GED Ce F-15! Ra‘am Ti aes al <= ct PUBLICATIONS.Boeing a =~ = F-15!i Ra‘am in IAF Service By: Ra’anan Weiss Text: Alon Koren & Ron Feldman Acknowledgments We wish to thank the following persons for their support and assistance In making this book possible: Contents Ofer Zidon Introduction a Ron Feldman Shlomo Aloni Deployments 12 Yoav Efrati ~ Ray Ball Photo Gallery 20 Dr. Ran Yahalom: Willy Peeters Color Profiles f 50 The Hammers squadron (HaPatishim): Daily Routine & Maintenance 32 Lt Ofer & Lt. Raz Walk-Around a. ea Hatzerim AF Base Security & Public Relations Personnel IAF Public Relations Branch - Osnat and Anat fa Printed in Is a) eee Decal PUBLICATIONS All rights reserved to IsraDecal Publications 20060 P.0.Box 581, Bat-Hefer 42842, Israel Photo: Ofer Zidon E-mail: weiss@shani.net [Back cover photo: Shlomo Alon! www.Isradecal.comINTRODUCTION by agreement ory mutslinters The de Veoping testo fe ist Gul Wa (Deser Storm would prove in 191, dered fom counites ated with Tong ‘oge balls rises oily variant of he SCUD) vith Capaiies to Gelver NBC unconventional are fighter copble ftong range ight with suftent ote tine above the gets the 16 that were both evtatedin ae in 1993 but lacked the required range or were too expensive to modify to new IAF requirements following the Gulf War. The IAF was familiar with the F-15E since 1982 when Maj-Gen. David Ivry, then the IAF commander, flew the Strike Eagle prototype and was highly impressed, but could only dream of acquiring the most advanced strike asset of the USAF. Israel was not the only Middle Eastern country interested in the F- 15E.Saudi-Arabia,along term operator of the Eagle also requested to purchase the aircraft bbut was denied, The first Gulf War empha sized the danger to this oil rich USA ally,so in 1993 the Saudis request was approved. The aircraft the USA delivered were supposed to be a downgraded version of the F-15E designated F-15S. Of 72 airframes, 24 were Above Israel for the F-151 project. IAF aircrews of the Ra’am squadron position the Israeli patch on the right sleeve of their flight suitse The patches issued in the USA and Left: The first Ra‘am aircraft during one of the test flights conducted from Boeing's facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The first flight was flown on September 12th, 1997, by test pilot Joe Felock and WSO Maj. Rick Junkin. The maiden flight lasted 1 hour and 13 minutes during which an altitude of 40,000 ft. and speed of Mach 2 was reached. The aircrew pulled few times to an acceleration of 99. Photo: Boeing via Yoav EfatiIntroduction Above: A Boeing image photo of the F-15i. Photo: Boeing via Ron Feldman Right: The first F-151 was rolled-out at Boeing's facility in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 6”, 1997, Phote:Boeing via Yoo Etat defined as interceptors’ while 48 were’strike aircraft However, the only differences were the LANTIRN pods that were not delivered and the paint scheme, all aircraft having the same capabilities. Committed to its only democratic ally in the Middle-East, the US could no longer deny the F-15E from Israel and the sale of 21 aircraft was approved in January 1994.The Israeli version of the Strike Eagle was designated F-151 and incorporat: ed numerous Israeli manufactured avionics and systems, Later on, Israel exercised the ‘option to purchase 4 additional airframes. When the rumor that the F-15E was the IDF/ AF next fighter-bomber began to spread, some serious lobbying was initiated to make the Hammers the next operator. As a potential F-151 Thunder operator, the squadron had to compete against a unit with distinguished heritage, the ‘Knights of the Orange Tail’ squadron. While IDF/AF senior officers were debating which unit would become the new F-151 squadron, the formation team, comprising mostly of former ‘Hammers’ staff, has set the debate off by attaching their squadron unit