Difference between revisions of "Kurnass"

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Israeli F-4E Phanto II is an Israeli version of American F-4E
+
{{About
 +
| about = Israeli jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the other version
 +
| link = Kurnass 2000
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=f-4e_iaf
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
== Description ==
 +
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''Kurnass''' (Heavy Hammer) is the Israeli variant of the F-4 Phantom. After the Six-Day War and other political situations, the US sent F-4 Phantoms to Israel under the authorization of President John F. Kennedy and then Lyndon Johnson. After arrival, crew training quickly began and the Kurnasses were soon in action against Egypt in the War of Attrition. After the war, more F-4Es were delivered under various programs like Peace Echo II. The Kurnasses were the main frontline fighter, but after the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15 Eagle came into service, the F-4 was relegated to air-to-ground duties. Many Kurnasses would later be converted to the [[Kurnass 2000]] standard, which had new electronics and other improvements.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is much like the [[F-4E]] found in the American tech tree. They are very similar planes with the exception of suspended armament: the Kurnass has [[AIM-9D]]/[[AIM-9G|G]]s and lacks the ability to carry GBU-15(V)1/B guided bombs. The Kurnass can carry a huge variety of bombs as well as guided munitions like the AGM-65B Maverick. As for air combat, the Kurnass can carry the deadly [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow]] and AIM-9G Sidewinder. The AIM-9G can be utilized from long range thanks to its long-burning motor and the Phantom's high speed. As for the AIM-7E-2, players should launch these from 3-6 km (1.86-3.7 mi) due to the short burn time of the motor. Furthermore, the Kurnass lacks pulse-doppler radar which hinders its ability to engage targets at long range.
 +
 
 +
== General info ==
 +
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 12,192 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 2,097 || 2,074 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 160.8 || 151.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 2,202 || 2,140 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 221.6 || 190.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 607 || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Engine performance ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine
 +
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 +
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-17 || 2
 +
| colspan="2" | 14,205 kg || colspan="2" | 408 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 +
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 +
|-
 +
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 +
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel
 +
|-
 +
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 +
| 15,964 kg || 18,027 kg || 20,069 kg || 24,000 kg
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 +
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 +
|-
 +
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 +
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || MTOW
 +
|-
 +
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,010 kgf
 +
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.67
 +
|-
 +
| ''Optimal'' || 5,200 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 10,170 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)
 +
| 1.27 || 1.13 || 1.01 || 0.85
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
|-
 +
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
 +
* 30 x large calibre countermeasures
 +
* 60 x countermeasures
 +
 
 +
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
 +
| rowspan="20" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[GAU-4 (20 mm)|20 mm GAU-4]] cannons (1,200 rpg)
 +
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
 +
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
 +
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
 +
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
 +
|-
 +
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
 +
| 3 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 3
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
 +
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
 +
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[AGM-62A Walleye I (505 kg)|505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-8]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 1* || || || || || || || || 1* || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
 +
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 +
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
 +
|-
 +
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
 +
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
 +
|-
 +
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
 +
| || 3* || || || || || || || || 3* ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-7E Sparrow]] missiles
 +
| || || || 1<sup>†</sup> || 1 || || 1 || 1<sup>†</sup> || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow]] missiles
 +
| || || || 1<sup>†</sup> || 1 || || 1 || 1<sup>†</sup> || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| || || 2* || || 1<sup>†</sup> || || 1<sup>†</sup> || || 2* || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| || || 2* || || 1<sup>†</sup> || || 1<sup>†</sup> || || 2* || ||
 +
|-
 +
! 600 gal drop tanks
 +
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 7,257 kg<br>Maximum permissible wing load: 3,000 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="13" | * Marked options on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively <br> <sup>†</sup> Sparrows on hardpoints 4/8 cannot be carried in conjunction with Sidewinders on hardpoints 5/7 respectively
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 600 gal drop tank
 +
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 6 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 6 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
 +
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 24 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (12,000 lb total)
 +
* 17 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,750 lb total)
 +
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
 +
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
 +
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
 +
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
 +
* 4 x 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs (2,020 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 
 +
The Kurnass's weapons will be largely familiar to previous US pilots. The change in Sidewinder variants compared to the original F-4E is worth discussing in more detail: as a US Air Force variant, the American F-4E has USAF models of the Sidewinder in the form of the stock AIM-9E and the top AIM-9J. The Kurnass on the other hand has US Navy Sidewinders as seen on the USN [[F-4J]] or the British [[Phantom FGR.2]]: the stock AIM-9D and the top AIM-G. As far as stock missiles go, the AIM-9D is greatly preferable to the AIM-9E with better range and maneuverability. The AIM-9J vs AIM-9G comparison is more up to personal preference, as the former has slightly higher overload and fares better in maneuvering combat while the latter has a wider seeker view and is better for sneak attacks at a distance. Thus, while the Kurnass has the manoeuvrable F-4E airframe with an internal gun for close in fights, its Sidewinders do not quite lean in that direction.
 +
 
