In the early 1960s the Israeli Air Force wanted to upgrade to the C-130 Hercules, which could lift larger payloads, but it was expensive, and sales were embargoed by the United States.
Israel Aircraft Industries at Ben Gurion International Airport offered to modify Boeing 377 Stratocruisers.
It had a stronger cabin floor which could handle cargo, plus a C-97 military Stratocruiser tail section, which included a clamshell cargo door.
These were dubbed Anak and entered service in 1964.
Three of these were modified by the use of a swing tail section, similar to the Canadair CL44D-4 airliner.
Two others served as aerial tankers with under wing hose reel refuelling pods.
Two others were ELINT-platforms for electronic reconnaissance, surveillance and ECM (Electronic Counter Measures) missions.
These were later joined by four KC-97Gs with the flying boom system.
Specifications
Crew
4 flight crew + cabin crew
Capacity
Up to 100 passengers on main deck plus 14 in lower deck lounge.
