ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV
The Israeli air force is scheduled to receive its first Grob 120A basic trainers by year-end. The aircraft will be operated by Elbit Systems, which will be paid according to number of hours flown.
In February, Elbit's Cyclone subsidiary won the 10-year, 27-aircraft deal to supply and operate the basic trainers. The Grob 120s will replace ageing Piper PA-18-150 Cubs and take over some of the training which is performed on Fouga Zukit (Magister) jet-trainers.
Meanwhile, according to an Israeli air force source, a request for information is likely to be issued early next year for the upgrade of its Lockheed MartinC-130 Hercules transport fleet.
The upgrade programme will be concentrated on the cockpit and systems, with fuselage refurbishment work kept to a minimum. The programme is intended to keep the air force's 12 C-130Es and 11 C-130Hs operational until C-130Js can be acquired.
Industry sources expect Boeing, which is the prime contractor on the USAir Force's C-130 upgrade programme, Elbit, Israel Aircraft Industries and Lockheed Martin to compete.
The Israeli companies may co-operate with their US counterparts to allow the programme to be financed using US foreign military sales funds.
Source: Flight International
