OFEQ 10 Spy Satellite launched by Israel

The research and development department (MAFAT) of Israel’s Ministry of Defense in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Ltd.) launched this evening Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 22:15 hrs, “Ofeq 10″ (also known as Ofek 10) satellite into space. The satellite was launched into orbit by a “Shavit” satellite launcher. The launch was conducted from an Israeli Air Force test range.

Once the satellite enters orbit around the Earth, it will undergo several tests to confirm its serviceability and accurate performance.“Ofeq 10″ is an earth-observing remote-sensing satellite that employs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology with advanced “high-resolution” imagery, capable of operating day or night and in all weather conditions.

Israel’s Ministry of Defense, led by its R&D Department (MAFAT) in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Ltd) and other Israeli high-tech companies developed and produced the “Ofeq 10″ satellite as well as the “Shavit” satellite launcher.


http://www.asiandefencenews.com/2014/04/israel-launches-ofeq-10-spy-satellite.html

Israel Inaugurates New ‘Samson’ C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft Into Service

Photos: IDF

The new transport aircraft enhances the IASF’s long-range transport and assault capabilities, with missions including airborne cargo delivery, transportation of paratroops and commandos, aerial refueling for helicopters and planes, electronic warfare, maritime patrol and special operations.

According to the Israel Defense Force (IDF) Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Benjamin (Benny) Gantz, The new aircraft gives the IDF extended operational flexibility and strengthens our long range capabilities, making us more accurate and powerful than ever. The progressive systems the “Samson” aircraft is equipped with will allow us to execute more complex operations than in the past – “we will be able to operate faster, in all weather conditions, in greater distance, in lower altitude and in maximum discretion.” Gantz said.

Over the past year, squadron members have trained in Italy and in the United States in order to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the aircraft and its capabilities. The new aircraft is joining the 103 Squadron already operating the C-130H from Nevatim.The delivery of the first C-130J is a first milestone in the modernization of the Israel Air Force, Under the current plan the IASF is expecting deliveries of 30 Alenia Aermacchi M346 advanced trainers from Italy over the next two years, six US built Bell-Boeing V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft will be supplied in 2016 and F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters built by Lockheed Martin. The first of the 19 aircraft ordered is expected to arrive in Israel in 2017.

Israel Launches OFEQ 10 Spy Satellite

A Shavit satellite launcher lifts off from the Palmachim test range south of Tel Aviv April 9, 2014, carrying the OFEQ 10 satellite, the eights satellite in the OFEQ family, built by IAI MBT Space division. Photo: IMOD

The research and development department (MAFAT) of Israel’s Ministry of Defense in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Ltd.) launched this evening Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 22:15 hrs, “Ofeq 10″ (also known as Ofek 10) satellite into space. The satellite was launched into orbit by a “Shavit” satellite launcher. The launch was conducted from an Israeli Air Force test range.

Once the satellite enters orbit around the Earth, it will undergo several tests to confirm its serviceability and accurate performance.“Ofeq 10″ is an earth-observing remote-sensing satellite that employs synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology with advanced “high-resolution” imagery, capable of operating day or night and in all weather conditions.

Israel’s Ministry of Defense, led by its R&D Department (MAFAT) in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Ltd) and other Israeli high-tech companies developed and produced the “Ofeq 10″ satellite as well as the “Shavit” satellite launcher.

First Israeli M-346 Lavi rolled out video