Israeli Air Force In Profile

Complementing the Hawkeye, but in a more localised role, are two Grumman OV-1D Mohawks, delivered in 1974 under the code name Nickel Gross Apache. These aircraft are used on reconnaissance and surveillance missions and are equipped with sideways looking radar, infrared sensors and cameras. Also used for electronic intelligence gathering activities are a small number of ex-US Army Beech RU-21s, a derivative of the commercial Queen Air.

Helicopters

Providing the link between the air and the ground forces are the helicopters, which form an integral part of the IDFAF. To cope with the need for a quick, responsive, casevac unit, the IDFAF has created the Aeromedical Evacuation Unit. Used for both civil and military medivac purposes, such a specialised unit relies principally on the Bell 212’s. These helicopters are specially fitted with medical equipment to provide early assistance. Although mainly operating these modified Bell 212’s, the unit has at its disposal the larger S-65 helicopters or even the C-130 Hercules transports.

Since 1970 the IDFAF has also purchased some twenty Bell 206 Jetrangers. These are now supplemented by an additional number of Bell 206L Longrangers, a stretched version of the 206. Both types are used as light observation and general-purpose helicopters, as well as trainers. They are also operated near front-line combat zones often carrying officers between command posts and field units. All Bell 206’s have been updated with SAM suppression kits, as well as wire cutters on the nose to avoid accidents during low level flights.

Till the arrival of the Sikorsky S-65, the largest transport and assault helicopter operated by the IDFAF was the Sud Aviation SA. 321K Super Frelon, the first of which arrived in Israel in April, 1966. By June of the following year four were already in service and another eight arrived between 1967-69. Since their arrival, these helicopters have been extensively used in various roles, including a number of daring long-range commando raids which were carried out, particularly during the War of Attrition. In 1974- 75 these SA. 321K’s went through a refit when the original Turbomeca Turmo IIIE-3 engines were replaced by GE T58-GET5D turboshaft engines. The Super Frelon remains in service and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.

The largest helicopter currently operated by the IDFA_F is the Sikorsky S-65 heavy assault helicopter. Although referred to in most sources as the CH-53, these large helicopters are, in fact, S-65C-3’s, civil versions of the US Marine Corp’s CH-53D. Some twenty of these S-65’s were purchased by the IDFAF direct from the US. A further number of ex-Austrian Air Force S-65-Oe’s were purchased in 1981. The first of the S-65’s entered service with the IDFAF in the late 1960’s, supplementing the small number of Super Frelons already in service.

The new S-65’s first major operation came in December, 1969, most important type, numerically, is the Bell 212 which has replaced the earlier Bell 205. The Bell 212 is a utility helicopter and is used in a wide variety of roles, including troop transport, supply, rescue, anti-terrorist warfare and various specialised missions when they were used to transport commando units to Ras Ghareb, on the western side of the Suez Canal, from where they succeeded in bringing back to Israel a complete Soviet P-12 mobile radar system. Since then, these helicopters have been used on a number of daring commando raids during the War of Attrition and the Yorn Kippur War, as well as rescue missions of downed pilots behind enemy lines. The S-65’s are fitted with removable refuelling probes, giving them long range mission capabilities, plus air filters over the engines for protection against the desert sands. The S-65’s continue to give outstanding service to the IDFAF in their role of assault and heavy airlift.

The use of large armoured formations has played an important part in the military strategy of the armed forces in the region. The IDFAF had become interested in new weapon systems that could stem large armoured attacks, such as had been witnessed on the Syrian front during the Yorn Kippur War. So, in 1974, a batch of six Bell AH-1 Cobras, armed with TOW (Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wire-guided) anti-tank missiles, were purchased for evaluation purposes. They proved to be what the IDFAF required and more were ordered. The original purchase comprised about twelve AH-1G and eighteen AH-1Q. This was followed by an undisclosed number of the more advanced AH-1S. The AH-1G was the original version of the Cobra gunship, the AH-1Q was the interim anti tank version, while the AH-1S was the definitive anti tank Cobra, differing externally with its flat canopy windows. All AH-1 models have the M. 28 nose turret. The earlier versions have turret-mounted miniguns and grenade launchers, while the later S model is armed with the 20mm Vulcan gatling gun. External armament is attached to two hard points under each wing stub. The outer ones usually carry quad TOW missiles in their launchers, while the inner ones each mount one air-to-ground rocket pod.

Some thirty Hughes 500MD Defenders were also purchased to complement the Cobras. The 500MD is the multi role military version of the Hughes Model 500 series and is easily distinguished by its T-shaped tail and five main rotor blades. The armament consists of two TOW launchers mounted under each wing stub. Both the Defenders and the Cobras saw action in Lebanon in 1982. Although two were lost in action, both types claimed success against tanks and armoured vehicles, as well as soft-skinned vehicles. Yet their capacity in action was purposefully limited, as the IDFAF was relatively new to the concept of attack helicopters. Their effectiveness was further limited by the type of topography over which they operated. Nevertheless, they proved their worth, especially against armoured formations.