patch to their flight suits - squadron 69 was re-born, Squadron 69,'The Hammers; has a long and illustrious history dating back to Israel's War of Independence when it was formed in July, 1948. The squadron operated three Boeing 8-17 bombers, acquired as surplus USAAF aircraft, carrying no machine guns or bombing sights. The aircraft were smuggled from the USA behind the back of the federal government and the arms embargo it cast (on the Middle East. The aircraft were readied for action at Zatec airfield in Czechoslova:kia and the planned opening chord for the bombers was a grand one: while en route to Ekron AFB in central Israel, one of the B-175 was destined to bomb Cairo, the capital of the strongest and most dangerous country that two months earlier invaded the young state of Israel. The two other aircraft were to bomb ELArish, a major Egyptian Air Force base and Gaza in the northern Sinai Peninsula. The 8-17 destined for El-Arish had problems to identify its target and eventu ally bombed a British Army base in Rafah. The only 8-17 capable then for 20,000ft high altitude flight succeeded to drop a payload ‘of 2 tons on Cairo with a strong psychologi cal effect on the Egyptian nation. At the end of the mission two of the bombers landed at Ekron and the third in Even-Yehuda , but theirhome base would become Ramat-David in northern Israel. The 8-17s performed 131 sorties during the war. After the war the IDF/AF conducted a major re-organization and the squadron relocated to Ekron in July 1949. During this period the bombers were flown reconnaissance missions incorporating their excellent high altitude performance. Towards the end of 1951 the squadron received three Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina aircraft. Intended for maritime patrol, the Catalinas did not see much operational In March 1954, the squadron was de-com missioned and its aircraft were operated within squadron 103. In April 1956, the squadron was activated at Ramat-David to provide heavy bombing capability for the IDF/AF. During the short Sinai Campaign that commenced October 29th 1956, the two airworthy B-17s flew 8 sorties. After 6 the war it was clear thatthe 8-17 era in the IDF/AF was over and on April 1, 1957, the squadron ceased to operate once again, this time for 12 years. The 8-175 were withdrawn from service in 1958 On November 1, 1969, the squadron became the second IOF/AF F-4€ (Kurnass, Sledge- hammer in Hebrew) unit. Initially operating within “The One’ squadron at Hatzor AFB, the squadron aircrews gained experience and even shot down their first MiG-21 on November 11th, 1969, flying Phantom #608, of" The One" squadron On November 15th, 1969 the first four F-4ES arrived to Ramat-David where the squadron formed again as an independent unit. The first combat mission occurred on November 28th, 1969, when a pair of F-4Es bombed a SA-2 SAM site near Fayid in the central Suez Canal area of Egypt. During the remaining months of the War of Attrition that ended in August 1970, ‘The Hammers’ and ‘The One’ were IAFs decisive fighting force against the growing Egyptian SAM threat. This con frontation came to a painful climax during the October 1973 Yom-kippur War when the squadron lost nine aircraft and four aircrews while fighting in both the Egyptian and Syrian fronts. Between the 6th and 24th of October the squadron conducted 850 ground attack and air to air sorties, downing 1 aireratt The struggle between SAM and IAF aircraft culminatedin June 1982 when the squadron, axmed with guided bombs, participated in the operation to destroy 19 Syrian SA-2, 3 and 6 sites from stand-off ange in Lebanon's Beka Valley clearing the sky forthe IAF to support IDF ground forces. While in service with the’Hammers it's Fae Above: USAF aircraft number 94-0287 during one of its test flights in the USA. This F-151 was one of the first two aircraft delivered to Israel and was granted IAF number 205 upon arrival. Photo: Boeing via Ron Feldman Above: The two famous Boeing released images of the F-15I. In the operational configuration, the AIM-120 AMRAAM is attached to the inner missile pylon adapter and the RAFAEL Python 4, to the outer adapter. Photos: Boeing via Ron FeldmanIntroduction Right: The first two JAF camouflaged F-151's approaching the Israeli Mediterranean coastline and heading South East towards Hatzerim AFB. Leading the formation is ‘Spearhead’ squadron F-15D number 715, with two Knights of the Orange Tail RF-4E's numbers 485 and 487, tra Photo:Ron Feldman collection ‘The Hammers squadron patch in the F-151 era. It was introduced in 1969 when the squadron re-formed as a F-4E squadron. Below: January 19%, 1998. USAF aircraft number 94-0288 (IAF #209) lands at Hatzerim AFB. The other F-151 of the long ferry flight was number 94-0287 (IAF #205). Photo: Shlomo Aloni Kurnass aircraft downed 19 enemy aircraft The squadron moved to Hatzerim AFB towards the end of 1990 and was decommis: sioned in March 1994 with most of aircraft and aircrews transferred to ‘Knights of the Orange Tail’ squadron. The first pair of F-15I landed at Hatzerim AFB on January 19th, 1998, after a 14-hour ferry flight. Upon arrival to Israeli airspace the Thunders were escorted by a ‘Spear- head’ squadron F-15D and two ‘Knights of the Orange Tail’ squadron RF-48's, denoting the squadron's former mount. The first two aircraft were numbered 205 (USAF # 94: (0287) and 209 (USAF # 94-0288).On January 26th Thunder # 209 was flown for the first time over Israel, The last 2 aircraft landed on June 17th, 1999. Of the 25 aircraft all but one were delivered to squadron 69 service at Hatzerim AFB and aircraft #201 was to be stationed at the IAF Test & evaluation squadron (Manat in Hebrew) at Tel-Nof AFB. The Ra‘am is IAF's most capable strike platform and if it were Not so expensive ($2.48 for the 25 aircraft) it is most likely that a second squadron would have been formed, The squadron was declared operational on January 1st 1999, with its first operational sortie conducted on the night of January 11, 1999, when two Thunders attacked 2 terrorist organization target in the area of Sujud in southern Lebanon. LANTIRN AN/ ‘AAQ-14 targeting pod designated the target for GB's The Thunders unique capabilities were dem: onstrated in the Lebanese front in June 1999. The ongoing confrontation between the IDF and the Hizbullah terror organization culmi nated the 1996 “Grapes of Wrath” operation, Which left a series of understandings that prevented the IDF to retaliate against attacksonits forces in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Government decided to change the static exchange of fire and to hold the Lebanese Government accounted for any Hizbullah’s violation of the 1996 agreement. It was decided to retaliate by striking Lebanese in. frastructure targets such as power stations or highway bridges, sending a clear message to the Lebanese authorities to constrain the Hizbullah. During the noon hours of June 24th, 1999, Hizbullah shelled the town Kiryat-Shemona in northern Israel.The Hammers were alerted to prepare aircraft for an imminent strike. AS ground crews were preparing the aircraft,the pilots were ordered to take off and receive allocated targets data in flight. One of three Thunders was piloted by the squadron CO, Lt. Col. Dror and a young WSO. This aircraft acted as back-up to the other F-15I's. The targets were several bridges over Lebanese Highways. Their payloads were Mk-84 LGB's, external fuel tanks and LANTIRN pods. Due to the harsh weather conditions the pilots decided to combine forces for the attack. One was to fly low continuously designat- ing the targets while the second aircraft was to release its LGB's at required angles through cloud gaps.Lt.Col. Dror, while mon- itoring this complex