War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Kfir C.7

2022-02-08T15:07:23Z

U771415: /* Engine performance */ grammar edits

{{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}}

The Kfir C.7 has an impressive acceleration, even higher then the [[MiG-23MLD]]'s. The plane can also turn quite well, but it is not recommended to turn while in combat as the delta wing configuration will bleed a lot of speed and a slow jet is an easy target. However, you can take the risk to bleed speed in some situations since you regain that speed rather quickly.

{| 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" |7,285 kg|| colspan="2" | 263 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel
|-
|1,860 kg|| colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 8,047 kg || 9,190 kg ||9,857 kg||14,094 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
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,890 kgf || 8,460 kgf
|1.05|| 0.92 || 0.86 || 0.60
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,894 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 11,490 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.43 || 1.25 || 1.16 || 0.81
|-
|}

=== 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 took part in combat once again during the (1983-2009) Sri Lankan Civil War from 1996 after introducing the Kfir to it's Air Force.

=== [[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 ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=kfir_c7 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ERLptF1Nsps|'''The Shooting Range #286''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:36 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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}}

Kfir C.7

2022-02-08T15:00:22Z

U771415: /* Engine performance */ Calculated from FM file

{{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}}

The Kfir C.7 has an impressive acceleration, even higher then the [[MiG-23MLD]]'s. The plane can also turn quite well, but it is not recommended to turn while in combat as the delta wing configuration will bleed a lot of speed and a slow jet is an easy target. However, you can take the risk to bleed speed in some situations since you regain that speed rather quickly.

{| 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" |7,285 kg|| colspan="2" | 263 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel
|-
|1,860 kg|| colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 8,047 kg || 9,190 kg ||9,857 kg||14,094 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
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4890 kgf || 8460 kgf
|1.05|| 0.92 || 0.86 || 0.6
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,894 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 11,490 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.43 || 1.25 || 1.16 || 0.81
|-
|}

=== 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 took part in combat once again during the (1983-2009) Sri Lankan Civil War from 1996 after introducing the Kfir to it's Air Force.

=== [[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 ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=kfir_c7 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ERLptF1Nsps|'''The Shooting Range #286''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:36 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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}}

Kfir C.7

2022-01-01T02:57:58Z

U771415: /* Usage in battles */

{{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'' || ___ kgf || ___ 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.

'''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}}

Kfir C.7

2022-01-01T02:56:56Z

U771415: /* Pros and cons */ Gyro gunsight is not a "Cons"

{{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'' || ___ kgf || ___ 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.

The HUD gun sight for Air-to-Air mode is extremely inaccurate, make sure to turn off your range finder before getting into a fight, and even then it is still inaccurate and you must guide your shots onto target as if you do not have a gun sight.

=== 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.

'''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}}

Kfir C.7

2021-12-26T04:34:28Z

U771415: /* Details */ Added wing rip speed in IAS

{{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, maneuverability, 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
|2322||2272|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} ||28.3||29||183.9||172.1|| rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
|2457||2388||26||27||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 !! + !! -
|-
|1472 IAS|| {{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'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

=== 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}}
{| 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).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great flight dynamics and characteristics
* Highly manoeuvrable
* Great acceleration
* Extremely fast
* Large variety of weapons
* Can carry additional 2 x 20 mm Vulcan gunpods

'''Cons:'''

* Bleeds airspeed fairly quickly while in a steep high G turn
* Only 4 AAMs
* No radar or radar-guided armaments
* Limited amount of countermeasures
* No armour

== 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}}

Kfir C.7

2021-12-26T04:32:28Z

U771415: /* Details */ Added the stats from the in-game stat card.

{{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, maneuverability, 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
|2322||2272|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} ||28.3||29||183.9||172.1|| rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
|2457||2388||26||27||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'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

=== 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}}
{| 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).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great flight dynamics and characteristics
* Highly manoeuvrable
* Great acceleration
* Extremely fast
* Large variety of weapons
* Can carry additional 2 x 20 mm Vulcan gunpods

'''Cons:'''

* Bleeds airspeed fairly quickly while in a steep high G turn
* Only 4 AAMs
* No radar or radar-guided armaments
* Limited amount of countermeasures
* No armour

== 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}}

MiG-27M

2021-09-18T12:40:20Z

U771415: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=mig_27m
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

This aircraft has an excellent top speed, which means it can speed away from enemy fighters if needed, with flares and chaff assisting in countering incoming missiles. Despite being a heavy aircraft, the MiG-27M has one of the best sustained turning abilities among top tier jets thanks to its variable swept wing design.

