Rafael Developing Python 6 FAAM

Rafael, Israel's leading missile development center continues to work quietly on an air-to-air
derivative of the Stunner interceptor -- to be designated…

Israeli researchers work on antimissile missile in hopes of an air force order

Rafael, Israel's leading missile development center continues to work quietly on an air-to-air
derivative of the Stunner interceptor -- to be designated Python 6, or the Future Advanced Air-to-Air
Missile (FAAM).

The Stunner is a surface-to-air weapon being developed in partnership with Raytheon for Israel's
David's Sling air and missile defense system. The Python 6 has been chronicled for almost a
decade.

Although the Israeli air force (IAF) still has not officially endorsed an air-to-air version, sources at
Rafael say consultations over the features of such a missile have been underway since the final
stages of development of the Python 5, currently in production.

The IAF could avoid committing its own funding to FAAM development, hoping that Rafael can first
strike a deal with a U.S. partner to obtain the next-generation air-to-air missile. But according to
Chairman IlanBiran, Rafael is in the meantime using its R&D budget, estimated at $125 million, to
fund the project.

Python 5 is already considered the leading short-range electro-optic air-to-air missile, so the Israelis
are in no rush to replace it. But the Stunner/FAAM will provide a common missile capable of
defeating all targets flying in the atmosphere, including advanced fighter aircraft and missiles.

Regardless of whether Israel gains access to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter code
and systems, Rafael says any future air-to-air missile it is developing will be designed for carriage
on all advanced fighter aircraft, including internal carriage on the JSF. Without the Stunner's
booster, the Python 6 can be carried internally on the F-35.

Launched from aircraft or other platforms, the FAAM is positioned to be the first air-to-air missile
capable of intercepting other missiles in flight, adding a unique self-defense application beyond the
onboard countermeasures and stealth features inherent to modern fourth-or fifth-generation
fighters.

This new missile will probably be the last air-to-air missile we shall develop, says YosiDruker,
director of Rafael's Air-to-Air and Air Defense Directorate. We are positioning the new [missile] to
become the ultimate interceptor for the 2020s, maintaining a significant edge over anything
currently in production or under development.

Druker expects that the next generation of interceptors will employ other kill mechanisms, not
necessarily a missile, to defeat airborne targets.
Rafael has lifted the security veil from its new air-to-air derivative in anticipation of approval and
funding to enter proof-of-concept testing for the air-to-air derivative of the Stunner, either along with
the existing Stunner or quickly following its flight testing, expected in the second half of this year.

The Stunner was designed as a platform-agnostic missile that can be adapted for air and ground
launch, from rail or ejector racks, in conventional or internal carriage configurations. The Mach 5.5,
long-range missile is equipped with a dual electro-optic/radio-frequency seeker and an advanced
multistage rocket motor.

Designed as a hit-to-kill anti-missile weapon, Stunner has no warhead and instead can carry a more
powerful rocket motor capable of ranges beyond any air-to-air missile available today.

Druker says the FAAM will likely cost significantly less than today's AIM-120, Derby or Meteor, but
more than the current short-range missiles. Although the FAAM and Stunner do not share a
common configuration, Rafael expects that the overall life-cycle cost offered by the Stunner will be
much lower than any other missile combination.

We are developing missiles that would serve users for 30-40 years. That's why it is important to
enter the cycle when you are ready, says Druker.

Our technology enables the user to employ a common missile that answers all needs and more,
operating effectively in all weather, day and night, at long range and in close-in dogfights, high
altitude or low level.

Israeli researchers continue to pursue an air-to-air version of the Stunner missile.

The Python 5 is the reigning air-to-air missile in the Israel arsenal and will be for some time.

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By David Eshel, Tel Aviv (16/07/2012)