The Israeli air force has revealed plans to construct a new helicopter runway at its Ramon air base in southern Israel in a move to reduce congestion and increase operational safety at the facility.
Congestion has become an issue following the introduction into service of two squadrons of Lockheed Martin F-16I fighters, which use Ramon along with air force Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. Air force sources say the decision to construct the new, 1.5km-long runway was taken because of the large number of foreign objects that the Apaches – including Israel’s recently delivered AH-64D Apache Longbows – blow onto the base’s runways when they take off with heavy payloads, endangering F-16 operations. Construction is scheduled for completion during 2007.
Israel is continuing to take delivery of its F-16Is on schedule, with its current two squadrons due to be followed by two further units to be established at its Hazerim and Ramon facilities.
The service will receive a total of 102 twin-seat F-16Is.
ARIE EGOZI/TEL AVIV
Source: Flight International
