Israel is considering a proposal by the Northrup Co., the American aircraft manufacturer, for the join development and production of its projected second generation jet interceptor, the “Lavie. ” The plane would replace the Kfir, the first combat aircraft designed and manufactured in Israel.
The Northrup proposal would have the “Lavie” based on the latest type F-5 jet equipped with the originally contemplated “Lavie” engine. According to the American firm, Israel would save up to $300 million in development costs and a half million dollars per aircraft on the production line, it would also acquire advanced technological know-how and a broader access to world markets for export.
Northrop has reportedly built a model of the proposed plane, designated LGI, and tested it in wind tunnels. Israel has made no final decisions as to whether to build the “Lavie” or purchase its next generation warplane abroad.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
