149 Squadron (Israel)
149 Squadron | |
---|---|
A-4 Skyhawk IAI Kfir |
149 Squadron, often referred to as the Smashing
History
149 Squadron was activated at
From November 1980, while under the command of Lt. Col. Israel Parnas, 149 begun operating the new IAI Kfir C.2 alongside the Skyhawk, and by late 1981 had retired the older type.
149 Squadron was reportedly the IAF's Operational Training Unit for the Kfir, tasked with qualifying new airmen on the type.[9] As such, it also flew the two seat variant of the Kfir, the TC-2.[10] The squadron also operated two Kfirs modified for the reconnaissance role and designated RC-2. The two aircraft, 419 and 451 (initially 819 and 851), were converted to mount camera noses developed for the Dassault Mirage. Their guns were removed, the radar warning receivers were moved aft, a Doppler radar installed under the forward fuselage, and they were installed with additional piping to carry power to the nose.[5][11] When the squadron disbanded, the two aircraft were transferred to 144 Squadron.[5]
Markings
149 Squadron A-4 Skyhawks bore the IAF's standard 4-tone Skyhawk camouflage scheme, with the black character aircraft code applied on the nose. Unlike other IAF Skyhawk squadrons, it had no distinctive rudder colors.[12] Its Kfirs bore both the 2-tone 'compass gray' scheme and the F-16-style 4-tone scheme. In the late 1980s, its aircraft begun bearing blue and red tail flashes.[13]
References
- ^ a b "Uvda Airbase". Israeli Air Force. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
- ^ a b Aloni 2009, p. 74
- ^ Aloni 2009, p. 77
- ^ Norton 2004, p. 224
- ^ a b c d Norton 2004, p. 298
- ^ "רס"ן יורם איתן ז"ל" (in Hebrew). Paratroopers Brigade. Archived from the original on 2013-10-21. Retrieved June 16, 2012.
- ^ "שכול ואיפוק" (in Hebrew). Archived from the original on September 30, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2012.
- ^ Norton 2004, p. 301
- ^ Norton 2004, p. 300
- ^ Norton 2004, p. 303
- ^ Stiller, Sariel (May 25, 2007). "מטוסי שחק וכפיר לצילום בחיל האויר" (in Hebrew). Merchav Aviri. Archived from the original on January 19, 2009. Retrieved June 16, 2012.
- ^ Norton 2004, pp. 225, 226
- ^ Norton 2004, pp. 302, 303
Bibliography
- Aloni, Shlomo (2009). Israeli A-4 Skyhawk Units in Combat. Combat Aircraft. UK: Osprey. ]
- Norton, Bill (2004). Air War on the Edge – A History of the Israel Air Force and its Aircraft since 1947. Surrey, UK: ISBN 1-85780-088-5.
External links
- IAF Shattering Parrot Squadron at the A-4 Skyhawk Association website