Lockheed Martin and Rafael have formally joined forces to modernise the Israeli-developed Python 4 air-to-air missile. But workshare issues will not be finalised until the US and Israeli governments work out export control and other technical issues, according to Lockheed Martin's David Lundquist.
In September, Lockheed Martin said collaboration on an improved Python 4 would mark its entry into the air-to-air missile business. A month later, the companies amended the Precision Guided Systems US joint venture agreement - which covers joint production and international marketing of the AGM-142/Popeye family of standoff strike missiles - to include the Python 4.
It was decided to limit the scope of the missile modernisation to keep costs down. The deal calls for the US defence contractor to provide upgraded, lower-cost guidance electronics, sensors and inertial measurement unit (IMU).
Lockheed Martin is, for example, exploring whether the IMU in its Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser meets performance requirements. Rafael would undertake the systems integration, software development and flight testing.
Details remain to be worked out between the US Department of Defense and the Israeli defence ministry over technology transfers and proprietary rights issues. Lundquist does not see any "showstoppers" among the export control issues, and he expects a technical assistance agreement, which defines the work division, to be signed in the next few months.
Both sides have agreed to market jointly the improved Python 4, but Rafael will retain rights to sell to countries that already deploy the weapon, such as Chile. Lundquist says that final assembly of the advanced Python 4 will probably take place at Lockheed Martin's facility in Troy, Alabama, and Rafael's Haifa plant.
"Where new Python 4 missiles are assembled will depend on production volume and customer requirements," he adds.
Lundquist believes there is some interest within the US military in using a limited number of Python 4 missiles for training, but he sees greater potential in export markets. He estimates a $500 million world market over the next five years for advanced air-to-air missiles, and would like to win two-thirds.
Source: Flight International
