This IASF A-4N Ahit 342, sporting a Flying Tigers symbol on the fin, is the prototype AhitM which flew for the first time in its upgraded form in December 2004. This view clearly shows the jet-pipe nozzle extension unique to Israeli Skyhawks, which was introduced in 1973 to counter man-portable air defence systems.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk - СШАUSA - 1954

This AhitN, undergoing level 2 maintenance at Nevatim, illustrates how the rear fuselage maybe removed for access to the engine. Israeli Skyhawks are equipped with the 11,200lb st Pratt & Whitney J52P-408 engine.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk - СШАUSA - 1954

A pair of AhitMs 311 and 342 taxi to take-off from Hatzerim as a Flight School Zukit comes into land. IASF Flight School students fly the Zukit during basic training and the Ahit for advanced training. The air force has issued a Request For Information for a Zukit replacement for introduction around 2010, and it is believed that the Ahit's successor will enter service some five years later.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fouga CM.170 Magister - ФранцияFrance - 1952McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk - СШАUSA - 1954

The Vectop head-up display and recorder dominates the cockpit of the AhitM. Partially hidden below them in this photograph is the illuminated multifunction display. The old Crystal weapon delivery and navigation system panels have been removed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk - СШАUSA - 1954

Approximately half of the Flying Tiger Squadron’s AhitMs are two-seaters. These originated as TA-4Hs (as 720 illustrated) and TA-4Js, though both variants were designated AhitTs in IASF service.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas TA-4 Skyhawk - СШАUSA - 1965

Israeli Skyhawks can refuel from the Boeing KC-707 tanker or buddy-buddy with other Ahits. Note the deployed fuselage airbrake and the logo ‘Improved Ahit’ in Hebrew script on the fuselage side just aft of the IASF Shield of David badge.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas TA-4 Skyhawk - СШАUSA - 1965

In order to minimise the amount of integration-testing of the EHUD instrumentation pod, it was based on the AIM-9 Sidewinder, with the same mass distribution and dimensions. It was hoped that modelling the pod on the AIM-9 would make it compatible with all Sidewinder-capable aircraft, but this has not proved to be the case and the pod requires aircraft-specific minor modifications.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas TA-4 Skyhawk - СШАUSA - 1965

An AhitM 'three-ship' prepares to take off from Hatzerim on a training sortie. The centre (702) and right-hand (705) aircraft originated as TA-4Js, while 721 was a TA-4H. Note that 702 is being flown solo, a task eased by the avionics commonality with single-seat Ahits.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas TA-4 Skyhawk - СШАUSA - 1965