The original Kfir prototype which first flew on October 19, 1970 was a combination of the Dassault Mirage III airframe with the GE-J79 afterburning turbojet of the F-4 Phantom II. Produced in small numbers in 1972, 25 aircraft were eventually leased to the US Navy and Marine Corps as F-21As. Approximately 125 Kfirs remain in service today with Israel, as well as Columbia and Equador.
Prime Contractor: Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd.
Nation of Origin: Israel
Function: Multi-role fighter
Crew: 1
Year: 1970
In-service year: 1972 as C1
Engine: One General Electric J79-J1E afterburning turbojet, 18,750 lb thrust
Dimensions
Wingspan: 8.22 m / 27 ft
Length: 15.65 m / 51 ft 5 in
Height: 4.55 m / 14 ft 11 in
Weight: 16,060 lb empty / 36,376 lb max. take off
Ceiling: 58,000 ft
Speed: 2,440 km/h / 1,516 mph at high altitude
Armament: Two DEFA 553 30mm cannons with 140 rounds each, plus up to 13,415 lb including AAMs, cluster bombs, free-fall bombs, laser guided bombs, Durandal anti-runway bombs, AGM-65 Maverick ASMs, napalm tanks, ECM pods, or drop tanks
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