JAF/IAF used German World War II Messerschmitts (video)

[flyer01]

I found this bit of aviation history to be very ironik so made a video and a short summery of the events.

Shortly after Israel declared its independence, a column of Egyptian forces invaded Israel from the South and advanced toward Tel Aviv. Israel’s meager ground forces were unable to stop the flow of the Egyptian army and it seemed that Tel Aviv would quickly be overrun. Since Israel didn’t possess any combat aircraft capable of stopping the Egyptians, Israeli agents in Czechoslovakia hastily purchased four small World War II Messerschmitts, took them apart, loaded them into larger aircraft and rushed them to Israel for reassembly.
Israel’s newly acquired planes met and attacked the Egyptians near a bridge a mere 20-minute ride from Tel Aviv. Although two of the four planes were damaged, the Arab advance was halted. In part, this amazing success was due to the psychological effect on the Egyptians, who were astonished to find that the fledgling country had any air force at all.
Back in 1947, when the writing was already on the wall, former World War II pilots and navigators came to Palestine as volunteers and helped found the Jewish Air Service — predecessor to the Israel Air Force. But where were they going to get warplanes?
As the War of Independence continued, it became clear that the fledgling air force needed aircraft better than Austers and superior to the Messerschmitts used after the state was declared. The British withdrawal from Palestine provided the solution, for when they left, they evacuated several air force bases. After scavenging for parts from Spitfires that the British had discarded as unusable, Israeli engineers were able to build two Spitfires. All they were missing were — motors! Providentially, soon afterwards, four Egyptian Spitfires bombarded a Jewish target. The enemy Spitfires were downed and motors inserted into the new planes.

Enjoy:salute:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFfW1dyhN9k

flyer01

[ndicki]

Good one!

On the subject of irony, the final irony is that on the one hand, the last serious air combat fought by the Bf109 (OK, its derivative the S-199) was in the hands of the Jews, and that on the other hand, tits final variant (Hispano Ha1112) was equipped with the Rolls-Royce Merlin of its arch-enemy. What irony!

[flyer01]

nicki, irony is really an understatement when you stop and think about the history that lead up to this event. Thank you for your comment.

This is another story in the article that was found in my research of the event. Rather funny In it own way.

The following day, a Messerschmitt flown by dark- skinned Canadian volunteer Milton Rubenfeld was hit by Egyptian fire. Rubenfeld parachuted into the water by Kfar Vitkin and suffered multiple injuries. Like the Egyptians, few Israelis were unaware of the fact that their brand-new country had an air force — complete with airplanes! So when Rubenfeld stumbled toward them, area residents thought he was an Arab and started shooting.
Rubenfeld didn’t speak Hebrew, and desperately needed to let his captors know that he was Jewish. So he shouted out the only words he knew in Yiddish: Gefilte fish and shabbos! (Or at least that’s how the story goes...)

Happy New Year!

flyer01:salute:

[Autothrottle]

Very interesting indeed. Nice 109 skin by the way!

If Hitler knew his 109's would defend jewish territory, he would have had Willy Messerchmitt shot on site at Schweinfurt.

Happy new year as well:salute:

[Pat Pattle]

Nice vid Mike and an unusual subject.


Another such oddity is that the Turkish AF flew Fw190's alongside Spifires after the war.

[ndicki]

And the Czechs flew 109s and S-199s alongside Spitfires and Mosquitoes (and all sorts of Soviet junk too, but that's not very interesting.) The 109 didn't finally become history until November 1965, would you believe! when the Spanish Air Force finally retired their last Ha-1112s.

There's a skin or two of mine for Czech S-199s somewhere in the downloads. It's pretty old though, so you might not like it that much. Can't remember whether there's one or two.

[ndicki]

Maybe of interest.

[pete1]

Ndicki,firstly it's great to see you back and secondly i am sure that i speak on behalf of everyone when i say we can never have enough of your fantastic skins,please upload these and did you say you had a yugo skin for the 109E?.....

[ndicki]

What, like this one?

[ndicki]

I'm pulling your leg, though. That was made for one of the MAW 109e prototypes, and the mapping is not compatible with the release model. So I don't really have one I can let you have, I'm afraid!

