=2011-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513073842/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{HON}} – Shafrir-2 (100 missiles, delivered 1978).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{IND}} – Python-4 and Python-5 (100 missiles, delivered 2007) and I-Derby ER.<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{ISR}} – Shafrir-1/2, Python-4 and Python-5, (primary user, local designation ''Zephyr'').
*{{PHL}} – Python-5 and Derby with solid rocket booster (part of [[SPYDER]] air defense system).<ref>{{
*{{ROM}} – Python-3.<ref>{{cite book|last=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies|title=The Military Balance 2010|year=2010|publisher=[[Taylor and Francis]]|___location=United Kingdom|isbn=9781857435573 |page=158}}</ref>
*{{SGP}} – Python-4 (600 missiles, delivered 2004) and Python-5 and Derby missiles.<ref name="SIPRI"/> As of 2023, Python-V are used on RSAF F-16C/D+ fighters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2023-news-aviation-aerospace/september/9213-singapore-air-force-upgraded-f-16c-d-fighter-now-armed-with-python-5-air-to-air-missiles.html | title=Singapore Air Force upgraded F-16C/D+ fighter now armed with Python-5 air-to-air missiles }}</ref>
*{{ROC-TW}} – Shafrir-2 (450 missiles, delivered 1977).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{THA}} – Python-4 (400–500 missiles, delivered 1990).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{VIE}} – Python-5 and Derby (375 missiles each, delivered 2018 as part of SPYDER system).<ref name="SIPRI"/>▼
*{{VEN}} – Python-4 (54 missiles, delivered 2004).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
▲*{{VIE}} – Python-5 and Derby (375 missiles each, delivered 2018 as part of SPYDER system).<ref name="SIPRI"/>
===Former operators===
*{{RSA}} – Python-3 (local designation V3S Snake, delivered 1989 and retired in April 2008),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforce/weapons/68/v3s-snake-rafael-python-3|title=V3S Snake (Rafael Python 3)|publisher=South African Air Force unofficial website|access-date=20 March 2012}}</ref> Derby (Local designation as R-Darter or V4).
=== Future operators ===
*{{CZE}} – I-Derby ER (48 missiles, delivered by 2027).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gosselin-Malo |first=Elisabeth |date=2023-10-27 |title=Czech Republic orders new batch of air-to-air missiles from Rafael |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/10/27/czech-republic-orders-new-batch-of-air-to-air-missiles-from-rafael/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[List of munitions used by the Israeli Air Force]]
*
*
*{{lwc|Merlin (missile)|Merlin}} (Turkey)
*
*
==References==
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*[http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Gen-4-AAM-97.html Fourth Generation AAMs – The Rafael Python 4]
{{Rafael Advanced Defense Systems}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Python (Missile)}}
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[[Category:Israeli inventions]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1960s]]
[[Category:Short range air-to-air missiles]]
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