Kne-Mida (In Scale) – IPMS Israel Magazine No. 36, 9/2002

Ballistic armor of IDF AFVs – by Guri Roth                                                                    

Development of ballistic armor in the IDF is a direct outcome of lessons learned in combat with enemies using most modern weapons. The first lesson was during the October 1973 war while encountering large quantities of ATGW like the Sager and the RPG-7. The outcome was the development of the reactive appliqué armor. After the 1982 war in Lebanon, and constant confrontation in this arena, a gradual shift towards a passive armor has begun. The passive armor allows for better survivability for a given area cell of armor. The article surveys the various armor configurations, applied on the Magach (M-60), Merkava and various APCs in the IDF’s inventory as well as the kits (Academy, Coree, Tamiya & Italeri) and conversion/update sets (A.E.F Designs) necessary for modeling all these unique IDF AFV designs.

Close Up on the F-4 Phantom, Part 2 (1974 – 2002) in IAF service – by Ofer Zidon               

During the 1973 war, 34 F-4s were sent to Israel, directly from USAFE squadrons. The increase in quantity, necessitated opening a new squadron – the “Scorpion” sq., in 5/75. Thus the number of squadrons flying the F-4 has reached five.
The arrival of the F-15 in 12/76, and that of the F-16 in 1980, caused a gradual shift of F-4 missions towards air to ground support missions. However, during this period, in 29.7.81, an F-4 of the “Bat”, accompanied by F-15s, shoot down a Syrian MIG-25 Foxbat reconnaissance A/C over northern Israel.
The last F-4 kill was during the 1982 war in Lebanon, when an F-4 shot down a Syrian MIG-21 by an AA missile.

On 9.4.89, the first Kurnass 2000, which is a F-4 upgraded by the IAI, tail no. 668 was handed over to the “The One” squadron. At present, the Kurnass 2000 serve within the “Bat” and “The One” squadrons.

During 1971, the IAF has received six RF-4E A/C of the early model. These A/Cs were painted in the standard F-4 camouflage pattern. During 1975/76, six additional RF-4E were purchased. These A/Cs were with the later improved aerodynamic nose and were painted in the air superiority camouflage pattern. Prior to the delivery of the RF-4Es, the IAF has converted two F-4Es for reconnaissance missions, by installing a camera instead of the gun ammunition barrel. These A/Cs were tail no. 17 & 39. During 1976, three F-4Es were modified, by than General Dynamics, to F-4E(S) for long range photography.The article contains many, previously unpublished photos of the RF-4s in IAF service. Also of note are 16 superb color profiles, 10 of which are of RF-4s.

Modeling an F-4E(S) in 1:48th scale – by Sariel Stiller                                                       

The F-4E(S) is a modified F-4E, with a 30-cm (11”) extension of the nose. The modification includes installation of HIAC-1 long-range camera and a KS-87 vertical camera. The F-4E(S) model is a conversion of ESCI 1:48th kit with Eagle Design 48-CK-10 kit.  The article contains detailed drawing of the special nose windows, for improving the ones on the Eagle Design kit, and some views showing the window locations with respect to the nose geometry. The model was painted in the standard IAF camouflage pattern. Decals for the general F-4 stencils were taken from Super Scale’s 48-067 sheet. Decals for the IAF’s A/C #499 were taken for Cutting Edge’s CED48004 sheet.

The F-15I Ra’am (Thunder) in IAF service – by Adi Hazak                                                  

The Thunder A/C entered service with the IAF on 19.1.98, when two A/Cs, tail no. 205 & 209, landed in Hazerim AFB. The Thunder differs externally by its camouflage pattern, which is similar to that of the F-16 family. The article contains many photos depicting the variations between an F-15 and an F-15I. The article surveys the available modification kits: CAM 1:32nd R23-051 & Cutting Edge 1:48th/1:32nd kits. The article also surveys the available decal sheets: Isradecal IAF-18/IAF-19 & Skydecal sheets.

Modeling an F-15I Ra’am (Thunder) in 1:32nd – by Raanan Weiss                                          

For modeling the F-15I, Raanan used Tamiya’s 1:32nd 60302 kit. Raanan also used Cutting Edge’s accessories kit, Flight Path’s Paveway II Mk-82 laser bomb kit, Evergreen plastics for scratch building two Python 4 missiles and shorter missiles rails. Model painting was done by using Xtracolor X105 & X7, Humbrol 119 & 127, and Humbrol 127 for the Lantirn pods. Decals were taken from the super detailed Isradecal IAF-19 sheet. 

Kits & decals review - by Adi Hazak  
                                                                                         
Fonderie’s Super-Mystere in 1:48th scale, kit no. 6016.
Fonderie’s Vautour IIB in 1:48th scale, kit no. 6025.
Trumpeter’s HH-65A Dolphin in 1:48th scale, kit no. 02801.
Isradecal’s IAF F-15A/B/C/D & Improved Baaz 1:48th scale decal sheet #IAF-20.
Cutting Edge’s A-4N 1:48th scale conversion kit.

E-2C Hawkeye with Israeli additions - by Adi Hazak                                                                 

The article describes the addition of an in-flight  “Drogue & Hose” refueling boom on top of two of the (now out of service) E-2C Daya A/Cs. The installation was publicized on the IAF anniversary day on 24.7.93. The installation was applied on tail no. 941 & 944. However, this model can only be done with Fujimy’s 31005 & 72069 1:72nd kits, for which a Skydecals decalsheet, containing all necessary decals for any of the four A/C, is available. 

How to mobile your models – by Ilan Washai                                                                                 
In this article, Ilan offers a method for a safe transport of one’s model. The idea is preparing a special “cradle”, made of cardboard pieces, specially tailored for the unique geometry of each model. The cradle, which has modular overall dimensions, equivalent to one’s transport box, is put inside the box for a safe transport.