They need to check their mirrors often!
Posted on 04/03/2005 1:30:17 PM PDT by IAF ThunderPilot
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.
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.
I'm not sure what point you are making. In the sense that money is fungible you are right.
The US gives Israel 3 billion a year in foreign aid which is, as you say, grants to buy military hardware. This aid is tied to the peace deal brokered by Pres Carter under which Egypt gets the same deal, 3 billion. But that does not constitute all of Israel's budget, nor its only source of income. Israel has its own thriving military industry and is the third largest arms supplier in the world.
My sense is that Israel is very appreciative of the aid and PM Sharon has declared repeatedly that a better friend to Israel has never sat in the White House than Pres Bush.
George Schultz was the Secretary of State when Israel was expanding its arms industry. He is credited with dissuading Israel from pursuing large equipment programs such as the Lavi Fighter Plane which was under development at the time and then abandoned. Schultz convinced the Israeli Government that it made more economic sense, given the small size of Israel, to purchase large equipment systems from the US and concentrate its own arms programs on smaller weapons and tweaking US systems instead.
This was a mutually agreed upon arrangement and has worked to the benefit of both countries.
Israel usually posts sizable current account deficits, which are covered by large transfer payments from abroad and by foreign loans. Roughly half of the government's external debt is owed to the US, which is its major source of economic and military aid...
You can Google for more information, given that other sites may have their own agenda. WRMEA Claims 2 billion a year in loan guarantees, much of which is later made into grants.
Again, I am not arguing US aid to Israel, but I take offense when the transfer of military equipment to Israel is termed a Israeli investment when much of Israel is actually a US investment in a democratic, stable Middle-east.
They need to check their mirrors often!
stable Middle-east.
STABLE MIDDLE EAST ? Since when?
Jeff
Insults aren't going to get you anywhere here. I'd stick to reasoned, informed logic.
You'd get more bang for your buck, fewer maintenance headaches and a more reliable/survivable bird buying Zulu model Cobras.
Objects in the mirror seem closer than they are ;)
NICE PIC!!!!!!
Jeff
We're tryin'. You might have seen something on the news about a war over there - with the same goal.
Stable middle east = only one bus bombing a week for Israel. Muslims desire no peace with Israel, only it's destruction. There will never be a "stable middle east" because the middle east, is nothing more than a "stable". IDF, fuel up the choppers, stay on alert, and do what is needed!!!
Agreed Dakotan, but, this is 1400 years of idealogy we are fighting against (too kill the Jews), maybe in another 100 years the Muslims will be able too come too the "peace table" without having a sword behind there back. Until then Israel and the rest of the world will pay the price of wishing for something that is unrealistic, in our lifetime. Please note though, I hope I am wrong in this matter but history teaches me different. We just agree too disagree on this I guess :) Best wishes be well and be safe :)
Jeff
About time Israel got some AH-64Ds. I never liked the fact that the UAE and Egypt have AH-64As
Don't we still send cash
to the Pallies? Don't we urge
"restraint" on the Jews?
And aren't we still
promising that the Pallies
will get their own state?!
Hmmm. Maybe we should
give Bin Laden Canada
and he'll stop fighting . . .
Such as Hebrew lettering on the instrument panel!
:)
But let's see you guys build an Apache from the ground up.
Seriously,
How about a little quid pro quo!
Shalom
Please add me to your list, IDF
According to this article, the helicopters have already arrived:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=79531
Sooooo, Where can i get into the raffle to get my own free Longbow whirlybird? I'm jealous!
Israel always likes to mod the weaponry it buys.
Terrific homepage.
I had no idea of the diversity in terrain in Israel. Awesome.
Some years ago Israeli pilots were for the most part young, 19-25 and single. Is that still true?
I am well aware of the foreign aid but I am greatful that we do send it! It is us and Israel against Islamonazis and we got to stick together and share our best technologies.
You can volunteer in the IAF .... I know they will give you a free whirlybird ride!
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