Kfir C.7
Contents
Description
The Kfir C.7 is a rank VII Israeli jet fighter with a battle rating of 12.0 (AB/RB) and 11.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Winged Lions".
General info
Flight performance
Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 10,668 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | 2,322 | 2,272 | 16000 | 28.3 | 29.0 | 183.9 | 172.1 | 750 |
| Upgraded | 2,457 | 2,388 | 26.0 | 27.0 | 268.9 | 224.6 | ||
Details
| Features | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear | Drogue chute |
| X | X | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Limits | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wings (km/h) | Gear (km/h) | Flaps (km/h) | Max Static G | |||
| Combat | Take-off | Landing | + | - | ||
| 0 | 426 | N/A | N/A | N/A | ~__ | ~__ |
| Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
| < ___ | < ___ | < ___ | N/A |
Engine performance
| Engine | Aircraft mass | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine name | Number | Basic mass | Wing loading (full fuel) | |||
| General Electric J79-GE-J1E | 1 | _,___ kg | ___ kg/m2 | |||
| Engine characteristics | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) | Max Takeoff Weight | ||||
| Weight (each) | Type | _m fuel | __m fuel | __m fuel | ||
| 1,750 kg | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet | _,___ kg | _,___ kg | _,___ kg | _,___ kg | |
| Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP) | |||||
| Condition | 100% | ___%/WEP | _m fuel | __m fuel | __m fuel | MTOW |
| Stationary | 4890 kgf | 8460 kgf | _.__ | _.__ | _.__ | _.__ |
| Optimal | ___ kgf (_ km/h) |
___ kgf (_ km/h) |
_.__ | _.__ | _.__ | _.__ |
Survivability and armour
The Kfir lacks any armor surrounding the pilots, making HE hits (missiles and cannons) able to penetrate and hit the pilot with ease.
Survivability of the Kfir is far greater than any of its contemporaries even though it lacks armour. The Kfir can sustain black fuselage damage, and ripped wings can have more than enough control authority to return back home and repair.
Modifications and economy
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
| Ballistic Computer | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CCIP (Guns) | CCIP (Rockets) | CCIP (Bombs) | CCRP (Bombs) |
 |
|
|
|
Offensive armament
The Kfir C.7 is armed with:
- A choice between two presets:
- 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons, belly-mounted (125 rpg = 250 total)
- 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons (125 rpg = 250 total) + 32 x countermeasures
Suspended armament
The Kfir C.7 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles
- 4 x Shafrir 2 missiles
- 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
- 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
- 16 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (8,000 lb total)
- 16 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles (8,000 lb total)
- 16 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles (8,000 lb total)
- 16 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles (8,000 lb total)
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x Shafrir 2 missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 9 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (9,000 lb total)
- 9 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles (9,000 lb total)
- 9 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
- 9 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles (9,000 lb total)
- 5 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x Shafrir 2 missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 5 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 5 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (7,500 lb total)
- 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles (7,500 lb total)
- 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
- 10 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles (7,500 lb total)
- 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x Shafrir 2 missiles (4,500 lb total)
- 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles (4,500 lb total)
- 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles (4,500 lb total)
- 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
- 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs + 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles (4,000 lb total)
- 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles (4,000 lb total)
- 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs + 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles (4,000 lb total)
- 2 x 20 mm M61 cannons (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total)
- 2 x 20 mm M61 cannons (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total) + 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles
- 2 x 20 mm M61 cannons (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total) + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
- 2 x 20 mm M61 cannons (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total) + 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
- 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
- 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles
- 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
- 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
- 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
- 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles
- 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
- 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets (5,000 lb total)
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (5,000 lb total)
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles (5,000 lb total)
- 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles (5,000 lb total)
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).
SB:
The Kfir is a phenomenal support fighter.
Due to its lack of radar and low countermeasure count at EC7 you do not want to spear head any fight. Your best way to play the plane is to stay 1-2 grid squares away from the main battle and wait for people call out enemies or for you to spot dog fights.
The Kfir's top speed will grant you the ability to close distances on targets and rescue team mates with ease. While its high alpha capabilities and strong air frame will allow you to slot into enemies tail's if needed.
The Kfir will begin to wing rip at 750 knots IAS. This is displayed on the left of your HUD allowing you to easily manage your speed without excessive head movement or taking your eyes off your target.
The AIM-9G locking is at the bottom of your HUD, this can be difficult to learn, but once you do, it is not a big issue.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Great flight dynamics and characteristics.
- Amazing control authority at any speed.
- Above average acceleration below Mach 1, and one of the fastest acceleration in the game above Mach 1.
- Extremely fast, especially at high altitudes.
- Large variety of weapons.
- Has AIM-9Gs which could out-turn the AIM-9J over short distances.
- Can carry additional 2 x 20 mm Vulcan gunpods.
Cons:
- Limited gun ranging radar which does not track or lock enemies.
- Delta wing configuration bleeds airspeed fairly quickly while in a steep high G turn.
- 32x countermeasures can be quickly used up especially if split 50/50 between chaff and flares.
- Missiles are pointed down requiring you to pull alpha or be above the target to get a lock.
- No radar or radar-guided armaments.
