Julien Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 IAI Kfir C2/C71:72 AvantGarde Model Kits 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 It entered service in 1975, and was almost immediately superseded in the air superiority role when the first F-15s arrived from America.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. Attention now moves to the main wing. Holes need to be opened up in the lower one part wing to accommodate the weapons pylons etc. These are version specific so ensure you open the right ones. The main undercarriage bay is now built up and added into the lower wing. The upper wings can then be added (left & right) and the whole wing assembly added to the main fuselage. The intakes can then be added to both sides of the fuselage along with the canards which mount to them. We then move on to the undercarriage. The main wheels are built up from a two part tyre with a central hub. They are added to their legs and retraction struts added along with the doors. The font leg is then also built up. The main leg and strut are one part with the wheel and a few other bits being added. this can then be installed along with its doors. A panel behind the nose is then added, here again there are two choices for both models. The nose cone is then added, here again there are different lumps and bumps depending on the variant. Moving to the rear, antenna are added to the fin and if making either Central American version then additional parts are added. The engine is a five part affair which is then made up and installed, along with a ventral fairing at the rear. We then move swiftly back to the cockpit and build up & install the ejection seat. Two different versions are supplied for the two different variants. Once installed the canopies can be fitted and the nose probe. The last thing to do is install the weapons load and pylons. Python-3 missiles, MK.82 bombs, GBU-12s, Griffin LGBs are all supplied along with a centre line tank, and two wing fuel tanks. Pylons and sway braces are provided as needed. Markings There are there are a generous five options. All decals appear in register, colour dense, and with a minimum of carrier film. The five options supplied are; C2 #874, 101 Tajeset Israeli AF (Two tone grey) C7 #543 "Zohar" The Arava Guardians Sqn, Israeli AF (Green/Brown/Sand) C2 N401AX, Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), USA C3 905, 2113 Sqn Ecuadorian AF C7 111 Sqn Colombian AF Conclusion An excellent new tool Kfir from AMK. Highly recommended. Available from all good model shops online and in the high street. Review sample courtesy of 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antoine Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 8 hours ago, Julien said: As a result of an arms embargo, Israel built the Nesher The legend is still going strong. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julien Posted October 18, 2017 Author Share Posted October 18, 2017 11 hours ago, Antoine said: The legend is still going strong. I read it on the internet so it must be true! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurent Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Book that discusses the matter: http://www.harpia-publishing.com/OurBooks?q=node/26/popup&view=detail Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romel Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Great kit. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin @ AMK Hobby Posted December 23, 2017 Share Posted December 23, 2017 Sacrificial lamb weapons at the top of the stack hahahaha Thank you Julien. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hook Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 Love this kit, added five to the stash already! How about some more AMK delta's in 1/72nd, Martin..? Cheers, Andre Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAGATIGER Posted May 11, 2018 Share Posted May 11, 2018 Well I just started mine today Wonderful kit really good fit almost no glue needed, now it's the time to do a whole bunch of Kfirs out of my stash, lots of weapons very nice kit to help those that enjoy kit bashing Best modeling Armando Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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