The story
When France embargoed Israel in 1967, Israel obtained the Mirage 5 drawings and built its own. The Kfir took that airframe, fitted the heavier American J79 engine from the Phantom, and added canards on the intakes to keep it agile. The US Navy and Marines flew leased Kfirs as adversary aircraft in the 1980s, and civilian contractor ATAC still flies them against US military pilots in training. Colombia still flies them too, with Gripens ordered as replacements.
The US Navy flew 25 leased Kfirs as the F-21A from 1985 to 1989, so an Israeli-built jet trained a generation of American fighter pilots.
Quick answers
How do you identify a IAI Kfir?
A Mirage delta wing with small canards on the intakes and a tail cone that is shorter and fatter than a Mirage's, to fit the J79. ATAC jets fly in grey; Colombian ones in camouflage.
What does a IAI Kfir sound like?
The J79's crackling thunder, the same engine note as an F-4 Phantom.
How fast is the IAI Kfir?
Top speed is 1,317 kts.
How many people does the IAI Kfir carry?
Typical configuration: Single-seat fighter.
How far can the IAI Kfir fly?
Range is about 540 nmi (combat, attack).
How big is the IAI Kfir?
It is 51 ft 4 in long and 26 ft 11 in across the wings.
When did the IAI Kfir first fly?
Its first flight was in 1973.
How many IAI Kfirs have been built?
220+ built.
What do crews call the IAI Kfir?
The Kfir.
How rare is a IAI Kfir in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first IAI Kfir catch is worth 250 points.