[pete1]

you naughty leg puller you!,as a compensation for that devastating blow to morale how about uploading the skins in your screenies?,(and any random flotsam and jetsam you have floating around,i mean it's not fair on you to have your PC cluttered up with all these skins,i am willing in the name of goodwill to relieve you of this burden!.)

[flyer01]

This is a skin you might like and a link to a web site that shows all the WWII planes the IAF was able to get into the country in 1948/49.
http://webspace.webring.com/people/u...9/erlyfrme.htm

flyer01:salute:

[pete1]

loverly Beau there matey,very interesting link as well.

[ndicki]

I've just sent them in to Douglas. The S-199 isn't my best by any stretch, but it'll do.

[pete1]

smashing thanks Ndicki,great news

[flyer01]

This is more planes of the IAF in 1948/49.

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress

The only Bomber to serve with the IAF, the B-17 was over ranged for the Mid Eastern theater. But in the desperate times of th
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress

The only Bomber to serve with the IAF, the B-17 was over ranged for the Mid Eastern theater. But in the desperate times of th

North American P-51 Mustang

The Mustang was one of the best planes of WWII, and the most advanced piston engine aircraft to enter service with the IAF. About 79 Mustangs were purchased for the IAF, and 4 were smuggled out of the United States in time to serve in the war of independence. (the U.S. had an arms embargo on the Middle East during the war). 2 of the 4 smuggled planes entered service and were used as interceptor ,one of them achieved two kills. The first kill was achieved on the Mustangs first flight. All through the war an unknown plane flew a path over the 3 major IAF bases, Ramat David, Tel Nof and Hatzor. It was flying at altitudes out of reach for the S-199 and Spitfire, and it was decided that on it’s first flight (before it’s existence is revealed) the Mustang woudl try to intercept that plane. The vapor trails appeared over Ramat David as usual, and they called Hatzor (were the Mustang was based). The intercept was successful, the strange spy plane turned out to be a British P.R.34 Mosquito, and although the yet untested guns of the Mustang jammed after only a few rounds were fired, the Mosquito fell apart in midair. Later the same Mustang shot down an Egyptian Dakota. After the war of independence, the embargoed Mustangs from the US. were released, and the Mustang became the IAF’s main fighter. In 1951 20 more planes were purchased in the U.S., and in 1952 Sweden agreed to sell Israel 25 Mustangs (J-26 fighters, and S-26 for air photography). 30 more planes and parts were purchased in Italy. After the arrival of the first Jets in 1953, the Mustang served in the ground attack role. 29 planes were still in service with two squadrons at the opening of operation Kadesh, (1956), and performed in ground attack missions. 4 Mustangs performed the first mission of the Kadesh operation, cutting telephone lines in strategic locations, and preventing the front positions from reporting when they were attacked later that day. The planes were fitted with a chain with a weight at the end to cut the wire. But these chains were not tested in long flights and became loose, causing them to fall off in the first attempts at cutting the wire. The pilots knowing the importance of there mission didn’t give up and cut the wires using the propeller and wings. . 9 Mustangs were lost to ground fire during the operation. the remaining planes continued to serve in the operational training squadron, until 1960.

Statistics: For the P-51 MustangType:Fighter.Country of origin:USA.Engine: Merlin 1510 HP.Armament: 6 12,7mm Guns, two 450kg Bombs or A/G Rockets.Weights:Empty 3230kg, Max 5260kg.Performance: Max speed 700km/h, Climb 3320ft/min, Ceiling 41,900ft, Range 1600km (with drop tanks 3230km).Dimensions:Wingspan 11.27m, Length 9.75m, Height 4.16m, Wing area 21.66sqr/m.


Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
The only Bomber to serve with the IAF, the B-17 was over ranged for the Mid Eastern theater. But in the desperate times of the war of independence any war plane that could legally or illegally be brought to Israel in time to fight in the war was welcome. 4 B-17s without arms were bought in the US, 3 of them made it to Israel (one was stopped by US agents). After a brief stop in Czechoslovakia they were flown to Israel, via a bombing raid on Cairo. The four engine Bombers had high maintenance requirements, but were operated successfully in high altitude bombing. After the war the B-17s were used for long range patrol, and at least one of them was fitted with a Maritime search Radar. In July 1956 they were placed in storage, but 2 were placed back in service to take part in the Kadesh operation (in October that year). They were employed as night Bombers and bombed targets such as the Gaza Strip and Sharem-Al-Sheik. Those 2 remaining B-17s served until 1958.

