IAI Lavi

The IAI Lavi (Hebrew for lion) is a prototype concept fighter jet developed by Israel.

Related Topics:
IAI - Hebrew

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The project began in February 1980, when the Israeli government authorized the IAF to present it with a list of technical specifications for the development of the IAF's future fighter. The development stage began in October 1982, with the choice of a Pratt & Whitney engine already having been made.

Related Topics:
1980 - IAF - Pratt & Whitney

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One of the Lavi's most distinct advantages is its functional features, especially its cockpit, custom-built entirely using input from active IAF fighter pilots. Drawing on their operational experience, the design was geared to let the pilot handle the tactical aspects of the battle, without having to worry about monitoring and controlling the various subsystems. The avionics of the Lavi were considered to be innovative and groundbreaking, and included self-analysis equipment to make maintenance easier.

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On December 31, 1986, the first prototype of the plane took off on its maiden flight. The test pilot, Menachem Shimol, head of IAI's Air Operations section, took off at 13:21 and stayed in the air for 26 minutes, during which he checked the engine and controls.

Related Topics:
December 31 - 1986

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About three months later, a second prototype took to the air. In its maiden flight, the engine systems, flight control, electrical system, hydraulics and air conditioning were evaluated. The second prototype had some improvements over the first, with a belly-mounted fuel tank, a special midair refuelling pipe and several avionic systems that were not employed in the first prototype.

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The IAI had produced three prototypes out of the originally-planned five when the Israeli government decided to cancel the project because of budget problems and bickering among various economic and political pressure groups. The total cost for the development and production of the Lavi was $6,400 million U.S. in 1983, around 40 per cent of which was paid by the U.S. government. The project was canceled in part because the U.S. was not prepared to finance an aircraft that would compete in the export market with the F-16C/D and the F/A-18C/D, and also because a dispute arose as to the final cost. The Israeli government was unable to finance the project alone and canceled it on August 30, 1987. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_&_Culture/lavi.html The decision to cancel was approved with a majority of only one vote, that of health minister Shoshana Arbeli-Almozlino.

Related Topics:
F-16C/D - F/A-18C/D - August 30 - 1987

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Throughout the project's lifetime, Likud minister Moshe Arens, himself an IAI veteran, was the Lavi's main advocate. Some community welfare organizations in Israel blasted the spending associated with the Lavi as a bottomless pit, and contrasted it with dwindling expenditure on health and education.

Related Topics:
Likud - Moshe Arens

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It is reported that after the cancelation of the project, the blue prints of Lavi were sold to Chinese aircraft manufacturing company CAC, which lead to the development of the Chengdu J-10.

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