Compared with its fighter jet version, the MiG-23M, the MiG-27M is slightly heavier and has a lower thrust (despite the difference being very little). As a result, the MiG-27M can pull less Gs than the MiG-23M, specifically, it tends to pull one less G than the MiG-23M across all speeds. For example, at 800-900 km/h, the best speed range for these two aircraft to manoeuvre, the MiG-23M can pull 12Gs, whereas the MiG-27M can pull 11Gs. This characteristic, despite seemingly lowering the manoeuvrability of the aircraft, actually improves the experience since both the MiG-23M and MiG-27M break their wings at 12G. As a result, the MiG-23M could risk ripping its wings during manoeuvres, whereas the MiG-27M has no risk of damage.

The MiG-27M, just like the MiG-23M, feels sluggish in manoeuvres. However, despite the bad instantaneous turning and rolling ability, the MiG-27M has exceptional sustained turning and rolling ability for a medium-heavy fighter. At speeds lower than 900 km/h and with the wings turned to forward position, the MiG-27M can outmanoeuvre most top-tier jets, even including the F-5Cs and MiG-21s. At 400 km/h, with the wings set to the most forward position, the MiG-27M somewhat resembles a piston-engine attacker, with superb lift and great sustained turn rate. This is extremely helpful in a 1v1 situation, where you can use this characteristic to trick your enemy into low speed and outmanoeuvre them easily.

To be noted though, the high-speed manoeuvrability of the MiG-27M is not exceptional at all. At supersonic speeds and the wings fully swept back, the MiG-27M can only pull 8Gs of overload, significantly less than the 10 to 11Gs of the F-4Es and the JA-37s. Also, the MiG-27M does not hold its speed well in turns. In such case, it is advised to keep your speed and do less manoeuvres in most times during a battle.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 13,000 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
| 2,340 || 2,330 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.6 || 37.8 || 133.9 || 127.3 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 || 508 || 473 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| 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="5" | 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="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-29B-300 || 1
| colspan="2" | 11,605 kg || colspan="3" | 419 - 472 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 39m fuel
|-
| 1,780 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 12,964 kg || 13,912 kg || 15,065 kg || 16,135 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 39m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 7,950 kgf || 10,208 kgf
| 0.79 || 0.73 || 0.68 || 0.63 || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 8,268 kgf (1,400 km/h) || 12,633 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 0.97 || 0.91 || 0.84 || 0.78 || _.__
|-
|}

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

The plane gets some 10 mm armour behind the pilot, and 9 mm on each side of the pilot. This will not really save you against the firepower faced in top-rank jet battles and is more against the stray machine gun round or shrapnel from ground attacks.

=== 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|GSh-6-30 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-6-30 cannon, belly-mounted (300 rpg)
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-6-30 cannon (300 rpg) + 12 x countermeasures

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

{{main|OFAB-100 (100 kg)|FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|KAB-500 (500 kg)}}
{{main|Kh-23M|Kh-25ML|Kh-29L|Kh-29T|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}
{{main|R-13M1|R-60M|S-5KP|S-8KO|S-24B}}

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

* Without load
* 7 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,750 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 7 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (3,500 kg total)
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 4 x S-24B rockets
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles
* 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 4 x R-60M missiles
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 128 x S-5KP rockets
* 20 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 12 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 64 x S-5KP rockets (1,200 kg total)
* 2 x R-13M1 missiles
* 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 2 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 40 x S-8KO rockets + 3 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 2 x S-24B rockets
* 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 12 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,200 kg total)
* 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 2 x S-24B rockets + 3 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 5 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,250 kg total)
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 5 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 12 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,200 kg total)
* 80 x S-8KO rockets + 3 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 80 x S-8KO rockets + 3 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (750 kg total)
* 40 x S-8KO rockets + 4 x R-60M missiles + 3 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 40 x S-8KO rockets + 4 x R-60M missiles + 3 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (750 kg total)
* 40 x S-8KO rockets + 5 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 2 x S-24B rockets + 4 x R-60M missiles
* 2 x S-24B rockets + 5 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,250 kg total)
* 2 x S-24B rockets + 5 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 2 x S-24B rockets + 40 x S-8KO rockets
* 2 x S-24B rockets + 40 x S-8KO rockets + 3 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 2 x S-24B rockets + 4 x R-60M missiles + 3 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 2 x S-24B rockets + 4 x R-60M missiles + 3 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (750 kg total)
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 2 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 2 x S-24B rockets
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 40 x S-8KO rockets + 3 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 5 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,250 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg KAB-500 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg KAB-500 bombs + 4 x R-60M missiles (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg KAB-500 bombs + 2 x R-13M1 missiles (1,000 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==

