Dateline Jerusalem – “Adir, Adir, Adir,” shop owners and customers cried out enthusiastically as they ran outside to watch the glorious Israeli Adir F-35I stealth fighter.
The jet was flying low in the clear blue skies above us in an area just outside my city.
I actually got goose bumps on my arms as the jet whizzed by and seemed to circle around above us.
I never have seen so many people so excited about a particular jet since I was a court-appointed attorney at an Air Force Base in Southern California.
On occasion, the entire courtroom, judge, JAG officers, attorneys, and court personnel would run outside the court to watch new jets being flight-tested. The Adir is considered the world’s most advanced stealth fighter, “the ultimate stealth fighter jet.”
The Hebrew name Adir means noble, strong, mighty. It is a word used in the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, to describe G-d.
In modern Hebrew it denotes awesomeness. The Adir, considered the IAF’s (Israeli Air Force) “next fighter jet”, is the fifth generation of Israeli fighter jets. Because of its unique abilities, it received its name.
Appearances Important
A symbol of the jet is black in color representing stealth, with a silver frame for its color, and a pentagon representing its shape and the fact that it is the fifth generation of Israeli fighter jets.
In a combined effort with the United States, the F-35I is manufactured at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, but the wings are manufactured by Israel Aviation Industries.
The center fuselage composite components are built by Elbit-Cyclone Systems, and the pilot’s helmets are produced by Elbit Systems Ltd in Israel.
Currently, the IAF also flies F-15I “Raam” Strike Eagles and F-16I “Soufa” Falcon fighter jets.
Israel is the world’s second largest F-16 operator, the U.S, being the largest. The “I” stands for the Israeli version of these jets.
Allegedly Adir is six times more effective in air-to-air and surveillance abilities, and eight times more effective air-to-ground than other fighter jets.
Supposedly it has 360 degree situational awareness, exceptional maneuverability, a 2200 km range, and can carry a very heavy high weapons payload.
Israel’s “I” version of the F-35 has several changes in the jet’s design such as electronic welfare pods, Israeli weaponry, C4 systems, and communications systems.
However, the Adir is considered quite controversial here in Israel.
Not only is the Adir very expensive especially for an alleged “affordable plane,” over twice that as originally expected, and long overdue in various aspects of its development, but there have been many faults found with it during test flights.
Critical Problems
The U.S. Air Force had to ground all F-35 Joint Strike Fighters at an Air Force Base in Arizona after five separate incidents of pilots complaining of hypoxia-related issues. The pilots were able to land safely only because the backup oxygen systems kicked in.
Another problem is that fuselage maintenance for all F-35 jets in this area of the world must take place in Italy, electronic systems maintenance in the U.K., and engine maintenance in Turkey.
Considering Turkey and Israel often do not have diplomatic ties, this can be a major problem in terms of ability to get things fixed. And there is always the question of sabotage.
The Israeli Shin Bet, Israel’s security agency, just uncovered a connection between Hamas operatives in Turkey and Gaza transferring funds to terrorists in Hebron.
Therefore, the U.S. has agreed that Israel may perform depot level maintenance, including overhauling engines and air frame components within its borders. According to a top military officer, the Israeli Air Force must “reverse-engineer” the Adir to fully understand it.
“Like building a house,” he said. “You must learn every single part from the foundation up.”
Israeli technicians on the F-35I must receive top grades in electronics and have English as their mother tongue.
Furthermore, the Israeli pilot course is considered one of the world’s most demanding and difficult courses. Most candidates are chosen prior to high school graduation, based on grades, IQ, standardized tests, physical condition, and technical aptitude.
Those chosen are given a six-day tryout involving physical, mental, and sociometric tests.
After the six days, half are eliminated.
After graduation those remaining go for a three-year course that includes flight training, infantry training, and officer training. They receive a BA at the end of the three years. The pilot course is so difficult that only about one-sixth of the pilots actually receive their wings. Only the elite of the elite become Israeli fighter pilots.
The sound of jets taking to Israeli skies has been music to my ears.
I feel so proud that they are in the air protecting Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East.
It gives me such a sense of security and comfort. This May on Independence Day, Yom HaAtzmaut, the Adir made its debut in Israel, flying low and buzzing the skies at high speed throughout the country.
What a thrill to see them in action!
L’hitraot. Shachar