Africa Aerospace and Defence 2012
Report & Photography by Jens Frischmuth
Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD 2012), Africa's largest exhibition of air, sea and
land capabilities, returned to AFB Waterkloof after extensive renovations and
upgrades at the base. The exhibition was previously held at AFB Ysterplaat in Cape
Town in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
The trade days from 19-21 September featured 347 exhibitors from 26 countries and
included 15 National Pavilions. Exhibition space was sold out three months before
the event and exhibitor numbers increased by 40% from the 2010 event. The exhibition
space, in 7 halls and outside, was a massive 28000 m². 84 civilian and military
aircraft were on static display. 40000 trade visitors from 101 countries attended,
including 61 official delegations, and helped to stimulate business for local and
international companies involved in the defence, general aviation and security
industries. (A comprehensive photo gallery of the trade exhibits and static
displays is to be found at the bottom of this article.)
Various manufacturers focused on the outstanding requirements for the South African Air
Force. A need to replace the C-47TP aircraft has resulted in a requirement for a
maritime surveillance platform and the Hercules fleet is also in need of replacements.
Thus, aircraft like the Alenia C-27J, Boeing C-17 Globemaster and Lockheed Martin
C130-J made their appearances again (as at AAD 2010) and the SAAB 340 Maritime Security
Aircraft was seen at AAD for the first time. The C-27J performed various demonstration
flights during the trade days.
Whereas the trade days are only open to trade visitors, AFB Waterkloof welcomed the public
on the 22nd and 23rd September, when a wide range of aerial and land-based displays took
place. A total of 92 982 visitors were present during these days.
As always, the SAAF took centre stage during the airshow days, demonstrating its
professionalism and capabilities both in the air and on the ground. Sadly, the USAF did
not participate in the airshow and the only international participation was by a Zimbabwean
K-8 jet trainer.
On the Saturday morning, there were thunderstorms in the area and the spectators that arrived
early had to endure the odd rain shower. Luckily, the weather started to clear soon and
remained good for the rest of the weekend.
Both days started off with a parade, which consisted of the emergency vehicles, various
SANDF vehicles and a SAAF Oryx and Rooivalk helicopter. This was accompanied by a skydive
by the SAAF's Golden Eagles.
Rooivalk appeared at AAD for the first time as a fully operational combat helicopter. Although
the machine had been in limited service for some time, it was not until April 2011 that
the type gained its full operational certification, with an initial fleet of 5 Block 1F
machines in the deployment baseline configuration. Earlier this month, Denel redelivered
two similarly upgraded aircraft to bring No 16 Squadron's fleet up to 10. Just one more
Rooivalk is to be delivered, having been retained for trials by Denel. Two Rooivalk
helicopter flew in an impressive display at AAD, showing the manoeuvrability of this
machine. Further helicopter action was provided by a similar BK 117 display.
The SAAB Gripen, operated by No 2 Squadron, naturally took centre stage. The solo displays
were flown by Lt. Col. "Blokkies" Joubert. Two solo performances were done during each of
the public days and ended with the dispensing of flares. The most impressive displays,
however, were his sunset displays flown during the trade days. The few who stayed behind
until it was almost dark witnessed something special. In the low evening light, the
afterburners are visible throughout most of the display. When Gripen took part in the
2-vs-1 air capability demonstrations and the formation flypasts, the flying duties
were shared by various other pilots from No 2 Squadron.
The last four of the 28 Gripen ordered were due to arrive in South Africa shortly, thus
completing the delivery process. These four aircraft had officially been handed over to
the SAAF earlier this year, but were held back in Sweden, primarily to take part in the
Lion Effort exercise, which brought together Gripen aircraft from four of the user
nations for joint military operations.
Gripen and Rooivalk may form the sharp end of the air force, but there were many other
SAAF aircraft and capabilities on display. The Hawk advanced trainer/ light fighter flew
frequently during the week. This aircraft is due to be integrated with Denel's A-Darter
missile that is being developed with Brazil, giving the Hawk an important air-to-air
capability.