 +
Another Sidewinder-related quirk of the Kurnass is that two of the recessed fuselage pylons, which are normally reserved for Sparrows, can instead be used to carry Sidewinders, so its maximum IR missile capacity is 6x instead of the 4x of other Phantoms. This is often a reasonable trade to make, because although the AIM-7E2 Dogfight Sparrows offer the Kurnass a decent long-range option, they are held back by the radar's lack of look-down-shoot-down capability. Carrying four of them at once adds nearly 800 kg of weight that decreases performance. Bringing only two Sparrows for special occasions and stocking up on lighter Sidewinders reduces the need to jettison unnecessary weapons.
 +
 
 +
The only change to the ground attack weapons is the lack of access to the GBU-15(V)1/B, a TV-guided glide bomb available on the inboard wing pylons of the American F-4E. The similar GBU-8, which can be dropped at supersonic speeds but is not as efficient in gliding, is still available on all wing pylons. Many CAS players will choose the smaller AGM-62A Walleye guided bombs or the AGM-65B Maverick air-to-ground missiles for tank busting instead, so the lack of the GBU-15 only really matters in unusual situations like needing to bomb enemy SPAA from extreme ranges.
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The F-4E Phantom II is well-suited for most in-game situations. For attacking ground targets, the plane is armed with an assortment of bombs, rockets, and missiles. Against air targets, players may employ the vehicle's deadly air-to-air missiles and frontal cannons. Three externally-mounted gunpods may be equipped. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance through induced drag. In many situations, one front-facing cannon is all that is required to dispatch an opponent aircraft. As for the missiles, the ones used by this plane are average at its rank, comparable to the [[R-60]] missiles equipped by the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)]] and the [[MiG-21SMT]] (albeit with worse manoeuvrability). The [[AIM-9G Sidewinder|AIM-9G]] missiles are most effective when fired from between 2 to 4 km away from the target. Any closer will make it harder for the missile to hit the target and the end result could be a miss. At higher altitudes the [[AIM-7E-2]] missiles can ensure better results when shot from 4 - 6 km range as they are almost impossible to dodge at these heights.
 +
 
 +
The F-4E has a high rate of climb. This is however where most of its performance advantages end. Due to its weight, the Phantom has rather mediocre acceleration, and not a very high top speed. It is not advised to dogfight anything other than Starfighters and other Phantom variants, as the F-4E has a very poor turn rate. Although the aircraft has better energy retention than most of its opponents, it still bleeds considerable amounts of speed while turning, which can't be regained very quickly due to the aircraft's heavy weight. It also performs quite poorly at low speeds, which is also caused by its weight.
 +
 
 +
=== Pros and cons ===
 +
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
 +
* Vast variety of air and ground ordnance
 +
* Good top speed
 +
* Equipped with RWR and countermeasures
 +
* Can carry up to 8 potent air-to-air missiles, or six IR-guided AAMs, a rare payload for Phantoms
 +
* 20 mm M61 cannon has great ballistics, high damage and high rate of fire
 +
* Good acceleration
 +
 
 +
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
 +
* Relatively large aircraft is a big, easy to hit target
 +
* Carrying payloads reduces flight performance
 +
* Limited ammo for the internal 20 mm cannon which can be depleted in just a few bursts
 +
* Wings can be ripped off easily during high speed manoeuvres
 +
* Radar is not look-down capable
 +
 
 +
== History ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
Israel was a prominent user of the [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantom II]], having acquired its Phantoms starting in 1968. At first, the USA was unwilling to offer Israel the F-4, but developments in 1967-1968 led the USA to reconsider its position. Notably, a French embargo of Israeli aircraft and the defection of a Soviet MiG-21 convinced the USA to sell its F-4Es to Israel. The first of these aircraft arrived in January of 1968, nicknamed Kurnass (Heavy Hammer) in service.
 +
 
