Illustrated Guide to the Israeli Air Force

by Bill Gunston

Identifies and provides technical descriptions for the fighters, bombers, helicopters, reconnaissance and transport aircraft, and trainers used by Israel

159 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Bill Gunston was a British aviation and military author. He flew with Britain's Royal Air Force from 1945 to 1948, and after pilot training became a flying instructor. He spent most of his adult life doing research and writing on aircraft and aviation. He was the author of over 350 books and articles. His work included many books published by Salamander Books.

Reviews

[Ruppert Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Israel as a modern nation entered the international scene stuck between a rock and a hard place. With their backs against the Mediterranean they faced no less than 7 Arab countries and no less than 3 Arab volunteer mercenary armies. They lacked an air force, a navy, armor, and artillery in their militia army and struggled to build or acquire all the equipment they needed despite an international ban on weapons sales to the fledgling nation.

This little volume is a study of the air force that was initially built from surplus military stocks illicitly acquired, equipment rejected by other air forces, and modification of civilian aircraft for military use. It then follows the rise of a modern, well-trained, well-equipped air force that today has proven it can stand up to any other in the Middle East.

The book covers every aircraft type the IAF flew up to the date of publication, as well as information on armament.

A very thorough study in a small package.