After
their close victory in the 6 Day War the Israeli Defense Establishment went
looking for aircraft to supplement their Mirage III CJ’s. Political issues
complicated this search for them. One of the aircraft that they finally settled
on was a modification of the Douglas X-3 Stiletto. This seemingly ancient
aircraft design was upgraded with ATAR 09 engines from the Mirage III. Hard
points for air to air weapons were also added. The aircraft was christened the
“Mohel” after the religious figure that plays an important role in one of
the oldest Jewish traditions. The aircraft was well liked by the Israeli pilots
who at first found the canopy design very restrictive. For pilots who had
spent their whole lives looking back it was difficult to not be able to see what
was coming behind them.
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Unknown
until now is the history of two of these squadrons of Mohel’s that slashed out
at the foremost of the Arab aircraft that attacked the Israeli homeland during
this short but bloody conflict. True to its namesake, these aggressive fighters
blunted the attack by the Egyptians and Syrians. After some very short and
painful encounters, the intruders left without some of their most important
members.
Using once highly classified
documents leaked by a young Jewish friend disillusioned because she cannot find
a husband, I built this kit much as the Israeli’s did by using parts from the
Hobby Boss Mirage III CJ.
Michael Stanley
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