Forum: Rotary Wing Aircraft

Last edited by DeepSpace on Apr 03, 2005 - 09:26 PM; edited 1 time in total

IDF gets world's best choppers

Three Apache Longbow helicopters arrive in Israel as part of USD 640 million defense-upgrade project; equipped with advanced night-vision system; remaining choppers to arrive by the end of 2006
By Ynetnews

TEL AVIV - The Israeli Air Force (IAF) received three Apache Longbow helicopters Sunday as part of a newly-established 20-helicopter squadron.

The highly advanced chopper can fly in all weather conditions and at nighttime, as it comes equipped with a night-vision system that transfers images directly to the pilot's eyes, a senior IAF officer said.

Another major advantage of the chopper pertains to its radar, which permits the detection of more than one target at a time and enables the pilot to launch a missile without maintaining eye-contact with the target, he said.

"This technique, which is called 'Launch and Forget,' offers us an efficient way to deal with the current risks helicopters face - from Kalashnikov gunfire, to anti-tank missiles and anti-aircraft fire," the officer said.

"The cockpit is a story in itself. Each activity or malfunction on the helicopter appears on the screen," another IAF officer said. "Everything is very user-friendly."

Each helicopter cost an estimated USD 27 million, and all in all Israel has invested some USD 640 million in the project, including the upgrading of Israeli-manufactured choppers and infrastructure development.

'We must prepare for any situation'

The remaining Apaches are expected to arrive in the country by the end of 2006 as part of a deal that was struck five years ago between the Defense Ministry and a number of American companies, including Boeing.

"This is a helicopter that brings unique capabilities to a long list of (military) operational aspects," an IDF official said.

Upon the establishment of the new IAF squadron, a number of Apache helicopter squadron pilots were sent to the U.S. to study the advanced helicopter.

Despite the recent positive developments in the Middle East, the IAF is certain the acquisition of the Apache Longbows is a necessity.

"We must prepare for any situation, including a 'classic' war," an IAF officer said.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340 ... 40,00.html

Note some systems unique to the Israeli version.

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Great news Deepspace Very Happy

! Glad to hear you're getting more capability, but I hope we never see it used Wink

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Thanks, I hope too, unless it's against some really bad guys Wink

Are these bought and paid for my Israel or by US "loans" than turn into grants, just like has happened so many times in the past.

SU34, from what I understand, Israel pays back its loans from the US. Either way, I'm happy with the situation Wink

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(Yes, they arrived packed in an AN-124)

You can also download 2 video clips of the arrival ceremony, 1,2

Hey everybody, I have been reading posts on this site for almost a year now and I have finally decided to register and jump into the fire!

I just happened to be out at Williams Gateway Airport (former Williams AFB) when the An-124 came to pick these beautiful Israeli birds up. I got some great shots of the Antonov landing and taxiing in and I also got a couple shots of the Apaches before they were loaded. If you're interested in seeing these pics, just let me know and I would be more than happy to send them! Very Happy

Hi AZViperFan, as usual, welcome to the board! Smile

Thanks for offering, and you can count me as interested number 1 for sure Wink

If you don't know, you can upload your pictures directly into your post.

BTW, in video number 2 that I posted you can see the Antonov lands in Israel and the Apaches being unloaded from this beast's belly.

Thanks for the welcome DeepSpace!

I think I've figured it out, so here goes nothin......

WOW, thanks for sharing! These are somehow better than the official ones I got to see.

Do you mind if I'll share them on another board (in Hebrew, with giving you a credit if you want)? Thought I'll ask your permission before doing so...

Thanks again mate.

It's definintely my pleasure sharing!

You are more than welcome to post those pictures elsewhere and it would be great if you could give me credit for them! Very Happy

Cool, thanks again Smile

parrothead wrote:

SU34, from what I understand, Israel pays back its loans from the US. Either way, I'm happy with the situation Wink

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From what i've read they really don't. The U.S "loans" the Israelis money for this equpiment. The "Loans" are later turned into grants which apparently was the agreement from the begining.

SU34, I really didn't want to get into politics in this thread (we have the off-topic forum for that), but you apparently don't seem to know that Israel is far from being the only country which the US "loans" (as you state it) money to (the US CHOOSES to "loan" this money to Israel, as a return Israel buys only American-made systems) (even though YOU have opened the EXACT same thread in the off-topic forum), so for you to get reminded, will you mind clicking here, here and here (Israel is in place number 26).

Quote:

IDF gets world's best choppers

Well I don't know about that. Maybe if they flew more than they were broke. Just kidding...Congrats on the new birds. I'm a former Blackhawk guy. Couldn't stand Apaches or their crews. They sure do look pretty though.

Forum: Rotary Wing Aircraft

First 3 AH-64D arrived in Israel