KFZ-7

From Atlas
KFZ-7 Boxfalke
KRL KFZ-7 of 2. Kampfgruppe
Role Multirole strike fighter
National origin Vazandia
Manufacturer Nordfluss AG
First flight 21 April 1972; 51 years ago (1972-04-21)
Introduction 19 March 1976
Status In service
Primary user Kaiserlich Republikanischen Luftwaffe
Republic of Ziridava Air Force
Produced 1972–present
Unit cost KFZ-7b: VZ$28 million (flyaway cost, 1994)
KFZ-7c: VZ$94 million (2007)

The Nordfluss KFZ-7 Boxfalke is a Vazandian all-weather multirole strike fighter. The KFZ-7 was designed in the 1960s and 1970s for long-range, high-speed Air interdiction without relying on escort or electronic-warfare aircraft. Luftwaffe (KRL) KFZ-7 Boxfalkes are the primary multirole aircraft employed by Vazandia

The Boxfalke has been deployed for military operations in numerous nations around Atlas. During these operations, the strike fighter has carried out deep strikes against high-value targets and combat air patrols, and provided close air support for Vazandian troops. It has also been exported to several countries.

Development[edit]

Origins[edit]

The KFZ-7 was introduced by the KRL to replace its fleet of KFZ-13 Weisserrabes. Unlike the KFZ-13, the KFZ-7 was designed for the air superiority mission with little consideration for a ground-attack role; the Armed Forces Budget Office opposed the idea of KFZ-7s performing the interdiction mission. In service, the KFZ-7 has been a successful fighter, scoring numerous aerial combat victories and minimal losses in air-to-air combat as of 2020.

Despite a lack of official interest, Nordfluss quietly worked on a KFZ-7-derived interdictor fighter. The company envisaged the aircraft as a replacement for the EFZ-49 Fanatiker and the remaining KFZ-13s. In 1979, the KRL initiated a year long trial, which looked at Nordfluss' proposal and other options such as the purchase of further EFZ-49s. The study recommended the KFZ-7 as the KRL's future strike platform. In 1980, Nordfluss and Stettinwerke AG began a close collaboration on the development of the KFZ-7b's air-to-ground capabilities.

To assist in the KFZ-7's development, Nordfluss modified the second ExKFZ-7 prototype as a demonstrator. The aircraft, known as the KFZ-7b, first flew on 8 July 1982. It was previously used to test conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), initially designed for the KFZ-7. It was subsequently fitted with a laser designator targeting pod to allow the independent delivery of guided bombs. The demonstrator was displayed at the 1982 Altstadt Airshow.

Operational history[edit]

Operators[edit]

Variants[edit]

KFZ-7a: Original variant adopted by the Luftwaffe- all airframes exported or upgraded to 7c.

KFZ-7b: Upgraded variant that entered service in 1989.

KFZ-7bA: Dedicated training aircraft introduced in 1990.

KFZ-7c: Heavily modernized variant introduced in 2003 and in production up until 2015

KFZ-7ZK Slam Falke: The KFZ-7ZK Slam Falke is a derivative of the KFZ-7, operated by the Republic of Ziridava Air Force. The ZK variant has several features not typically found on KFZ-7, such as the VolgEye Infra-red search and track, a customized Tactical Electronics Warfare suite to reduce weight and increase jamming effectiveness, cockpit compatibility with night vision devices, ARC-232 U/VHF radio with Fighter Data Link system, and advanced SR/A-115 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The KFZ-7ZK is equipped with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System and can be equipped with the SB-92 and SB-07 anti-ship missiles.

KFZ-7/Sa Schlagfalke: 2-seat strike variant developed to supplement and eventually replace the RFZ-5 Möwe.

KFZ-7/SaU: SEAD-focused platform variant of standard 7/Sa.

KFZ-7/Sb: Improved strike variant meant to fully replace the RFZ-5 by 2022.

KFZ-7/SbU: Improved SEAD variant.

KFZ-7/Ma: Twin-seat variant based off the KFZ-7/S Schlagfalke.

KFZ-7/Mb: Improved version of 7/Ma

Specifications (KFZ-7c)[edit]

Schematic diagram of KFZ-7

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 63 ft 9 in (19.43 m)
  • Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in (13.06 m)
  • Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
  • Wing area: 608 sq ft (56.5 m2)
  • Empty weight: 28,000 lb (12,701 kg)
  • Gross weight: 44,500 lb (20,185 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 68,000 lb (30,844 kg)
  • Fuel capacity: 13,455 lb (6,103 kg) internal
  • Powerplant: 2 × Oberfeld Energie AG-OE-775 afterburning turbofans, 14,590 lbf (64.9 kN) thrust each dry, 23,770 lbf (105.7 kN) with afterburner

Performance

  • Maximum speed: Mach 2.5 (1,650 mph, 2,655 km/h) at high altitude
    • Mach 1.2, 800 kn (921 mph; 1,482 km/h) at sea level
  • Combat range: 1,061 nmi (1,221 mi, 1,965 km) for interdiction mission
  • Ferry range: 3,000 nmi (3,500 mi, 5,600 km) with conformal fuel tanks and three external fuel tanks
  • Service ceiling: 65,000 ft (20,000 m)
  • g limits: +9
  • Rate of climb: 50,000 ft/min (250 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 73.1 lb/sq ft (357 kg/m2)
  • Thrust/weight: 1.07 (1.26 with loaded weight and 50% internal fuel)

Armament

  • Guns:20 mm (0.787 in) K-20 6-barrel rotary cannon, 940 rounds
  • Hardpoints: Total 11 (not including CFTs): two under-wing (each with additional two missile launch rails), four under-fuselage (for semi-recessed carriage of LLR-10 Kobra) and a single centerline pylon station, optional fuselage pylons (which may include conformal fuel tanks for use on the C model) with a capacity of 16,000 lb (7,300 kg),with provisions to carry combinations of:
    • Missiles:
    • Other:
      • up to 3× 600 US gallons (2,300 L) external drop tanks for ferry flight or extended range/loitering time.
      • MXU-648 Cargo/Travel Pod – to carry personal belongings, and small pieces of maintenance equipment.

Avionics

  • Gelenkhelmmontiertes System
  • Radar:
    • Kaiserliche Waffenkammer XBPr-78 or
    • Kaiserliche Waffenkammer XBPr-63a or
    • Kaiserliche Waffenkammer XBPr-63b Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) or
    • Kaiserliche Waffenkammer XBPr-63c Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) or
    • SR/A-115 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
  • Countermeasures: