Rada Electronic Industries has delivered a prototype upgraded McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk to the Israeli air force. A prolonged delay in procuring an advanced trainer has forced the air force to upgrade A-4s used as interim trainers at its flight academy.
Rada is prime contractor for the avionics upgrade, with the Lahav division of Israel Aircraft Industries as subcontractor. The upgrade will ease the transition from the A-4 to the Lockheed Martin F-16 used for advanced training of combat pilots.
In 2003 Rada won a contract to install its ACE-II air-combat evaluation system on the Israeli A-4s. In early 2004 the project was expanded into a full avionics upgrade. All Israeli Skyhawks, half of them single-seaters, will be upgraded.
ARIE EGOZI/TEL AVIV
Source: Flight International
