The Lavi (Young Lion) was conceived as a multi-role fighter with close air support and interdiction as primary missions and air defence as a secondary mission. Full-scale development began in October 1982, the Lavi featuring close-coupled delta main wings (with 54° of sweepback on the leading edges) and canard surfaces. Approximately 22% of the structure (by weight) was built of composite materials and power was provided by a Pratt & Whitney PW1120 turbojet with an afterburning thrust of 9353kg. Armament included an internally-mounted 30mm cannon, and up to 7257kg of external stores could be distributed between seven underfuselage and four underwing stations. Both single-seat and fully combat-capable two-seat versions were developed in parallel and five prototypes were planned, the first and second of these being two-seaters and the remaining three being single-seaters. The Israeli requirement was for 300 aircraft. The first prototype flew on 31 December 1986, being followed by the second on 30 March 1987, but the Lavi programme was terminated on 30 August 1987 as a result of severe budgetary constraints. Although the first two aircraft were then scrapped, the third prototype was completed as a two-seat technology demonstrator, flying on 25 September 1989.

3-View

A three-view drawing (1677 x 1287)