Syrian Tank Hunters
During the 1982 war
in Lebanon, the Syrians were proud with performance of their attack helicopter-
and fighter-bomber-crews. Although flying well over 150 attack sorties, only two
Gazelles were shot down by the Israelis (both crews were killed). Two other
examples were badly damaged during the fighting and subsequently captured by the
Israelis: one of these was rebuilt and test-flown in Israel. At least an
additional SA.342 was badly damaged but flown back to Syria. In exchange the
SyAAF claimed destruction of 95 ground targets by Gazelles, including 71 tanks,
five APCs, three trucks, two artillery pieces, nine M-151 jeeps, and five tanker
trucks. While these figures are usually considered as exaggerated, a closer
examination of all known reports about IDF losses as published in the Israeli
media, shows that the Israelis very likely did lose as many tanks, and certainly
many more APCs and other vehicles. Besides, one should not forget that attack
helicopters are considered extremely effective by most armies of the world, and
that this fact was proved not only in a number of exercises, but also in several
wars.
Overall it is sure
that the Syrian Gazelles proved their worth during this war beyond any doubt.
When they were pulled from the battlefield, in the wake of the cease-fire from
11 June, the SA.342s were badly missed by remaining Syrian troops in Lebanon.
For the rest of that war the Syrian Army's anti-tank teams had to fight alone.
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The kit used
was the Airfix model and came together very nicely with minimal need for
filling any joints. I was pleasantly surprised how well the windows fit in
place. Model was built out of box and painted Model Master Acrylics Duck
Egg Blue 4748, Medium Green 4734 and Tan 4697. The usual coat of future,
black Promodeller weathering wash and the Model Master flat coat. Decals
were homemade.
Hope you enjoyed
this and stay tuned for more to come!!
Majd Abbar
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