 +
Israeli Phantoms saw their first combat action in the War of Attrition (1967-1970) against Egypt, where they were used against Egyptian ground and air targets. During this time, more Phantoms continued to be delivered including six RF-4E reconnaissance Phantoms. During the Yom Kippur war, Israeli Phantoms were once again used against air and ground targets. This conflict also marked the debut of the AGM-65 Maverick in Israeli service shortly after the missile entered service with the USAF.
 +
 
 +
In total, Israeli Phantoms scored ~116 aerial kills against Arab aircraft between 1969-1982 compared to ~55 combat losses (total number disputed). The last Phantom was delivered in 1976, with a total of 204 aircraft delivered, including some as replacements for aircraft lost during the Yom Kippur war. In the last decades of the 20th century, the Phantom was complemented with newer aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16; the last Israeli Phantom was retired in 2004.
 +
 
 +
== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4e_iaf Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [https://archive.org/details/t.o.1f4c1flightmanualf4cf4df4e01101970/mode/2up/ Technical Order 1F-4C-1 - Flight Manual for F-4C/F-4D/F-4E Aircraft]
 +
 
 +
=== References ===
 +
 
 +
* Aloni, S. (n.d.). ''Israeli Kurnass Aces – Part 1''. F4Phantom.com. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from <nowiki>http://www.f4phantom.com/SmokeTrails/ST1503_1.pdf</nowiki>
 +
* Jewish Virtual Library. (1998). ''IAF Aircraft Inventory''. McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from <nowiki>https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
 +
{{Israel jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 07:54, 23 August 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the Israeli jet fighter Kurnass. For the other version, see Kurnass 2000.
Kurnass
f-4e_iaf.png
GarageImage Kurnass.jpg
Kurnass
Israel flag.png Israel
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.3 11.3 10.7
Class:
Research:350 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Kurnass (Heavy Hammer) is the Israeli variant of the F-4 Phantom. After the Six-Day War and other political situations, the US sent F-4 Phantoms to Israel under the authorization of President John F. Kennedy and then Lyndon Johnson. After arrival, crew training quickly began and the Kurnasses were soon in action against Egypt in the War of Attrition. After the war, more F-4Es were delivered under various programs like Peace Echo II. The Kurnasses were the main frontline fighter, but after the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15 Eagle came into service, the F-4 was relegated to air-to-ground duties. Many Kurnasses would later be converted to the Kurnass 2000 standard, which had new electronics and other improvements.

Introduced in Update "Winged Lions", the F-4E Kurnass is much like the F-4E found in the American tech tree. They are very similar planes with the exception of suspended armament: the Kurnass has AIM-9D/Gs and lacks the ability to carry GBU-15(V)1/B guided bombs. The Kurnass can carry a huge variety of bombs as well as guided munitions like the AGM-65B Maverick. As for air combat, the Kurnass can carry the deadly AIM-7E-2 Sparrow and AIM-9G Sidewinder. The AIM-9G can be utilized from long range thanks to its long-burning motor and the Phantom's high speed. As for the AIM-7E-2, players should launch these from 3-6 km (1.86-3.7 mi) due to the short burn time of the motor. Furthermore, the Kurnass lacks pulse-doppler radar which hinders its ability to engage targets at long range.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 12 192 m2 140 km/h
Turn time26 s
Max altitude16 000 m
Engine2 х General Electric J79-GE-17
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight24 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 12,192 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,097 2,074 16000 26.5 27.5 160.8 151.2 850
Upgraded 2,202 2,140 25.5 26.0 221.6 190.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1458 463 607 584 463 ~11 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 810 < 750 < 700 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
General Electric J79-GE-17 2 14,205 kg 408 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel
1,750 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 15,964 kg 18,027 kg 20,069 kg 24,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel MTOW
Stationary 5,200 kgf 8,010 kgf 1.00 0.89 0.80 0.67
Optimal 5,200 kgf
(0 km/h) 		10,170 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		1.27 1.13 1.01 0.85

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural1 458 km/h
Gear463 km/h

Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 994 → 4 044 Sl icon.png
RB8 833 → 11 933 Sl icon.png
SB9 129 → 12 333 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications294 000 Rp icon.png
456 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 320 / 600 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9D
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9G
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
AIM-7E
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod SUU-23/A.
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
AIM-7E-2
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
Mods optical guided bomb.png
AGM-62A
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods optical guided bomb.png
GBU-8
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png
40px
AGM-65B
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
630 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) EEGS
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: M61A1 (20 mm)