Statistics: For the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
Type: Long Range Heavy Bomber.
Country of origin: USA.
Engine: 4 Rite Cyclone R-1820-97 1200 HP each.
Armament: 13 Browning 12.7mm Guns, and 2724kg of Bombs, either in the Bomb bay, or under the wings.
Weights: Empty 14,840kg, Max 24,950kg.
Performance: Max Speed 576km/h, Climb 900ft/min, Ceiling 35,000ft, Range 2896km.
Dimensions: Wing Span 31.63m, Length 22.66m, Height 5.82m, Wing area 131.92.



Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
The only Bomber to serve with the IAF, the B-17 was over ranged for the Mid Eastern theater. But in the desperate times of the war of independence any war plane that could legally or illegally be brought to Israel in time to fight in the war was welcome. 4 B-17s without arms were bought in the US, 3 of them made it to Israel (one was stopped by US agents). After a brief stop in Czechoslovakia they were flown to Israel, via a bombing raid on Cairo. The four engine Bombers had high maintenance requirements, but were operated successfully in high altitude bombing. After the war the B-17s were used for long range patrol, and at least one of them was fitted with a Maritime search Radar. In July 1956 they were placed in storage, but 2 were placed back in service to take part in the Kadesh operation (in October that year). They were employed as night Bombers and bombed targets such as the Gaza Strip and Sharem-Al-Sheik. Those 2 remaining B-17s served until 1958.

Statistics: For the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
Type: Long Range Heavy Bomber.
Country of origin: USA.
Engine: 4 Rite Cyclone R-1820-97 1200 HP each.
Armament: 13 Browning 12.7mm Guns, and 2724kg of Bombs, either in the Bomb bay, or under the wings.
Weights: Empty 14,840kg, Max 24,950kg.
Performance: Max Speed 576km/h, Climb 900ft/min, Ceiling 35,000ft, Range 2896km.
Dimensions: Wing Span 31.63m, Length 22.66m, Height 5.82m, Wing area 131.92.

e war of independence any war plane that could legally or illegally be brought to Israel in time to fight in the war was welcome. 4 B-17s without arms were bought in the US, 3 of them made it to Israel (one was stopped by US agents). After a brief stop in Czechoslovakia they were flown to Israel, via a bombing raid on Cairo. The four engine Bombers had high maintenance requirements, but were operated successfully in high altitude bombing. After the war the B-17s were used for long range patrol, and at least one of them was fitted with a Maritime search Radar. In July 1956 they were placed in storage, but 2 were placed back in service to take part in the Kadesh operation (in October that year). They were employed as night Bombers and bombed targets such as the Gaza Strip and Sharem-Al-Sheik. Those 2 remaining B-17s served until 1958.

Statistics: For the Boeing B-17G Flying FortressType:Long Range Heavy Bomber.Country of origin: USA.Engine:4 Rite Cyclone R-1820-97 1200 HP each.Armament:13 Browning 12.7mm Guns, and 2724kg of Bombs, either in the Bomb bay, or under the wings.Weights: Empty 14,840kg, Max 24,950kg.Performance: Max Speed 576km/h, Climb 900ft/min, Ceiling 35,000ft, Range 2896km.Dimensions:Wing Span 31.63m, Length 22.66m, Height 5.82m, Wing area 131.92.

e war of independence any war plane that could legally or illegally be brought to Israel in time to fight in the war was welcome. 4 B-17s without arms were bought in the US, 3 of them made it to Israel (one was stopped by US agents). After a brief stop in Czechoslovakia they were flown to Israel, via a bombing raid on Cairo. The four engine Bombers had high maintenance requirements, but were operated successfully in high altitude bombing. After the war the B-17s were used for long range patrol, and at least one of them was fitted with a Maritime search Radar. In July 1956 they were placed in storage, but 2 were placed back in service to take part in the Kadesh operation (in October that year). They were employed as night Bombers and bombed targets such as the Gaza Strip and Sharem-Al-Sheik. Those 2 remaining B-17s served until 1958.

