USS Intrepid
Israel Aircraft Industries Kfir
In the 1960s, Israel intended to purchase a French fighter jet based on the delta-winged Dassault Mirage, but a French arms embargo in the wake of the Arab-Israeli Six Day War (1967) threatened to halt the aircraft’s development. Israel launched a special operation to create its own fighter. The first Israeli version of the Mirage saw action in the Yom Kippur War (1973). Shortly thereafter, an improved variant was dubbed Kfir, meaning “lion cub” in Hebrew. A General Electric J79 turbojet enabled the single-seat Kfir to fly 1,750 mph (2,816 kph) and at a maximum altitude of 58,000 feet (17,700 meters).
In 1985, Israel leased 12 Kfirs to the U.S. Navy for use as “aggressor” aircraft in combat training. Flown by instructors of squadron VF-43, the Kfir C1 (redesignated F-21) simulated the toughest enemies that naval aviators could expect to encounter. Kfirs also served with Marine Corps squadron VMFT-401 in 1986 to help train pilots to fly against light, maneuverable aircraft.
The aircraft exhibited on the flight deck is a gift of the Government of Israel to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Its tail carries the markings of the Navy and Marine Corps squadrons that flew it.
USS Intrepid
Israel Aircraft Industries Kfir
In the 1960s, Israel intended to purchase a French fighter jet based on the delta-winged Dassault Mirage, but a French arms embargo in the wake of the Arab-Israeli Six Day War (1967) threatened to halt the aircraft’s development. Israel launched a special operation to create its own fighter. The first Israeli version of the Mirage saw action in the Yom Kippur War (1973). Shortly thereafter, an improved variant was dubbed Kfir, meaning “lion cub” in Hebrew. A General Electric J79 turbojet enabled the single-seat Kfir to fly 1,750 mph (2,816 kph) and at a maximum altitude of 58,000 feet (17,700 meters).
In 1985, Israel leased 12 Kfirs to the U.S. Navy for use as “aggressor” aircraft in combat training. Flown by instructors of squadron VF-43, the Kfir C1 (redesignated F-21) simulated the toughest enemies that naval aviators could expect to encounter. Kfirs also served with Marine Corps squadron VMFT-401 in 1986 to help train pilots to fly against light, maneuverable aircraft.
The aircraft exhibited on the flight deck is a gift of the Government of Israel to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Its tail carries the markings of the Navy and Marine Corps squadrons that flew it.