Next-Gen Training Helicopter Takes Off

Outside a hangar filled with the hum of machinery and the anticipation of a new era, the first “Ofer” helicopter touches down. Its sleek, modern design is a stark contrast to the senior Bell-206 “Saifan” helicopters that it is expected replace.  While this veteran helicopter will continue to serve alongside the new generation helicopter for at least another year, the excitement of both seasoned pilots and fresh cadets is palpable, as all are eager to embark on this new chapter in the Israeli Air Force’s storied history.

Eliezer (Ezer) Katabi is the CEO of Snunit Aviation Services, a subsidiary of Elbit, which has operated and maintained the exiting Saifan fleet for the Israel Air Force Flight Academy School for the past 20 years. Snunit will continue to operate and maintain the helicopters purchased and owned by the Israel Defense Ministry for the flight academy school in the years ahead.  Elbit Systems also provides services to the Elad firefighting squadron and the Israeli Police helicopter unit.

Better Chassis, Even Better Avionics

The new Ofer helicopter (Leonardo’s AW119KX), a modern addition to the fleet, provides for a meaningful technological advancement over the aging Saifan helicopters. Manufactured by the Italian company Leonardo, this advanced aircraft is specifically designed to meet the demands of contemporary military training environments.

The new generation helicopter features a single, more powerful engine compared to the Saifan. The helicopter is also more comfortable to fly, being slightly larger in size and with a more advanced avionics system, as well as being particularly tailored for night operations.

In addition to its sophisticated chassis, it features unique Israeli systems, including new navigation and communication technologies, and high-quality digital recording and data analysis system.

The introduction of the Ofer helicopter is part of a broader effort to modernize the Air Force’s training capabilities. Recognizing the limitations of the older Saifan helicopters, the Air Force sought a more suitable and sophisticated aircraft to bridge the training gap and prepare pilots for the complexities of modern aerial combat. This ensures that cadets are better equipped to handle the challenges of future missions.

Another notable feature of the Ofer is its highly developed ground simulator. This training tool enables pilots to practice and refine their skills in a controlled environment, replicating real-life scenarios. The simulator is managed by a different business unit within Elbit Systems and it plays a crucial role in the comprehensive training program for new pilots.

Strong Roots in Aviation

With a team of 35 people, nearly half of whom have been with the project since its inception, Snunit’s legacy of quality and expertise continues. “We have employees who have grown up in the Air Force, spanning various roles from line managers and team leaders to avionics managers and technicians,” Ezer highlights. “This deep-rooted knowledge and experience make us more efficient, which is why the Air Force civilianized these squadrons. There’s a deep synergy here, and we’re part of an integrated operation.”

“Up until the Ofer’s arrival, we performed maintenance for the Saifans,” Ezer continued, highlighting the vast

 experience his company brings to the table. “We provided around 5,000 flight hours annually and had been flying the Saifan for about 20 years. We were chosen to handle the Ofer due to our extensive experience in operating flight schools.”

A Brand-New Squadron

Under the military agreement between Italy and Israel, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Leonardo for the purchase of 12 Ofer helicopters, with an option for an additional four. In total, 16 Ofer helicopters will replace the Saifan helicopters currently in use.

Currently, the first of the 12 helicopters have been received, with the logistical infrastructure in place. “We received it three weeks ago, and it successfully completed its initial flights with a Leonardo test pilot and an Israeli test pilot,” said Danny, Director of the Ofer program in Elbit and Snunit. Another helicopter is set to arrive shortly.

“Our ultimate client is the Israeli Air Force,” Ezer concludes. “Daily operations and maintenance will be directly coordinated with them. The routine maintenance challenges, approvals for converting it from a civilian to a military helicopter, all fall under a military framework. The close relationship between our on-site team, managers and technicians along with the aircrew and the maintenance squadron at the base is essential for a smooth transition to the new helicopters.”

The content of the article does not constitute business or financial information about Elbit Systems Ltd. (the “Company”) and is not intended to be a basis for making investment decisions in the Company’s securities. In order to obtain business or financial information about the Company, please refer to the reports and filings that the Company regularly publishes on the website of the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (EDGAR) and on the notification system of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (Maya). 

The article may contain forward-looking statements such as estimates, forecasts, estimates, plans, etc. that refer to future events that are considered forward-looking information as defined under the securities laws of Israel and the United States. There is no certainty that such information will be realized, in whole or in part, and the actual result may differ from what was presented in the article, among other things due to its dependence on external factors that are not under the control of the Company and that cannot be evaluated in advance. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s estimates at the time of publication, and the Company has no obligation to update or correct this data.