Very Interesting... We (U.S.) left a Sh*tpot load of those along with everything else in the inventory in Vietnam when We (U.S.) left. Records and parts may be missing, but those puppies were good flyers. I can only assume that the SA CAA will jump on this thread and someone will get a visit.
The other difference is if they were UH-1 (D) or (H). that would be a L-11 engine or an L-13. Made a lot of difference in performance.. Like how long do you drag the skids down the mud before translational when your a thousand pounds over gross........ha ha
Latest:
Rumor Control says that this particular aircraft was in fact US. However it came via Ethiopia instead of Vietnam. So it is still a UH-1. Bell Helicopters Inc would NOT support it and may even get a bit mad if they knew it may be getting support from a "Bell Franchise" in SA.
So Im sure the CAA is OK with it...sort of, but its shakey to say the least.
The data plate will say Bell 205/UH-1. In the US, thats a Red Flag. other countries that may not know can be convinced its a 205. Therin lies the problem...