Statistics: For the Boeing B-17G Flying FortressType:Long Range Heavy Bomber.Country of origin: USA.Engine:4 Rite Cyclone R-1820-97 1200 HP each.Armament:13 Browning 12.7mm Guns, and 2724kg of Bombs, either in the Bomb bay, or under the wings.Weights: Empty 14,840kg, Max 24,950kg.Performance: Max Speed 576km/h, Climb 900ft/min, Ceiling 35,000ft, Range 2896km.Dimensions:Wing Span 31.63m, Length 22.66m, Height 5.82m, Wing area 131.92.

flyer01:salute:

[flyer01]

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
The only Bomber to serve with the IAF, the B-17 was over ranged for the Mid Eastern theater. But in the desperate times of the war of independence any war plane that could legally or illegally be brought to Israel in time to fight in the war was welcome. 4 B-17s without arms were bought in the US, 3 of them made it to Israel (one was stopped by US agents). After a brief stop in Czechoslovakia they were flown to Israel, via a bombing raid on Cairo. The four engine Bombers had high maintenance requirements, but were operated successfully in high altitude bombing. After the war the B-17s were used for long range patrol, and at least one of them was fitted with a Maritime search Radar. In July 1956 they were placed in storage, but 2 were placed back in service to take part in the Kadesh operation (in October that year). They were employed as night Bombers and bombed targets such as the Gaza Strip and Sharem-Al-Sheik. Those 2 remaining B-17s served until 1958.

Statistics: For the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
Type: Long Range Heavy Bomber.
Country of origin: USA.
Engine: 4 Rite Cyclone R-1820-97 1200 HP each.
Armament: 13 Browning 12.7mm Guns, and 2724kg of Bombs, either in the Bomb bay, or under the wings.
Weights: Empty 14,840kg, Max 24,950kg.
Performance: Max Speed 576km/h, Climb 900ft/min, Ceiling 35,000ft, Range 2896km.
Dimensions: Wing Span 31.63m, Length 22.66m, Height 5.82m, Wing area 131.92.

[flyer01]

North American P-51 Mustang
The Mustang was one of the best planes of WWII, and the most advanced piston engine aircraft to enter service with the IAF. About 79 Mustangs were purchased for the IAF, and 4 were smuggled out of the United States in time to serve in the war of independence. (the U.S. had an arms embargo on the Middle East during the war). 2 of the 4 smuggled planes entered service and were used as interceptor ,one of them achieved two kills. The first kill was achieved on the Mustangs first flight. All through the war an unknown plane flew a path over the 3 major IAF bases, Ramat David, Tel Nof and Hatzor. It was flying at altitudes out of reach for the S-199 and Spitfire, and it was decided that on it’s first flight (before it’s existence is revealed) the Mustang woudl try to intercept that plane. The vapor trails appeared over Ramat David as usual, and they called Hatzor (were the Mustang was based). The intercept was successful, the strange spy plane turned out to be a British P.R.34 Mosquito, and although the yet untested guns of the Mustang jammed after only a few rounds were fired, the Mosquito fell apart in midair. Later the same Mustang shot down an Egyptian Dakota. After the war of independence, the embargoed Mustangs from the US. were released, and the Mustang became the IAF’s main fighter. In 1951 20 more planes were purchased in the U.S., and in 1952 Sweden agreed to sell Israel 25 Mustangs (J-26 fighters, and S-26 for air photography). 30 more planes and parts were purchased in Italy. After the arrival of the first Jets in 1953, the Mustang served in the ground attack role. 29 planes were still in service with two squadrons at the opening of operation Kadesh, (1956), and performed in ground attack missions. 4 Mustangs performed the first mission of the Kadesh operation, cutting telephone lines in strategic locations, and preventing the front positions from reporting when they were attacked later that day. The planes were fitted with a chain with a weight at the end to cut the wire. But these chains were not tested in long flights and became loose, causing them to fall off in the first attempts at cutting the wire. The pilots knowing the importance of there mission didn’t give up and cut the wires using the propeller and wings. . 9 Mustangs were lost to ground fire during the operation. the remaining planes continued to serve in the operational training squadron, until 1960.


