"The Kfir (lion cub) is an Israeli development based on the Mirage 5, and can trace it roots back to the Mirage IIIC adapted for Israeli use successfully as a Mach 2 all-weather interceptor with success, but they felt it lacked the loiter time that would be needed if a ground-attack role was to be added its task list. As a result of an arms embargo, Israel built the Nesher, which was then improved further and was suitably different to be renamed as the Kfir. It entered service in 1975, and was almost immediately superseded in the air superiority role when the first F-15s arrived from America.
The C2 variant added more swept canards, dog-tooth leading edges to the wings and strakes under the nose, while the C7 had more hard-points added under the air intakes, a new engine with more thrust, in-flight refuelling probe, plus many upgrades to the avionics, which includes HOTAS capabilities.
It continued in service into the late 90s, after which it was replaced by more modern aircraft. The aircraft has been sold to Ecuador, Columbia and Sri Lanka, though all have had to be approved by the US as it uses a licence built J79 engine. During the late 1980s the US Marine Corps & US Navy leased 25 C1 version for adversary training designating them the F-21 Lion.
The Kit
This is an eagerly awaited new kit from AMK. On opening the box it does not disappoint. The plastic is crisp with fine recessed panel lines. All weapons get there own sprue and there are a generous five decal options covering Israeli, Civilian, and foreign military users. Before construction starts the modeller needs to decide if they are doing a C2 or C7. Construction starts naturally enough with the cockpit, the cockpit tub is built up from the main tub, read bulkhead, instrument panel (instruments provided as decal) and the panel coaming. The front gear bay is then built up, this is un the underside of the cockpit. Once this is built up it can be installed into the main fuselage. An engine mounting part is then installed and the main fuselage can be closed up. Note before doing so the two central american versions require some slots to be opened up in the tail…."
Full Review
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