Israeli Air Force MD500 Defender

The model I completed is an Israeli Air Force Defender flown by the Magic Touch squadron during the June 1982 Lebanon War.  Defender no.212 is the first helicopter in IAF history to be credited with a tank kill.   It knocked out a PLO T34-85 tank on June 5th 1982, during Golani Brigade's accent to the Beufort Castle. 

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As the IDF approached Syrian defensive lines along the Beirut Damascus highway, Syrian Gazzel helicopters made hit and run attacks on IDF armor.  As a result of the confusion, three IDF helicopters were shot down by friendly fire.  A week into the fighting, the IAF introduced a yellow "V" identification symbol on the sides of the helicopters which is use even today. 

The model is Italeri's 1/72 MD500 which had extensive internal and external detailing and corrections made to it.  Decals for Defender 212 are taken from sold out IsraDecal and Sky Decal sheets.

Yoav Efrati

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