- Yes
- No
G’day once again lads. I’ve seen that Israel lacks aircraft by a considerable amount, hence why I’m suggesting a vehicle for Israel’s air tech tree, which would be the Kfir 2000!
Description:
Spoiler
The Kfir 2000 is a modernized version of the original IAI Kfir, a combat aircraft developed by Israel Aerospace Industries. It’s also sometimes known as the Kfir C.10 or Kfir CE (Ecuador C.10) because this prototype is essentially the early variant of the Kfir C.10. This updated model boasts several enhancements that significantly improve its performance and capabilities compared to your usual earlier Kfir’s.
One of the biggest improvements of the Kfir 2000 is the incorporation of the Elta EL/M-2032 radar. This advanced radar system greatly improves the aircraft’s ability to detect and track targets. So yes, you finally don’t have a radar rangefinder anymore but a useful radar! In addition to this, the Kfir 2000 is equipped with a Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) and two 127x177mm Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), providing the pilot with critical flight and combat information. Something important to note is that the radar gives it the ability to fire the Derby missile, aswell as the Python-4 (technically Python-5 too, but it wasn’t available at the time), and of course older missiles like the Python-3. The Kfir 2000 maintains the single-engine, single-seat configuration of its predecessor, but it also features a more powerful engine, larger air intakes for the engine, a lengthened nose, and a redesigned cockpit. It also includes Israeli avionics and systems, and a unique air inlet at the lower front end of the fin.
The aircraft’s performance specs are similar to the former Kfir variants, with a top speed of 2445 km/h, a service ceiling of 17,678 m, and a range of 770 km. These features, along with its advanced avionics and systems, make the Kfir 2000 a formidable aircraft in modern aerial combat.
The Kfir 2000 has seen export success, with countries like Ecuador upgrading their existing Kfir fleets to the Kfir 2000 standard. The Kfir-2000 continues to serve as a reliable and effective front-line fighter in several air forces around the world, except now it’s named like i previously said the Kfir C.10/CE.
History:
Spoiler
In the late 1990s, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) embarked on a project to upgrade the Kfir aircraft for export. This led to the creation of the Kfir 2000, available in two versions - C10 and C12. The C10 was equipped with an advanced ELTA-2032 radar system capable of detecting and tracking air, ground, and sea targets, and guiding weapon systems. The C12, on the other hand, had a radio range station in place of the full-fledged radar, similar to earlier C2 and C7 models.
The Kfir 2000 was a formidable aircraft, armed with modern RAFAEL air-to-air missiles from the Python and Derby families. It was capable of supersonic interception and retained its strike capabilities, able to launch precision weapons day and night. The aircraft also had an air refueling system, extending its operational radius and air time.
In 1999, Ecuador signed a contract for two Kfir 2000 aircraft, known as Kfir CE, and upgraded their existing Kfir fleet to the C2/C10 standard. Despite its origins in a design from the 1960s, the Kfir 2000 remains a capable fighter aircraft due to these continuous upgrades. Infact, the Kfir 2000 shown at the very start with the number 914 prototype was sold to Ecuador as the Kfir CE!
Above is a rare photo of a Kfir 2000 that was photographed during a factory test flight, even before painting in the colors of the customer. Something special is that it can be seen having a LITENING pod, which means the guided weapons (which will I’ll talk about later in the suggestion) can be guided by the aircraft itself!
Armaments:
Spoiler
2 DEFA 553 30mm cannons
Up to 4 Python 3/4 or 2 (perhaps even 4) Derby’s
All the former unguided bombs the older Kfir variants could carry
Guided bombs like the Paveway series and Griffin series with LITENING to guide them
TALD (decoy?) missiles
^ This is the Columbian C.10, which as i mentioned above is pretty much an advanced Kfir 2000, as you can see it can carry Paveways, and considering the Kfir 2000 had LITENING, it could most likely carry them too.
Specifications:
Spoiler
In terms of specs, the Kfir 2000 weights 7.285kg empty with a max takeoff weight of 16.200kg.
It features a wingspan of 8,22m, a wing area of 34,8m², the length of 15,65m and lastly a heigth of 4,55m, however, it is important to note that these could be bigger because of the new additions that were given to the Kfir 2000! Like all fighter variants of the Kfir, it can only carry a single crewmember. Powering this aircraft is your usual General Electric J79-J1E, giving it the engine power of 52,9 dry and with afterburner 83,4 kN aka 11900 dry and 18750 lbf with afterburner. As i said before, this gives it the speed of 2445 km/h, a service ceiling of 17,678 m, and a range of 770 km. It features normal countermeasures like flares (of course), a ballistic computer and an RWR.
Sources:
Spoiler
F-21 Kfir/Kfir Block 60 Fighter Jet | Thai Military and Asian Region
Israel Aircraft Industries Kfir CE - Ecuador - Air Force | Aviation Photo #1822617 | Airliners.net
In heaven and on earth. Part of 4. Instead of an epilogue
Griffin laser-guided bomb (LGB) system (Israel) - Jane's Air-Launched Weapons
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information about the Kfir 2000, then feel free to share them in the replies, as information is quite scarce on it! As always, have a good day :)
