iAI Kfir C-7. Fuerza Aerea Colombiana - enrique262.tumblr.com
13 DECEMBER, 2017 SOURCE: FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM BY: ARIE EGOZI TEL AVIV
Israel Aerospace Industries has upgraded the Colombian
air force's Kfir fighters to its latest C-60 standard, enabling the type to
carry an expanded range of weapons and sensors.
Benjamin Cohen, general manager of IAI's Lahav division,
says the avionics suite at the heart of the upgrade is similar to the one
installed in the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 52.
In its C-60 configuration, the Kfir receives a
"zero-hour" GE Aviation J79 engine, and retains the Israeli-produced
type's Elta Systems EL/M-2032 active electronically scanned array radar. This
uses an open-architecture design, enabling customers to install other systems
to their aircraft.
Colombia had previously modernised its Kfirs to IAI's
C-10/12 configuration, fielding its first example in that standard in 2009.
In a further boost for the nation's air force, Bogotá
also has acquired two Kfir TC-2 two-seat trainers. The assets will replace four
aircraft lost to attrition between 2009 and 2014.
Colombian officials had considered returning two surplus
Dassault Mirage 2000-5s to use before buying the additional Kfirs several
months ago.
Flight Fleets Analyzer records the Colombian air force as
having an active fleet of 21 of the IAI-produced combat aircraft, with its
newly acquired trainers yet to enter use.
Original post: flightglobal.com
F-21 Kfir/Kfir Block 60: Details
No comments:
Post a Comment