In the early 1960s, Israel tried unsuccessfully to purchase the Lockheed C-130 Hercules but had to settle for Stratocruisers purchased from Pan American. Israel Aircraft Industries took cargo tails recovered from scrap-yards in the United States and converted the aircraft to transport IDF armored vehicles in the cargo bay.
Boeing KC-97 Stratocruiser
Anak (Giant)
120 Squadron
The Anak served in the IAF from 1964 to 1978. They could carry 90 fully equipped soldiers and were used as airborne tankers to refuel aircraft. Anaks were used extensively in the Six Day War (1967) and Yom Kippur War (1973).