The Israeli Air force has used the F-4 Phantom since September of 1969 when the first four landed at Hatzor AFB and were immediately deployed in the War of Attrition against Egypt. The F4Es, known as "Kurnass" (Hebrew for "Heavy Hammer") were used for deep strike, Iron Hand, and interception missions. Note that the Israelis wisely chose to employ the gun-armed F-4E version, rather than the USAF's F4C, or Navy or Royal Air force variants, which has no internal gun. The Kurnass has served with distinction in the War of Attrition, the Yom Kippur War, and in the Bekaa Valley.
After the Yom Kippur War, the first major modification to the Kurnass was the refit of new, Israeli-designed combustion chambers which were more efficient and eliminated the telltale smoke trail that typifies the Phantom at full military power. From 1974 on, eliminate the "smoker at MIL" note from Israeli Phantoms.
In 1980, the "Kurnass 2000" project was initiated to extend the life of the remaining aircraft into the 21st century. Of the more than 200 Phantoms that have been shipped to Israel over the years, it is estimated that the IDFAF has 150 Kurnass that will be eventually upgraded to F4/2000s. In doing this, the IDFAF won't deplete its on-line strength. Each overhaul will cost about $5 million, which is much cheaper than the purchase of a new aircraft.
The first Kurnass 2000 was delivered in July 1987. It is not known if any additional conversions have been completed yet.
The Kurnass (174/2000) upgrade consists of the following improvements:
- A new radar, the ELTA M-2021B+. This system was originally developed by Norden for the now defunct A-6F project and was chosen by the IDFAF because of its superior ability in the air-to-ground mode, in contrast with the AN/ APG- 66J and 65 that Japan and West Germany chose for their Phantom updates - radars with emphasize the air-to-air role.
- An ECM upgrade. The Israeli's are understandably mum concerning details about the ECM upgrade, except for the information that it will be measurably improved and that the addition of a DJM is a near certainty. Not much else is known.
- The Kurnass has the capability to carry the Shafrir and Python IRMs, Shrike ARMs, and Gabriel ASMs as well AIM-7 RHMs and possibly AMRAAMs
- The original plan called for outfitting the F-4/2000 with new PW-1120 engines, but with the demise of the Lavi program, this has fallen through. Although the data card given assumes the PW-1120 engines, it is likely that any F-4/2000 built will have the basic J-79 engines.
In any event, the Israeli Phantom update will keep the Kurnass in good stead as the premier strike aircraft of the IDFAF and, should the need arise, the radar improvements will make it a deadly air-to-air opponent in the '90s as well.
Correction
The correct translation for "Kurnass" is bludgeon rather than heavy hammer.
Air Superiority Data Cards
Two Beasts Su-27 Flanker and IAF Kurnass F-4/2000
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© Copyright 1990 by J.D. Webster
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