The ex-US Navy A-4E Skyhawks, which have supplemented the initial deliveries of the A-4H version of this highly-successful little warplane, are now being fitted with the "avionics hump" which will eventually be added to all Israeli Skyhawks. An A-4E modified by the addition of the "hump” is illustrated here.

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

A substantial number of Douglas C-47s remains in the Israeli transport inventory as the "maids-of-all-work” of Heyl Ha’Avir, and at the present time no plans exist for a replacement for this type which is scheduled to soldier on well into the mid ’seventies.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935

Still the principal Israeli air superiority fighter, the Dassault Mirage IIICJ is marginally less manoeuvrable than the MiG-21 but Heyl Ha'Avir believes that the combination of features embodied by this French fighter render it superior to its principal antagonist in Middle Eastern skies.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Mirage III - ФранцияFrance - 1956

The Aerospatiale SA 321K Super Frelon was the largest helicopter in the Israeli inventory until the arrival of the S-65C-3. Heyl Ha’Avir originally planned to acquire 24 helicopters of this type, but the French embargo was imposed after the delivery of nine Super Frelons.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Aerospatiale Super Frelon / SA.321 - ФранцияFrance - 1962

One of the "straight transport" versions of the Boeing Stratocruiser that currently provide Heyl Ha'Avir with its principal heavy logistic support capability. One of these elderly Boeings flying over the Sinai was knocked down by an Egyptian SAM in September 1971.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing C-97 / Model 377 Stratocruiser - СШАUSA - 1944

Numerically the Bell 205 Iroquois (not Agusta-Bell AB 205 as is often reported) is the most important helicopter of Heyl Ha’Avir, an example of this extremely versatile machine being illustrated here.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell UH-1D Iroquois / Model 205 - СШАUSA - 1961

The advent of the Sikorsky S-65C-3 in Israeli service has tremendously increased the vertical lift capability of Heyl Ha’Avir.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky CH-53 / S-65 Sea Stallion - СШАUSA - 1964

The Sikorsky S-65C-3 heavy-lift helicopter, one of the Heyl Ha’Avir examples of which is illustrated, has now been in Israeli service for some two years, making a spectacular operational debut on 26 December 1969 when it was used in the capture of an entire “Barlock” mobile radar installation.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky CH-53 / S-65 Sea Stallion - СШАUSA - 1964

The Piper Super Cub has served Heyl Ha’Avir for many years in the primary training, liaison and spotting roles. Although the numbers in Israeli service have now diminished, it still fulfils grading and spotting tasks, and an example of this type is illustrated here.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Piper Super Cub PA-18 / L-8 / L-21 - СШАUSA - 1949

The Sud-Aviation Vautour IIA long-range attack aircraft shares with the Skyhawk and Phantom the main punch of Heyl Ha’Avir but is likely to be phased out of the inventory over the next year or so.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sud-Ouest SO.4050 Vautour II - ФранцияFrance - 1952

One of the older but still very useful French combat aircraft in the Israeli inventory is the Super Mystere B2. It equips one squadron of Heyl Ha’Avir, and these fighters are likely to remain in service for some considerable time to come.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Super Mystere - ФранцияFrance - 1955

The Nord 2501 Noratlas is used primarily as a paratroop transport but, on occasions, also serves in the target-towing role.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nord Nord 2500 Noratlas - ФранцияFrance - 1949

The increased capability of Heyl Ha’Avir since the six-day war is due in no small part to the acquisition of the Phantom, the RF-4E reconnaissance model being illustrated. Each of the Heyl Ha’Avir Phantom squadrons is reported to include two RF-4Es in its inventory.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

Cessna U 206C Super Sky wagons, one of which is seen here, have been in Heyl Ha’ Avir service for some two years. These serve in the utility role and are equipped with a detachable glass-fibre Cargo-Pack which incorporates loading doors on the side and at the rear. The Super Skywagon is used primarily for light transport and liaison tasks, but can also serve in the casualty-evacuation role.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Cessna 205 Super Skywagon / 206 Super Skylane / 207 - СШАUSA - 1965

One of the older but still very useful French combat aircraft in the Israeli inventory is the Mystere IVA. It equips one squadron of Heyl Ha’Avir, and these fighters are likely to remain in service for some considerable time to come.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Mystere IV / MD-454 - ФранцияFrance - 1952

The F-4E Phantom is now one of the most important weapons in the Israeli inventory, and allegedly equips three squadrons of Heyl Ha'Avir. Some Israeli aircraft, such as that illustrated here, appear to have the barrels of their M-61A-1 rotary cannon extended forward beneath the nose.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F-4E / F-4F Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1965

The increased capability of Heyl Ha’Avir since the six-day war is due in no small part to the acquisition of the Phantom, the F-4E version of which is seen.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F-4E / F-4F Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1965

The increased capability of Heyl Ha’Avir since the six-day war is due in no small part to the acquisition of the Phantom, the F-4E version of which is seen.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F-4E / F-4F Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1965