IAI Kfir Block 60

Gestart door Ace1, 30/12/2014 | 22:05 uur

Huzaar1

Ja, maar dat is geen directe doorvertaling naar de kosten die zij hebben gemaakt.

Die markt, Dat is vraag en aanbod, en wie wil er nu een oud toestel. Die markt is klein. En daar past colombia perfect in.
"Going to war without France is like going deer hunting without your accordion" US secmindef - Jed Babbin"

Ace1

Citaat van: Huzaar1 op 04/01/2023 | 22:29 uur
Israeliers hebben die hele  f-414 leeg getrokken en voorzien van eigen electronica en software. Is nou niet dat ze zitten te programmeren met op onwerkbare oude zooi.

Zal niet veel meer moeite zijn dan de overige tuigen van hun vloot. Kost allemaal heel veel geld, maar in huis.

Voor $50 miljoen heb je een Kfir NG met 0 uren en voorzien van een F-414 motor, nieuwe avonica, een AESA radar, een glas cockpit en Fly-by-wire ( FBW ).

Huzaar1

#30
Israeliers hebben die hele  f-414 leeg getrokken en voorzien van eigen electronica en software. Is nou niet dat ze zitten te programmeren met op onwerkbare oude zooi.

Zal niet veel meer moeite zijn dan de overige tuigen van hun vloot. Kost allemaal heel veel geld, maar in huis.
"Going to war without France is like going deer hunting without your accordion" US secmindef - Jed Babbin"

Ace1

#29
Overigens heb ik zeer veel respect voor de Israelische luchtvaart en defensie industrie omdat men er nog steeds in slaagt de Kfir van updates te voldoen, deze keer de integratie van de General Electric F-414  motor.  De  F-414 die lichter en kleiner is, minder brandstof verbruikt en meer vermogen levert.

Als pluspunt schept de wijziging naar F414 motor, ruimte voor de toevoeging van een brandstoftank van ongeveer 1000 liter.

Ten slotte zal de Kfir, om met deze verhoogde belasting te kunnen opstijgen en opereren, worden uitgerust met nieuwe welvingskleppen , bijgestaan door een Fly-By-Wire vluchtsysteem.


jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)

Citaat van: Ace1 op 03/01/2023 | 22:02 uur
Dat gaat gewoon een Kfir NG worden.


Zou kunnen maar... ik sluit de Griepen E zeker nog niet uit. men gaat in dat land opzoek naar nieuwe financiering. De Gripen E is in aanschafprijs inmiddels te vergelijken met de F-35A maar in exploitatie het meest budget vriendelijke westerse volwaardige gevechtsvliegtuig.

De race is nog niet gelopen.

Ace1

Kfir NG upgrade pitched to Colombia

The IAI Kfir NG was pitched at this years Paris Airshow being offered to the Colombian Air Force. The NG stands for next generation, upgrading the platform with a more advanced AESA radar and the GE F414 engine used in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. These upgrades will increase the aircrafts thrust to weight ratio as the GE F414 provides more thrust than the J79. The F414 produces 22,000 lbf (97.9 kN) With full Afterburner.

It is unclear if the Kfirs will be new builds or upgrades of the existing Kfirs. The Colombian Air Force currently operates 20 Kfir C7s and 1 TC2. The existing Kfirs in Colombian service use ELTA EL/M2021B radars. The offer is similar to the Kfir C10 pitched to Argentina.

The Kfir is Colombia?s primary fixed wing fighter aircraft and the only fighter type in service. The force is designed to provide air defense of the country?s borders, in particular from neighboring Venezuela which possesses a larger fighter force. The Kfir also has a robust ground attack capability being able to deliver ordinance, including the Mk82, Mk84 and AGM-65. Unguided rockets such as the 68 mm SNEB can also be employed.

https://www.gladiusds.com/news/kfir-ng-upgrade-pitched-to-colombia/

Ace1

#26
Citaat van: bergd op 03/01/2023 | 12:12 uur
Het wordt geen van beide
https://www.aviacionline.com/2023/01/no-rafale-no-gripen-colombian-air-force-fails-to-close-new-fighter-deal-and-kfir-fleet-wont-have-a-replacement/

Dat gaat gewoon een Kfir NG worden.