Statistics: For the P-51 Mustang
Type: Fighter.
Country of origin: USA.
Engine: Merlin 1510 HP.
Armament: 6 12,7mm Guns, two 450kg Bombs or A/G Rockets.
Weights: Empty 3230kg, Max 5260kg.
Performance: Max speed 700km/h, Climb 3320ft/min, Ceiling 41,900ft, Range 1600km (with drop tanks 3230km).
Dimensions: Wingspan 11.27m, Length 9.75m, Height 4.16m, Wing area 21.66sqr/m.

[flyer01]

Too more of the WWII planes used in 1948/49 by the IAF.

De Havilland Mosquito

The Mosquito was a bomber of a new kind in WWII, relying on speed rather than heavy armor and defensive armament for survival. Only one Mosquito arrived in time to participate in the war of independence, it was a Mosquito PR.16 reconnaissance plane, and as the only plane of it’s kind performed otherwise impossible reconnaissance missions. The plane was smuggled out of England by A.Tsur, the same man how smuggled the Beaufighters. After the war of independence, as the arms embargo on the Middle East was lifted, Israel bought 80 Mosquitoes of these types: T.3 for Training, FB.6 Fighter Bombers (the most numerous Type), PR.16 for Reconnaissance, with a pressurized cabin for high altitude performance (up to 37,000ft) and an extra fuel tank in the body that increased it’s range to 4,000km. NF.30 Night Fighter, that arrived without their radar and were fitted with an American radar APS-4, with a range of 6.5km. TR.33, a Naval Fighter, with 4 20mm Canons and a radar in a small dome in the nose. Most of Israel’s Mosquitoes were purchased in France, were they were lying around in poor condition. They were repaired in France, and shipped to Israel between July and December 1951. More planes were purchased in 1954-55 form the British Royal Navy. And the last 3 were from the Navy Base in Scotland. The Mosquito had problems with the Middle Eastern climate, it was made of wood, and it a special skin glued to it. However this glue tended to melt in the hot sun, and the plane had a tendency to fall apart in midair. During the period of the Mosquitoes service, the air force was rarely involved in the many border skirmishes and in retaliations for terrorist attacks. The only planes that saw much action between the war of Independence and Operation Kadesh, were the Mosquitoes, that flew Reconnaissance missions to places as far as Iraq and Libya. The Mosquito P.R.16s also provided important intelligence prior to Kadesh (1956), and the remaining Fighter Bomber Mosquitoes (13) were used in the Operation. There maintainability was low, and at the end of the Operation only 8-9 were flight worthy. And in 1957 the last Mosquito squadron was closed.


Statistics:For the Mosquito F.B.6Type: Fighter Bomber.Country of origin:Britain.Engine: 2 Merlin 23 1480 HP each.Armament:4 20mm Cannons, 4 7.62mm Guns, 4 113gk or 227gk Bombs, 8 A/G Rockets.Weights:Empty 6,227kg, Max 9,986kg.Performance: Max speed 600km/h, Climb 1,870ft/min, Ceiling 36,000ft, Range 1,800km.Dimensions: Wingspan 16.50m. Length 12.40m. Height 4.65m. Wingarea 42.2sqr/m.