operation, decided to strike one of the targets. He was allocated a bridge over the Litani River. The target was destroyed with 2 Mk-84 LGB's. The fate of the Awali River bridge, the second target for Dror, was similar. These strikes caused Hizbullah to imme diately cease its attacks on Israeli civilian population and kept the border peaceful for a lengthy period. The Syrians, being recognized as a state sponsoring terrorism, was issued a warning ‘on August 15th, 2003, when F-15I's buzzed over their President's palace at Latakia, Most recent operational sortie for the Hammers occurred on November 21st, 2005, when F-151's attacked two Hizbullah targets in southern Lebanon after civilian settle- ments in northern Israel were shelled. Four other IAF F-16C/D Barak squadrons were allocated other targets. Today, the Hammers are the leading long range all-weather strike squadron, offering operational flexibility. Together with the new F-161 Sufa (Storm), the F-15I serve as a Above: USAF aircrews meet IAF personnel upon arrival to the welcoming ceremony Photo: Shlomo Aloni Above: Israeli Defense Minister Itzhak ‘Mordgchi and IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Eitan Ben-Eliyahu apply the IAF badge to ‘one of the first aircraft. Photo:Ra‘onan Weiss collection Below left: The Hammers squadron badge is applied to the left tailplane of F-15! number 94-0287 (IAF # 205). Photo: Shlomo Aloni Below: Note IAF 50™ anniversary tail marking applied under the squadron badge. Photo: Shlomo AloniIntroduction Right: With IAF marking and tail numbers ‘applied, the first two F-15I'sjust before their maiden flight in Israeli skies on January 25%, 1998. Noteworthy are the last minute preparations and lack of the CFT's. Photo:Ra‘anan Weiss collection Center photos: IAF aircrews of the maiden flight were squadron CO Lt. Col. Dror Ben- David and Lt. Gidi in F-151 number 205 (lower left) with Maj. Chen and Capt. Harel inaircraft number 209. Photos:Ra‘anan Weiss collection take-off from Hatzerim AFB. Photo:Ratanan Weiss collectionstrategic and deterrence asset of the State of israel, F-151 Avionics The APG-70 multimode radar has enhanced air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. Im the air-to-air mode, the APG-70 provides range,altitude, airspeed at ranges exceeding 160km. The radar system can detect ground targets from longer ranges. The APG-70 can produce near photo quality images of the ground by using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology. IAF F-151's operate with the complete Lockheed Martin LANTIRN system. The AN/AAQ-13 navigation pod is positioned under the right air intake while the AN/AAQ-14 targeting pod is carried under the left air intake {An assortment of Israeli made systems, are incorporated to the F-15t: «© Elbit Systems - Display and Sight Helmet (DASH It) that enables pilots to aim their missiles simply by looking at the target. ¢ Elisra ~ Multi-purpose versatile EW suite. @IAIELTA ~ Secure communication system, Rada ~ Data collection and transfer system, F-151 external properties Israeli Ra‘am airframes vary from USAF F- 15E airframes in several details. The pow: Left: F-15! number 217 presented for the first time as part of a ground exhibition during IAF day inJuly 1998.Payload consists of 2,0001b, GBU-10 and 500Ib. GBU-12 inert Paweway I! LGB's. Photo: Shlomo Aloni collection The patch of Manat, the IAF Flight Experimental Unit. Above: Manat operates an assigned F-151 that was manufactured with instruments tailored to its requirements. Aircraft number 94-0286 was the first F-151 on Boeing's assembly line, but was delivered to the squadron only on November 1", 1999, receiving IAF number 201. This is the only Ra’am serving outside the Hammers squadron. Photo: Shlomo Aloni Left: Aircraft numbers 94-0306 and 94-0309 during the ferry flight to Israel. These F-151's were numbered 261 and 269 