Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!att!cbnews!military From: amoss%batata.Huji.AC.IL%CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU (Amos Shapira) Newsgroups: sci.military Subject: Lavi Message-ID: <7781@cbnews.ATT.COM> Date: 27 Jun 89 02:38:42 GMT Sender: military@cbnews.ATT.COM Lines: 37 Approved: military@att.att.com From: Amos Shapira The Lavi fighter (or, more accurately, a multi-role aircraft. specializing in attack and ground support, interdiction and penetration of heavily defended airspace), was conceived as a replacement for the Kfir. Its main problem was Israel's inability to disassociate itself from US technology (engine, main wing surfaces, tail surfaces and parts of the body, most manufactured by Grumman). The craft performed about 50 test flights before being scrapped. Aircraft controls and cabin layout were standard, as it was found that the canted chair of the F-16 caused neck cramps in some cases, and the side stick caused space to be wasted on the sideboards. Fly by wire throughout, with new multi-mode radar made by Elta (which is/was tested and converted aboard a C-707 after Lavi was cancelled), MFDs, digital displays and some other gadgetry. Distributed computer management for the entire aircraft. 6 fesulage pylons, 4 underwing pylons, 2 wingtip missile rails. Total armament weight ~7000kg. Max speed (clean, high alt) >1900kph (2000lb of Mk80 + 2 AAMs, low alt) >1100kph (eight M117 + 2 AAMs, low alt) >990kph Combat radius (eight M117, + 2 AAMs, low alt) >450km The aircraft was killed off by the US government. Rumours contend that the entire development programme was transferred to the RSA, together with a large number of laid-off engineers. Marc A. Volovic