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The "Lavi" plane was supposed to be one of the
most advanced combat planes in the world.
The planning of the plane was to serve the
unique operational needs of the Israeli Air Force.
Already at the beginning of the project
it became very doubtfull whether the State of Israel can afford the monetary
burden deriving from such a large enterprise. On October 82' the Israeli
Aircraft Industry began developing the "Lavi" plane.
On July 86' the "Lavi" was first shown in
a ceremony held by the Aircraft Industry and 5 month's later (31/02/86)
the first prototype "Lavi B-1" had it's first flight. Alltogether three
prototypes were developed:
Prototype B-1: flew 53 flights and was dismanted for the
purpose of modifying it and the testing of durability.
Prototype B-2: flew 28 flights and was transferred to the
Israeli Air Force Museum.
Prototype B-3: Currently still flying for the testing of
new systems.
During the government session on 30/08/87 it has been decided
to stop the "Lavi" project.
