Forum: F-35 Lightning II

Python on my FIVE promo video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWG2PkwKiaQ

"Rafael marketing video for Python 5 air to air and surface to air missile."

How does this Python5 compare with JSF close range missiles - AIM9X for example?
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JSF BF-2 Tanker Highlights from Flights 8&9 1 for PPT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6ChG9_e ... re=channel

"Lockheed Martin completed the first aerial refueling tests for BF-2, a short-takeoff and vertical landing prototype of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter."

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Arguably the best SRAAM out there.

I would actually consider it a medium-range missile, and to back you up, I would also consider it one of the best medium-range missiles as well...just lacks an all-weather capability.

How is it medium range?

While it is a few kilos heavier than that AIM-132 and AIM-9X, it is a LOT draggier thanks to all the control surfaces.

Impressive promo for the Python 5- however, its combat performance has yet to be seen so far. The only thing that has been shot down by one seems to be a Hezbollah UAV. Anyone know about countries other than Israel that have bought them?

SpudmanWP wrote:

How is it medium range?

While it is a few kilos heavier than that AIM-132 and AIM-9X, it is a LOT draggier thanks to all the control surfaces.

The Python V is slightly larger and heavier than the 9x (which usually means greater range), and has a true BVR capability. Max range is supposedly +20km, which means launches can be occurring >30km for a head-aspect fighter. And to top it off, it is truly fire-and-forget...no supporting the missile post-launch is necessary.

The same can be said for the ASRAAM and 9X as to Fire and Forget and a 20km+ range. Block 2 9X gets a GPS based INS, LOAL, mid-course updates, and the ability to do a lob shot (extending the range even further).

SpudmanWP wrote:

The same can be said for the ASRAAM and 9X as to Fire and Forget and a 20km+ range. Block 2 9X gets a GPS based INS, LOAL, mid-course updates, and the ability to do a lob shot (extending the range even further).

Does the -9X use the motor from the -9M? I read somewhere that it's smokey compared to the latest missiles out there.

Probably (re 9M)...

ATK ( the motor's mfg) just got a contract to upgrade the 120's motor. I hope they take what they learn and do a 9X upgrade as well.

SpudmanWP wrote:

The same can be said for the ASRAAM and 9X as to Fire and Forget and a 20km+ range. Block 2 9X gets a GPS based INS, LOAL, mid-course updates, and the ability to do a lob shot (extending the range even further).

I would consider both of those missiles medium range as well. You're talking about roughly the same range as an AA-10A/B and AIM-7, which are considered medium range missiles. Granted, there are medium range missiles which have a longer reach, but when you're taking BVR shots >20km, I personally would not classifly that missile as "short ranged".

Forum: F-35 Lightning II

Python 5 missile promo (mostly animated) & BF-2 tanking