Data Quality86%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the short-range aam (sraam / wvr) category.
01 / Overview
Rafael Python 4
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1993–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
SHORT-RANGE AAM (SRAAM / WVR) · POST-COLD WAR
5
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
87
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ 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
◈Guidance8MOD.8
- Guidance TypeInfrared
- Seeker Typeimaging infrared
- Fire-and-ForgetYes
- Two-Way DatalinkYes
- Top-Attack CapableNo
- Imaging Infrared SeekerYes
- Inertial / GPS GuidanceNo
- Sea-SkimmingNo
▣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
- Warhead Typeblast fragmentation
- Warhead Weight11 kg
- Tandem HEAT ChargeNo
- Proximity FuzeYes
- Blast / Lethal Radius10 m
- Nuclear-CapableNo
▤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
- 1993Production started
- 1994Entered service
33
years in service
9
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Inventory7country · 1,369units
1,369active
05 / MASS Score
SHORT-RANGE AAM (SRAAM / WVR) RANKING Short-Range AAM (SRAAM / WVR) · Post-Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
5SHORT-RANGE AAM (SRAAM / WVR)5POST-COLD WAR · SHORT-RANGE AAM (SRAAM / WVR)4ISRAEL · ALL WEAPONS7PERFORMANCE/PRICE · SHORT-RANGE AAM (SRAAM / WVR)
ⓘ Rankings are within theShort-Range AAM (SRAAM / WVR)category.
📖 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