Israel Aerospace Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.. (IAI ) is an Israeli aircraft company.
Development
The story of IAI begins in 1953, when the Bedek Aviation Company was founded to take over repair and maintenance jobs. From 1957, the licensed production of Slingsby gliders began. Later, under license of the French Fouga Magister was added, which was delivered as " Tzukit " to the IDF / Heyl HaAvir.
In 1966, IAI began the construction work for the light transport aircraft " Arava ", whose first flight took place on 27 November 1969. The " Arava " was built in small numbers in the civilian versions IAI 101/102 and the military version IAI 201 and in several countries in the developing world, mainly exported to Central and South America.
In April 1967 the Bedek Aircraft Company in Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd.. Renamed (IAI ) and divided into different companies.
In the same year IAI acquired from Rockwell Standard Corporation all rights for the twin-engine business jet "Jet Commander". For this, the IAI 1124 Westwind was developed, which went into production in 1976. A version of "West Wind " to Seeraumberwachung is offered as " SeaScan " on the world market.
The first program was the demanding military fighter " Nesher ", an Israeli version of the Mirage IIIE French. Another version of the Mirage III has been developed under the name Kfir. The " Kfir " entered service in the early 1970s and C/C2/C7 and the two-seater versions TC2 and TC7 built in the single-seater versions.
End of the 1970s, IAI began based on the American F- 16 with the development of the " Lavi ". This machine made by international standards is a top performance, but the program was canceled for financial reasons at the end of the 1980s. In order not to give the experience gained in this program, an attempt was made to combine the proven airframe of the " Kfir " with the systems of the " Lavi ". The program was conducted under the name " Nammer ". Another program is run by the Lahav Division under the name " Kfir 2000 '.
In order to upgrade the machines of the IDF / Heyl HaAvir, was developed by the IAI, the "Phantom 2000 ". IAI also equipped 54 Turkish F-4E to. Here, collected in the " Phantom 2000 " program experiences were used, including new computers, displays, electronic warfare equipment and Elta EL/M-2032-Multifunktionsradar.
In November 2006 the name was changed from " Aircraft" in " Aerospace" to carry the wide range of product areas bill, which also includes among other airplanes, aerospace and maritime and ground engineering.
Group companies
IAI Elta Electronics Industries ( Elta Systems Group )
Based in Ashdod Elta Electronics is the largest avionics manufacturer in Israel. Mainly American and French systems were manufactured under license in the beginning, it was soon started with the modification of the built systems and eventually with their own design. The various " Kfir " versions were equipped with Elta radar and had next to more diverse Elta systems, such as fault and Täuschgeräte electronic warfare.
IAI MATA Helicopters Division (Military Aircraft Group IAI)
The helicopter activities of IAI are handled by the MATA Helicopters Division, founded in 1976. The focal points include the maintenance and overhaul of helicopter components and systems, repairs, modifications and upgrades of helicopters. MATA deals among other things with a modernization program for the now somewhat dated CH -53, which carries the name CH-53/2000. The modifications relate mainly to a longer service life and changes in the cockpit. Another program deals with the UH -1 " Huey ", offering a modernization for the IAI.
IAI Malat Division
When malate Division drones are being built, such as the IAI Heron. In this area, malate division holds a global market leaders.
IAI MBT Missile Systems Division
The MBT Missile Systems Division is part of the IAI Missile & Space Systems Group. She designs and builds both military and civilian rockets.
IAI MLM division
Founded in 1957 MLM Division in Beer Yaacov specializes in missile systems, but also provides appropriate communication, training and control systems. There are also many years of experience in solar technology and concentrated solar in space.
IAI Ramta Division
The building Ramta Division in Beer Sheva, among other Super Dvora fast patrol boats and RAM 2000 armored car.