Nice image of a Python-4 air-to-air missile just shot by a Brazilian Air Force F-5 jet.

The Rafael Python-4 is a 4th generation air-to-air missile built by the Israeli weapons manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense System. With an all-aspect attack ability and integration with helmet-mounted sight systems of the Israeli Elbit Dash (Display and Sight Helmet), the Python-4 uses a dual band (IR and UV) seeker and is equipped with IRCCM (Infra-Red Electronic Counter-Counter Measure) to reduce the effect of flares released by the target.

The AAM has a warhead of 11 kg, with an active laser proximity fuse (and back-up impact fuse) a range of 15 km and can accelerate to a speed of Mach +3.5.

The FAB (Força Aérea Brasileira) is equipped with about 200 such missiles. The above image is a screenshot, taken from an onboard camera, of Python-4 missile fired on a firing range by a Brazilian F-5EM Tiger II.

Used in the air-superiority role, the Tigers will be gradually withdrawn between 2017 and 2030, and replaced by the SAAB Gripen NG.

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Image credit: FAB