A recent addition to the helicopter force has been the US-built HH-65A Dolphin. Two were purchased for evaluation purposes, with the possibility of purchasing additional helicopters of this type if they meet the IDFAF’s requirements. The IDFAF is also looking at a future replacement for its current fleet of Bell 212’s. A likely successor is the Sikorsky S-70 (UH-60 Black Hawk), which can carry up to eleven troops, four litters, or freight in its cabin. However, no final decision has been made as yet. Due to the current economic climate in Israel and budgetary restrictions, the IDFAF may have to delay purchasing the S-70 and rely, instead, on refurbishing or updating its Bell 212’s, or even purchasing an additional number of Bell 212’s.

Fixed Wing Transports

To meet the IDFAF’s wide needs in the transport, liaison, communication and utility role are a large number of fixed-wing aircraft. Having been a part of the IDFAF’s inventory since the beginning, are the remainder of its fleet of C-47 Dakotas, with only eighteen now in operational use. The majority are former French Armee de l’Air aircraft, purchased in the early 1960’s, which are used today mainly as light transports or for parachute training. But the mainstay of the IDFAF’s heavy lift capabilities is the venerable Lockheed C-130 Hercules, which has proved itself worldwide. It continues to give excellent service.

The first Hercules for the IDFAF were two C-130H models (4XFBA and 4X-FBB), which were delivered in 1971 and saw service during the Yorn Kippur War. This war put a heavy strain on the IDFAF’s transport wing, especially as it only had a small fleet of large transports. In order to alleviate this problem twelve USAF C-130Es were transferred to the IDFAF. Following the war a further batch of eight C-130H and two KC-130H aerial tankers were delivered. To date only one Hercules has been lost, this being the result of an accident.

The IDFAF also operates a sinall number of IAI Arava light transports in addition to IAI 1123 Westwind Sea Scan and Beech Queen Air liaison and littoral surveillance aircraft.

Remotely Piloted Vehicles

Remotely piloted vehicles (RPV), or drones, have been a part of the IDFAF since the early 1970’s. The IDFAF had decided to acquire RPV’s during the War of Attrition, following the downing of a number of its F-4 Phantoms. Although purchased ostensibly for unmanned reconnaissance flights, these RPV’s were capable of carrying offensive loads. Two types were purchased, the Teledyne Ryan Firebee and the Northrop Chukar and both proved invaluable during their numerous reconnaissance missions carried out during the Yorn Kippur War. They flew over both Egyptian and Syrian territories and returned with valuable film of military installations and concentrations. Only two were admitted to have been lost in action.

As the American RPV’s had proved their worth, the Israeli defence establishment began to develop and design its own RPV’s. The result was two types of mini RPV’s, both of which are now in operational use. The Scout was developed by IAI and the Mastiff by Tadiran. Both of these have been extensively used and have proved beyond doubt their effectiveness. The idea of a mini RPV was based on the experience gained with the Firebee and the Chukar. The smaller Chukar had proved to be more difficult to detect. Likewise, the small size of the Israeli mini RPV’s also make them difficult to detect visually and even harder to shoot down. Being made of light, composite materials they are easily transportable.

Each of these mini RPV’s is controlled by an operator on the ground, from as far away as 100 kilometres. They can remain aloft for long periods of time; up to seven hours. One of their main advantages is that, unlike the earlier Firebees and Chukars which take pictures and then must return in order that the film may be removed and processed, the Scout and Mastiff carry a stabilised, remote-controlled TV camera, with a telephoto lens, which transmits the picture back to the ground station, thereby giving real time pictures and immediate information for up-to date command decision making. As well, both RPV’s are capable of carrying alternate payloads, such as electronic warfare packages, laser designators and decoy avionics, which simulate larger aircraft. There is no doubt that currently, the IDFAF is well in advance of other air forces in the operational use and development of the mini RPV systems.

The Air Defense Force

The Air Defense Force (ADF) has come a long way since it first shot down an Egyptian Spitfire on the first day of Israel’s independence. The ADF has, as its main objective, the protection of Israel’s population centres and strategic targets, such as military installations. As well, in times of armed conflict, units are also responsible for the protection of ground forces. Because the ground forces’ tactics rely on high mobility and rapid movement, the ADF has, correspondingly, developed a high degree of mobility and flexibility. Since 1967 the ADF has destroyed 84 enemy aircraft, with no friendly aircraft being hit in error.

The ADF only became a component of the IDFAF in 1971 and since then all of its activities have come under IDFAF command. The IDFAF has invested heavily in anti-aircraft systems. A new generation of weaponry came into use during the last days of the Yorn Kippur War and the years immediately following that war. Such new weapons included SAM systems such as the Chaparral, improved HAWK and the man-portable Redeye, as well as the mobile Vulcan guns. While these have been obtained from the US, Israel has also designed its own systems.

One of the first Israeli designed units was the TCM-20 twin 20mm gun, mounted on an electrically powered turret which became operational in late 1967. The TCM is still used for point defence or as a mobile unit, when mounted on such vehicles as the M-3 half-track. Following the success of the TCM-20 system, RAMTA (a subsiduary of IAI) developed the TCM Mk3, with twin 23mm guns, which may be integrated with a fire control system developed by MBT (another IAI subsidiary).

