Forum: F-16 Armament & Stores

Anybody know of any procedures on how to load a Python on a LAU-129? Is it even possible? Thanks.

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Yes. The Python can be loaded on every AIM-9 capable aircraft/launcher and doesn't require any special modification or procedure.

Is there a reference for that somewhere?

Quote:

The Python 4 is compatible with all standard AIM-9 capable launchers, and has been tested and cleared for use on the F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and F-5.

http://www.sci.fi/~fta/python4.html

This is not true for Python 5. It requires a specialized launcher.

Tico wrote:

This is not true for Python 5. It requires a specialized launcher.

Are you sure about that? Shocked

Regards

The only difference between the Python 5 and the 4 is the seeker head. Structurally they are the same missile, so I don't see why they couldn't be fired from the same launcher.

Yeah, that's what i know also...

Regards

The P5 requires a LUA-129i launcher. It is a LAU-129 with changed out electronics.

Thats correct the Python 5 requires a modified LAU-129. I worked the Python program for about 5yrs.

Cheers,

ViperDude

donk14N wrote:

The only difference between the Python 5 and the 4 is the seeker head. Structurally they are the same missile, so I don't see why they couldn't be fired from the same launcher.

Sorta kinda the same, did you notice the Python 5 does not have an argon bottle like the 4 series? It also has BVR capabilities.
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/ ... thon5.html

Also the launchers on the F-15 are not the LAU 128. The use a modified pylon adapter with a LAU 7 type launcher.
http://www.ordnance.org/lau7a.htm

The F-16 with Python 4 or 5 seem to use the 16S210 launcher but I did see the F-18 with the LAU 127.

It's not so much the launcher it's whats inside them and how they interface.
I learned this first hand while working on some proto-type stuff as a sub contractor for Boeing.
The IAF was there with their Python and launchers testing along with us.

They have a very unique launcher test set. Some of you know about the 50/60 or beer can tester we use on the F-16. They use a square box with a light. Very quick and easy to use.
I will say this about them, you will never get any information out of those guys on anything. So what you see on the web, you can bet is already obsolete.

ACMIguy, I knew it was a more capable missile (with limited BVR capabilities). But that is all due to the seeker is it not? Aerodynamically/Structurally they are the same, right? I have seen a Python 4 before in person, but never a 5. From all I have read and heard they decided to use the same body 'cause: A) it is still an unrivaled design in the AAM realm (if it is not broke, don't fix it type of thing), and B) to cut R&D cost. As for the LAU-129i, I can only assume the extra electronics are for the enhanced seeker.

donk14N
Yes you are right according to all the published stuff on the 5. As far as the launcher goes it has a modified interface inside.
Have you noticed not a lot of talk about data link, or after launch update from these guys?

I have noticed they don't talk about any of their stuff. I have only met a handful of IAF types (mostly intel officers but a few pilots) and they don't talk about any of their systems outside on generalities. They are very good at protecting their secrets.

The USAF bought a batch of Python 5 recently

Forum: F-16 Armament & Stores

Python On a LAU-129?