Dat houdt in dat de General Electric J79 vervangen wordt door de General Electric F414, nieuwe avoncia en een  AESA radar

Ace1

Developed By Israel, Designed For Asia – Meet 'Re-Engineered' Kfir Fighter Jet That Resembles The Mirage 2000

The Sri Lanka Air Force's (SLAF) five Israeli-made Kfir fighter jets will reportedly get a $50 million upgrade with new sensors, electronics, and avionics from the plane's maker itself – the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The enhancement of operational capabilities of the fighter jet will allow the SLAF even more complex missions than it is currently capable of, which includes rapid air interdiction and ground strike. It has been using the Kfirs since 1995-96 when it first acquired the six Kfir C.2s and a single-seat trainer TC.2.

The all-weather, multirole, and Mach 2-capable jet was Israel's second domestically produced fighter, an evolution of the first IAI's Nesher, itself an evolution of the largely based on the French Mirage 5.

The Israelis had studied, reverse-engineered, and obtained detailed technical details and blueprints to eventually develop heavily improved and capable fighters – often considered a symbol of the Jewish nation's techno-industrial capability.

The Kfir instantly resembles the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Mirage-2000, with the delta-wing design. But it also sports swept-back canards over the engine air-intakes and a non-protruding exhaust.

The Kfir Upgrade Program
The project involves installing highly advanced electronics, radar, sensors, networking and data linking devices, communication systems, and new helmets, which are believed to have Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) visors.

These upgrades push the aircraft to the 4+ generation category that makes a single plane quite capable of undertaking a multitude of roles and operational flexibility.

IAI is also expected to impart technical skills and knowledge to SLAF personnel with handling and maintaining the new equipment in the island nation's local facilities. In 2012 and 2018, the Colombian Air Force's Kfir fleet participated in the United States Red Flag exercise, alongside the US Air Force and other air forces.

The Kfir displayed exceptional capabilities throughout the exercise, going toe to toe with the F-15, F-16, and other participating aircraft. The Colombian jets themselves had undergone an extensive overhaul recently by the IAI itself.

"I am proud that IAI's Kfir has been chosen by customers around the world, including in the United States and as the Colombian Air Force's primary fighter jet. I am grateful to Sri Lanka's Air Force for choosing to renew their Kfir selection and continue using the Kfir as their Multi-Role Combat Aircraft.

I believe this deal is an early step in preparing for future upgrades to the advanced model KNG (Kfir New Generation)," said Yossi Melamed, IAI Executive VP and GM of IAI's Aviation Group.

IAI's Aviation Group has many years of experience upgrading military and commercial aircraft. The group undertakes projects on aircraft including executive jets, avionics, structural assemblies, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO), conversion of passenger airplanes to freighter configuration, etc for air forces, airlines, and major defense companies.

Some of its clients include the Israel Air Force, US Air Force, Lockheed Martin and Boeing.  A similar project was undertaken with the Indian Air Force (IAF), where its 1960s Russian-origin vintage MiG-21 Bisons were upgraded with advanced electronics and HMDs, marking the company's specialization in being able to work on foreign origin planes with its own top-of-the-line systems.

https://eurasiantimes.com/developed-by-israel-designed-for-asia-meet-re-engineered-kfir-fighter-jet-that-resembles-the-mirage-2000/

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Ace1

Kfir fighters offered to Africa

The Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Kfir Block 60 fighter aircraft that were intended to be sold to Argentina are now being offered to an African country.

Officials from that country recently visited Israel to negotiate the purchase of the upgraded fighter aircraft and other systems like different types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Argentina last year halted negotiations about a possible purchase of 12-14 upgraded Kfir Block 60 fighters. Israeli sources said on 15 March that "political reasons" caused negotiations to end.

