Kfir C10 the old 4+ gen aircraft (Br 14+)
This thread focuses only the IAI Kfir C10 Blk 60 operated by Fuerza Aerospacial Colombiana (FAC) and this is the complete deepening and correction of 2 threads that were already there before the introduction of this vehicle in the game.
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Colombian Kfir C.10 (The ultimate kfir) - Other Nations - War Thunder - Official Forum
Colombian Kfir Block 60 (Upgraded C.10) for Israel
I will focus the investigation on its armament, avionics and I will try to prove to all you that the Ultimate Kfir version is a very interesting vehicle for the present and future of War Thunder if Gaijin sees the full potential as it is in the reality of the FAC. And finally, I’ll also try to provide a suggestion about the biggest problem with data information to apply to the vehicle in certain aspects for technology. Let’s get started.
Colosseum Project
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At the end of 2017, the last modernized Kfir was delivered. The company in charge of the upgrade was Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The modernization was extensive and included the latest technology in weapons, navigations and electronic systems, cockpit upgrades, recognition and targeting capabilities and the introduction of advance technologies such as multimision fire control radar, electronic warfare and self-protection suite, smart helmets (HMDs), and the Datalink interconnection system. All were integrated into the aircraft’s systems. The companies were Rafael Advance Systems and Elbit Systems (Elisra).
The sim air test: RedFlag 12-4 and 18-3
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The Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC) participated in NATO’s largest air combat exercise twice (in 2012 and 2018) with Squadron 111 “Dardos” and the KC-767 tanker aircraft. According to the IAI CEO at the time, in 2012, the modernized Kfirs shot down seven F-16 fighter jets and one F-15 during an air combat exercise and 9 in 2018, demonstrating the efficiency and power of Colombian fighters and pilots.
General characteristics
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Mission: Air-to-air combat (dca-oca-osat-acm-bfm), air-to-ground strategic attack (ai-cas), reconnaissance and imaging (recce-isr), aerial refueling (aar).
Power Plant:
- J79-GE-J1E (18.000 lb)
- Max speed 2.2 mach
- Range: 2000 Km
- Autonomy: 2 h (more with aar)
- Max Ceiling: 75000 ft
Max weight: 36.000 lbs
Payload: Anchor points: 9 with a capacity of 7,500 kg.
Air-to-Ground Armament (Official Information and Discussion)
The following information is based on official and public sources from the FAC and other academic sources related to the history of industry production in Israel. Any discrepancies between the in-game vehicle and official information will be marked with a question mark in parentheses (?) and suggestions with an exclamation point (!) for discussion.
Main Gun: Cañon DEFA 553 de 30mm(?)
Cohetes: SNEB 68mm - Matra LUA 100(?)
Bombs:
- IMC XUÉ PG Mk 81-82-83(?)(!)
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- LDGP Mk 82-83-84
- M117 cone bomb
- Snakeye high-drag bomb Mk82
- Matra Durandal BLU-107(!)
- GBU 12 Paveway II
- GBU 49 Paveway II
- LGB Griffin Bomb(!)
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The Griffin is a laser-guided bomb manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries’ MBT Missile Division. It has a range of 20–30 km and consists of a forward “seeker” section and a set of steerable tailplanes. The resulting guided munition features “trajectory shaping,” allowing the bomb to fall along a variety of trajectories, from a shallow angle to a vertical top-attack profile. IAI claims this gives the weapon a circular error probable of 5 meters. It entered service in Colombia in the 1990s and is also in the inventory of the Indian Air Force.
- Stand-off Kit Spice-1000(!)
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The SPICE Family of autonomous, air-to-surface weapon systems is part of today’s essential mix of aircraft weaponry. It includes SPICE 2000, SPICE 1000, and SPICE 250
The system converts general purpose and penetration warheads of 1000lbs and 2000lbs into ultra-smart precision, stand-off strike weapons capable of extremely accurate, simultaneous, high-volume attacks. Incorporating an E/O seeker with advanced scene-matching algorithms – as well as sophisticated navigation, guidance and homing technologies – the systems are agnostic to GPS-denied environments. They enable operation from significant stand-off ranges, delivering first-strike capability with minimum collateral damage.
