PYTHON-5: 5th Gen Dual-Use Air-to-Air and Air Defense Missile
The PYTHON-5 is a 5th generation dual-use Air-to-Air and Air Defense Missile adaptable to a wide range of aircraft.
It is both a short-range missile ideal for dogfights and, at the same time, is a near BVR missile – presenting an extended envelope in head-on scenarios.
It provides high kill probability with an unprecedented immunity to all types of IR countermeasures (IRCCM) and evasive target maneuvers. In addition, PYTHON-5 delivers an over-the-shoulder launch capability to the
aft hemisphere, making it extremely dangerous to chase an AdAir platform carrying PYTHON-5.
This unique set of characteristics makes it the best Air-to-Air missile for training USAF pilots.
Combining an array of cutting-edge technologies, the missile includes a dual-waveband Focal Plane Array (FPA) Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) seeker, advanced computer architecture that, among other tasks, is responsible for the real-time seeker video processing, and an Inertial Navigation System (INS) based on FOG technology.
The system’s full-sphere envelope is based on a combination of exceptional agility, Lock-On-After-Launch (LOAL) capability, powerful two-stage rocket motor, and strong acquisition and tracking capabilities. Sophisticated algorithms ensure the acquisition of even small, low-signature targets in look-down, adverse background, and cloudy environments.
Combat-proven and operational in five countries, with hundreds of missiles already produced, the PYTHON-5 is certified for the F16 (Blocks 15/30/40/50/52) and the F-15 (A/B/C/D) as well as the Kfir, LCA, and F-5.