Kinetic Aircraft 1/48 AF Kfir C1/USMC K-21A Lion Kit
When the 1967 War descended upon the Middle East, Israel was urgently awaiting delivery of new Mirage fighters from France as well as other weapons systems needed to survive. When an embargo was placed upon Israel, these aircraft would remain in France and the Israeli Air Force had to work with the resources on-hand. To avoid facing another potential embargo in the future, Israel aggressively pushed forward to establish its own defense industry. One of the first projects on its list was to reverse engineer and build the Mirage V to their own specifications and this indigenous version was called Nesher (Vulture).
As the Nesher proved itself in combat, Israeli Aircraft Industries had already set its sights on an improved aircraft which replaced the Nesher (and Mirage) Atar engine with the American J79 which powered the F-4 and F-104. This combination resulted in the Kfir (Lion Cub). To improve low-speed handling, strakes were planned for the nose and canards on the intakes in the Kfir C.2 but these were also added to the Kfir C.1s leased by the US Navy and USMC for adversary training duties. The one visible addition that was incorporated into the Kfir C.2 and not the F-21A was the dog-toothed wing leading edge.
KIT FEATURES:
- Nicely detailed cockpit
- Positionable canopy
- Separately molded wheel hubs and tires for ease of painting
- Choice of Kfir C1, F-21A/C2 nose options
- Choice of F-21A/C1 and C2/C7 wings included
- Choice of C1 canard-less intakes and F-21 canard intakes
- Positionable dorsal and ventral speed brakes
- Positionable elevons
- 2 x Python III AAMs
- 2 x Griffin Bombs (not used in Israeli AF)
- 2 x Underwing Fuel Tanks
- 1 x Centerline Fuel Tank
- 1 x ALQ-188 pod
DECAL OPTIONS:
- F-21A, 999716, VMFT-401, MCAS Yuma, 1985
- Kfir C1, 710, The Valley Squadron, Ramat-David AB, 1980
- Kfir C1, 727, The Valley Squadron, Ramat-David AB, 1983