respectively. Photo:Ra‘anan Weiss collectionIntroduction ‘Above: Ra'am numbers 238, 244 and 250 preparing for another training sortie take-off. Aircraft number 238 is armed ith RAFAEL Popeye air-to surface long- range missile under the right wing pylon. Noteworthy is the communication pod positioned on the aft store station of the right CFT. Photo: Shlomo Alon Lower left: Israel Defense Forces 17* Chief of the General Staff Lieut. Gen. Moshe Ya'alon, conducted a farewell flight from the IAF on March 25°, 2005, aboard Ra‘am number 269. Lieut. Gen. Ya‘alon is seen with IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Elyezer Shkedy. Photo: IDF Spokesman vie Shlomo Alon Lower right: Ra‘am number 269, with Lieut. Gen. Ya‘alon seated in the WSO position, taxiing for take-off. Photo: IDF Spokesman via Shlomo Aloni erplants of the F-15! have nozzles with “turkey feathers: The Ra‘am has a GPS antenna mounted behind the canopy. A sensor related to the helmet mounted sight for both crew members is installed in the cockpit. Mounted under the tail booms are four chaffiflare dispensers, two on each side. The ALQ-128 pod on top of the left vertical tail was replaced with a harmonic balancer while arectangular dome replaces the round ‘ALQ-1358 on the tip of the left boom. F-151 Powerplant Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229, each with a maximum thrust (full augmentation) of 29,000Ibs., are installed on the F-151 F-151 paint scheme and numbering system. The Ra'am is the only IAF F-15 variant carrying a standard camouflage. The cam: ouflage colors are FS34424 Light Green, 530219 Earth and F535331 Sand with the lower fuselage painted F536375 Light Ghost Grey. The F-15Is were numbered using the 2XX range. F-151 armament The Ra‘am can carry a variety of weapon systems in the IAF arsenal including the GBU-15 modular glide bomb (range greater than 9km) and the RAFAEL Popeye air-to surface standoff missile (range of 110+km) with their associated data link pods. It should be noted that the guidance pods for these weapon systems can be carried on the left forward CFT station. Other payloads for the F-151 ate vatiants of the GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition DAM) and Paveway LGB's are commonly seen on F-151'. In April 2005 it was announced that the U.S. has approved the sale to Israel of 100 GBU-28 LGB’s (length 5.8m and weight 2,130kg), designed against well protected underground targets. The F-15I is the only aircraft capable of delivering the GBU-28. ‘Armed for interception air-superiority alert the Ra‘am will usually be armed with a mix of Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles, fixed on either forward inbound CFT store stations numbers 3C and 7C or inner wing pylons and RAFAEL short range air-to-air Python-4 missiles on the wing pylons.DEPLOYMENTS Italy / Turkey Photo:Ra‘anan Weiss collection Top and center: In September 1998, two F-151's (numbers 209 and 234) joined four F-16B from the ‘Golden Eagle’ and ‘Negev’ squadrons, for familiarization flights ‘and deployment experience in Italy. Note Italian Air Force AMX aircraft leading the formation. Photos:Ra‘anan Weis collection Left: The Hammers deployed, as other IAF squadrons, to Turkey in few occasions. Ra‘amnumbers 205,215 and 220areshown inonesuch deployment to Turkey in the late 1990s. Photo: Ro‘anan Weiss collectionWaddington, England Photo: Shlomo Alonicollection Three F-15I's participated in the RAF Waddingdon, England in late June 2001. The aircraft were the main attraction of the event. Ra’am number 267, with its experimental bird of prey motif, was part of the ground exhibition, while Ra’am number 269 performed demonstration flights. Aircraft number 244 served as its backup.Waddington, England, 2001For two weeks during September 2003, five F-15I's (numbers 215, 228, 244, 246 and 255), together with five F-15D (numbers 706, 715, 