Aircraft of the Month for September 1999

IAI Lavi

Overview
The Lavi (Young Lion) was originally developed as a multirole fighter for the Israeli air force before program cancellation saw the prototypes used as technology demonstrator airframes. Despite promising results, the Lavi program was cancelled in 30 August 1987, mainly due to budget restrictions, US opposition and the availability of extra, cheaper F-16s. The main reason for its cancellation, however, was that USA strongly opposed the whole program; they wanted to sell their fighters to Israel.
The Lavi strongly resembles an F-16A/B with canard-delta layout; it has an F-16-style intake, tail, and fuselage. It is powered by a single PW1120 afterburning turbojet, which was derived from the F100. It features an Elta multimode radar, a HUD, and HOTAS controls.

History
In the early 1980s IAI began developing a multirole fighter to meet an IDF requirement for around 300 aircraft. The program go-ahead was given in 1980 and FSD began in October 1982. The first flight was of B-1, a Lavi TD two-seater (test avionics filled up the rear seat, however), and occured on 31 December 1986. After the Lavi was canceled, IAI converted the Lavis into technology demonstrators and testbeds for indigenous avionics and systems. The third prototype (B-3), a Lavi TD, was completed as a technology demonstrator, but with pilots in both seats. It first flew on 25 September 1989.

Chengdu J-10
A Lavi appeard to be housed on a chinese airfield in US satillite photos. Israel denied lending any Lavis to China, so many people beliebe the Lavi may form the basis for China's Chengdu J-10 multirole fighter, which is due to enter service early next decade. The J-10 will serve on China's first carrier, due to be launched in 2010. The J-10 is believed to be powered by a 122.6kN (27,650 lb) with afterburning Saturn AL-31F turbofan, the same engine on the Su-27.

IAI Lavi Specifications
Lavi

Type Multirole attack aircraft

Powerplant One 55.5kN (15,500 lb) dry and 82.7kN (18,600 lb) w/ afterburning P&W PW1120 afterburning turbojet (a turbojet development of the F100)

Accommodation Pilot only, or two in tandem Lavi TD

Armament One internal 30 mm cannon. Maximum of 7250 kg (16000 lb) of weapons. Two wingtip pylons for AAMs. Four underwing and seven underfuselage hardpoints can carry ASMs, bombs, LGBs and rockets. The two inner wing hardpoints can carry fuel tanks.

Performance

Max speed Mach 1.85 (1969km/h; 1063kt)

Combat radius 1110km (600nm).

Minimum Takeoff Run 305m (1000ft).

G Limit +9; TD +7.2

Weights

Empty 7030kg (15,500 lb)

MTOW 18,370kg (40,500 lb)

Dimensions

Wingspan 8.78m (28ft 10in)

Length 14.57m (47ft 10in)

Height 4.78m (15ft 8in)

Wing area 33.1m² (335.8sq ft)

IAI Lavi Specifications
Type	Multirole attack aircraft
Powerplant	One 55.5kN (15,500 lb) dry and 82.7kN (18,600 lb) w/ afterburning P&W PW1120 afterburning turbojet (a turbojet development of the F100)
Accommodation	Pilot only, or two in tandem Lavi TD
Armament	One internal 30 mm cannon. Maximum of 7250 kg (16000 lb) of weapons. Two wingtip pylons for AAMs. Four underwing and seven underfuselage hardpoints can carry ASMs, bombs, LGBs and rockets. The two inner wing hardpoints can carry fuel tanks.
Performance
Max speed	Mach 1.85 (1969km/h; 1063kt)
Combat radius	1110km (600nm).
Minimum Takeoff Run	305m (1000ft).
G Limit	+9; TD +7.2
Weights
Empty	7030kg (15,500 lb)
MTOW	18,370kg (40,500 lb)
Dimensions
Wingspan	8.78m (28ft 10in)
Length	14.57m (47ft 10in)
Height	4.78m (15ft 8in)
Wing area	33.1m² (335.8sq ft)

Links
Uncommon Aircraft: IAI Lavi