Stand-Off Range:
SPICE 2000 - 60 km
SPICE 1000 - 125 km
Discussion (?)(!):
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Starting with the Kfir’s DEFA Cannon: The story is based on the modification by LAHAV (IAI) to the French cannon and introduced after Israel acquired the DEFA 552A cannon with the Mirage III Shahak, later the DEFA 553 was modified and introduced in the A-4N Ayit modified. It may be true that the first variants of the Kfir and Nesher were equipped with the DEFA 552A, but the Colombian Kfir C10 was exported with the 553 variant modified by Israel that is not applied in the game.
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Concerning national produced bombs, The argument is based on their absence in the game because, compared to other vehicles from smaller nations included in the game, these have national weapons from their industries (For example: Brazilian BAFG bomb of the AMX aircraft). This could be a detail that improves the quality of the game.
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Regarding rockets, the FAC inventory contains the 68mm SNEB rockets acquired with the Mirage M5 and inherited to the Kfir, it also has 70mm Skyfire rockets but these equip attck helicopters and I did not find evidence to support their equipment in the Kfir.
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Finally, about suggestions: The Griffin bomb is missing from the Israeli nation’s arsenal in the game due to the inclusion of GBUs on their American aircraft. In-game, the Matra Durandal anti-runway bomb (and anti-runway bombs in general) is not available and could be a great addition to the US, French, and Israeli arsenals. Finally, about the Spice family it may be an excellent future option because this is advance technology and have very long range, This weapon would help Kfir significantly in CAS battles.
Air-to-Air Missiles (Discussion):
The Kfir’s air-to-air armament is an important part of the discussion. The FAC has acquired modern missiles from the Israeli industry and is a regional benchmark for its deterrent capability.
Short Range Missiles:
- Python 3(?)
- Python 4(?)
- Python 5(!)
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The Python 4 was introduced in 1993, being developed off of the Python 3. The main improvements were the addition of new IRCCM technology for better resistance against flares and other false heat targets and greatly improved aerodynamics.
The Python-5 is a fifth-generation air-to-air missile (AAM) manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It is the newest member of the Python family of air-to-air missiles and can engage enemy aircraft from very short ranges to beyond-visual-range distances. It employs a dual-waveband focal plane array (FPA), with LOBL and LOAL capability and full-sphere.
Longe Range Missiles:
- Derby(?)
- I-Derby(!)
- I-Derby-ER(!)
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The I-DERBY and I-DERBY-ER are improved versions of the regular DERBY ARH, with new ECCM technology introduced with the I-DERBY and the I-DERBY-ER receiving an enhanced booster to increase its effective range. Rafael’s I-Derby ER missile is a long-range air-to-air missile with a 100km range and dual-pulse rocket motor and active radar seeker, providing combat aircraft with exceptional performance advantages at both short and beyond-visual-range ranges. The missile has fire-and-forget capabilities, allowing the operator to engage multiple targets simultaneously.
Discussion(?)(!):
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The Kfir C10 is the earliest and weakest version in the game. As the next generation of missiles (4th and 5th IR and ARH) are introduced, I suppose that this will affect the BR, as it will be more advanced weaponry. Here, the interesting and problematic aspects of the Kfir begin to become apparent, as the mechanics that the game includes with vehicles like the Rafale, EF-2000, and others (Datalink, MAWS, LWR, etc.) cease to be an advantage and become necessary. The progressive introduction of more advanced vehicles (F16 Viper, F-15 EX, Su-30Mk2, Su-35, F-16I Sufa, Gripen Ng, J-10C, etc.) and modern mechanics (EW, ELINT/COMINT, etc.) will consequently bring the corresponding latest-generation weaponry. The Kfir C10 will enter those leagues due to its latest armament.
Kfir C10 Technology (Old Body, Young Mind) Analysis and Discussion
Note: I must say that the information related to some technology is NOT confirmed by the FAC, as the technologies used in the modernized Kfir C10 are classified and a state secret (act 1070 of 2015). Therefore, I will mark with (!) information from my analysis and the information is based on a compilation of public data from the FAC, as well as hypotheses derived from analysis of photographs and documents from Rafael Advance Systems, Elbit Systems, and related sources.
