FS2002 Israeli Air Force 'Lahatut' v1.0
This is a repaint of the Hughes 500D by Björn Büchner. Although the helicopter model is not that of a military Defender, the paint scheme reflects that of the Israeli Air Force.
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History and Information
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From www.iaf.org.il
A light anti-tank helicopter that was developed from the excellent reconnaissance helicopter OH-6A Chaos and produced for the US Army. The Chaos served as the basis for both a civilian model - that was nonetheless purchased by several national armed forces for light transport purposes - and a military model, presented in 1976 and called the Defender. The Defender had all of the good qualities of the Chaos, with the addition of a stronger engine. It is produced in four versions: the tankbuster (which the IAF possesses), the basic military version, the Anti Submarine version with a nose-mounted radar and the reconnaissance version.
The Defenders are a meaningful addition to the IAF's anti-tank capability. The Defender has four TOW missiles. It is not armed with a nose cannon, but has the advantages of being small in size, light in weight, inexpensive, and most importantly - highly maneuverable and very robust. In many respects, it complements the Cobra.
The Defender reached the pinnacle of its career during Operation Peace for the Galilee, when it fought in every possible role: clearing retreating Syrian tanks from the IDF's advance routes; elimination of the guerilla forces' tanks and armored vehicles; and silencing pockets of enemy armored resistance.
The Defender Squadron went into action when the war began. At first it was assigned to terrorist targets, then it joined the concerted effort against the Syrians. Its targets were tanks, other armored vehicles, and improvised military vehicles, like AA guns placed atop pickup trucks. The Defenders attacked guerilla reinforcements who were making their way to the front, as well as the retreating forces going the other way.
The Lahatut Squadron also participated in the destruction of Syria's SAMs in the Lebanese Beka'a. By destroying the radar stations at Damur, they "opened the door" for the fighter jets, which penetrated the area through the gap in radar coverage.
"The results were far better than what we had expected", said Maj. G., a Defender pilot. "We expected our shooting to be less accurate than it was during training, but this did not happen. Nor did the AA fire shot at us succeed in stopping us. The Defender's abilities gave the pilots a feeling of great security. The younger pilots, who had been uneasy, this being their first time across the border, soon regained their confidence. Their concern now became 'how do I operate this chopper in the most safe and efficient manner?' - and nothing else."
In the years that followed, the Lahatut helicopters were used in routine security activity in Lebanon, and took part in Operation 'Accountability'. The Defender Squadron also serves for instruction, and hosts the combat helicopter pilots' Advanced Training Course.
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Installation
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Just Unzip into Fs2002 Aircraft folder.
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Thanks to Björn Büchner for designing such a fine helicopter and for allowing me to release this repaint.
Thanks to Alon Golan for providing me with the information about the Lahatut and for helping me get the repaint 'just right'.
Amara Sok Nhep
November 2002
E-mail: asnamara@hotmail.com
