Shafrir / Python vs Super R.530

The Shafrir / Python and the Super R.530 are both Air-to-Air missiles. The Super R.530 has a range of 40 km — 2.7x the Shafrir / Python's 15 km. The Shafrir / Python reaches 2,593 km/h vs 5,556 km/h for the Super R.530. The Shafrir / Python carries a 11 kg warhead vs 30 kg for the Super R.530. Launch weight is 93 kg for the Shafrir / Python vs 250 kg for the Super R.530. The Shafrir / Python uses Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging guidance, while the Super R.530 relies on Semi-active radar homing. The Super R.530 entered service 15 years before the Shafrir / Python (1988 vs 2003).

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
French air-to-air missile, entered service in 1988, features semi-active radar homing guidance.
Origin 🇫🇷 France
Category Air-to-Air
Type Radar-guided air-to-air missile
Manufacturer Matra
Service year 1988
Number produced -- units
Estimated unit price NA
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
Range 40.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 4.5
Weight 250 kg
Warhead 30.0 kg
Length 3.54 m
Diameter 263 mm
Guidance Semi-active radar homing
Warhead type High Explosive

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Shafrir / Python or Super R.530?
The Super R.530 has a longer range at 40 km compared to the Shafrir / Python's 15 km.
Which is faster, the Shafrir / Python or Super R.530?
The Super R.530 is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.5 compared to the Shafrir / Python's Mach 2.1.
Which has a larger warhead, the Shafrir / Python or Super R.530?
The Super R.530 carries a larger warhead at 30 kg compared to the Shafrir / Python's 11 kg.
Which is heavier, the Shafrir / Python or Super R.530?
The Super R.530 is heavier at 250 kg compared to the Shafrir / Python's 93 kg.
Which is longer, the Shafrir / Python or Super R.530?
The Super R.530 is longer at 3.54 meters compared to the Shafrir / Python's 2.47 meters.
What guidance systems do the Shafrir / Python and Super R.530 use?
The Shafrir / Python uses Infrared homing and electro-optical imaging guidance while the Super R.530 uses Semi-active radar homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the Shafrir / Python or Super R.530?
The Super R.530 entered service first in 1988, 15 years before the Shafrir / Python which entered service in 2003.