Other sources said that the US objected the sale. The Kfir is powered by a US-made J79 engine. The Block 60 is offered by IAI with a J79 engine with zero hours after a total overhaul and Elta 2032 AESA radar.

Kfir fighters are in service with the air forces of Sri Lanka, Ecuador and Colombia. The latter's have been upgraded with Elta EL/M-2032 radar, Rafael Litening targeting pod, aerial refuelling capability and improved cockpit displays.

According to sources in Argentina, the Argentinean government received a proposal from Paris for the acquisition of between 20 to 24 second-hand Dassault Mirage 2000C fighter jets.

IAI subsequently sought to sell the Kfirs elsewhere, such as to the United States for 'Red Air' aggressor training. Options include private companies ATAC and Draken International.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51240:kfir-fighters-offered-to-africa&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107

Ace1

IAI outlines Kfir developments for Colombia, Sri Lanka, ATAC

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has noted a number of developments for its Kfir fighter, including the conclusion of an upgrade programme for Colombia, plans to upgrade and return to service aircraft for Sri Lanka, and ongoing efforts to sell additional aircraft to a US 'Red Air' contractor.

Speaking to Jane's on 12 December, a senior IAI official said that the last of 22 upgraded Block 60 Kfirs was being returned to the Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana: FAC) on the same day, while the company is in talks with the Sri Lankan government to upgrade and return to service its five grounded Kfir fighters. Further to these two efforts, IAI is also continuing discussions with Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) about adding to its Kfir fleet with aircraft previously earmarked for Argentina.

With regard to the Colombian upgrade, the president and general manager of IAI's LAHAV Division, Benjamin Cohen, explained, "Colombia is receiving today the last of 22 Block 60 Kfirs that have been upgraded with new 4.5 Generation avionics. This gives the aircraft a very high capability that is comparable to the F-16 Block 52. This work was done in Colombia, and we have also delivered two new upgraded".

FAC Kfir aircraft participated in the US Air Force's 'Red Flag' exercise in 2012, since when they have received the upgrades. "The newly modernised aircraft are now ready for the next 'Red Flag' to be held between February and March," Cohen said, adding, "Previously they have shown a very good performance, and I hope that this time they will do even better." While the FAC said in 2013 that it was looking for a replacement for the Kfir, Cohen feels that this plan is no longer being pursued. "As I understand it they will now continue with them, or why else upgrade them?

https://www.janes.com/article/76335/iai-outlines-kfir-developments-for-colombia-sri-lanka-atac

Sparkplug

A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

ARM-WAP

Kan nog interessant worden, zo'n toestellen voor de Argentijnen.

Then again, hun Super Etendards lijken het einde te naderen en de Kfirs lijken geen long range air-to-ground capaciteit te hebben.
De Britten zouden de Fransen hebben laten verstaan dat 'assistentie' voor het ondersteunen en eventueel upgraden tot SEM-niveau (Super Etendard Modernisé) niet acceptabel is.
De Fransen zouden sedert het uit dienst stellen van hun SEM geen verkoop van nog vliegwaardige SEMs of onderdelen ervan aan de Argentijnen gedaan hebben, hoewel de vraag er blijkbaar wel was.


Sparkplug

Argentinian Kfir negotiations set to resume

04 January, 2017 | SOURCE: Flightglobal.com | BY: Arie Egozi | Tel Aviv

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has so far exported 40 Kfir Block 60 upgraded fighter aircraft, and plans to assemble and upgrade another 12-14 for Argentina.

Sources say negotiations about the proposed sale to Argentina are about to resume, following two previous rounds of talks that did not result in a contract.

Sources in Latin America say the price of the proposed deal is the main stumbling block, but "not the only one".

The Kfir Block 60 is the latest version of the fighter, which includes J-79 engines. It also takes the aircraft back to zero flight hours after a total overhaul, and will cover the next 1,600 flight hours before another overhaul is required.

