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עברית (Hebrew)
As part of the lessons learned by the Israeli Air Force from October 7th, the IAF has identified the need to change the approach to force deployment and provide firepower and aerial reconnaissance that is readily available to forces defending the borders during routine and emergency situations, particularly during border breach events.
The solution being examined by the Air Force is the introduction of a light attack aircraft. The AT-6 Wolverine is the only aircraft among the contenders being evaluated by the Air Force that can operate in the operational theater while ensuring the aircraft and crew’s survivability by flying above the threatened area, due to its cockpit pressurization system and ejection seats for the crew. Additionally, it is the only aircraft whose higher speed allows rapid deployment to the target area and interception of any type of enemy UAV.
While the AT-6 Wolverine’s competitors are currently used for crop dusting and firefighting, the T-6A – the training variant of the AT-6 Wolverine – serves as the primary trainer for the Air Force at the flight school.
In routine conditions, the AT-6 Wolverine can also function as an advanced training aircraft, allowing the Air Force to benefit from its advantages during regular operation.
The Air Force will also benefit from full maintenance support for the aircraft based on existing resources at the Flight Academy. In fact, there is about an 85% parts overlap between the two aircraft (the T-6A training model and the AT-6 Wolverine attack aircraft).
Additionally, the Air Force will gain from the advanced cockpit of the AT-6 Wolverine. Currently, the Air Force trains its pilot cadets on an advanced aircraft, the “Lavi” (M-346), equipped with an advanced cockpit (Glass Cockpit), as all Air Force aircraft today have advanced cockpits. The Air Force also conducts initial screening of cadets using the “Lavi” trainer.
Therefore, integrating an advanced aircraft such as the AT-6 Wolverine into the initial training phase is highly suitable for the Air Force and will significantly enhance training, while maintaining technical and operational readiness for strike missions on the frontline.
As part of cadet training, the Air Force also trains Flight Academy instructors in both regular and reserve service to operate the aircraft. The cockpit and attack systems of the aircraft are very similar to those of the F-16, so an additional benefit of using the AT-6 Wolverine is the ability to train personnel (pilots and technicians) without additional cost, while providing an operational solution to an important need.
To conclude – The AT-6 Wolverine is the right solution for the IDF at this time – for border defense and interception of unmanned aerial vehicles.
