Israeli Air Force has commenced a series of aerial refueling trials with the newly inducted F-35I stealth fighter, as a part of achieving i...
Israeli Air Force has commenced a series of aerial refueling trials with the newly inducted F-35I stealth fighter, as a part of achieving initial operational capability (IOC).
The IAF Flight Test Squadron is carrying out the tests from Tel-Nof air force base, using the "Re'em" (Boeing 707) tanker aircraft operated by the “Desert Giants” Squadron based at Nevatim AFB.
The trials which are in its final stage, will clear the F-35I to carry out day and night aerial refueling missions at all speed and altitude approved by the aircraft software.
The F-35 uses the boom and receptacle method for aerial refueling and is equipped with a special flight mode for the process.
The capability is crucial for IAF's long range arm to perform stealthy offensive missions.
IAF is the second Air Force to operate an operational fleet of the F-35 stealth fighters after United States Marine Corps and Air Force.
Since December 2016, IAF has took delivery of five F-35I fighters of the 50 ordered and 75 aircraft planned for acquisition.
Locally called the “Adir”, the F-35I is a Israeli customized version of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter equipped with local electronic warfare systems, counter measure system and weapons.
The IAF Flight Test Squadron is carrying out the tests from Tel-Nof air force base, using the "Re'em" (Boeing 707) tanker aircraft operated by the “Desert Giants” Squadron based at Nevatim AFB.
The trials which are in its final stage, will clear the F-35I to carry out day and night aerial refueling missions at all speed and altitude approved by the aircraft software.
The F-35 uses the boom and receptacle method for aerial refueling and is equipped with a special flight mode for the process.
The capability is crucial for IAF's long range arm to perform stealthy offensive missions.
IAF is the second Air Force to operate an operational fleet of the F-35 stealth fighters after United States Marine Corps and Air Force.
Since December 2016, IAF has took delivery of five F-35I fighters of the 50 ordered and 75 aircraft planned for acquisition.
Locally called the “Adir”, the F-35I is a Israeli customized version of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter equipped with local electronic warfare systems, counter measure system and weapons.
