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Air-to-air missile Python-5

Air-to-air missile Python-5
© Rafael Advanced Defense Systems


Full Sphere IR Missile for Air-to-Air Missions

The Python-5 is the newest member of the Python family. This fifth generation air-to-air missile provides the pilot engaging an enemy aircraft with a revolutionary full sphere launch capability. The missile can be launched from very short to beyond-visual ranges with greater kill probability, excellent resistance to countermeasures, irrespective of evasive target manoeuvers or deployment of countermeasures.
The Python-5’s unique full sphere performance is achieved by a combination of Lock On-After-Launch (LOAL) and excellent acquisition and tracking capabilities. Its dual waveband Focal Plane Array (FPA) seeker and sophisticated algorithms enable acquisition of even small, low signature targets in look-down, adverse background and cloudy environments.
Successful developmental and operational testing of the Python-5 missile has already been carried out, including extensive captive carry evaluation and homing tests. Python-5 has demonstrated outstanding target detection and tracking.

Innovative Interceptor for Air Defense Missions

The Python-5 complemented with the Derby BVR missile is used as an interceptor in the Spyder short and medium range air defense systems. Both Spyder systems are designed to engage and destroy a wide spectrum of threats, such as attack aircraft, bombers, cruise missiles, UAVs and UCAVs and stand-off weapons.

Features

  • Full sphere launch envelope from very short to beyond visual ranges

  • Target Lock-On-Before and After Launch capability (LOBL & LOAL Modes)

  • Acquisition of even small, low signature targets in lookdown, adverse background and cloudy environments

  • Fifth-generation imaging seeker with extremely high off-boresight capability

* Champs obligatoires

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