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Rafael Python 4
Photo: KGyST · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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RafaelPython4

Short-Range AAM (SRAAM / WVR) · Israel · 1993
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RafaelPython4

Rafael Python 4
Rafael Python 4 Photo: KGyST · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Agility / Off-Boresight
90
Seeker Performance
88
Range
75
Counter-Measure Resistance
85
Speed
80
Lethality
87
Reliability
85
HMS Integration
92
Technology
88
Cost-Effectiveness
85
Origin Israel
ManufacturerRafael Advanced Defense Systems
CategoryShort-Range AAM (SRAAM / WVR)
EraPost-Cold War
In service1993
Operators9 countries
Data Quality86%
86
Short-Range AAM (SRAAM / WVR) MASS Rating
5/5
Post-Cold War
5/14
All-Time
Short-Range AAM (SRAAM / WVR) · 10 axes scored
Agility / Off-Boresight
90
Seeker Performance
88
Range
75
Counter-Measure Resistance
85
Speed
80
Lethality
87
Reliability
85
HMS Integration
92
Technology
88
Cost-Effectiveness
85
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the short-range aam (sraam / wvr) category.
01 / Overview
Rafael Python 4
Country
Production
1993–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
SHORT-RANGE AAM (SRAAM / WVR) · POST-COLD WAR
5
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
87
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
86
short-range aam (sraam / wvr) category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the short-range aam (sraam / wvr) category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General8MOD.8
  • Missile TypeAir-to-air missile
  • Service Entry Year1994
  • DesignerRafael Advanced Defense Systems
  • Length3.5 m
  • Diameter160 mm
  • Wingspan / Fin Span500 mm
  • Launch Weight136 kg
  • In ServiceYes
▣Propulsion5MOD.5
  • Propulsion Typesolid rocket motor
  • Motor Typesolid rocket motor
  • Boost StageNo
  • Two-StageNo
  • Fuel / Propellantsolid
◇Performance8MOD.8
  • Minimum Range0.5 km
  • Maximum Range15 km
  • Top Speed4,900 m/s
  • Top Speed (Mach)4 Mach
  • Cruise Altitude12,000 m
  • Flight Profileall-aspect attack
  • Maximum G70
  • HypersonicNo
◆Warhead6MOD.6
▤Launch Platform6MOD.6
  • Launch PlatformF-4E Kurnass 2000, F-5E/F Tiger-II, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Mirage III, Mirage 5, Mirage 2000, Eurofighter Typhoon, IAI Nesher/Dagger/Finder, IAI Kfir, HAL Tejas, KAI T-50 Golden Eagle, Leonardo M-346FA Master, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Su-25KM Scorpion
  • Air-LaunchedYes
  • Ground-LaunchedNo
  • Naval-LaunchedNo
  • Man-PortableNo
  • Launcher Typeaircraft pylon
⬢Production1MOD.1
  • Production Start1,990 year
▲Warhead Detail2MOD.2
  • Detonation Mechanism / Fuzeproximity fuse
  • Explosive Filler Typehigh explosive
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1993Production started
  2. 1994Entered service
33
years in service
9
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Inventory7country · 1,369units
1,369active
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE6terms
Capability of launching an anti-tank guided missile from an airborne platform, such as a helicopter or aircraft.
Fire-and-forget refers to a missile guidance system where the missile guides itself to its target after launch, requiring no further input from the operator.
A guidance system in ATGMs that uses infrared sensors to create a thermal image of the target for precise homing.
Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, used in missile guidance systems to detect and track targets based on heat signatures.
A proximity fuze is a detonation mechanism in ATGMs that triggers when the missile approaches within a set distance of a target, using sensors like radar or laser to detect proximity.
Enables real-time sharing of position, targeting, and sensor data among aircraft and platforms for coordinated combat operations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Short-Range AAM (SRAAM / WVR) entry →