The upgraded fighter carries an Elta 2032 active electronically scanned array radar, and will have an open architecture that will allow the customer to install other systems.

According to Elta, the radar provides an all-aspect, look-down, shoot-down performance, operating simultaneous multi-mode air-to-air and advanced strike missions.

Kfir jets are in service with the air forces of Colombia, Ecuador and Sri Lanka.

The Colombian air force has upgraded its Kfirs to the existing level, dubbed C-10/12, which includes an Elta EL/M-2032 radar, a Rafael Litening targeting pod, a head-up display colour cockpit, and an aerial refuelling system.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/argentinian-kfir-negotiations-set-to-resume-432865/
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)

Citaat van: Ace1 op 10/03/2016 | 18:51 uur
Israël  heeft voor export en upgraden van vliegtuigem die in Israël gebouwd zijn met avionics die van eigen bodem is geen toestemming van de VS nodig en de   General Electric J79 motort wordt niet meer geproduceerd maar die werd  in Israël  in een licentie door  Beit Shemesh Engines Ltd  geproduceerd  en deze zullen voldoende onderdelen daarvan op voorraad hebben.

Nu denk ik dat je de VS militaire "hulp' aan Israël onderschat.

Bij licentieproducten weet ik niet hoeverre men daar invloed op heeft.

Ace1

Citaat van: jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter) op 10/03/2016 | 17:01 uur
Technisch is vast veel mogelijk als er budget is en de deal niet wordt getorpedeerd door de Amerikanen al dan niet op verzoek van de Britten.

Israël  heeft voor export en upgraden van vliegtuigem die in Israël gebouwd zijn met avionics die van eigen bodem is geen toestemming van de VS nodig en de   General Electric J79 motort wordt niet meer geproduceerd maar die werd  in Israël  in een licentie door  Beit Shemesh Engines Ltd  geproduceerd  en deze zullen voldoende onderdelen daarvan op voorraad hebben.

jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)

#16
Citaat van: Ace1 op 10/03/2016 | 16:57 uur
Zou het technisch mogelijk om die Neshers die Argentinië om te bouwen tot  Kfirs Block 60? Zowel de  Nesher als de  Kfir zijn een gemodificeerde versie van de Dassault Mirage 5 met de  General Electric J79 motor die op  Lockheed F-104 Starfighter en de McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II zat en zowel in de  Nesher als de  Kfir zit  avionics die in Israël werd geproduceerd.

Technisch is vast veel mogelijk als er budget is en de deal niet wordt getorpedeerd door de Amerikanen al dan niet op verzoek van de Britten.

Per saldo zou ik voor een andere optie kiezen, iets met koehandel, corned beef voor SU30/35 om maar een, voor Nederland,  bekend voorbeeld te benoemen.

Ace1

Zou het technisch mogelijk om die Neshers die Argentinië om te bouwen tot  Kfirs Block 60? Zowel de  Nesher als de  Kfir zijn een gemodificeerde versie van de Dassault Mirage 5 met de  General Electric J79 motor die op  Lockheed F-104 Starfighter en de McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II zat en zowel in de  Nesher als de  Kfir zit  avionics die in Israël werd geproduceerd.

JdL

Citaat van: Sparkplug op 10/03/2016 | 16:45 uur
Dat hadden zij. Sinds afgelopen 30 november is de complete Mirage vloot inclusief aanverwante types buiten dienst gesteld. Zie ook onderstaande link.
http://www.janes.com/article/56373/argentina-retires-dassault-mirage-fleet
Ik herinner me nu idd een artikel in de AFM waarin de laatste oefening van de fingers en daggers werd beschreven.
'The goal is world peace, and to do so you must have strength' Ronald Reagan

Sparkplug

Citaat van: JdL op 10/03/2016 | 16:41 uur
Argentinië heeft/had toch ook Neshers die natuurlijk ook uit Israel komen

