IAI Lavi

IAI Lavi
IAI-Lavi-B-2 prototype in Museum Heyl ha-Avir
Type:	Multipurpose fighter
Design country:	Israel
Manufacturer:	Israel Aerospace Industries
First flight:	December 31, 1986
Commissioning:	Never put into service
Production time:	Was never built in series
Number of pieces:	3 prototypes

The IAF Lavi (Hebrew לביא = lion) was a modern 4th generation fighter aircraft that was developed by Israel in 1980 . However, the project was withdrawn due to the lack of finance and possible export competition to the General Dynamics F-16 and McDonnell Douglas F / A-18 .

description

Development of the aircraft by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) began in 1982 following preliminary project work. The Pratt & Whitney PW1120 was chosen as the engine, the aerodynamics were designed as a delta wing with canard control surfaces . Advanced avionics with diagnostic software for self-analysis of technical problems using sensors should be used.

The Lavi's maiden flight took place in December 1986 without much of the planned avionics. After the overall good results of the test flights, the project was discontinued due to the lack of funding after the construction of the second prototype. The commitment to split the costs of 60% Israel and 40% USA was withdrawn by the USA due to possible export competition with the General Dynamics F-16 and McDonnell Douglas F / A-18 . The plane could no longer be fully financed. Despite the completion of a self-financed third prototype and support from politicians and the military , IAI tried in vain to continue the project.

Technical specifications

Rear view of the Lavi

The PW1120 engine

Parameter	Data
crew	1 pilot, (trainer version: 2 pilots)
length	14.57 m
span	8.78 m
height	4.78 m
Wing area	33 m²
Wing extension	2.34
Wing loading	minimum (empty weight): 213 kg / m² nominal (normal take-off weight): 303 kg / m² maximum (max. takeoff weight): 584 kg / m²
Empty mass	7,031 kg
normal takeoff mass	9,991 kg
Max. Takeoff mass	19,277 kg
Top speed	1965 km / h (at optimal flight altitude)
Service ceiling	15,240 m
Max. Rate of climb	254 m / s
Transfer range	approx. 3700 km
Engine	a TL Pratt & Whitney PW1120 turbofan engine
Thrust	with afterburner: 91.50 kN without afterburner: k. A.
Thrust-to-weight ratio	maximum (empty weight): 1.33 nominal (normal take-off mass): 0.93 minimum (max. takeoff weight): 0.48

Armament

• 1 × 30mm DEFA cannon
• 7,260 kg weapon loading at outstations

Web links

Commons : IAI Lavi  - collection of images, videos and audio files