1/72 IAI KFIR C2/C7 - AMK

The IAI Kfir (Hebrew for "Lion") is a multirole combat aircraft developed and produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which played a key role in the history of the Israeli Air Force(Heyl Ha'Avir). Its development was a direct response to the French embargo after the 1967 Six-Day War, which prevented Israel from obtaining the Dassault Mirage 5s it had ordered. Israel therefore developed its own clone of the Mirage (the IAI Nesher) and subsequently modified it substantially.

The key feature of the Kfir was the powerful American General Electric J79-GE-17 jet engine, the same one that powered the American F-4 Phantom II fighters that the IAF also operated. This ensured sufficient thrust and logistical compatibility.

• Kfir C2: This version, introduced in 1976, is the most iconic. Its aerodynamics were revolutionized by the addition of fixed duck (canard) surfaces (directly behind the cockpit) and extended wing leading edges (called canards ). This greatly improved maneuverability and handling at the high angles of attack typical of a delta wing. The C2 served in the Israeli, Ecuadorian and Colombian forces.

• Kfir C7: This upgraded version (from 1983) optimized the Kfir for the fighter-bomber role. Changes included a more powerful engine with an optional "Combat Plus" mode for increased thrust, new avionics, a system HOTAS(Hands On Throttle And Stick) in the cockpit and the addition of two extra external hangers to carry a larger and more varied load.

Although the Kfir was soon replaced in Israel by the more modern American F-15 and F-16, it saw very long and active service in export countries such as Colombia, Ecuador and Sri Lanka. It also made a name for itself in the US, where leased machines were used by the US Navy and Marine Corps as F-21A Lion aggressors to simulate enemy aircraft.

Contents of the AMK 86002 1:72 scale kit

This 1:72 scale kit from AvantGarde Model Kits (AMK) is prized for its detailed paneling and precise shapes that match the specific duck-billed silhouette.

• Parts: Approximately 262 plastic parts in total (including 11 clear parts)

• Double option: the kit contains the parts needed to build both the C2 and C7 variants.

• Details.

• Decals:

  • Israeli Air Force (Heyl Ha'Avir), Kfir C2

  • Ecuadorian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana)

  • Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Colombiana)

  • ATAC (Airborne Tactical Advantage Company - American private aggressor operator)

Note: This kit is a static plastic model. It does not contain paint or glue!

• Period.

• Israeli (Export users: Ecuador, Colombia, USA)

• Type: multirole fighter / Fighter-bomber 💣