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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: 1980–present
| 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
}}
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'' ({{langx|he|שפריר}}, loosely translated as a dome, or a protective cloak – 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.
==Design and development==
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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. 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 an [[electro-optical]] and [[imaging 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.<ref name="python5"/> The Python-5 was first used in combat during the [[2006 Lebanon War]], when it was used by F-16 Fighting Falcons to destroy two Iranian-made [[Ghods Ababil|Ababil UAVs]] used by the [[Hezbollah]].<ref name="f-16.net"/>
On 13 May 2021, an Israeli F-16 shot down a Hamas operated
*Length: {{cvt|310|cm|in|abbr=on}}
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*{{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>{{Cite web |last=Mario Alvaro |first=Limos |date=16 May 2021 |title=Israel Is Supplying Air Defense Missiles to the Philippines |url=https://
*{{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>
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