AIM-9X Sidewinder vs Shafrir / Python
The AIM-9X Sidewinder and the Shafrir / Python are both Air-to-Air missiles. The AIM-9X Sidewinder has a range of 35 km — 2.3x the Shafrir / Python's 15 km. The AIM-9X Sidewinder reaches 3,087 km/h vs 2,593 km/h for the Shafrir / Python. The AIM-9X Sidewinder carries a 9 kg warhead vs 11 kg for the Shafrir / Python. Launch weight is 85 kg for the AIM-9X Sidewinder vs 93 kg for the Shafrir / Python. The AIM-9X Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing guidance, while the Shafrir / Python relies on Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging. The AIM-9X Sidewinder entered service 47 years before the Shafrir / Python (1956 vs 2003).
| American air-to-air missile, entered service in 1956, utilizes imaging infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Short-range air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon Company |
| 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 | 35.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 ◉ |
| Weight | 85 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 9.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 3.02 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 127 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared homing |
| Warhead type | Annular blast-fragmentation |
| 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-9X Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder has a longer range at 35 km compared to the Shafrir / Python's 15 km.
Which is faster, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The AIM-9X 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-9X Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The Shafrir / Python carries a larger warhead at 11 kg compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 9 kg.
Which is heavier, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The Shafrir / Python is heavier at 93 kg compared to the AIM-9X Sidewinder's 85 kg.
Which is longer, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder is longer at 3.02 meters compared to the Shafrir / Python's 2.47 meters.
What guidance systems do the AIM-9X Sidewinder and Shafrir / Python use?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder uses Imaging infrared homing guidance while the Shafrir / Python uses Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging guidance.
Which entered service first, the AIM-9X Sidewinder or Shafrir / Python?
The AIM-9X Sidewinder entered service first in 1956, 47 years before the Shafrir / Python which entered service in 2003.