An undoubted highlight on both days was the staging of a mini-war. Before the
ground action commenced, the SAAF demonstrated its fighter capabilities by staging a
simulated 2-vs-1 dogfight between two Gripen fighters and a Hawk jet trainer. The main
action included a supply drop by a Casa 212, a C-130 Hercules deploying troops, Oryx
helicopters delivering troops and small vehicles to the battlefield and even the SAAF
Museum's Alouette III participated, as did a BK 117. Air cover was provided by a Rooivalk
attack helicopter and a Hawk was used for ground attacks. Ground troops utilised the
Olifant tank, Ratel and Rooikat to fight the "enemy". The pyrotechnics were impressive
and there were many loud explosions to accompany the action.
The South African Air Force Museum, based at AFB Swartkop, displayed its Alouette II,
Alouette III and Puma helicopters. AFB Swartkop is only about 6 kilometres from AFB
Waterkloof. This enabled other display teams like the Goodyear Eagles and Gabriel Wings
Aerobatic Teams to base themselves at AFB Swartkop as well to minimise the aircraft
movements at AFB Waterkloof and thus speed up the programme.
The ex- SAAF Impala, privately owned by Dawid Laas and a regular at South African airshows,
was flown by its usual display pilot, Mike Weingartz.
The appearance of a Cheetah is always a highlight at any South African airshow. The
Cheetahs were withdrawn from service in 2008 and 12 were subsequently sold to Ecuador.
A few are still operated by Denel Aviation and the Cheetah D displayed at AAD 2012 was
flown by Denel's Chief Test Pilot Ivan Pentz.
The dual Vampire display was another highlight of the event. The SAAF Museum Vampire was
flown by Col. Rama Iyer and the other Vampire, which is privately owned by Richard Smit,
was flown by Col. Glen Warden. On the Sunday, the outgoing Chief of the South African
Air Force, Lt. Gen Carlo Gagiano, flew in the Museum Vampire alongside Col. Rama Iyer.
After its display, his plane stopped in front of the crowd line. There, Lt. Gen. Gagiano
was met by his wife and given a salute which included a giant wall of fire in his
honour. AAD 21012 was Lt. Gen. Gagiano's last major event as the Chief of the SAAF and
he is due to hand over power to Lt. Gen. "Zakes" Msimang at the end of the month.
A North American P-51 Mustang was seen at AAD for the first time since 2000. "Mustang
Sally", as it is affectionately known, is owned and flown by Menno Parsons. Other
ex-military aircraft displayed were a privately-owned Aero L-29 and the Flying Lions,
flying the ever popular North American Harvards, were present as well.
Other aerobatic displays included the following: The Goodyear Eagles Team, in their
Pitts Specials was comprised of Glen Warden, Neil Trollip and Nigel Hopkins. Nigel
also flew his high impact routine in his MX-2. Chris Briers displayed the PAC 750
and Johnie Smith flew his Slick 360. The Gabriel Pitts Display Team was there as
well and a paraglide display took place each day too.
1 Time Airlines thrilled the spectators with a display of one of its MD-87 jet airliners
on Saturday. Not to be outdone, South African Airways sent an A340 on both days. Two
different aircraft were used. The one that flew on Saturday was painted in the
special Olympic colour scheme and the one on Sunday was in the standard SAA colours.
The A340s flew a formation display with the Silver Falcons and then did a solo
display each.
The Silver Falcons had a special surprise in stall for everyone. One of the SAAF C-47TPs
had been painted in the colours of the Silver Falcons before the event and the colour
scheme was officially unveiled at AFB Swartkop just before AAD. Naturally, a Silver Falcons
display with the C-47TP was a must for AAD2012 and was one of the highlights of the event.
Team 73, consisting of Maj. Roy Sproul, Maj. Werner Vermaak, Lt. Jacques Poolman , Maj.
Heybrech van Niekerk and Maj. Beau Skarda, also performed two polished displays each
day and showed everyone the pilot talent that is in the South African Air Force.
The Police Special Task Force demonstrated their readiness by staging a simulated
anti-hijacking operation. The demonstration included the use of a Squirrel AS350 and
a MBB BO-105 helicopter for the rapid deployment of the members of the SAPS Special
Task Force.
Both airshow days ended with two very impressive jet formations. Many of the jets
that had entertained the trade and public visitors throughout the whole of AAD 2012
teamed up for a special finale. The first formation consisted of the
L-29, the two Vampires and the Impala. The second formation was made up of the
Cheetah, two Hawks and the Gripen. This was a truly fitting finale to two
entertaining and thankfully safe days of flying displays.
Below, the events from AAD 2012 are captured in 3 photo galleries comprising over 400 photos.