733, 970 and 979), deployed to Decimomannu Air Base in Sardinia, for aerial training against German Air Force (Luftwaffe) MiG29 (squadron 29 of Fighter Wing JG71 ‘Richthofen’) and F-4F (squadron 73 of Fighter Wing JG73 ‘Steinhoft’) aircraft. lIphotosonpages 15t0 19:Ra' and the Hammers squadron, imo mann:Decimomannu, Sardinia, Italy, 2003Red Flag , Nellis, Nevada -U.S.A - 2002 In the summer of 2002, IAF F-151 and F- 15D aircraft deployed for training to Red Flag, Nellis AFB Nevada. In 1998, three F- 151 ferried directly from Boeing's site in St. Louis, Missouri. Their tailplanes were numbered 94-0297/8/9. Upon arrival to Israel their numbers were changed to 235, 238 and 244, respectively. Two of these aircraft (numbers 235 and 244) returned to Red Flag 2004.Red Flag ,Nellis, Nevada -U.S.A - 2004 In the summer of 2004, four IAF F-151 Ra‘am (numbers 234, 235, 244 and 250), with six F- 15D Baz (450, 701, 706, 715, 733 and 979) returned to Nellis, to conduct training also with other foreign air forces.Red Flag ,Nellis, Nevada -U.S.A - 2004PHOTO GALLERY Photo: Lieutenant Ofer the Hammers squadronPhoto Gallery Photo: Lieutenant Ofer the Hammers squadron, 2. ae aS Photo: Ofer ZidonPhoto Gallery Photo: Ofer Zidon ee coe eared 77)Photo Gallery- es Photo Gallery Photo: Lieutenant Ofer the Hammers squadronPhoto Gallery Photo: Or Ran Yahalom collectionPhoto Gallery eos wan eetea ccd Photo: OferZidon Photo: Ofer ZidonPhoto GalleryPhoto GalleryPhoto Gallery Photo: fer ZidonCOLOR PROFILES leuonippy uoayrfey jo ut nyrkey sno} pue y UOUrAd 1e 40} pasnByuo> 5} yesDHe StL NOUAVNOS SYAWWVH FHL ‘ 607'ON IST-4dColor Profiles omy omy Ponsosou suBU y= Co wiiveg AN 0 suey 00H 04 uo pose ove soe Oud “IE WWWX O0Z}-WIv om) pue spod Buna6e} LLNW7 ‘ued fany auI}H91U89 Uo|}eB O09 e 21e pepnjou! ‘yjma uossiw yoeHe punosb a6ueL-Guo} e 10} painByuoo si yesoNe SIU, NOWAVNOS SUIWWVH AHL ‘OZZ ‘ON IST-A ubsap ayp siuasaidas 4gnow j1e) Aaid Jo pilq ay "spod NYLINY] Pue se Moueds 1S 16-WI¥ 4NO4 ‘pod ul] B1eP #1-OXV/NY pares “Se AU) YIM G/LZ(A)S1-NB9 JO s1ed e Jo sisisUO> IS1-J S14 Jo PeojAed ay, NOUAVADS SYIWWVH AJHLL ‘L9Z ‘ON IST-4d “1002 ut paseaddeDaily Routine & MaintenanceDaily Routine & Maintenance Above: F-151 number 232 in alert air-to-air intercep- Below left and right: Ra‘am numbers 241 and 269 armed with two GBU-10 2,000Ib tion configuration. Armed with four AIM-120C AM- Paveway II, two GBU-12 500Ib. Paveway I and six Mk.82 500Ib. iron bombs: For RAAM (note wing pylon and forward CFT store sta-__ self-defense, payload consists of AIM-120C and Python 4 air-to-air missiles. tion) and two RAFAEL Python 4 air-to-air missiles. Photos:OferZidon Photo: Ofer ZidonDaily Routine & Maintenance Center page and Below: Aircraft numbers 241 and 252 armed with two GBU-10 2,0001b, Paveway I, two GBU-12 500Ib. Paveway Iland six Mk.82 5001b. iron bombs: For self-defense, payload consists of AIM-120C and Python 4 air-to-air missiles. Photos: Ofer ZidonDaily Routine & Maintenance aintenance hangar at ‘Photos Ravanan WeisstenanceDaily Routine & Maintenance Top photos: Manat's F-151 number 201 during a test flight with two GBU-15(V)21/B optically guided bombs. Noteworthy is the AN/AXQ-14 data link pod under the centerline store station. Photos in tH page:Ra‘anan Weiss collection Aircraft number 227 prior to take-off with an exercise F-151 number 261 taxiing for take-off with a training RAFAEL GBU-15(V)21/8 under the right wing pylon. Popeye missile under the right wing pylon. F-151's numbers 217 and 232 during their first period of 31 ‘operational service are taxiing for take-off to an ordnance a ‘compatibility sortie. Payloads of each aircraft are six SUU-30 t cluster bombs and LANTIRN pods. ja’am number 205 armed with four Mk.84 2,000lb.iran bombs; taking-off to an ordnance compatibility mission.Daily Routine & Maintenance Top photos: F-15! number 241 in a ground attack mission