AESA Radar Elta EL/M-2052
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EL/M-2052 is an advanced multi-mode, phased array, Pulse Doppler Fire Control Radar (FCR) designed for modern combat aircraft. The radar enables fighter pilots to attain air superiority, execute strike missions and achieve a high-level of multi-domain Situational Awareness. The radar is based on solidstate Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology with fast agile beam assignment. This enables the radar to detect and identify threats at long ranges, simultaneously track multiple air and surface targets, and execute multi-missions.
Observation Capacity and Objective Targeting
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RECCELITE Pods: As part of RAFAEL’s family of advanced aerial and ground electro-optical systems, the RECCELITE system enables Persistent Wide Area Surveillance and Border Monitoring, providing high-resolution, real-time images over a wide coverage area ‒ from both stand-in and stand off ranges. The system consists of an airborne pod, a wideband digital D/L, and a ground exploitation station. This combination enables the provision of intelligence products, based on electro-optical collection with real-time data interpretation tools, allowing the user to find the right intelligence at the right time. The extended stand-off ranges of over 80km allows generation of actionable intelligence ‒ without exposing the aircraft and crew to the enemy.
LITENING Pod: LITENING is the world’s most widely-used, combat-proven targeting and navigation pod. It incorporates a wide array of sensors enabling target detection, recognition, and identification. Known for its ability to shorten the sensor-to-shooter cycle, LITENING-5 provides electro-optical tracking of multiple stationary and dynamic targets. Its open architecture and vacant internal space enable integration of numerous capabilities and growth potential, such as SAR, ELINT, and more. LITENING’s advanced operational capabilities enhance the fighter’s mission and effectiveness of the combat range through all types of smart air-to-surface weaponry including laser-guided, GPS-guided, and EO/IR imaging-guided munitions.
HMDs and Datalink Airborne Systems(!)
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TARGO II (!)
The Targo 2 HMD system is a development by Elbit Systems. It integrates advanced technology mounted on the pilot’s helmet and is linked to the Kfir aircraft’s integral system, allowing it to operate day and night with an NVG system. It is a visually assisted display for designating and tracking targets across a 360-degree area of the aircraft. Its display provides general HUD information and links to the Kfir’s RWR system. Targo 2 also connects to the aircraft’s Datalink system, allowing it to detect air, ground, and sea targets with other allied aircraft during operations.
Datalink System(!)
The communications and data link system used by the FAC’s 111th Combat Squadron was implemented in the modernization of the Kfir aircraft. Although the specific system is not officially confirmed, I assume it could be the StarLite MR developed by Elbit Systems, which has the following main characteristics:
Operational Range: 150 km
Frequency: L or C Bands
Controlled Data Transmission: Up to 8 Mbps
Transmission Power: 36/33 dBm
Weight: 600 g.
Furthermore, Colombia is one of NATO’s Global Partners and therefore also operates a joint LINK-16 data link system.
Electronic Warfare and Electronic Countermeasures Systems(!)
Officially, the FAC claims that the aircraft DOES HAVE integrated Advance Electronic Warfare (EW) and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) capabilities, and that these are Israeli-made by the Elisra Group subsidiary of Elbit Systems. But the name and its specific characteristics are classified (I’m sure this is the case in all electrónic defense companies from countries) for this reason I would like to respond and offer a proposal to solve this problem for the Kfir, which faces and will face aircraft that do have these systems as mechanics in the game.
Integrated Advance Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures Suite System
Only through careful analysis resulting from the connotation between photographic observation of the aircraft and Elisra’s product documentation, also review in aviation magazines and specialized forums, can I suggest that the Suite is composed of the following systems:
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EMERALD AES-212 (EW)
The EMERALD AES-212 is an operational and field-proven ESM/ELINT system optimized for various types of manned and unmanned marine and aerial platforms. Based on the most advanced technologies, EMERALD AES-212 simultaneously detects and identifies multiple radars and their direction, including target positioning (for aerial applications).