- No armor surrounding the cockpit allows missiles and HE rounds to easily hit your pilot.
History
In the 1960s, French and Israeli engineers worked together to develop the Dassault Mirage 5, successor to the Mirage III, tailored specifically to the requirements of the Israeli Air Force (IAF). Israel funded a large part of the project by purchasing a total of 50 aircraft in advance of their production. The deal eventually fell through when France enacted an arms embargo on Israel following its preemptive strike at the start of the 1967 Six-Day War - an action that the French had explicitly warned Israel not to take. Though Israel was eventually reimbursed for its payments, the Mirage 5 was never supplied.
To circumvent the embargo, Israel collaborated with the Dassault Aviation company to smuggle blueprints and materials out of France to construct their own copy of the Mirage 5 - the IAI Nesher. One of the most successful air superiority fighters of all time, the Nesher scored a staggering 111:3 kill ratio during the Yom Kippur War of 1973. This not only proved the merits of the Mirage 5's design, but also proved that Israel was now capable of manufacturing warplanes locally. This fact was of utmost importance to the Israelis: up until that point they had been completely dependent on the French to supply their aircraft, and were now left orphaned due to the embargo.
Thanks to a gradual warming of relations with the United States, the IAF could begin arming itself with A-4H and F-4E Phantom II jets, which served mostly as ground attackers; but neither could replace the Nesher as an air superiority fighter. With the looming threat of more advanced Soviet fighters entering service in the Arab air forces, Israel was keenly aware that the Nesher could not remain the top dog for long. Israel's response to this threat was to begin development of an advanced fighter jet based on the Mirage 5 design - one that could be manufactured from scratch in Israel.
A major factor in the design of the new plane was its engine. Israel had already acquired a license to produce the powerful General Electric J79 turbojet - the engine used in the F-4E. Thus, it was decided that the new Mirage 5 variant would be built entirely around this engine. This required several major changes to the airframe, primarily a redesign of the fuselage and enlargement of the air intakes (even adding a small cooling intake in the tail). As per their usual doctrine, the Israelis also installed a completely new advanced avionics package into the cockpit, altering it significantly. Another, more noticeable feature was the addition of two small canards on either side of the intakes.
The resulting aircraft, the IAI Kfir ("Lion Cub"), entered service in 1975. However, its primacy in the IAF was supplanted almost immediately by the arrival of the first F-15s in late 1976, and later by the F-16s. The Kfir was therefore relegated to a fighter-bomber role during the 1982 Lebanon War.
The Kfir C.7, being the third and most advanced variant of the Kfir in IAF service, was designed to fit the aircraft's new role "underneath" the F-15 and F-16. It was built more robustly, and carried a stronger version of the J79 engine that could help it take off with a heavier payload. It had additional hardpoints for carrying extra munitions, and much larger canards than the original design. All Kfir C.7s were in fact upgraded Kfir C.2s, rather than brand new planes.
Despite being originally designed as an air superiority jet, the Kfir only scored a single aerial kill throughout its service in the IAF. Its last action in the IAF occurred during the 1993 Operation Accountability, after which it was gradually removed from service. An export version of the plane, however, was sold to Colombia, Ecuador and Sri Lanka, and still serves in their air forces in 2021, with constant upgrades. The plane too part in combat once again during the 2017 Sri Lankan Civil War.
Devblog
Immediately after the Six-Day-War, France imposed an arms export embargo on Israel, acutely highlighting the nation's dependence on foreign suppliers of military equipment. Despite the embargo, Israel managed to obtain documentation for the Mirage 5J version, which was developed specifically for the Israeli Air Force before the ban. These aircraft were produced commercially under the name IAI Nesher. But due to the end of supplies from France, Israel turned to the U.S. for assistance, procuring a number of new F-4 Phantom II and A-4 Skyhawk aircraft for its air force. However, when the air force compared the Nesher with the new F-4 Phantom, it realized that the Mirage was falling behind in several aspects. Therefore, plans to outfit Neshers with licence-built Phantom II engines - the General Electric J79 - were drawn up and soon afterward realized with the Kfir (Hebrew for “Lion Cub”).
Entering serial production in 1975 and subsequently being commissioned into service with the 101st, 113th and 109th squadrons of the Israeli Air Force, the Kfir first saw combat action in November 1977. While the aircraft performed well and was also well-liked by its pilots, the modification did increase the weight of the aircraft, negatively impacting some of its flight characteristics. Israeli engineers solved the issue by outfitting the Kfir with fixed canards on the forward section of the fuselage.
The Kfir C.7 is a later modification of the aircraft, resulting from continuous efforts of Israeli engineers to further develop the Kfir. The new version featured numerous improvements, including a more powerful afterburner, increased payload and weapon selection as well as new avionics and cockpit arrangement. The Kfir C.7 entered service in 1983 and would remain in active service until the early 1990s before being officially decommissioned by the Israeli Air Force. Subsequently, some units were sold on the export market to Columbia and Sri Lanka where they saw active combat during the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Media
- Videos
See also
External links
| Israel Aerospace Industries (התעשייה האווירית לישראל) | |
|---|---|
| Jet Fighters | Nesher · Kfir Canard · Kfir C.2 · Kfir C.7 |
| SPAAs | Machbet |
| 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 |
