Derby

Notes: Also known as Alto, this is an active homing missile based on the Python. Derby was in development for more than a decade before the first one was possibly fielded in 1998 (this is not confirmed by the IAF). The Derby combines the light weight of the Python with advanced guidance. Though not confirmed, rumors say the Derby has been offered to India, China, South Korea, and the Philippines.

Weapon

Weight

Accuracy

Guidance

Sensing

Price

Derby

120 kg

Easy

Active Radar

All Aspect

$45856

Weapon

Speed

Min Rng

Max Rng

Damage

Pen

Type

Derby

5945

1100

50000

C48 B100

17C

FRAG-HE

Python-3

Notes: This AAM was the successor to the Shafrir 2 of the late 1970s. The basic form is similar to the Safrir and the Sidewinder, but it has a new seeker head with a wider angle view than most heat-seeking missiles. The fins are large for more agility. It is a fast, yet lightweight missile capable of quick maneuvers to follow its target.

Weapon

Weight

Accuracy

Guidance

Sensing

Price

Python-3

120 kg

Average

IR

All Aspect

$9736

Weapon

Speed

Min Rng

Max Rng

Damage

Pen

Type

Python-3

5945

600

15000

C34 B70

17C

FRAG-HE

Python-4

Notes: This is an advanced Israeli air-to-air heat-seeking missile. It is well known to Arab pilots as a maneuverable and deadly missile with high resistance to IRCM and decoys (one level more resistant to countermeasures. It may be used in conjunction with a helmet-mounted sight used by some Israeli aircraft. It is an all-angle missile. Its proximity fuze is one of the best in the world.

Weapon

Weight

Accuracy

Guidance

Sensing

Price

Python-4

120 kg

Easy

IR

All Aspect

$9736

Weapon

Speed

Min Rng

Max Rng

Damage

Pen

Type

Python-4

5945

500

15000

C38 B88

17C

FRAG-HE

Shafrir-2

Notes: Beginning with the AIM-9B Sidewinder as a basis, Israeli designers at Rafael sought to produce a more lethal and accurate missile. The first thing they did was to dramatically increase the diameter of the missile, from 127mm to 160mm. The mechanisms were simplified, and solid-state electronics were used instead of vacuum tubes. The Shafrir-1 did not enter service, but an improved model, the Shafrir-2, did, and it is credited with the destruction of over 200 aircraft in the 1973 Yom Kippur war alone.

Weapon

Weight

Accuracy

Guidance

Sensing

Price

Shafrir-2

93 kg

Average

IR

Rear Aspect

$5296

Weapon

Speed

Min Rng

Max Rng

Damage

Pen

Type

Shafrir-2

3100

600

6400

C29 B75

17C

FRAG-HE