IDF FX-3 “Mohel”

Secret Yom Kippur war interceptor

After their close victory in the 6 Day War the Israeli Defense Establishment went looking for aircraft to supplement their Mirage III CJ’s. Political issues complicated this search for them. One of the aircraft that they finally settled on was a modification of the Douglas X-3 Stiletto. This seemingly ancient aircraft design was upgraded with ATAR 09 engines from the Mirage III.  Hard points for air to air weapons were also added. The aircraft was christened the “Mohel” after the religious figure that plays an important role in one of the oldest Jewish traditions. The aircraft was well liked by the Israeli pilots who at first found the canopy design very restrictive.  For pilots who had spent their whole lives looking back it was difficult to not be able to see what was coming behind them.

Unknown until now is the history of two of these squadrons of Mohel’s that slashed out at the foremost of the Arab aircraft that attacked the Israeli homeland during this short but bloody conflict. True to its namesake, these aggressive fighters blunted the attack by the Egyptians and Syrians. After some very short and painful encounters, the intruders left without some of their most important members.

Using once highly classified documents leaked by a young Jewish friend disillusioned because she cannot find a husband, I built this kit much as the Israeli’s did by using parts from the Hobby Boss Mirage III CJ.