KfirReshef

Merkava

  • Issue: December 1983
  • Designer: A. Kalderon
  • Stamp size: 51.4 x 20 mm
  • Plate no.: 66 - 68
  • Sheet of 15 stamps Tabs: 5
  • Printers: E. Lewin-Epstein Ltd.
  • Method of printing: Photolithography

The Kfir-C2 - Air Superiority Tactical Fighter

The Kfir is a single-seat, multi-purpose combat aircraft, designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

It was at the end of 1 968 that the Israel Aircraft Industries began to develop the Kfir - the first Israeli fighter plane - which represents a breakthrough in the Air Force's striving towards independence and an end to its complete dependence on foreign sources of supply. The first Kfir was delivered to the Air Force in 1975 in which year it was put into regular production.

Israel's aircraft engineers did not, however, rest on their laurels. No sooner had this first version of the Kfir gone into action, than they began to develop an improved version which incorporated changes in the basic aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft and its various components. This resulted in the advanced Mark C which, as a result of the modifications incorporated into it, has a greatly improved performance as compared with its predecessor and has earned it a reputation as one of the outstanding fighter planes operating in the Middle East today. In 1977 the Kfir C2 made its first public appearance at the French Air Show in Paris where its impressive performance aroused much interest and brought great credit to the Israel Aircraft Industry.

A short time ago, Israel Aircraft Industries handed over to the Air Force the first four planes of the Kfir C7 - the latest improved version of the aircraft which will bridge the gap between the C2 which has been in service now for over 7 years, and the Lavi - Israel's fighter plane of the future - planned to be operational in the 90's.

top top 

The Reshef Fast Missile Boat

The Reshef represents the third generation of missile boats in service in the Israeli Navy since they were first introduced in 1967. The Reshef is of Israeli design - its steel hull is constructed in the Israel Shipyards in Haifa and its weapon and electronic systems are produced by the Israel Aircraft Industries and other Israeli electronic companies. Only just over 60 ft. in length, it has a range of about 2,000 miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots.

The special feature of the Israeli fast missile boat is the heavy armament that it carries in relation to its minute dimensions and weight. Its main weapons systems include both Israeli ("Gabriel") and American ("Harpoon") anti-ship missiles, while 40 mm. and 76 mm. sophisticated guns are installed on deck.

This combination of a small, fast and mobile vessel equipped with missiles, enables the Israeli fast missile boat to take decisive action at sea and bring maximum fire power to bear on its target. Its small dimensions, manoeuvrability and its survivability enable it to compete with other vessels, shore targets, aircraft and under-water weapons with little danger of being hit.

The first characterization of the Reshef was completed in 1 968 and in 1 973 the construction of this class of fast missile boats was completed.

The Israeli Navy has several boats of the Reshef class and they played a significant role in Operation "Peace for the Galilee"

top top 

The Merkava - Main Battle Tank Mk-1

The Merkava, Israel's latest tank, was developed and designed in Israel, and although the engine is of American manufacture, most of the parts and systems are locally designed and produced.

The Merkava represents a new concept in tank design which combines unprecedented crew protection with manoeuvrability, versatility and advanced technology. The design was based on the Israel army's future battle requirements, incorporating lessons gained from recent combat experience. In addition, everything possible has been done to provide maximum crew protection - the heavy armour plating and the revised interior layout are especially effective in this respect - so much so, that the tank is affectionately known as "the Jewish Mother". The tank also incorporates an original Israeli-designed system for transferring commands from the tank commander to the driver, while the novel configuration of the Merkava enhances its versatility, enabling it to perform such secondary roles as Command Vehicle, Troop Carrier or Ambulance. Duration Operation "Peace for the Galilee" the Merkava played an important role in the destruction of the enemy armour and demonstrated its high survivability as compared to other tanks, proving itself more than a match for the latest Russian Tanks deployed by the Syrians.

top top 

Kfir, Merkava, Reshef