AMK 1/72 Kfir C2/C7

(from the instruction sheet)

Israeli Aerospace Industries “Kfir” (Hebrew: Lion Cub) is an Israeli built all weather, multi role combat aircraft based on modified Dassault Mirage 5 airframe with Israeli avionics and an Israeli made version of the General Electric J 79 turbojet engine.

The Kfir entered service with the IAF in 1975 with the first units being assigned to the 101st “First Fighter Squadron”. Over the following years, several other squadrons were also equipped with the new aircraft. The role of the Kfir as the IAF's primary air superiority asset was short lived due, in part, because of the first F-15 Eagles from the United States were delivered to Israel in 1976.

The Kfir first recorded combat action took place on November 9th, 1977 during an Israeli air strike on a training camp at Tel Azia, Lebanon. The only air victory claimed by a Kfir during service with the IAF occurred on June 27th, 1979 when a Kfir C2 shot down a Syrian Mig-21.

During the Israeli-Lebanese war in 1982 (Operation Peace for Galilee”, the IAF was able to use both F-15’s and F-16’s for their air superiority role leaving the Kfir to carry out unescorted strike missions. Shortly afterwards, all IAF C2’s began to be upgraded to C7 version with an enhanced weight performance, making the Kfir more suitable to the new fighter-bomber role. During the second half of the 1990s, the Kfir was withdrawn from active service in the IAF after almost 20 years of continuous service.

I’ll be upfront—this is my first dive into an AMK kit, and what a dive it was. This beauty landed in my hands thanks to a buddy who’s a 1/48 scale builder. He won it as an IPMS door prize, so we traded and we immediately huddled around this Kfir like kids with a new toy. Spoiler alert: It didn’t disappoint.

Packaging and Instructions: Opening the box was like unwrapping a modeler’s dream. Everything is neatly packed in resealable bags—a brilliant move for us builders who always manage to misplace tiny parts five minutes in. The instruction manual? Oh yeah, it’s in full color, with a clear step-by-step guide that even includes optional sub-assembly routes for those feeling adventurous—or foolish. It's essentially a shrunk-down version of their legendary 1/48 scale kit (48046), which has already earned excellent reviews.

This kit screams quality. The parts are thin, light, and so detailed you’ll feel like you need tweezers just to look at them. Be warned: the details are not just sharp—they're weaponized. One wrong move, and you’ll be picking plastic shards out of your carpet (and possibly your foot). The fuselage panel lines are a bit heavier than expected, but they’re not trenches. Think “gentle groove” rather than “moat.” Once painted, nobody will notice—unless you are looking for the lines with a flashlight.

You’ll need to decide early which version—C2 or C7—you want to build. This isn’t a “wing it and hope for the best” situation. The nose, ejection seats, pylons, and even some weapons setups vary, so save yourself the headache and commit early. And don’t forget to plan your payload. The kit includes a ridiculous amount of armament (more on that below), but you’ll need to pre-drill holes in the wings for mounting. Trust me—you do not want to realize that too late.

Where This Kit Really Soars: The Upsides

• Detail Freak’s Paradise: Every square millimeter of this thing is loaded with crisp, intricate details. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys whispering sweet nothings to an airbrush, this kit is for you.

• Clear Canopy: It's crystal-clear and delicate as glass—handle it like you're diffusing a bomb.

• Weapons Galore: You get Python-3 AAMs, GBU-12s, Griffins, Mk. 82s, and both supersonic and subsonic drop tanks. Yes, you heard that right: you’ll have leftovers. This kit isn’t just generous; it’s a small armory.

• Landing Gear Nirvana: The wheel wells and landing gear detail are so precise; they could pass for the real thing. Just keep a magnifying glass handy, or risk going cross-eyed. I didn’t see anything missing based on photos.

• Fit Like a Glove: Builders say this kit fits so well you’ll barely need filler—just a touch of sanding here and there. A rare luxury in this hobby, right? (No promises!)

Where Things Get a Bit Dicey: The Downsides

• Overly Detailed: The level of detail is almost... intimidating. Filling seams (if needed) risks obliterating some of that beautiful work, though you can re-scribe if you’re brave (or bored).

• Fiddly Assembly: Ever build an Airfix kit and wonder why they split a part in two just to mess with you? Yeah, this kit’s got a bit of that vibe—especially around the landing gear. Use your glue sparingly unless you want a sticky, frustrating mess.

• Nose Weight? Maybe?: The Kfir looks balanced without much added weight up front, but if you’re a chronic worrier (like me), you’ll be scoping out hiding places to sneak in some ballast (like spots in step 7). Good luck finding room, though—it’s like trying to park a tank in a phone booth.

  CONCLUSIONS

This kit is the modeling equivalent of a marathon—rewarding, challenging, and a bit punishing. If you’re someone who enjoys losing yourself in the minutiae of detail and appreciates a smooth-fitting, well-designed kit, this one will hit all the right notes. But fair warning: if your hands are as shaky as mine or your eyesight’s on the decline, you might want to keep some calming tea—and maybe a swear jar—nearby. Take your time.

The Kfir kit offers great decal options, so whether you dream of building a flashy ATAC jet or an iconic Israeli strike aircraft, you’re covered. But patience is key. This isn’t a weekend build—it’s a relationship, and like all relationships, it’s got its ups and downs. But when that final clear coat dries and you step back to admire your work, I think it’ll all be worth it.