Book #7 in the 'Aircraft of the IAF' series covers the often over-looked Ouragan. This aircraft was really a stop-gap sale while waiting for the never-developed Triton and Mystere IIA. Israel knew it needed to get jet experience and so was shopping where it could for first generation jet fighters. Though they did eventually get British Meteors, the need was still there for a fighter-bomber as the Meteor's weapons carrying capabilities was limited to air to ground missiles. Eventually, a deal was struck for the Ouragan, with planes coming from aircraft already serving in the French Air Force. There was the requirement that the Israelis not cancel Mystere orders to make this sale happen and eventually, Israel did get the excellent Mystere IV and Super Mystere, but not until many years later.

The Ouragan was an aircraft with few vices and was quickly integrated into Israel's defense. It was used more as a stepping stone to the later Mystere aircraft once those were delivered and as an introduction to even later aircraft. They were, however, used during the the 1956 Suez war and the later 1967 war when it was imperative that all assets be available for combat. A few were lost and though not an air to air fighter, it did manage to knock some pieces off enemy planes. Eventually the aircraft was completely relegated to OTU status, introducing many Israeli pilots to jet operations and serving into the 1970s. Many of the aircraft that were retired from IAF service were refurbished and sold to Honduras, where they continued to be operated until they were also retired in the late 1980s, having been replaced by A-37s.

This book follows the same general format as their other historical aircraft publications. There is a history of its development, how the IAF came to obtain the planes, and full unit history from inception to retirement. This includes a wealth of superb photographs that have not been seen in publication before. Some of them are in color which adds to the interest. In addition, there are small sections on systems, weapons carried and on extant airframes in museums and on display. A small section on the Honduras aircraft is also included as is a table that covers each airframe and its eventual disposition. Throughout the book, the changes in the various camouflage schemes carried by the Ouragan are covered, along with superb profile illustrations.

The bottom line is that this is the finest publication yet available on the type and a superb companion to their decal sheets. A MUST for enthusiasts of the IAF and for any modeler who wants to accurately portray the type in plastic.

August 2009

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