The first jet plane ever assembled in Israel–a French Fouga Magister jet trainer–was delivered to the Israel Air Force today by Israel Air Industry, Ltd. formerly the Bedek company.
The plane was assembled with components shipped from France, Eleven more trainers will be assembled here on this basis. Later, Al Shwimmer, head of the aviation company, said all parts will be manufactured locally except for the engines which will continue to be imported from France.
The use of jet trainers will shorten considerably the time needed to train pilots for the Israel Air Force. In the past, pilots have had to spend long hours in conventional piston engined aircraft until they could be put into the powerful Mystere and Vauture jets.
The first of the planes assembled here was formally presented to Prime Minister Ben-Gurion who is the Minister of Defense. He, in turn, presented it to Brigadier General Ezer Weizmann, commander of the Air Force.
Deputy Defense Minister Shimon Peres said that five million pounds ($2, 800, 000) had been allocated for investment in the aircraft industry over the next three years above the 18,000,000 pounds ($10,000,000) already invested. He indicated that Israel’s aviation industry may produce civilian Jet planes for export.
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