Equipment / Missile / Python 3

Python 3

Missile Systemconfirmed

Python 3

The Rafael Python (stylized all uppercase; פיתון) 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 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.

Specifications

TypeMissile System
OriginIsrael
ManufacturerRafael Advanced Defense Systems
Introduced1961
StatusIn service
Weight0.1 t
Length3.1 m
Range20 km

Operators

CountryQuantityConfidence
India—
Israel—
Brazil—confirmed
Vietnam—

Text adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo from Wikimedia Commons; see the Wikipedia article for author and license.

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