118 Squadron

The 118 squadron was formed in October 1969 to operate the Sikorsky S-65C helicopter, designed for heavy transportation. By the Yom Kippur War of 1973, only twelve S-65C helicopters had been delivered to Israel, but the 118 squadron played an important role in the war by transporting artillery and troops to needed areas. The S-65C is similar to the US CH-53A, with the addition of extra external fuel tanks, and in 1991 ten CH-53A helicopters became part of the 118 squadron, which it continues to operate.