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Israel Upgrades it’s A-4s
RADA Electronic Industries Ltd recently handed over to the Israeli Air Force (IAF) the prototype ‘Improved Skyhawk’, first aircraft in a large-scale modernization program that is designed to extend the lifespan of this war veteran beyond 2010.
As part of this program the aircraft was be equipped with a new navigation/attack system offering significantly improved performance with reduced maintenance costs. In the project, all A-4 Skyhawks used by the IAF will be upgraded, split equally between single- two-seat variants.
The modernization program aims at improving the training environment of air cadets flying the aircraft, enabling a complete debrief of each flight using three-dimensional graphic displays synchronized with video and audio recordings, while significantly reducing the aircraft's tenure ownership. "The entire flight school A-4 fleet upgrade program will cost the IAF around $10 million," RADA CEO Adar Azancot, told Show news.
Series conversion of the fleet is scheduled to start this year and last for several months. Follow-on maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) will be provided by IAI/Bedek under a$150 million power-by-the-hour outsourcing program. Scheduled overhauls will include the aircraft’s fuselage, engines and components.
The avionics upgrade program, for which RADA is the prime contractor , includes design and installation of an integrated ring laser gyro and GPS high-precision navigation and attack system, offering performance equal or superior to those used in some first-line combat fighters. The electronic processor unit of the head-up display is upgraded while retaining its optical components.
The new package also includes advanced analog video and flight data recording which enables presentation and review of flight data during debriefing ,as well as during flight. IAF flight school cadets will use the same debriefing systems operated in Operational Combat Units. Weapons management and control and an advanced display and control system are also introduced, enabling pilots to train with systems similar to those used in modern fighters. RADA is integrating the program services and systems made by other Israeli subcontractors including IAI/LAHAV and Nir Or. —Tamir Eshel
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