|
}}
The Rafael '''Python (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'' ({{lang-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==
[[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'' ({{lang-langx|he|שפריר}}, loosely translated as [[Dragonfly]], a male form of [[inflection]] for [[Damselfly]], שפרירית) in 1959. The missile entered operational status with Israeli [[Dassault Mirage III|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, and it proved to be one of the most successful air-to-air missiles ever made. During the 1973 [[Yom Kippur War]], the IAF launched 176 Shafrir-2 missiles, destroying 89 enemy aircraft.<ref name="python2">{{cite web |url=http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python2.html |title=Shafrir-2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914040916/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python2.html |archive-date=2008-09-14 |website=www.Israeli-Weapons.com |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Shafrir-2 was exported along with Israeli-made aircraft to [[South America]]n countries.
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>
|
