Elevation AMSL 32 ft / 10 m 7,884 2,403 Address Israel | 03/21 7,884 2,403 asphalt Elevation 10 m | |
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Operator Israeli Air ForceIsrael Space Agency Location Central District, Israel | ||
The Palmachim Airbase (Hebrew: בָּסִיס חֵיל-הַאֲוִויר פַּלְמַחִים) is an Israeli military facility and spaceport located near the cities of Rishon LeZion and Yavne on the Mediterranean coast. It is named after nearby Kibbutz Palmachim.
Contents
The base is home to several IAF helicopter and UAV squadrons, and serves as a rocket launch site for the Arrow missile.
Palmachim is also used to launch the Shavit space launch vehicle into retrograde orbit by launching over the Mediterranean, acting as Israel's primary spaceport. The launchpad is situated at 31°53′04″N 34°40′49″E This ensures that rocket debris falls into water, and that the rocket does not fire over regional neighboring countries near Israel that could use the technology. Palmachim is also used to test ballistic missiles, such as the Jericho.
Recent launches include:
In July 2007, it was agreed that once Sde Dov Airport in Tel Aviv was closed, its military terminal would be transferred to Palmachim although Sde Dov Airport continues to operate.
Units
The current units at Palmachim include:
Orbital launch history
On 17 January 2008 Israel test fired a multi-stage ballistic missile believed to be of the Jericho III type, reportedly capable of carrying "conventional or non conventional warheads." On 2 November 2011, Israel successfully test fired a missile believed to be an upgraded version of the Jericho III; the long trail of smoke was seen throughout central Israel.