AIM-9 Sidewinder vs Shafrir / Python
The AIM-9 Sidewinder and the Shafrir / Python are both Air-to-Air missiles. Range is 17 km for the AIM-9 Sidewinder vs 15 km for the Shafrir / Python. The AIM-9 Sidewinder reaches 3,087 km/h vs 2,593 km/h for the Shafrir / Python. The AIM-9 Sidewinder carries a 10.2 kg warhead vs 11 kg for the Shafrir / Python. Launch weight is 85 kg for the AIM-9 Sidewinder vs 93 kg for the Shafrir / Python. The AIM-9 Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing focal plane array guidance, while the Shafrir / Python relies on Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging. The AIM-9 Sidewinder entered service 47 years before the Shafrir / Python (1956 vs 2003).
| American air-to-air missile, entered service in 1956, uses infrared homing to track its target. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon |
| Service year | 1956 |
| Number produced | 110,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.4 million |
| Israeli air-to-air missile, entered service in 2003, uses infrared homing and electro-optical imaging guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Rafael |
| Service year | 2003 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| Range | 17.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 ◉ |
| Weight | 85 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 10.2 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.85 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 127 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared homing focal plane array |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
| Range | 15.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.1 ◉ |
| Weight | 93 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 11.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.47 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder has a longer range at 17 km compared to the Shafrir / Python's 15 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 compared to the Shafrir / Python's Mach 2.1.
Which has a larger warhead, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The Shafrir / Python carries a larger warhead at 11 kg compared to the AIM-9 Sidewinder's 10 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The Shafrir / Python is heavier at 93 kg compared to the AIM-9 Sidewinder's 85 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is longer at 2.85 meters compared to the Shafrir / Python's 2.47 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-9 Sidewinder and Shafrir / Python use?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing focal plane array guidance while the Shafrir / Python uses Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-9 Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The AIM-9 Sidewinder entered service first in 1956, 47 years before the Shafrir / Python which entered service in 2003.