The Ariane 4 is a family of six medium to heavy lift launch vehicles.  The Ariane 4 family builds upon a three stage liquid core vehicle, the Ariane 40.  The Ariane 42P adds two solid strap-on motors while the Ariane 42L adds two liquid strap-on boosters.  The Ariane 44P and Ariane 44L use four solid and liquid boosters respectively.  The Ariane 44LP uses two solid and two liquid strap on boosters.  The most powerful Ariane 4 variant, the Ariane 44L, can place more than 10,000 lb into a GTO orbit.

Since its inaugural flight in June 1988, the Ariane 4 has captured nearly 50% of the commercial GTO market.  Currently, the Ariane 4 is being phased out in favor of the Ariane 5 launcher.