'''Air RB:'''

Thanks to its great low-altitude performance and powerful cannon armament, the MiG-27M can be a good fighter jet in Air RB. Generally speaking, the best tactic for playing it as a fighter jet is similar to that of the MiG-23M: heading to the left after take-off, keeping the altitude under 500 m, postponing your entry as late as possible, then engaging in head-on combat using the all-aspect R-60Ms and your powerful GSh-6-30 cannon.

Since the MiG-27M has a significant low-altitude speed advantage compared with most of its opponents, it is advised to keep your speed throughout the battle. However, when there's only one or two enemies left, the MiG-27M could quickly become a dogfighter by setting its wing to about 50% angle. In such a setting without load, the MiG-27M can pull 11Gs at 900 km/h, and with even more aggressive dogfighting techniques and less angle for the wing, the MiG-27M is capable of dogfighting light fighters like F-5Cs and MiG-21MFs.

Enemies worth noting:

* J35Ds, since it is the only aircraft that could certainly win a dogfight against MiG-27M.
* F-5Es, F-5Cs and MiG-21s, since they are great dogfighters, but it is still possible to defeat them in dogfights.
* F-4EJ Kai, JA37C, Phantom FG.1/FGR.2, since they have doppler radars and great mid-range missiles.

The MiG-27M could also be played as an attacker in Air RB. When doing so, though, it is still advised to take the 4 R-60Ms and play using the tactic mentioned above to maximize your survivability. Once flanked to the back of the enemy, rush to a base and drop your bombs, then either play it as a fighter jet or ground strike the enemy targets.

'''Ground RB'''

The MiG-27M is a great aircraft for ground RB because of its decent manoeuvrability, the variety of guided weapons it can carry, and its GSh-6-30 cannon. To use it effectively, first shoot down any opposing aircraft using the R-60Ms, then deploy whatever weapons you have on-board against tanks. The cannon is also remarkably effective against the thin sides of western MBTs and other lightly armoured targets. Using all your armaments effectively, it is possible to kill quite a few targets in one run.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very high top speed at low altitude.
* Good sustained turning ability, could even dogfight F-5Cs at lower speed.
* Variable swept wing design allows impressive performance at any speed.
* 52 kg/s burst mass with gun-pods. The 30mm itself has 32.36 kg/s.
* Powerful weapons, highly effective at destroying both ground and air targets.
* Wide variety of suspended weapons.
* KAB-500 guided bombs provide all the advantages of air-to-ground missiles with none of their drawbacks.
* The TV-guided weapons lock on to target faster than their NATO counterparts.
* Thanks to its laser targeting system, it is no longer needed to point the nose exactly at the target, just need to point it at the general direction.

'''Cons:'''

* Lacks radar and IRST for air-to-air combat.
* Lacks mid-range missiles.
* The cannon has a warm-up time before it can be launched.
* The cannon has a paltry ammunition capacity for its rate of fire, requiring stringent trigger discipline.
* Bad instantaneous turn and roll rate, making it hard to catch most windows at high-speed.
* R-60Ms are easily defeated by countermeasures.

== 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).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig_27m Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Q1MSq6KWibw|'''The Shooting Range #269''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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 MiG}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

MiG-23M

2021-09-18T11:08:33Z

U771415: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=mig_23m
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 13,000 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
| 2,349 || 2,346 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 35.4 || 35.5 || 149.5 || 144.6 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,369 || 2,358 || 34.6 || 35.0 || 192.3 || 169.9
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1423  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 524 || 450 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| 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="5" | 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="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-29-300 || 1
| colspan="2" | 11,155 kg || colspan="3" | 395 - 445 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 35m fuel
|-
| 1,780 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 12,367 kg || 13,462 kg || 14,615 kg || 15,195 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="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 35m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 7,950 kgf || 10,494 kgf
| 0.85 || 0.78 || 0.72 || 0.69 || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 8,268 kgf (1,400 km/h) || 12,987 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.05 || 0.96 || 0.89 || 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.''