Dat hadden zij. Sinds afgelopen 30 november is de complete Mirage vloot inclusief aanverwante types buiten dienst gesteld. Zie ook onderstaande link.
http://www.janes.com/article/56373/argentina-retires-dassault-mirage-fleet
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

JdL

#12
Argentinië heeft/had toch ook Neshers die natuurlijk ook uit Israel komen?
'The goal is world peace, and to do so you must have strength' Ronald Reagan

Sparkplug

Argentina and Israel resume Kfir sale talks

By Arie Egozi, Tel Aviv | 10 March 2016

Argentina and Israel have resumed negotiations covering the potential sale of 14 Israel Aerospace Industries Kfir Block 60 fighter aircraft, after the parties broke off talks following elections in the South American country in October 2015.

Up until that point, all indicators pointed to a likely contract signature in November.

The Block 60 aircraft, previously operated by the Israeli air force, are the latest upgraded version of the indigenous fighter that has been flying for 40 years.

It is powered by GE Aviation J79 engines and will carry an Elta 2032 active electronically scanned array radar and will have an open architecture to allow the customer to install other systems.

Kfir jets are in service with the air forces of Sri Lanka, Ecuador and Colombia.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/argentina-and-israel-resume-kfir-sale-talks-422992/
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Ace1

Dat kan dus nog alle kanten op.

Sparkplug

Argentine-Israeli Kfir negotiations held indefinitely

Diego Gonzalez, Buenos Aires - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly | 11 November 2015

Argentine minister of defence Agustín Rossi had reached technical agreements with Israel to buy 14 IAI Kfir C.10 multirole fighters for the Argentine Air Force, but at the last minute the deal was put off for the next presidential administration.

According to various reports, the contract was thought to be worth about USD220-360 million. Given its magnitude for Argentina, Rossi decided to leave the contract for the next government.

The opposition party vying to lead Argentina stated that, if elected, it would begin its own evaluation process for a new fighter acquisition, taking into consideration all previous options.

Rossi received an Israeli government delegation on 10 November, but instead of signing the deal, he explained that the next government must make that decision.

To read the full article, Client Login

(123 of 270 words)

http://www.janes.com/article/55926/argentine-israeli-kfir-negotiations-held-indefinitely
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Sparkplug

#8
Op verzoek is dit artikel uit een ander topic verwijderd en is nu hier te lezen.

Argentina to sign for AESA-equipped Kfir fighters

By Arie Egozi, Tel Aviv | 10 November 2015

Argentina is expected to sign a contract on 10 November covering the purchase of 14 Kfir Block 60 fighters. The nation's air force opted to acquire upgraded examples of the Israel Aerospace Industries-produced combat aircraft, which have been non-operational for two decades.

IAI had been offering a Block 60 version of the roughly 40-year-old Kfir design, powered by a GE Aviation J79 engine. The company says the powerplant will be supplied in a "zero-hour" condition after a complete overhaul, with replacement required after 1,600 flight hours.

The upgraded fighter also will be fitted with an Elta Systems EL/M-2032 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and use open architecture avionics that will allow the customer to instal other systems. Elta says the sensor provides an all aspect, "look-down shoot-down" performance, and will support simultaneous air-to-air and strike missions, with the ability to track up to 64 targets.

Flightglobal's Fleets Analyzer database records the Argentine air force as currently operating a combined fleet of 37 jet fighters, spread across aged Dassault Mirage III and Mirage 5, Douglas A-4 and IAI Nesher airframes.

The nation's pending acquisition will see it join Colombia, Ecuador and Sri Lanka in operating the Kfir.


US Air Force

The Colombian air force has already upgraded its C10- and C12-model examples to IAI's enhanced standard, including the AESA radar and Rafael Litening targeting pod. The cockpit features a head-up display and large multi-function displays, while the type is also capable of being refuelled in flight.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/argentina-to-sign-for-aesa-equipped-kfir-fighters-418883/
A fighter without a gun . . . is like an airplane without a wing.

-- Brigadier General Robin Olds, USAF.

