Nachshon plane -- just what the Air Force ordered
Photo: IDF Spokesman's Office
Air Force to get USD 100 million plane
IDF to receive first ‘Nachshon’ plane Sunday; squadron commander says plane has precisely those flight monitoring capabilities Air Force is missing
The IDF is set to receive Sunday the first “Nachshon” plane, which is expected to provide the Air Force increased
flight monitoring and intelligence gathering capabilities.
The aircraft, which is named after Nachshon Ben Aminadav, who according to tradition was the first person to cross the Red Sea after the Jews fled Egypt, cost the military USD 100 million.
The commander of the squadron that is expected to incorporate the plane in its routine activities told Ynet the plane has precisely the flight monitoring abilities the Air Force is missing.
“Actually the plane is based on the platform of the largest ‘Gulfstream’ model executive plane,” he said. “We will use it for flight monitoring and intelligence purposes.”
Flight monitoring pertains to the operation of radars from the air, inside and outside the country’s borders, the commander added.
He said another one of the plane’s advantages is its ability to fly for long periods of time without refueling.
“This plane can fly for 15 consecutive hours from New York to Abu Dhabi,” he said.
Until now flight monitoring-related activities were carried out by IAF ground units.
The first Nachshon plane is scheduled be presented in a military ceremony Sunday, and the remaining aircrafts are scheduled to arrive in the country during the next few years.
Part of the deal will be financed with U.S. aid money.
