The first upgraded Phantom Aircraft is delivered to the Turkish Air Force following successful maiden flight
Mar 1, 1999
President of Israel Aircraft Industries: "Supply of the Upgraded Phantom for the Turkish Air Force to Be Earlier Than Planned"
Ben-Gurion International Airport, Israel - A ceremony marking the delivery of the first Phantom aircraft, which was upgraded at Israel Aircraft Industries for the Turkish Air Force, was held at the Company's facilities in Lod today. Moshe Keret, President of IAI said, " I am proud of the fact that the Turkish Government chose Israel Aircraft Industries to implement the F-4 Phantom and the F-5 upgrade programs for the Turkish Air Force.
"We have justified the credit given to us. Israel Aircraft Industries views Turkey as a strategic partner. I anticipate that we will expand the cooperation between us in the future."
David Erez, Project Manager for the Turkish Air Force Phantom Upgrade Program at IAI, said, "The work is being conducted in complete cooperation between the customer's representatives, the Turkish Air Force, and the Project Management of Israel Aircraft Industries. The employees' recognition of the importance of the project accelerated the scheduled first flight by two months."
"I was amazed by the capabilities embodied by the integration of new, modern avionics systems within the old body of the Phantom aircraft," said test pilot Adi Benaya, at the end of the maiden flight of the Turkish Air Force's Phantom, which underwent an upgrade at Israel Aircraft Industries. The supersonic test flight, which took place on February 11, 1999, lasted 55 minutes.
The first Turkish Air Force's Phantom aircraft arrived at Israel Aircraft Industries about two years ago. Structural repairs and reinforcement, replacement of all the electrical wiring, and installation of an improved avionics system, were among the work executed on the first aircraft. Conducive to the modern battlefield in the first decade of the new millenium, the upgraded aircraft will serve as a prototype and test aircraft for the entire fleet.
Israel Aircraft Industries, as the primary contractor, will perform the structural upgrade and the installation of the improved avionics system. The advanced radar and the active electronic warfare system are manufactured by ELTA Electronics Industries, a subsidiary of IAI. Integration of the avionics system is being implemented by Elbit Systems.
Among the Israeli subcontractors for the project are El-Op, Astronautics, and Orbit.
Part of the Turkish Phantom aircraft will be upgraded in the facilities of the LAHAV Division of Israel Aircraft Industries, and the remainder at the facilities of the Turkish Air Force with the assistance and support of IAI. The Turkish Air Force has already been involved in the overhaul work and in the production of parts for the upgraded aircraft.
The value of the entire deal is $632 million. Israel Aircraft Industries will transfer a total of $160 million for work implemented by Israeli subcontractors.
For more information, contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corp VP for Communications
Tel: 972 (3) 93 5-8509
Fax: 972 (3) 935-8512
Email: hpaz@hdq.iai.co.il
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