PL-9 vs Shafrir / Python
Overview
The PL-9 and the Shafrir / Python are both Air-to-Air missiles.
The PL-9 has a range of 35 km — 2.3x the Shafrir / Python's 15 km. The PL-9 reaches 2,400 km/h vs 2,593 km/h for the Shafrir / Python. The PL-9 carries a 11 kg warhead vs 11 kg for the Shafrir / Python. Launch weight is 115 kg for the PL-9 vs 93 kg for the Shafrir / Python. The PL-9 uses Multi-element infrared guidance, while the Shafrir / Python relies on Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging.
The PL-9 entered service 14 years before the Shafrir / Python (1989 vs 2003).
| Chinese infrared-guided air-to-air missile, entered service in 1989, has a range of 22 km. | |
| Origin | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Luoyang Electro-Optics Technology Development Centre |
| Service year | 1989 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| 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 2.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 115 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 11.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.90 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 157 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Multi-element infrared |
| 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
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the PL-9 or Shafrir / Python?
The PL-9 has a longer range at 35 km compared to the Shafrir / Python's 15 km.
Which is faster, the PL-9 or Shafrir / Python?
The Shafrir / Python is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 2.1 compared to the PL-9's Mach 2.0.
Which has a larger warhead, the PL-9 or Shafrir / Python?
Both the PL-9 and Shafrir / Python carry the same warhead weight of 11 kg.
Which is heavier, the PL-9 or Shafrir / Python?
The PL-9 is heavier at 115 kg compared to the Shafrir / Python's 93 kg.
Which is longer, the PL-9 or Shafrir / Python?
The PL-9 is longer at 2.90 meters compared to the Shafrir / Python's 2.47 meters.
What guidance systems do the PL-9 and Shafrir / Python use?
The PL-9 uses Multi-element infrared guidance while the Shafrir / Python uses Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging guidance.
Which entered service first, the PL-9 or Shafrir / Python?
The PL-9 entered service first in 1989, 14 years before the Shafrir / Python which entered service in 2003.