Serving for many years as the main surface to air missile has been the multiple battery HAWK system. These missiles are highly regarded and have proved themselves. The ADF, through its own research and development, has modified the system to meet its own needs. The HAWK missile has been improved to increase its operational ceiling. . In fact, one high flying MiG-25, possibly a reconnaissance version, was destroyed over Lebanon in 1982, at an altitude in excess of the HAWK’s original design parameters.

Complementing the HAWK, but intended against low level targets are the more mobile self-propelled Chaparral and Vulcan systems. Both types recorded hits against Syrian aircraft in Lebanon in 1982, including a number of Aerospatiale SA. 342L Gazelle anti-tank helicopters. The Vulcan gun systems also proved to be extremely effective against ground targets, such as fortified positions and sniper’s nests.

Aerial Refuelling

The IDFAF had begun to experiment with aerial refuelling after the arrival of the A-4 Skyhawks, the first aircraft in the IDFAF with aerial refuelling capability. Relying originally on the US Navy style probe and drogue system, the IDFAF was able to modify some of its fleet of Boeing C-97G Stratofreighters to aerial tankers, using underwing tanks. Air to air refuelling was further enhanced by the use of the buddy pack, whereby one A-4 could refuel another in flight. The Skyhawks could also refuel from the two KC-130H Hercules. But the F-4 Phantoms were not designed to use the same system as the A-4. So, in order to achieve compatibility, a large modification program was instigated, whereby the F-4’s were retrofitted with a removable, externally mounted refuelling probe, projecting above the right intake. This made it possible for both the A-4 and the F-4 to use the same refuelling system.

With the arrival of the newer generation of aircraft, such as the F-15 and F-16, a different aerial refuelling system needed to be introduced. Like the F-4, these aircraft are designed to use the USAF’s boom system. Thus, in order to retain an aerial refuelling capability, a number of Boeing 707’s were modified at IAI for use as aerial tankers, with booms under the rear fuselage, as on the USAF KC-135’s. The boom operator does not rely on visual sighting to direct the boom, but on TV cameras. These 707 aerial tankers made their debut in 1982. They were also used operationally on 1 October 1985 to refuel IDFAF aircraft, which had flown to attack and destroy PLO headquarters in Tunisia. The IDFAF also operates a number of 707’s and transport roles.

Bases and Airspace

The Camp David Accord, signed in 1978 between Israel and Egypt, included the return of the Sinai peninsula to Egypt, after having been under Israeli control since its capture during the Six Day War. As a result of the agreement the Israeli forces withdrew. The IDFAF also had to pull out of its Sinai bases and move all its units back into Israel. Code named ‘Operation Ramon’, this withdrawal was a great logistical challenge. Important airbases, such as Refidim (Bir Gifgafa) Eitam and Etsion were evacuated, along with other smaller bases. To make up for the loss of these Sinai bases, two new airbases were built in Israel, Roman and Ovda, with a third to be built near Beersheba.

However, the loss of such a vast, relatively empty area such as the Sinai, meant not only the loss of first class bases, but also the loss of a vast training ground. Along with this is the fact that the depth of the Sinai had provided the IDF with a large buffer zone. The IDFAF can no longer fly over large areas and is, instead, obliged to train within the confines of Israeli airspace. This problem is further aggravated, since even this limited space, particularly the Negev region, has been further reduced by the growth of towns and new settlements. Safety problems also exist as military aircraft must fly through civil air corridors. But the loss of training airspace is partially compensated for by the increased use of simulators and revised use of available flying time. Also, more use is being made of the airspace over the Mediterranean Sea.

The IDFAF operates from eight main bases. In the north is Ramat David, in the central region are Tel Nof, Sde Dov, Ben Gurion and Hatzor and in the south are Hatzerim, Ovda and Ramon. The bases in the north and centre of the country date back to the days of the British Mandate and had been important RAF bases. Hatzerim was entirely built by Israel, while Ovda and Ramon were built with US assistance. As well as these main bases, there are a number of smaller bases scattered throughout the country, which are home for smaller units, including helicopters.

The Future

In order to meet the future demands in its area of operations the IDFAF has had to take into account the fact that the armed forces of its enemies are increasing, both in quantity and quality. Yet, despite its success over Lebanon, the need still remains to study and implement lessons learnt from that and other engagements with hostile forces. Whatever the IDFAF lacks in quantity it must endeavour to make up for in quality. The problem is further highlighted by the fact that Israel is currently in a poor economic situation. Like other sectors, the IDFAF has to operate within a limited budget, reduced further by government budgetary cuts. The IDFAF today has in its inventory aircraft that provide it with great flexibility of operations, heavy firepower and the ability to operate for long durations over great distances. Yet at the same time, the IDFAF recognises the increasing threats that it may have to face. The IDFAF is determined to compensate for any lack in quantity, by improving the quality of material and personnel, factors which constitute its real strength and deterrent power. The IDFAF remains prepared for any future outbreak in hostilities, both in its weapons systems and doctrines and, as the past has shown, it is capable of doing this with great success.

Notes: (1) Twelve CH-53A’s are to be leased from the US Navy this year.