McDonnall Douglas IAF A-4N „Skyhawk“ („Ayit“) – the American made Israeli AF attack aircraft

Until the mid-1960s of XX century Israel purchased warplanes only from France, but at that time it became clear, that there were no proposals for an innovative light attack aircraft there, as the “Jaguar” was still in the development stage. The agreement, concluded in 1965, opened the possibility of buying airplanes in the United States. In return, Israel agreed that France and the United States would be able to sell their warplanes to Arab countries, where both countries have long sought markets for their weapons. On June 2, 1966 a secret agreement was signed, according to which Israel buys A-4 aircraft with somewhat simplified electronics and suspended weapons (without guided and anti-radar missiles). At Israel's request, the “Skyhawks”, sold to them, had paratrooper parachutes and French 30 mm caliber cannons, which began to be installed in them only in 1969. The delivery of the aircraft began in December 1967 immediately after the Six Day War. For the first time the 102nd Division took part in combat operations in August 1968, when they bombed a Palestinian military camp in Jordan. 48 A-4H aircraft were purchased, followed by 42 in 1969, which jointly armed 3 divisions (102, 109 and 115). Also bought 10 training - combat TA-4H. The “Skyhawk” later fought in the War of Attrition with Egypt near the Suez Canal, where they flew nearly 6,000 combat missions and lost only 3 aircraft during 1969-1970. After the peace, the US sold Israel a batch of decommissioned A-4Es, that were modified to carry “Shrike”, “Sidewinder” rockets and AGM-62 “Walleye” guided bombs. These aircraft were modernized by adding a "hump" to the hardware on top of the fuselage. Two more divisions were formed from them - 110 and 116. The aircraft modernization program started in August 1961, during which engines and electronics were improved, the program received the cryptonym "Crystal". At the same time, Israel ordered new A-4N “Skyhawk IIs”, 117 of which were purchased. They began to be supplied in early 1973. They were used during the Yom Kippur War in October 1973, in which 53 “Skyhawks” were lost, which were compensated by 46 E- and F-version aircraft, purchased later from the United States.

A complex, albeit small model of an attack aircraft, well designed, richly detailed, with a well-worn camouflage. It is intended for intermediate to experienced modelers, but is suitable for a beginner modeler, working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague. It is only advisable for them to make a model with an opaque cockpit cover, no cockpit interior detailing, with the undercarriage included and no hanging armament - in the flight phase. But it's worth trying to do all this - and maybe you'll succeed...