It acquires radar signals at a very high level of accuracy, clearly distinguishes between them, and identifies them according to a predefined mission library. It measures the electronic parameters emitted by each radar, rapidly processes the data, and graphically displays it for the operator in real time. The system can be integrated with stand-off jamming capabilities as part of a mission aircraft suite for combined EW and Intelligence missions.
SPECTROLITE SPS-65-V-5 (ECM)
Spectrolite’s “All in One” state-of-the-art, incorporating flexible architecture of latest proven Integrated Digital receivers design. It maintains peak operational combat readiness to maximize the investment with continuously adapting to new threat environments and extended life cycle. Integrated for 3 subsystems:
- SPS-20, a Wide Band Digital Receiver which detects Pulse & CW radars within the low band to 18 GHz frequency range.
- NBDR-25, a Narrow Band Digital Receiver add-on to the SPS-20 for detecting CW, high PRF and low ERP radars
- LWS-20 sensors which receive laser pulses aimed at the aircraft, processed by the SPS-20 Analyzer provide IR MWS.
All systems are integrated and displayed on the aircraft’s MFDs as well as on the helmet. The following antennas are part of these possible systems, differentiating the RWR system from the EW and LWS, and the communications and DataLink antenna:
Discussion(!)
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Official sources confirm the Kfir’s EW and ECM capabilities, due to the integration of more antennas in the aircraft confirms this technology (as demonstrated in the images) and I understand Gaijin’s (last-minute) decision to delay the introduction of MAWS, LWR, and a more advanced RWR, based on the lack of specifications and the absence of a similar system in the game (Israeli-made). However, I disagree with the bugreport manager’s statement, “It doesn’t exist on the aircraft,” because it is contradictory, the absence of names and specifications (due to the protection of classified information) does NOT mean that Kfir does not have these systems. Because the developers of this great game stick to reality, in this case they have the opportunity to include systems that can also be used for future vehicles (No mistake in assuming which systems) for example when branch vehicles such as F-16I Sufa, F-15I modified, F-35I Adir, etc. are included. The Kfir C10 Block 60 will need these mechanics, which, while significantly increasing the BR, will faithfully represent reality.
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Brief Conclusions
- The Kfir C10 Block 60 is one of the most advanced 3rd-generation aircraft, integrating 4th-gen+ technology.
- The Kfir DOES HAVE Israeli-made ECM self-protection systems.
- The Kfir DOES HAVE EW Israeli-made systems
- This vehicle in-game should be significantly updated, solving and including several aspects to reflect reality.
- The Kfir, in its full version (weapons and technology), will be able to fight at a higher BR (14+) in the future.
Sources
Webgraphy:
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https://www.fac.mil.co/es/conozcanos/aeronaves/kfir
https://www.rafael.co.il/
https://www.elbitsystems.com/
https://www.indumil.gov.co/
Israel’s Arms Industry
https://www.infodefensa.com/
https://www.defensa.com/
The evolution of Israeli air-to-air missiles | War Thunder Wiki
Books
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Los Ojos del Águila: El conflicto armado interno desde la perspectiva de los
pilotos de la Fuerza Aérea Colombiana 1985 - 2007. (2021) FAC -
Superioridad Aérea: Una Comprensión Amplia de Enfoque Nacional (2020) Escuela Superior de Guerra “General Rafael Reyes Prieto”
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Victorias desde el aire: La Fuerza aérea colombiana y el término del conflicto armado (2019) FAC
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Manual de la Doctrina Básica Aérea, Espacial y Ciberespacial. (FAC)
Specialized magazines
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- Revista Aeronáutica (FAC)
- CombatAircraft Magazine Volume 18 (No. 11) Key
- Revista TecnoESUFA
Others
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Debates recientes | América Militar: información sobre defensa, seguridad y geopolítica
https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Military-Review/
https://zonamilitar.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p21hsED_dJA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuznHD1yiJw&t=21s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtp7Btu8-bY&t=1078s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oqy0HYupEQ&t=506s
