Israel Aircraft Industries Kfir
From Scramble - The Aviation Magazine
| IAI Kfir | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Ground Attack/ Interceptor | |
| Crew | 1 | |
| First Flight | 19 October 1970 | |
| Entered Service | 1974 | |
| Number built | 212 | |
| Manufacturer | IAI | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 16.36 m | 53 ft 8 in |
| Wingspan | 8.24 m | 27 ft |
| Height | 4.55 m | 14 ft 11.25 in |
| Wing area | m² | ft² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 7285 kg | 16060 lb |
| Loaded | kg | lb |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 16500 kg | 36375 lb |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | one General Electric J79-J1E turbojet | |
| Thrust | 52.9 kN (each) | 11890 lbf (each) |
| Thrust (AB) | 83.4 kN (each) | 18750 lbf (each) |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 2440 km/h | 1516 mph |
| Operational range | km | 2008 miles |
| Combat radius | 882 Km | 548 miles |
| Service ceiling | m | ft |
| Rate of climb | m/min | ft/min |
| Armament | ||
| Armament | Two Rafael-built DEFA 553 30-mm cannon with 140 rpg.
Maximum ordnance of 6085 kg (13,415 lb) | |
Contents |
History
Kfir C1
First flown in June 1973, the Kfir C1 (Kfir means "Young Lion") was basically the airframe of the Mirage III mated to the General Electric J79 afterburning turbojet and fitted with a suite of Israeli electronics. The type was designed after manufacturer IAI had gained experience with the Nesher (Eagle), which was an unlicensed copy of the Mirage IIICJ with an also unlicensed Atar turbojet, produced for Israeli service but later exported to Argentina as the Dagger. The Kfir C1 superficially resembled a Mirage 5, except for a distinctive "ram" air inlet at the front base of the tail to provide added cooling required by the J79 engine.
Kfir C2
Only 27 Kfir C1 fighters were delivered, to be replaced by the improved Kfir C2. The Kfir C2 had a number of enhancements to traditional Mirage aerodynamics. It featured narrow strakes along the tip of the nose, fixed but detachable canards and an extended dogtooth outer wing. The aerodynamic improvements gave the Kfir better combat manoeuvrability, reduced landing and take-off distance, and improved low-speed handling.
All but two of the Kfir C1s were upgraded to the Kfir C2 configuration. 185 Kfir C2s were built, including a number of Kfir TC2 two-seat trainers. The trainer versions are very unusual looking, as they have an extended nose, fitted with small vortex-generating strokes, containing avionics displaced by the second seat, and the nose is noticeably drooped to give a reasonable cockpit view. The result is a somewhat comical "big nose" appearance.
Kfir C7
The Kfir C7, the final single-seat version introduced in 1983, is based on the Kfir C2 with a specially adapted version of the J79-GEJ1E with some 1,000 lb (454 kg) more afterburning thrust. The type has two extra pylons and a number of advanced features including capability for the carriage and use of 'smart' weapons, Elta EL/M-2021B pulse-doppler radar, a revised cockpit with more sophisticated electronics and HOTAS (Hands On Throttel And Stick) controls and provision for inflight-refueling. Maximum take-off weight is increased by 3,395 lb (1,540 kg), but combat radius and (more importantly) thrust-to-weight ratio are improved to a marked degree. Kfir C2/TC2 aircraft were upgraded to C7/TC7 standard.
Kfir C10 Upgrade
The latest upgrade is the Kfir C10 standard, the upgrade is developed for export. It features a new multimode radar, capability to use a HMD (Helmet Mounted Display) and Python IV air-to-air missiles and two 127x177mm Multi-Function Displays. Brazil looked at leasing 12 Kfir C10s to replace the Mirage IIIEBR until the arrival of the F-X program aircraft, however no deal materialized. After several delays on a decision, the F-X program was cancelled in 2005. In June 2005, Brazil announced the selection of second-hand Mirage 2000Cs as an interim solution.
Exports
Ten reworked C2 fighters and two TC2 trainers were supplied to Ecuador in 1983, 13 Kfir C7s and two TC7 trainers were provided to Colombia in 1987, 15 C2, TC2 and C7s were supplied to Sri Lanka during the 1990s, and 25 of the upgraded Kfir C1s were leased to the US Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps to act as F-21A aggressor aircraft.
Versions
Kfir C1
Basically the airframe of the Mirage III mated to the General Electric J79 afterburning turbojet and fitted with a suite of Israeli electronics.
F-21A Lion
25 upgraded Kfir C1s leased to the US Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Kfir C2
Features aerodynamic upgrades: narrow strakes along the tip of the nose, fixed but detachable canards and an extended dogtooth outer wing.
Kfir TC2
Two-seat trainer version of the C2. Have an extended drooped nose, fitted with small vortex-generating strokes, containing avionics displaced by the second seat.
Kfir C7
Features specially adapted version of the J79-GEJ1E with some 1,000 lb (454 kg) more afterburning thrust. Has two extra pylons and a number of advanced features including capability for the carriage and use of 'smart' weapons, Elta EL/M-2021B pulse-doppler radar, a revised cockpit with more sophisticated electronics and HOTAS (Hands On Throttel And Stick) controls and provision for inflight-refueling. Maximum take-off weight is increased by 3,395 lb (1,540 kg), but combat radius and (more importantly) thrust-to-weight ratio are improved to a marked degree. Kfir C2/TC2 aircraft were upgraded to C7/TC7 standard.
Kfir TC7
Two-seat trainer version of the C7.
Kfir C8
Proposed Kfir C7 upgrade. Not built.
Kfir C9
Proposed Kfir C7 upgrade. Not built.
Kfir C10
Features a new multimode radar, capability to use a HMD (Helmet Mounted Display) and Python IV air-to-air missiles and two 127x177mm Multi-Function Displays.
Operators
Images
 712 Kfir C1 preserved at Hatzerim AB |
 964 Kfir C1P (F-21A) preserved at Hatzerim AB as USMC Aggressor |
 874 Kfir C2 preserved at Hatzerim AB |
 529 Kfir C7 preserved at Hatzerim AB |
 451 Kfir RC2 preserved at Hatzerim AB |
 310 Kfir TC2 preserved at Hatzerim AB |
 988 Mirage IIIBJ (Kfir TC - prototype) preserved at Hatzerim AB |
