Israel Aircraft Industries Delivers A B707-300 Aerial Refueling Aircraft to Israel Air Force
Feb 21, 2001
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) delivered today a converted and upgraded Boeing B707-300 aircraft, containing an advanced aerial refueling system to the Israel Air Force (IAF).
The primary advantage and outstanding feature of this aircraft is the built-in flexibility to quickly convert the aircraft from a cargo transport in peacetime to aerial tanker in times of emergency.
Integrated into the aircraft is a specialized electro-optic system built by the IAF. The system includes unique technologies allowing the operator to control the air refueling boom, and guide it with precision into the fueling receptacle of the fighter aircraft being refueled in-flight. Specialized goggles worn by the operator provide him with a three-dimensional view of the airborne operation outside the aircraft.
"We are accepting a very advanced system today which significantly raises our deterrent capability', Major Gen. (Res.) Amos Yaron, Director-General of the Israel Ministry of Defense, said at the ceremony marking the delivery of the new aerial tanker to the Israel Air Force.
A high-ranking Officer in the Israeli Air Force said that: "Today reflects another important milestone in the strategy of the Israel Air Force. We operate aerial tankers. This aircraft enables us to perform operations of high importance', said the Officer. "This system enters the IAF at a critical time when we find ourselves threatened from all sides, and we are hopeful that we will not have to use this capability now in our possession". "The project reflects the successful teamwork between the IAF and IAI in applying advanced, state-of-the-art processes', he commented.
In addition to the electro-optic system, the IAF supported the program through the definition and establishment of system performance parameters, logistics management, and conduct of flight tests. Project implementation included lessons learned from earlier generations of aerial tankers flown by the air force. Major Gen.(Res.) Ori Orr, Chairman of Israel Aircraft Industries Board of Directors, said at the ceremony that "A strong Israel Air Force coupled with a strong Israel Aircraft Industries together contribute to an even stronger country'.
Mr. Moshe Keret, IAI President and Chief Executive Officer said at the ceremony that, "IAI is adding yet another layer to the deterrent strength of the IAF. This aerial tanker conversion project generated a high level of cooperation among all those involved in it'.
"I am hopeful that in the future we will have additional opportunities to support the various branches of the Israel Defense Forces in the performance of unique projects which increase its power and strategic capability', noted Mr. Keret.
Mr. David Arzi, VP and General Manager, Bedek Aviation Group, IAI, added that: "This Aircraft is a sophisticated system, which incorporates advanced procedures".
The converted aircraft also includes a state-of-the-art navigation system and digital communication system developed and built by IAI.
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
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