Ace1


Ace1

Info over de Elta Systems EL/M-2032 Radar

http://www.iai.co.il/Sip_Storage//FILES/0/38030.pdf

Ace1

Two air forces eyeing Block 60 Kfirs, says IAI

Israel Aerospace Industries is in "very advanced negotiations" with at least two air forces that want to purchase the company's upgraded Kfir fighter in its Block 60 configuration.

"We are capable of delivering the Block 60 within a year, and we have indications that in two to three years two squadrons will be sold," an IAI source says.

The Kfir Block 60 is the latest upgrade for the Israeli-made fighter, which has been flying now for 40 years. The variant is offered with a General Electric-designed J79 engine with zero hours after a total overhaul, and will need another one after 1,600 flight hours.

Elta Systems will supply its EL/M-2032 active electronically scanned array radar, with open architecture avionics to allow a customer to install other systems.

According to Elta, the new sensor will provide an all-aspect, look-down/shoot-down performance in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, with the capability to simultaneously track up to 64 targets.

All of the ex-Israeli air force Kfirs that have been stored at one of the service's desert bases for several years are to be transferred to an IAI upgrade facility. "This line will be busy in the coming years," the IAI source says.

Current users of previously-upgraded Kfirs include Colombia and Ecuador.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/two-air-forces-eyeing-block-60-kfirs-says-iai-391168/

Ace1

#4

Ace1

IAI to announce Kfir deals shortly


A Colombian Air Force Kfir seen at the Red Flag exercise in the United States. IAI expects to announce further sales for the type shortly.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) expects to announce orders for its newly relaunched Kfir fighter aircraft "in the near future", a senior company official told IHS Jane's on 3 April.

Speaking at IAI's Tel-Aviv facility, CEO Joseph Weiss said that the company is preparing to announce a number of deals, and while he declined to be more specific he did admit that one of these could be Argentina.

"We are continuing to market the Kfir, and [we expect to announce] some coming deals in the near future. Argentina has been one of the options mentioned [in the press], and I cannot deny that they are one of the options on the table," he said.

It has previously been reported that the Argentine Air Force is interested in procuring 14 Kfirs as it looks to replace its ageing Dassault Mirage III and V fighters. During a tour of the remanufacturing line at IAI's facility near Ben-Gurion International Airport, IHS Jane's was shown seven airframes undergoing refurbishment prior to delivery. Of particular note were the flags of Kfir operator nations displayed on the line, one of which was Argentina, suggesting that a deal may have already been signed.

With the Kfir currently in service with Colombia, Ecuador, and Sri Lanka, IAI relaunched a modernised version of the fighter back onto the international market in early 2013. "The Kfir is a type of aircraft that with new and modern avionics can compete with current platforms. [It has] at least 90% of the performance of new [non-stealthy] types but with considerably lower prices. It is very promising for countries that do not necessarily want to go to the big names," Weiss said.

The Block 60 standard aircraft features a 'zero-timed' airframe, system, sensor, and weapon enhancements, and is available in both a single- and twin-seat configuration.

System and sensor enhancements include a fully digital 'glass' cockpit and head-up display, digital moving map, helmet-mounted display, advanced datalinks (affording network-centric capabilities), sensor fusion capabilities, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, advanced targeting and reconnaissance pods, an electronic warfare suite, and a human-machine interface that has been developed with input from Israel Air Force pilots.

Weaponry being offered includes beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, medium- and short-range infrared air-to-air missiles (including the Rafael Python 5), 'dumb' bombs, and a range of precision-guided munitions. The Kfir has nine hardpoints, and also comes equipped with two 30 mm internal cannons.

According to Oren Aviram, business development manager at IAI, there are "two squadrons" worth of airframes available to IAI at present, although any number of additional aircraft can be manufactured if required. IAI has previously told IHS Jane's that it could commence deliveries of the Kfir Block 60 within 12 months of a contract signature.

http://www.janes.com/article/36487/iai-to-announce-kfir-deals-shortly

Ace1

IAI Looks East To Sell Updated Kfirs

Will Asian countries opt for IAI's modernized Kfir?