alert, configured with Mk.82 ‘iron bombs’ and Python 4 / AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. Photos: Ofer Zidon Additional photos from the first operational period of the Pra er a eae ae ee eed Rockeye cluster bombs, two SUU-20 Practice Bomb Adaptors and RAFAEL Python 4 training air-to-air missiles. Beret es acd ‘Aircraft numbers 217 and 232 in ordnance configurations of four ‘and six SUU-30 cluster bombs, RAFAEL Python 4 training air-to- eet ee etal ae eee entedDaily Routine & Maintenance Detailed in the following two pages are Ra‘am aircraft in various training and operational ordnance configurations of the RAFAEL Popeye air-to-surface missile. Photo:Shlomo Aloni ae epPhata:shlomo AloniDaily Routine & MaintenanDaily Routine & Maintenance Top andi F-151 number 250 with a payload of 2,00016- GBU-32 JDAMfy Python 4 and AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. Photos: Lieifghant Ofer, the Hammers squadron This photo and below: Ra‘am aircraft with training GBU-15 EO guided bomb units. Noteworthy is the AXQ-14 data-link system under the centerline store station. Photos:The Hammers squadronDaily Rutin This photo and top: F-151 number 255 armed with training GBU-15 under its wing pylons-Note television seeker in the ‘unit and imaging infrared seeker in the left GBU-15. Photo:The Hammers squadron‘a S 3 3 e £Front Cockpit b B : "3 3 8 5 § éCanopy Actuator / ACES II Ejection SeatsACES II Ejection SeatsAerial Refuling Door / Dorsal Airbrakeg é 2 = < 2 2 & 3 2 £ = 2 7 6 8Upper Aft Fuselage — gUpper Aft Fuselage / Right WiExhaust Nozzles & Arre: Hookx“ 3 8 = a £ g < 3 3 8 Zz 3 3 s 3 3Air Intakes, M61 Cannon & Lower FuselageLower FuselageNose SectionLeft CFTight CFTLeft Tail Boom5 5 & o 2 3 : = 5 = §Left Main Landing GearRight Main Landing Gear \Right Main Landing Gear‘As with most IAF squadrons, the Hammers have adapted a unique tailplane motif. The larger eagle artwork that currently adorns some of the squadron's aircraft complies with the original design, but due to various technical issues a smaller version was initially applied. in early 2000, the tailplanes of aircraft number 267 were painted with a Brown FS 30219 eagle motif. By the end of that year, the artwork on the right tailplane was repainted in Black. In 2002 the artworks were removed and preparations were made to apply the original design. Aircraft number 246 was the first to be painted. The artwork was significantly larger than that applied to aircraft 267, and was painted Dark Grey FS 36118 over Sand FS 33531. The squadron badge was moved upwards. As the previous AFB commander opposed the artwork, itis now applied on approximately half of the squadron's aircraft. Photos on this page depict the current (top left) design and the previous versions on aircraft number 267. Also detailed in top centers the Hammers insigni The tailplanes of Manat aircraft number 201 was applied with parallel Orange FS 12197 stripes, as detailed in photos on top of page 75. fos: Ra‘anan Weiss collection. 74 Tail Arts and MarkingsTail Arts and Markings 75}Wing Pylons and Rails The pylons in use on the F-151 are generally similar to those of the other IAF F-15s, but the adaptors are shorter. The adaptor for the LAU-71 is locally produced and is designated ADU-4071, while the adaptor Of the LAU-128, is of U.S. origin and is designated ADU-552. The LAU-128 can adapt AMRAAM and Sidewinder missiles while the LAU-71 will adapt Python 4/5 and Sidewinder missiles.Wing Pylons and RailsLockheed Martin AN/AAQ-14 LANTIRNLockheed Martin AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRNRAFAEL AGM-142 Popeye ee ry Gaerne NaN i ae ee ate aaRAFAEL AGM-142 PopeyeRAFAEL Python 4 / Raytheon AIM-120C AMRAAM “FfIsraDecal —PUBLICATIONS— i Jit SB es} gi fs EBOEING F-15! Ra’‘am 1:72 scale drawings Drawings by © Willy PEETERS Ma IsraDecal —PUBLICATIONS—ISBN 935-7220-04-1 978965722002: