|
The Israeli
version, called the IAI Tzukit, while
principally a trainer, was used in the 1967
Six Day War by the 147 Squadron as a close
support aircraft. Six aircraft were
lost during the war.
By the beginning of the 1980s, the IAF's Fouga
Magisters were beginning to show structural
fatigue, cracks appearing in the wings and
fuselage.
In order to prolong the type's service
with the IAF, a plan was devised at
Israel Aircraft Industries to upgrade and
refurbish the aircraft, thereby extending their
service life. Two Magisters were handed over to
IAI and in Septermber 1980 th e upgraded
aircraft, the Zukit, took off on its maiden
flight. The new aircraft had undergone over 250
modifications, including the refurbishment of
new engines and a newly designed cockpit.
Serial
production begun in 1983 and the last aircraft
was handed over to the IAF's flight school in
1986, most of the Fougas having been upgraded to
Zukit standard. The Zukit continues the role of
the Magister in basic jet training, a role it
will play long into the 21st century. The IAF
has been looking for an aircraft to replace the
Zukit for a number of years but has failed to
find one, mainly because of monetary constraints
for an aircraft to replace the Zukit for a
number of years but has failed to find one,
mainly because of monetary constraints |
