Douglas Barrie/LONDON
Rafael, the Israeli defence ministry's armaments development house, has completed the definition of a follow-on to its Python 4 dogfight air-to-air missile (AAM).
The programme, unofficially dubbed Python 5, is intended to provide the Israeli air force with an AAM with full imaging infrared (IIR) capability, enhanced kinematic performance and improved countermeasures against flares.
The project, which remains highly sensitive, could also see Lockheed Martin become involved in the development.
Lockheed Martin is already offering the Python 4 to European F-16 operators, with the missile being promoted to Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. Under a joint venture agreement between the Israeli and US companies, the Python 4 would be manufactured by the latter.
The aerodynamic configuration of the Python 5 is not known, and it remains to be seen whether Rafael moves toward a cleaner airframe design, perhaps with the introduction of thrust vector control.
The Python 4, designed to counter the Russian Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer), has two sets of four forward fuselage fins and two rectangular control surfaces. Vympel's IIR-guided follow-on to the R-73, the K-30 (K denotes it as developmental), will have a smaller diameter than the Archer, and will be considerably lighter. The R-73M2 weighs 110kg.
Source: Flight International