Apologies in advance for bringing the Lavi back into the discussion, but if anyone is interested in the design aspects of a close-coupled delta canard, and how the data from the Lavi influenced the design of the J-10C, this video is extremely informative about the design and engineering aspects. Please note, the J-10C
IS NOT a copy of the Lavi, what I'm trying to do here is to demonstrate how a similar design and engineering philosophy was used in both aircraft to achieve similar performance characteristics. In summary, both the Lavi and J-10C adopt a close-coupled canard delta design for improved aerodynamic efficiency, along with a thick wing root chord for greater fuel and load capacity, primarily intended for the strike role, and secondarily for A2A.
Key points from the video:
- The Lavi was designed primarily as a light/medium weight strike fighter, and secondary A2A fighter.
- Over 50% of total fuel volume is located in the wings, as apposed to around 20% in the F-16, allowing for more internal fuselage volume to be used for avionics and weapons.
- Thicker wing root section allows the Lavi to carry more with less weight - 13% higher MTOW than Block-30 F-16C with 10% lower empty weight, 50% greater combat radius than Block-40 F-16C with 20% lower empty weight.
- Close-coupled canard design improves aerodynamic efficiency and lift-to-drag ratio, for greater load carrying over longer ranges (similar to Gripen, Rafale, J-10C).