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IAF Museum
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Avia S 199
Shakeen (Knife)
101 Squadron
This Czech fighter was the only fighter in Israel's possession
at the start of the War of Independence. Israel hurriedly purchased a
number of second-rate Czech made Avia S199s in May 1948. The S 199 was
a Bf 109G-14 Messerschmitt with a Jumo 211F engine.
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The Avias were dismantled, shipped to Israel at night, and secretly reassembled
at Ekron (later: Tel Nof Air Force Base). On 29 May 1948, they attacked
an Egyptian column of some 500 vehicles near a bridge south of Ashdod.
The surprised Egyptians scattered for cover. By the time they regrouped,
they had lost the offensive and failed to advance any further. The bombed-out
bridge became known as Gesher Ad Halom (Until Here).
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