ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV
Israeli missile house Rafael has unveiled the latest generation of its Python infrared (IR)-guided, short-range air-to-air missile. The Python 5 is operational and was co-developed with the Israeli air force.
Rafael describes the Python 5 as a "fifth-generation" missile with a 360¡ "full sphere capability". It uses a dual wavelength, focal-plane array, imaging seeker which Rafael says is able to acquire low-signature targets in a look-down mode against adverse backgrounds and clouds.
The company says the missile's full sphere capability is achieved through lock-on-after-launch, enabling the missile to be used against rear hemisphere threats. It also incorporates an advanced computer architecture, inertial navigation system, IR counter-countermeasures and flight control algorithms. The fuselage is similar to the Python 4 with dual canards and rear fins, although the Python 5 probably has an improved motor.
The Python 5 has a range of over 20km (11nm), and reaches Mach 4 with no effect on manoeuvrability. It is armed with an improved 11kg (24lb)"super kill" warhead and can be carried by all types of fighters on standard hardpoints.
Dr Eitan Yudelevich, Rafael vice- president marketing, says a number of air forces are interested. Rafael is already offering the missile in a package with its Derby medium-range radar-guided missile.
Although the last air-to-air kill with a short-range infrared-guided missile was in 1982, Yudelevich says such weapons are a "growth area".
Source: Flight International