War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

B-17G (Israel)

2022-01-09T11:13:03Z

U122290295: /* Flight performance */

{{About
|about= bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage= other versions
|link= B-17 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=b-17g_iaf
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].

== 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 (km/h at 7680 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || 476 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || 38,2 || __._ || 2,1 || rowspan="2" | 600
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || > ___
|-
|}

=== 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.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|100/50 kg G.P. (100 kg)|250/50 kg G.P. (250 kg)|500/50 kg G.P. (500 kg)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 16 x 100 kg 100/50 kg G.P. bombs (1,600 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 12 x 250 kg 250/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg 500/50 kg G.P. bombs (3,000 kg total)

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, chin turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, front dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, mid dorsal turret (500 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (575 rpg = 1,150 total)
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (600 rpg)
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x nose turrets (300 rpg)

== 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).''

=== 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:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==


The B-17G was the final combat model of the [[B-17 (Family)|B-17 Flying Fortress]]. Produced from late 1943 until several months after the end of World War II, this variant included all successful improvements made to previous B-17 models. It carried a total of 13 machine guns for point-defense, including the new remote-controlled chin turret that greatly improved the B-17's ability to defend against head-on attacks. By the end of the B-17G's production run, a total of 8,680 units were manufactured - just over 2/3 of the total number of B-17s that had ever been built. The B-17G was instrumental in long-range daytime bombing over Nazi-occupied Europe, flying in massive formations often dozens or even hundreds of planes strong.

By 1948, three years after World War II, the B-17 had effectively been decommissioned as a mainstay bomber in favor of new intercontinental bombers like the [[B-29/Tu-4 (Family)|B-29 Superfortress]]. Some units remained in service as reconnaissance craft or passenger transports for the new U.S. Air Force; while some other units made their way into private ownership, stripped of their combat armaments and converted to serve a variety of civilian uses.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF), established in 1948 following the creation of the State of Israel, had no real interest nor need for a four-engine strategic bomber. Though it was embroiled in a war with all of its neighbours, all potential targets were no more than a few hundred miles from the airfields - much more suitable for short/medium-range tactical bombers. Nevertheless, the IAF was desperate to purchase pretty much any combat-worthy aircraft it could get its hands on. In the United States, one agent working clandestinely on this task for the Israelis was Al Schwimmer, a flight engineer for TWA, who managed to locate four B-17Gs in private hands. The IAF provided him with the funds to purchase the planes, three of which had already been stripped of their armaments.

Three of the planes were flown from Miami to Puerto Rico, then to the Azores, and finally to Czechoslovakia. There, they were fitted with 7.62 mm M1919A4 Brownings machine guns in place of the missing 12.7 mm M2 Brownings. Makeshift bomb sights and German suspension bomb racks for 250 kg and 70 kg bombs installed. A fourth plane made several attempts to fly to the Azores through Canada, but the FBI had learned of the operation and alerted the Canadian authorities to prevent it from leaving.

As soon as the opportunity arose, the three refitted planes were ordered to fly from Czechoslovakia to Israel, bombing several enemy targets on their way home - including the palace of King Faruk in Cairo. During the Israeli War of Independence, the three planes flew over 200 sorties. They were initially escorted by fighter planes, but it quickly became evident that the Egyptians were reluctant to intercept them; after which the bombers flew without any escorts for the remainder of the war. They bombed targets in Egypt, the West Bank, and Syria.

The three IAF B-17Gs continued to serve until 1953, during which time the IAF managed to acquire original B-17G turrets and M2 Browning machine guns for them. In 1953 the planes were mothballed for a few years until being reactivated as airborne radio transceivers during the 1956 Sinai War. After the war they were immediately mothballed yet again, and were finally decommissioned in 1958. Following its experience with the B-17G, the IAF has never acquired any other four-engine bombers, instead completely switching over to ground-attack aircraft and later to multi-role fighters.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== 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.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer Boeing}}
{{Israel bombers}}

Kfir C.7

2022-01-09T11:09:14Z

U122290295: /* Engine performance */

{{Specs-Card
|code=kfir_c7
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].

== 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 (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,322 || 2,272 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.3 || 29.0 || 183.9 || 172.1 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,457 || 2,388 || 26.0 || 27.0 || 268.9 || 224.6
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| X || X || X || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Basic mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-J1E || 1
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ 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
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4890 kgf || 8460 kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-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 ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|DEFA 552A (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' 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 ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-9D Sidewinder|AIM-9G Sidewinder|Shafrir 2}}
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' 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 [[Mirage 5F|Dassault Mirage 5]], successor to the [[Mirage IIICJ|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 [[Nesher|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 (Israel)|A-4H]] and [[F-4E Phantom II (Israel)|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.

=== [[wt:en/news/7466-development-kfir-c-7-the-sharp-clawed-lion-cub-en|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 ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[Nesher]]
* [[Mirage 5F]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7466-development-kfir-c-7-the-sharp-clawed-lion-cub-en|[Devblog] Kfir C.7: The Sharp-Clawed Lion Cub]]

{{AirManufacturer IAI}}
{{Israel jet aircraft}}