Offering a modernized version of its 1970s-era, delta-wing Kfir Mach 2+ fighter aircraft, IAI is looking toward the Asia-Pacific region for new prospects.

The company can still deliver up to 50 Kfirs, configured to the newest Block 60 standard, using airframes retired from IAF service in the 1990s, according to IAI sources. IAI recently unveiled upgrades, including the introduction of IAI/Elta EL/M 2052 active, electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, extending the fighter jets' capabilities to conduct maritime strike missions and extended air defense, through the networked integration of on-board and off-board sensors.

The airframes have been mothballed in ultra-dry conditions at an airbase in the southern Negev desert, and are in good condition for refurbishment.

The acquisition cost of the Kfir Block 60 would be around $20 million, including the avionics and weaponry—about a third of the cost of an upgraded, modern second-hand single-engine jet fighter, and its operating cost would be about 25% of an equivalent fighter jet.

http://aviationweek.com/awin/iai-looks-east-sell-updated-kfirs

Ace1

At 40 Years of age, Kfir Turns into a "Networked Fighter"


Colombian Kfir C10/12 participated in the Red-Flag 7/2012 exercise, claiming eight simulated kills of F-16 and F-15s.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is offering a modernized version of its 1970 era delta-winged Kfir Mach 2+ fighter aircraft. Equipped with advanced avionics and mission systems that, the IAI claims its old fighter jet could rank in the same class of contemporary 'fourth generation' fighter jets. According to sources at IAI, the company can deliver up to 50 Kfirs, configured to the newest 'Block 60' standard, utilizing airframes retired from IAF service in the 1990s. These aircraft were mothballed in the southern Negev desert, and are in good condition for refurbishment. Israel has offered these modernized fighter jet to Bulgaria, addressing Sofia's planning to replace its MiG-21s and MiG-29s with western-compatible fighter jets.

Bulgaria is interested in buying 10 'pre owned' fighter jets, optimizing them to fulfill combat missions with the NATO alliance. Among the alternatives evaluated by Bulgaria is the procurement of nine used F-16 Block 15s from Portugal, at a cost of $464 million; purchasing Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from the Italian Air Force surplus would cost even more. According to IAI, the acquisition of Kfir Block 60 from would cost a third of that price. Bulgaria was also evaluating a Swedish proposal to buy new Gripen fighter jets from SAAB.


Inside the new cockpit of the Kfir C10/12 and Block 60 utilizes multiple large color displays, HUD and helmet mounted sight.

The Kfir Block 60 offers a robust and versatile Mach 2+ multi-role jet fighter, carrying 5.5 tons payloads on nine hard-points under the wings and fuselage. The weaponry is enhanced to include Python 5 and Derby. Kfir Block 60 has also completed the integration of RAFAEL Spice autonomous guided weapon, (second platform offering that capability, after the F-16). Conforming to NATO standards, Kfir Block 60 supports Link-16 datalink protocol. The aircraft has combat radius of 1,000 km (540 nm) unrefueled. With refueling the aircraft can fly to a range of 1,100 nm.

Melamed claims Lahav can deliver the first Kfir Block 60 within 12 months after receiving the an order, at roughly a third of the cost of other fighter jets with similar capabilities. This assessment is based on the experience IAI Lahav has gained processing over 2500 aircraft, upgrading earlier Kfir, F-4E, F-16, A-4M, MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-22. "At times where air forces are seeking cost savings, without degrading operational capabilities, the upgraded Kfir has demonstrated superior performance and reliability in operational use and combat exercises." Melamed concludes.


Colombian Air Force Kfir C10 prepared for flight at Nellis AFB, during the July 2012 Red Flag exercise.

http://defense-update.com/20131006_at-40-years-of-age-kfir-turns-into-a-networked-fighter.html#.VKMSltKG_Tr