IAI Lavi (Hebrew for - Young Lion) is a prototype concept fighter jet Indigenously developed by Israel. The project was terminated after reaching prototype phase following considerable US pressure. Fearing the newly developed Lavi jet would jeopardize the superiority of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Israel was presented with enticements it could not refuse for the termination of the project.
The project began in February 1980, when the Israeli government authorized the IAF to present it with a list of technical specifications for the development of the IAF's future fighter. 18 months later, in October of 1982, the process of developing the plane began after the Lavi's engine, a Pratt & Whitney model, had been picked.
One of the Lavi's most distinct advantages is its functional features, especially its cockpit, custom built entirely by active IAF fighter pilots. Drawing on the IAF pilots' extensive operational experience, unmatched by any other active airforce, the design was to let the pilot handle the tactical aspects of the battle, without having to worry about monitoring and controlling the various sub-systems. The avionics of the Lavi were considered to be innovative and groundbreaking, and included self-analysis equipment to make maintenance easier.
On December 31st 1986, the first prototype of the plane took off on its maiden flight, in the first of the Lavi's numerous test flights. The test pilot, Menachem Shimol, who headed the IAI's Air Operations Section, took off at 13:21 and stayed in the air for 26 minutes, during which he checked the engine and controls.
About three months later, a second prototype took to the air. In its maiden flight, the engine systems, flight control, electrical system, hydraulics and air conditioning were evaluated. The second prototype had some improvements over the first, with a belly-mounted fuel tank, a special midair refuelling pipe and several avionic systems that were not employed in the first prototype.
The IAI had produced three prototypes out of the five originally planned when the Israeli government decided to cancel the project, on August 30th 1987, because of budgetary problems and bickering among various economic and political pressure groups. The debate was finely balanced, and the final decision to cancel the project was approved with a scant majority of only one vote, that of health minister Shoshana Arbeli-Almozlino.
Specifications (Lavi)
General characteristics
- Crew: 1, pilot
- Length: 14.57 m ( ft in)
- Wingspan: 8.78 m ( ft in)
- Height: 4.78 m ( ft in)
- Wing area: 33.0 m² ( ft²)
- Empty: 7,031 kg ( lb)
- Loaded: 9,991 kg ( lb)
- Maximum takeoff: 19,277 kg ( lb)
- Powerplant: 1 x Pratt & Whitney PW1120 afterburning turbofan, 91.5 kN (20,541 lbf) thrust
Performance
- Maximum speed: 1,965 km/h ( mph)
- Range: 3,700 km ( miles)
- Service ceiling: 15,239 m ( ft)
- Rate of climb: 15,240 m/min ( ft/min)
- Wing loading: kg/m² ( lb/ft²)
- Thrust/weight:
Armament
Related content
Related development:
Comparable aircraft: AIDC Ching-Kuo
Designation sequence:
Last updated: 05-06-2005 14:19:07
