DRDO trials Python-5 air-to-air missile for Tejas
Tejas, India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, added the 5th generation Python-5 Air-to-Air Missile (AAM). (Photo: PIB Delhi)
DRDO has successfully trialled the Python-5 missile and the Derby beyond visual range air-to-air missile for the Tejas light combat aircraft.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted a trial of the 5th generation Python-5 air-to-air missile (AAM) for the Tejas, India’s indigenous light combat aircraft.
The trials aimed to test the Python-5’s air-to-air weapons capability and the capability of the already integrated Derby Beyond Visual Range (BVR) AAM.
Derby achieved direct hits on a high-speed manoeuvring aerial target. Python-5 also achieved 100% hits, meeting all the planned objectives of the trials.
Python-5 missile live firing was conducted to validate target engagement from all aspects as well as beyond visual ranges, in all live firings the missile hit the aerial target.
The missiles were all fired from Tejas aircraft of the Aeronautical Development Agency flown by Indian Air Force test pilots.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Tejas LCA features an AESA radar, a unified EW suite, an onboard oxygen generation system, smart MFDs and a HUD.
The Python-5 provides a combination of lock-on after launch and acquisition and tracking capabilities. The missile is fitted with an 11kg warhead, an IR guidance system and EO imaging.
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