ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV
The Israeli air force is equipping its Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with in-flight refuelling probes and additional fuel tanks as part of a range of upgrades and performance improvements. "This is a deep upgrade," says Col Reuven Avraham, commanding officer of 22 maintenance unit, the Israeli airforce's overhaul and upgrade centre.
The unit, at the Tel-Nof base, is upgrading the air force's olderUH-60As as well as the newer UH-60Ls. Avraham says most of the upgrades are classified, but the UH-60Ls will receive refuelling probes and external tanks, while environmental conditioning systems will be fitted to both types to allow extended desert operations.
The maintenance unit is also upgrading the air force's BoeingF-15A/B/C/Ds, including a new mission computer, displays and the replacement of all wiring. "This upgrade will bring the capability of these old aircraft close to that of the F-15Is," says Avraham. Some of the F-15s will receive depot maintenance while undergoing conversion. The last aircraft is to receive the modification package in 2004.
The air force is channelling more maintenance and upgrade work to 22 Maintenance Unit, which is a cheaper option than Israeli contractors.
Source: Flight International
