num_pages: 96
description: The American manufactured F-4 Phantom II was used by the Israelis in air-to-ground missions as an attack aircraft and air-to-air missions as a fighter. Despite performing both roles with equal success the Israeli reliance on the Mirage III and Nesher delta fighters meant that the F-4 was used most regularly in its air-to-ground role. The kill total of the Israeli F-4 community was consequently a modest 116.5; significantly lower than that of other Israeli aircraft types in service between 1969 and 1982. A handful of aces were nevertheless created and using first hand accounts this unique book tells their stories. Many F-4 pilots had previously flown the Mirage III but most of the navigators were either inexperienced flying school graduates or had been transferred from transport aircraft. The decision to create such teams may have appeared an odd one and it certainly led to a number of interesting experiences but proved ultimately to be so successful that by 2010 the Israeli air force will have more two-seat combat aircraft than single-seat fighters. The F-4 experience was therefore crucial to moulding the future of the Israeli air force.
language: English
title: Israeli F-4 Phantom II Aces
publisher: Osprey Publishing