Lightweight fighter
The LWF is intended to serve as a replacement for aircraft such as the F-5, A-4, Kifr, MiG-21, and MiG-23. It is in roughly the same performance class as the F-20 Tigershark.
The aircraft bears a strong resemblance to the F-18 Hornet, and would in fact be powered by the same engine. In order to keep development costs down, off-the-shelf components would be used as much as possible. The avionics, cockpit, and radar would come from the F-16, for example. Also, many operators of the aircraft the LWF is intended to replace (Israel, Turkey, and South Korea, for example) already operate F-16's, and parts commonality could have benefits in the training and maintenance category.
The aircraft has 7 weapons stations (1 centerline, 2 wingtip, and 4 underwing). Possible loads are as follows:
Sta. 1 and 7 (wingtips)
1 AIM-9 Sidewinder
1 Python 3/4
1 AIM-132 ASRAAM
1 Derby (Israeli radar-guided AAM)
Sta. 2 and 6 (outboard underwing)
1 GBU-12/16/32
1 CBU-87/89/94/97
2 CBU-52/58
1 Mk-83
2 Mk-82
1 AGM-65 Maverick
1 AIM-9 Sidewinder
1 AIM-120 AMRAAM
1 Derby
1 Python 3/4
1 AIM-132 ASRAAM
3 Brimstone
Sta. 3 and 5 (inboard underwing)
1 AGM-88 HARM
2 GBU-12/32
1 GBU-10/16/24/31
1 CBU-87/89/94/97
3 CBU-52/58
1 Mk-84
2 Mk-83
3 Mk-82
1 AGM-65 Maverick
1 AIM-9 Sidewinder
1 AIM-120 AMRAAM
1 Derby
1 Python 3/4
1 AIM-132 ASRAAM
3 Brimstone
1 AGM-84 Harpoon/SLAM
1 AGM-154 JSOW
1 210 gal. external fuel tank
Sta. 4 (centerline)
1 GBU-10/12/16/24/31/32
1 CBU-87/89/94/97
2 CBU-52/58
1 Mk-84
2 Mk-82/83
1 AGM-154 JSOW
1 210 gal. external fuel tank
An additional hardpoint under the right engine inlet can mount targeting pods, such as the LANTIRN or HTS.
Loaded for antiarmor operations with 1 fuel tank, 12 Brimstones, and 2 AIM-9X.
A full air-to-air loadout of 4 AIM-120C and 2 Python 4.
Setup for strike, with 2 AIM-9X, 2 AIM-120C, 2 fuel tanks, 1 GBU-10, and a LANTIRN pod.
The leading-edge flaps, which can be seen in the Brimstone picture above, are operated automatically by the computer to suit the current flight condition, and can extend to a maximum of 20 degrees.
The trailing-edge flaps are also computer-controlled, and can extend up to 15 degrees for maneuvering flight. For takeoff and landing, they can extend further, to 30 and 45 degrees, respectively.
TEF's at full 45 degree extension.