Hawker Siddeley (Gloster) Meteor

The Meteor was the first allied jet to enter service in WWII, and beat the Me-262 (believed by most to be the worlds first jet fighter), by 9 days, when it entered service on the 12th of July 1944. During the early 50s the Arab states surrounding Israel began their transition to jet propelled air craft. Only after the number of jets in the surrounding countries neared a hundred, was the Israeli government finally convinced that the IAF’s P-51 Mustangs were no longer capable of protecting Israel from air strikes. The only country that would sell Israel jets at the time was Britain, it didn’t sell Israel state of the art technology, the Meteor was obsolete at the time it arrived in Israel, but the Arab states couldn’t get anything better at the time either, (the Arabs had Meteors and Vampire fighter bombers). Israel purchased 32 Meteors of 4 different models. The first batch was made up of 4 T.7 models for training new pilots on the jet powered air craft, and 11 F.8 single seat fighters, arriving between June 1953 and January 1954. In 1954 7 FR.9 models (fully armed photo reconnaissance plains) that had the guns moved from the nose to the wings, and were fitted with cameras in the nose. 6 NF.13 two seater night fighters fitted with a radar in the nose, and guns in the wings. Some of the NF.13s arrived in time for Operation Kadesh (1956). In early 1956 two Meteors were purchased from Belgium (the only ones not purchased in Britain). They were of 8/7 model, a two seater fighter version. Except for being it’s first jet the Meteor didn’t leave much of a legacy in the IAF. It’s service came at a time when the IAF was not allowed to be involved in border skirmishes, and by the start of Kadesh, the strait wing jets of the end of WWII were surpassed by the much faster swept wing jets. However it did intercept Egyptian jets entering Israeli air space, and on 1st of August 1955 a Meteor pilot that failed to intercept an Egyptian Vampire fighter bomber that entered Israel’s air space decided to go and wait for it at the only base it could have come from, El-Arish. When the Vampire was at the end of it’s landing approach the Meteor pilot buzzed it, causing it’s pilot to crash his plane, (this is considered a probable kill). The Meteors first confirmed kill was on the 1st of September, when a FR.9 and a F.8 intercepted two Egyptian Vampires in Israeli air space near the Gaza strip, with the FR.9 bringing them both down. But the Meteors most famed mission was performed by a NF.13. Just a few days before the beginning of Operation Kadesh, the Egyptian chief of staff was paying a visit to Syria. Israeli Intelligence discovered the time and path of his flight back to Egypt. It was at night and Yoash Tsidon, the commander of the jet night fighter squadron, (that had only 2 planes, 1 pilot (Tsidon) and 1 radar operator at the time), was ordered to intercept and shoot down the staff plane. He did, the chief of staff turned out not to be on that plane, but his entire staff was wiped out. (Later, Intelligence found out what flight he’ll really be on, but in order to protect the source no attempt was made to intercept the second flight). Just days before Kadesh Egypt had lost most of it’s high ranking generals. In Kadesh the Meteors performed escort, ground attack and recon missions. After the war the Meteor squadron became an operational training squadron, and was closed in 1960.


Statistics: For the Meteor F.8Type: Twin engine Fighter.Country of origin: Britain.Engine: 2 Darvent with 1,585gk thrust each.Armament:4 20mm Canons, 2 454kg Bombs, 4 5" Rockets.Weights: Empty 4,820kg, Max 8,660kg.Performance:Max speed 955km/h, Climb 7,000ft/min, Ceiling 40,000ft, Range 1140km.Dimensions:Wing span 11.33m, Length 13.6m, Height 4.22m, wing area 32.5sq/m.




flyer01:salute:

[flyer01]

De Havilland Mosquito
The Mosquito was a bomber of a new kind in WWII, relying on speed rather than heavy armor and defensive armament for survival. Only one Mosquito arrived in time to participate in the war of independence, it was a Mosquito PR.16 reconnaissance plane, and as the only plane of it’s kind performed otherwise impossible reconnaissance missions. The plane was smuggled out of England by A.Tsur, the same man how smuggled the Beaufighters. After the war of independence, as the arms embargo on the Middle East was lifted, Israel bought 80 Mosquitoes of these types: T.3 for Training, FB.6 Fighter Bombers (the most numerous Type), PR.16 for Reconnaissance, with a pressurized cabin for high altitude performance (up to 37,000ft) and an extra fuel tank in the body that increased it’s range to 4,000km. NF.30 Night Fighter, that arrived without their radar and were fitted with an American radar APS-4, with a range of 6.5km. TR.33, a Naval Fighter, with 4 20mm Canons and a radar in a small dome in the nose. Most of Israel’s Mosquitoes were purchased in France, were they were lying around in poor condition. They were repaired in France, and shipped to Israel between July and December 1951. More planes were purchased in 1954-55 form the British Royal Navy. And the last 3 were from the Navy Base in Scotland. The Mosquito had problems with the Middle Eastern climate, it was made of wood, and it a special skin glued to it. However this glue tended to melt in the hot sun, and the plane had a tendency to fall apart in midair. During the period of the Mosquitoes service, the air force was rarely involved in the many border skirmishes and in retaliations for terrorist attacks. The only planes that saw much action between the war of Independence and Operation Kadesh, were the Mosquitoes, that flew Reconnaissance missions to places as far as Iraq and Libya. The Mosquito P.R.16s also provided important intelligence prior to Kadesh (1956), and the remaining Fighter Bomber Mosquitoes (13) were used in the Operation. There maintainability was low, and at the end of the Operation only 8-9 were flight worthy. And in 1957 the last Mosquito squadron was closed.

