R550 Magic vs Shafrir / Python
The R550 Magic and the Shafrir / Python are both Air-to-Air missiles. Range is 12 km for the R550 Magic vs 15 km for the Shafrir / Python. The R550 Magic reaches 3,704 km/h vs 2,593 km/h for the Shafrir / Python. The R550 Magic carries a 12.5 kg warhead vs 11 kg for the Shafrir / Python. Launch weight is 89 kg for the R550 Magic vs 93 kg for the Shafrir / Python. The R550 Magic uses Infrared homing guidance, while the Shafrir / Python relies on Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging. The R550 Magic entered service 17 years before the Shafrir / Python (1986 vs 2003).
| French air-to-air missile, entering service in 1986, utilizes infrared homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Air-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared-guided air-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Matra |
| Service year | 1986 |
| Number produced | 11,300 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.1 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 | 12.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 89 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 12.5 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.75 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Infrared homing |
| 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 R550 Magic or Shafrir / Python?
The Shafrir / Python has a longer range at 15 km compared to the R550 Magic's 12 km.
Which is faster, the R550 Magic or Shafrir / Python?
The R550 Magic is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the Shafrir / Python's Mach 2.1.
Which has a larger warhead, the R550 Magic or Shafrir / Python?
The R550 Magic carries a larger warhead at 12 kg compared to the Shafrir / Python's 11 kg.
Which is heavier, the R550 Magic or Shafrir / Python?
The Shafrir / Python is heavier at 93 kg compared to the R550 Magic's 89 kg.
Which is longer, the R550 Magic or Shafrir / Python?
The R550 Magic is longer at 2.75 meters compared to the Shafrir / Python's 2.47 meters.
What guidance systems do the R550 Magic and Shafrir / Python use?
The R550 Magic uses Infrared homing guidance while the Shafrir / Python uses Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging guidance.
Which entered service first, the R550 Magic or Shafrir / Python?
The R550 Magic entered service first in 1986, 17 years before the Shafrir / Python which entered service in 2003.