Aircraft Has Been In Development Since 1984
The first five fully operational Rooivalk helicopters were
handed over to the South African Air Force (SAAF) by Denel Aviation
April 1st. These fully operational aircraft are designated as the
Rooivalk Mk 1. Previously, although the Rooivalks could fly, they
were not truly operational, and could not be deployed.
"This is a historic moment for Denel and indeed the entire South
African defence and advanced manufacturing industries," affirmed
Denel group CE Talib Sadik. "The Rooivalk is unique and a singular
triumph for South African engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Denel is exceptionally proud to have been involved in the
development of this helicopter. The Rooivalk program has been a
catalyst for the development of South Africa's aerospace and
advanced manufacturing industries. The spin-offs from the Rooivalk
program will continue far into the future."
He highlighted that the Rooivalk (Kestrel in English) had been
an incubator for research and innovation, including pioneering use
of composites, the development of avionics, weapons control systems
and electro-optical sights.
Development of the Rooivalk started with the start of the design
phase in 1984 and the first prototype, known as the XDM, made its
first flight on February 11, 1990. "The Rooivalk has been developed
over the past quarter century," said Denel Aviation CEO Mike Kgobe.
"Denel Aviation is the design authority for the Rooivalk. We are
exceptionally proud of our achievement."
"This is a great moment for the South African Air Force," stated
SAAF Chief Lieutenant-General Carlo Gagiano. He pointed out that,
over the years, a number of modifications and upgrades had been
made to the Rooivalk, partly to integrate new technologies and
partly to adapt the aircraft to the changing requirements of the
SAAF.
"Our constructive relationship with Denel will not end at this
point," he assured. Denel Aviation, as the design authority, will
remain responsible for the deeper maintenance of the aircraft and
for repair and overhaul services. The company, which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the State-owned Denel defence industrial
group, will upgrade another six Rooivalks to Mk 1 standard.
The Rooivalks, which are now formally designated as combat
support helicopters by the SAAF, will be operated by 16 Squadron at
Air Force Base Bloemspruit, near Bloemfontein in the Free State
province. Currently, the Rooivalk Mk 1s are armed with a 20 mm
cannon and unguided rockets. The helicopter can fire the Denel
Dynamics Mokopa missile, but the SAAF has not yet acquired this
weapon.