Python 3
China: PL-8
Overview
Python 3
Python 3 air to air missile seen on an Israeli air force F-15D in 2011.
Source: KGyST -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Origin
Israel
Type
Short range air to air missile
Entered service
1981
Status
In service
Development
1978 - early 1980's
Developer
Israel
-
Rafael
Production
1981 - ? (Israel)
1989 - 2000 (China)
1989 - 2000 (China)
Producer
Israel
-
Rafael
China - Xi'an Eastern Machinery Factory
China - Xi'an Eastern Machinery Factory
Number produced
About 3.000 PL-8 reported
Designations
Tzafrir (Israeli service)
Pi Li 8 | PL-8 (Chinese production)
V3S Snake (South African service)
Pi Li 8 | PL-8 (Chinese production)
V3S Snake (South African service)
Notable users
Israel
China
Brazil
China
Brazil
Details
Facts
Python 3
General
Origin
Israel
Type
Air to air missile
Dimensions
Length
2.95 m
Diameter
0.16 m
Wingspan
0.86 m
Weight
120 kg
Guidance
Terminal phase
Infrared homing seeker
30° off boresight acquisition
All aspect lock-on
40° tracking in flight
Warhead
Type
Blast-fragmentation
Weight
11 kg
Fuse
Radio proximity fuse
Engagement envelope
Propulsion
Solid propellant rocket motor
Speed
Mach 3.5
Range
15 km at high altitude
5 km at low level
0.5 km minimum
Altitude
18 km ceiling
G force
Up to 40 g
Media
Python 3
Python 3 air to air missile seen on an Israeli air force F-15D in 2011.
Source: KGyST
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
PL-8
Chinese PL-8 air to air missiles seen on a J-8 (NATO: Finback) in 2001.
Source: US Navy
Copyright: Public domain
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