Jun. 7, 2005 1:28 | Updated Jun. 7, 2005 8:57
By MARC DAUGHERTY
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has joined with US-based Aviation Technology Group (ATG) to develop the first Israeli military jet since the collapse of the Lavi project in the late 1980s, senior management sources told The Jerusalem Post Monday.
Much less ambitious and smaller than the Lavi, the Javelin advanced jet trainer hopes to address the global demand for next generation training aircraft and light combat jets. The tandem-seat, twin-engine plane will be suited for a variety of military training and support requirements.
“The Javelin will be unveiled at the upcoming Paris Air Show, and we expect the aircraft to take off for its maiden flight very soon,” an IAI source said.
“Israel offered Colorado-based aircraft manufacturer Aviation Technology Group its hi-tech knowhow, marketing expertise and industrial facilities to develop and sell the military version of the Javelin jet.”
IAI conducted preliminary design work several years ago for a new advanced military trainer, but faced with mushrooming development costs of nearly $200 million it teamed up with ATG to develop and promote a very lightweight plane with clear potential for further military applications. IAI is bringing its avionics and design experience to the project and believes an enhanced military version could be launched as soon as next year.
IAI said that “since the collapse of the Lavi fighter program in 1987, the Israeli government decided explicitly to abandon future military aircraft projects, regarding them as too risky. By moving to develop the first Israeli military jet since the Lavi project was shut down, IAI has made a conscious decision to move from its former role as a mere subcontractor and spare parts supplier for overseas military industries to a manufacturer of main military aeronautical platforms.
“Both the Javelin advanced light combat jet and the Dhruv transport helicopter project we’re now marketing with the Indians move us back into the exclusive military aircraft manufacturing club, something IAI has been looking forward to for many years.”
The Javelin will fly at 0.9 Mach, or about 1,100 kph, just shy of supersonic speed. It will weigh approximately 2,700 kg. The Javelin’s cockpit and avionics will be compatible with the display and other systems in advanced generation fighters, including the F-15, F-16, MiG-29, Sukhoi-30, Rafale and Eurofighter. Systems will include embedded simulations of combat scenarios, simulated operation of weapons and self-defense systems and mission planning and debriefing capabilities.
IAI expects to enter the largely untapped market of military jet training, citing the fact that approximately half of the world’s advanced trainer fleet is more than 20 years old and far more expensive to maintain than a modern jet such as the Javelin. IAI also sees a strong market in Asia, and is likely to offer the aircraft to the IAF as a replacement for its early-1960s Fouga Magisters.
“The Israel Air Force keeps fully informed of the Javelin’s development, and we employ retired combat pilots to benefit from their experience and input as to future Israeli jet training needs,” IAI said.
A civilian version will sell in the US for about $2.5 million.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1118024491991
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June 8, 2005 at 1:57 pm