The Kurnass is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
  • 30 x large calibre countermeasures
  • 60 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The Kurnass can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Hardpoints F-4C Phantom II.png
20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg) 1 1 1
250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs 6 3 6 3 6
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 6 3 6 3 6
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs 6 3 6 3 6
750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs 3 3 5 3 3
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs 2 3 3 3 2
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1 1 1
505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs 1 1* 1* 1
2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs 1 1* 1* 1
BLU-27/B incendiary bombs 1 2 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 57 57 57 57 57
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 12 12 12 12 12
AGM-65B missiles 3* 3*
AIM-7E Sparrow missiles 1† 1 1 1†
AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles 1† 1 1 1†
AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles 2* 1† 1† 2*
AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles 2* 1† 1† 2*
600 gal drop tanks 1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 7,257 kg
Maximum permissible wing load: 3,000 kg
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
* Marked options on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be carried in conjunction with air-to-air missiles on hardpoints 3/9 respectively
† Sparrows on hardpoints 4/8 cannot be carried in conjunction with Sidewinders on hardpoints 5/7 respectively
Default weapon presets
  • 1 x 600 gal drop tank
  • 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
  • 6 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
  • 6 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
  • 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
  • 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 24 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 17 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,750 lb total)
  • 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
  • 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
  • 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
  • 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
  • 6 x AGM-65B missiles
  • 4 x 505 kg AGM-62A Walleye I bombs (2,020 kg total)
  • 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)

The Kurnass's weapons will be largely familiar to previous US pilots. The change in Sidewinder variants compared to the original F-4E is worth discussing in more detail: as a US Air Force variant, the American F-4E has USAF models of the Sidewinder in the form of the stock AIM-9E and the top AIM-9J. The Kurnass on the other hand has US Navy Sidewinders as seen on the USN F-4J or the British Phantom FGR.2: the stock AIM-9D and the top AIM-G. As far as stock missiles go, the AIM-9D is greatly preferable to the AIM-9E with better range and maneuverability. The AIM-9J vs AIM-9G comparison is more up to personal preference, as the former has slightly higher overload and fares better in maneuvering combat while the latter has a wider seeker view and is better for sneak attacks at a distance. Thus, while the Kurnass has the manoeuvrable F-4E airframe with an internal gun for close in fights, its Sidewinders do not quite lean in that direction.

Another Sidewinder-related quirk of the Kurnass is that two of the recessed fuselage pylons, which are normally reserved for Sparrows, can instead be used to carry Sidewinders, so its maximum IR missile capacity is 6x instead of the 4x of other Phantoms. This is often a reasonable trade to make, because although the AIM-7E2 Dogfight Sparrows offer the Kurnass a decent long-range option, they are held back by the radar's lack of look-down-shoot-down capability. Carrying four of them at once adds nearly 800 kg of weight that decreases performance. Bringing only two Sparrows for special occasions and stocking up on lighter Sidewinders reduces the need to jettison unnecessary weapons.

The only change to the ground attack weapons is the lack of access to the GBU-15(V)1/B, a TV-guided glide bomb available on the inboard wing pylons of the American F-4E. The similar GBU-8, which can be dropped at supersonic speeds but is not as efficient in gliding, is still available on all wing pylons. Many CAS players will choose the smaller AGM-62A Walleye guided bombs or the AGM-65B Maverick air-to-ground missiles for tank busting instead, so the lack of the GBU-15 only really matters in unusual situations like needing to bomb enemy SPAA from extreme ranges.

Usage in battles

The F-4E Phantom II is well-suited for most in-game situations. For attacking ground targets, the plane is armed with an assortment of bombs, rockets, and missiles. Against air targets, players may employ the vehicle's deadly air-to-air missiles and frontal cannons. Three externally-mounted gunpods may be equipped. Although they will undoubtedly increase the vehicle's destructive capabilities, they also appreciably hinder flight performance through induced drag. In many situations, one front-facing cannon is all that is required to dispatch an opponent aircraft. As for the missiles, the ones used by this plane are average at its rank, comparable to the R-60 missiles equipped by the MiG-21MF (Germany) and the MiG-21SMT (albeit with worse manoeuvrability). The AIM-9G missiles are most effective when fired from between 2 to 4 km away from the target. Any closer will make it harder for the missile to hit the target and the end result could be a miss. At higher altitudes the AIM-7E-2 missiles can ensure better results when shot from 4 - 6 km range as they are almost impossible to dodge at these heights.

