Article Posted on : - May 10, 2011

The Rooivalk attack helicopter.

AIR FORCE BASE MAKHADO (BNS): The South African Air Force (SAAF) will showcase its newly-inducted Rooivalk combat support helicopters during a domestic air show.

The SAAF will hold the first edition of this year's bi-annual air capability demonstration at the Air Force Base Makhado on Thursday during which it will display the new fleet of choppers.

Five indigenously-built Rooivalk attack helicopters were delivered to the Air Force by defence firm Denel last month.

The modernised helicopters, designated Rooivalk Mark 1, have been inducted in the SAAF’s 16 Squadron based in Bloemfontein.

The other SAAF aircraft participating in the air show will include Hawks, Gripens, Casas, Oryx Helicopters, C-130, Augusta A109 C-208 and PC.

The air capability demonstration will also involve the South African Army which will conduct various simulated exercises, including mortar attacks, light artillery drops, air supplies and counter attacks by jet fighters, the country’s Defence Department said.