IAF Flexes its Might with the Newest “Samson” Plane (Photos)
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
The “Samson” rolling out. (Photo: IDF Blog)
On Wednesday, the Israeli Air Force grew considerably in strength when it welcomed into its elite aerial fleet the the new generation C-130J Super Hercules. The planes were purchased from the United States.
The plane, also known as “Samson,” which in Hebrew is called “Shimshon,” is named after the famous biblical hero, the counterpart to its foreign name Hercules.
According to the IDF, the new plane “will give the IDF a major strategic advantage against those who seek to threaten the security of Israel – those near and far.”
“The plane will mostly work with ground forces and to their benefit: it will transport forces, rescue them and know how to execute transport and supply missions for them with a degree of efficiency and safety,” explained Lt. Col. Uri of the IAF.
During a special military ceremony at the Nevatim Air Force based in Be’er Sheva, which was attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, the “Samson” flew over the crowd in an inauguration ceremony after flying in from the United States.
From the Left: Maj Gen Amir Eshel, Commander of the Israel Air Force; Minister of Defense, Mr. Moshe (Bogie) Ya’alon; the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benjamin (Benny) Gantz at the new “Samson” inauguration ceremony, Wednesday, April 9. (Photo: IDF)
(Photo: Lockheed-Martin/ Thinh D. Nguyen)
The newest in military transport planes, the “Samson” “increases greatly the ability of the existing fleet of the Israel Air Force.” The IAF purchased the long version of the “Samson” from Lockheed-Martin which can carry 94 paratroopers and their equipment instead of the regular 64.
In terms of alternative cargo, the Hercules C-130J can transport four military SUV’s instead of three or transport 128 soldiers.
The IAF has been waiting eagerly for the new plane, training its pilots extensively.
“For several months now, the future pilots of these massive planes have been training in flight simulators in the U.S. and Italy in order to familiarize themselves with its technological and operations innovations,” said Colonel A., the deputy commander of the unit in charge of the “Samson.”
The “Samson” utilizes cutting edge technology including digital screens, advanced displays, and is equipped with the latest in high-tech systems that “streamlines the aircraft maintenance work and allows the technicians to gain information on the routine operations and the malfunctions” of the plane.
Inside the “Samson” (Photo: IDF Blog)
The new plane is able to carry more weight and fly faster, longer, and farther. The flight range of the “Samson” is approximately 4,000 km, which, as the IAF stated, allows them “to neutralize all threats, both near and far.”
With the arrival of the plane to Israel, the IAF will adapt many of its computer systems to be added to the plane. The IAF’s mid-air refueling capabilities will now be increased exponentially because the new plane “has the ability to fly closer to other aircraft in order to supply gasoline, making much easier this delicate operation,” explained Colonel A.
Israel has been using planes in the Hercules aircraft family for over 40 years. The Hercules planes were used extensively during the Yom Kippur war and were used in the Entebbe Operation in 1976 and Operation Solomon, which airlifted Ethiopian Jews to Israel, in 1991.
(Photo: IDF Blog)
(Photo: IDF Blog)
Read more at http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/13590/iaf-flexes-might-newest-samson-photos/#GlX8MVZLVBSg53MJ.99
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