The F-4E has a high rate of climb. This is however where most of its performance advantages end. Due to its weight, the Phantom has rather mediocre acceleration, and not a very high top speed. It is not advised to dogfight anything other than Starfighters and other Phantom variants, as the F-4E has a very poor turn rate. Although the aircraft has better energy retention than most of its opponents, it still bleeds considerable amounts of speed while turning, which can't be regained very quickly due to the aircraft's heavy weight. It also performs quite poorly at low speeds, which is also caused by its weight.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Vast variety of air and ground ordnance
  • Good top speed
  • Equipped with RWR and countermeasures
  • Can carry up to 8 potent air-to-air missiles, or six IR-guided AAMs, a rare payload for Phantoms
  • 20 mm M61 cannon has great ballistics, high damage and high rate of fire
  • Good acceleration

Cons:

  • Relatively large aircraft is a big, easy to hit target
  • Carrying payloads reduces flight performance
  • Limited ammo for the internal 20 mm cannon which can be depleted in just a few bursts
  • Wings can be ripped off easily during high speed manoeuvres
  • Radar is not look-down capable

History

Israel was a prominent user of the F-4 Phantom II, having acquired its Phantoms starting in 1968. At first, the USA was unwilling to offer Israel the F-4, but developments in 1967-1968 led the USA to reconsider its position. Notably, a French embargo of Israeli aircraft and the defection of a Soviet MiG-21 convinced the USA to sell its F-4Es to Israel. The first of these aircraft arrived in January of 1968, nicknamed Kurnass (Heavy Hammer) in service.

Israeli Phantoms saw their first combat action in the War of Attrition (1967-1970) against Egypt, where they were used against Egyptian ground and air targets. During this time, more Phantoms continued to be delivered including six RF-4E reconnaissance Phantoms. During the Yom Kippur war, Israeli Phantoms were once again used against air and ground targets. This conflict also marked the debut of the AGM-65 Maverick in Israeli service shortly after the missile entered service with the USAF.

In total, Israeli Phantoms scored ~116 aerial kills against Arab aircraft between 1969-1982 compared to ~55 combat losses (total number disputed). The last Phantom was delivered in 1976, with a total of 204 aircraft delivered, including some as replacements for aircraft lost during the Yom Kippur war. In the last decades of the 20th century, the Phantom was complemented with newer aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16; the last Israeli Phantom was retired in 2004.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

References

  • Aloni, S. (n.d.). Israeli Kurnass Aces – Part 1. F4Phantom.com. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from http://www.f4phantom.com/SmokeTrails/ST1503_1.pdf
  • Jewish Virtual Library. (1998). IAF Aircraft Inventory. McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. Retrieved December 22, 2021, from https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/mcdonnell-douglas-f-4-phantom-ii


McDonnell Aircraft Corporation
Jet Fighters  F2H-2 · F3H-2
  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
  F-15A · F-15C MSIP II · F-15E
Strike Aircraft  AV-8B Plus · AV-8B (NA)
Helicopters  AH-6M
Export/Licensed 
Aircraft  ◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F · ◄F-4F KWS LV · Phantom FG.1 · Phantom FGR.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · F-4EJ Phantom II · F-4EJ ADTW · Kurnass · Kurnass 2000
  F-15J · F-15J(M) · Baz · Baz Meshupar · F-15I Ra’am
  ▄AV-8B Plus
Helicopters  Lahatut
  The McDonnell Aircraft Corporation merged with Douglas Aircraft Company in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Later it was merged with The Boeing Company in 1997.
See Also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Israel jet aircraft
  Kfir Canard · Kfir C.2 · Kfir C.7 · Nesher
Britain 
Meteor  Meteor NF.13 · Meteor F.8
France 
Vautour  Vautour IIA · Vautour IIN
Super Mystere  Sambad · Sa'ar
Mirage III  Shahak
Other  M.D.450B Ouragan · Mystere IVA
USA 
F-84  F-84F
A-4  A-4H · A-4E Early (M) · A-4E · Ayit
F-4  Kurnass · Kurnass 2000
F-15  Baz · Baz Meshupar · F-15I Ra’am
F-16  Netz · F-16C Barak II · F-16D Barak II

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