=== 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}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)

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

{{main|OFAB-100 (100 kg)|FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)}}
{{main|R-3S|R-13M1|R-23R|R-23T|R-60}}
{{main|Kh-23M|S-5K|S-24B}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x R-3S missiles
* 16 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,600 kg total)
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,300 kg total)
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-3S missiles (800 kg total)
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-13M1 missiles (800 kg total)
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-60M missiles (800 kg total)
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-23R missiles (800 kg total)
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs + 2 x R-23T missiles (800 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-3S missiles (500 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-13M1 missiles (500 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-60M missiles (500 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-23R missiles (500 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 2 x R-23T missiles (500 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs + 64 x S-5K rockets (500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x R-3S missiles
* 2 x R-3S missiles + 2 x R-13M1 missiles
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 2 x R-13M1 missiles
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 2 x R-23R missiles
* 4 x R-60M missiles + 2 x R-23T missiles
* 4 x R-13M1 missiles
* 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 2 x R-23R missiles
* 2 x R-13M1 missiles + 2 x R-23T missiles
* 6 x R-60M missiles
* 2 x R-23R missiles
* 2 x R-23T missiles
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 96 x S-5K rockets
* 4 x S-24B rockets
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles

== Usage in battles ==


Two different tactics are recommended when flying the MiG-23M:

* Low altitude, high speed, side of the map. Try to get as much speed as possible maintaining a very low altitude and go to the right if you want a more head-on engagement or to the left if you want a side/back of the enemy attack position (in a majority of maps players go to their left). Better used with a squadron, the MiG-23M can eliminate several enemy aircraft if played right with 3 teammates and using the all-aspect IR-guided R-23T missile.
* High altitude, high speed, together with your team, BVR. Fly along with your team, maintain a high altitude until all enemy aircraft are below you, then make surprise attacks on enemies that are busy, normally use the R-23R to destroy the high altitude F-4s or F-104s with BVR missiles.

No matter which tactic though, it is recommended to engage your enemy from their front hemisphere, since you can carry all-aspect IR missiles. This way it leaves your enemy less time to react and dodge the missiles.

Also, since both the R-60Ms and the R-23Ts have a relatively wide FOV, it is recommended to lock the enemy using your IRST before engaging the missile lock to slave the missile, and better utilise their wide FOV.

Only use the R-60Ms at close range, around 1.5 km. They perform best under such range, and it also gives your enemy less reaction time to release the countermeasures, since R-60Ms are easily tricked by flares.

When in a 1v1 situation, try to use your great low-speed performance to trick the enemy into low speeds, especially when against Phantoms. When your speed drops below 400 km/h, manually control the wing to the most frontal position to improve your manoeuvrability.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very high low-altitude top speed, could outrun any of your opponents.
* Decent sustained turn rate.
* Reasonably high acceleration for its size.
* R-23T and R-60M all-aspect missiles.
* Variable swept-wing aircraft, allowing for decent performance at any speed.
* HUD displays speed and altitude information, most useful in simulator mode.
* Can carry 6 x R-60M AAMs.
* Contains IRST tracking system and decent radar that allows you to track aerial targets at ground level.
* Varied armament preset selection.

'''Cons:'''

* Underwhelming instantaneous turn rate, cannot pull some extreme windows easily.
* Loses quite a lot of speed in turns.
* Low countermeasure count.
* Low ammo count and low muzzle velocity for the GSh-23L cannon.
* R-60Ms are easily attracted by flares.
* R-23T / R-23R struggle in close combat.
* Radar is not on par with NATO counterparts.

== 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).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig_23m Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|I0Q3ZuD5o1U|'''The Shooting Range #255''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|wbRt9S_ZYes|'''How To Use IRST (Infrared Search and Track)''' - ''TeaRex''}}

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/7177-development-the-mig-23m-and-rank-vii-for-aviation-en|[Development] The MiG-23M and rank VII for aviation]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/526068-mig-23m Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}