Statistics: For the Mosquito F.B.6
Type: Fighter Bomber.
Country of origin: Britain.
Engine: 2 Merlin 23 1480 HP each.
Armament: 4 20mm Cannons, 4 7.62mm Guns, 4 113gk or 227gk Bombs, 8 A/G Rockets.
Weights: Empty 6,227kg, Max 9,986kg.
Performance: Max speed 600km/h, Climb 1,870ft/min, Ceiling 36,000ft, Range 1,800km.
Dimensions: Wingspan 16.50m. Length 12.40m. Height 4.65m. Wingarea 42.2sqr/m.

[flyer01]

Hawker Siddeley (Gloster) Meteor
The Meteor was the first allied jet to enter service in WWII, and beat the Me-262 (believed by most to be the worlds first jet fighter), by 9 days, when it entered service on the 12th of July 1944. During the early 50s the Arab states surrounding Israel began their transition to jet propelled air craft. Only after the number of jets in the surrounding countries neared a hundred, was the Israeli government finally convinced that the IAF’s P-51 Mustangs were no longer capable of protecting Israel from air strikes. The only country that would sell Israel jets at the time was Britain, it didn’t sell Israel state of the art technology, the Meteor was obsolete at the time it arrived in Israel, but the Arab states couldn’t get anything better at the time either, (the Arabs had Meteors and Vampire fighter bombers). Israel purchased 32 Meteors of 4 different models. The first batch was made up of 4 T.7 models for training new pilots on the jet powered air craft, and 11 F.8 single seat fighters, arriving between June 1953 and January 1954. In 1954 7 FR.9 models (fully armed photo reconnaissance plains) that had the guns moved from the nose to the wings, and were fitted with cameras in the nose. 6 NF.13 two seater night fighters fitted with a radar in the nose, and guns in the wings. Some of the NF.13s arrived in time for Operation Kadesh (1956). In early 1956 two Meteors were purchased from Belgium (the only ones not purchased in Britain). They were of 8/7 model, a two seater fighter version. Except for being it’s first jet the Meteor didn’t leave much of a legacy in the IAF. It’s service came at a time when the IAF was not allowed to be involved in border skirmishes, and by the start of Kadesh, the strait wing jets of the end of WWII were surpassed by the much faster swept wing jets. However it did intercept Egyptian jets entering Israeli air space, and on 1st of August 1955 a Meteor pilot that failed to intercept an Egyptian Vampire fighter bomber that entered Israel’s air space decided to go and wait for it at the only base it could have come from, El-Arish. When the Vampire was at the end of it’s landing approach the Meteor pilot buzzed it, causing it’s pilot to crash his plane, (this is considered a probable kill). The Meteors first confirmed kill was on the 1st of September, when a FR.9 and a F.8 intercepted two Egyptian Vampires in Israeli air space near the Gaza strip, with the FR.9 bringing them both down. But the Meteors most famed mission was performed by a NF.13. Just a few days before the beginning of Operation Kadesh, the Egyptian chief of staff was paying a visit to Syria. Israeli Intelligence discovered the time and path of his flight back to Egypt. It was at night and Yoash Tsidon, the commander of the jet night fighter squadron, (that had only 2 planes, 1 pilot (Tsidon) and 1 radar operator at the time), was ordered to intercept and shoot down the staff plane. He did, the chief of staff turned out not to be on that plane, but his entire staff was wiped out. (Later, Intelligence found out what flight he’ll really be on, but in order to protect the source no attempt was made to intercept the second flight). Just days before Kadesh Egypt had lost most of it’s high ranking generals. In Kadesh the Meteors performed escort, ground attack and recon missions. After the war the Meteor squadron became an operational training squadron, and was closed in 1960.


Statistics: For the Meteor F.8
Type: Twin engine Fighter.
Country of origin: Britain.
Engine: 2 Darvent with 1,585gk thrust each.
Armament: 4 20mm Canons, 2 454kg Bombs, 4 5" Rockets.
Weights: Empty 4,820kg, Max 8,660kg.
Performance: Max speed 955km/h, Climb 7,000ft/min, Ceiling 40,000ft, Range 1140km.
Dimensions: Wing span 11.33m, Length 13.6m, Height 4.22m, wing area 32.5sq/m.