SAAF receives first arms deal order

[Deanw]

SAAF receives first arms deal order

The SA Air Force received the first four of 30 Agusta light utility helicopters (LUH) on Wednesday. They will replace the aged Alouette III fleet.

This is the first certified product to be taken into service by the SA National Defence Force delivered under the controversial multi-billion rand arms deal signed in 2000.

Receiving the first of the Agusta A109 LUHs at the Bloemspruit air force base, Bloemfontein, Chief of the Air Force Lt General Carlo Gagiano said the new rotorcraft would allow the SAAF to make an enhanced contribution to the operational capabilities of the SANDF.

"There is great excitement in the air about the new aircraft," Gagiano said, adding that the young pilots to be trained in it would enjoy flying it.

The Alouette III has been in use as a LUH in the SAAF since 1962.

Gagiano said the new chopper was a more-than-worthy replacement.

The air force would have received the first eight to ten by year end. Delivery will then take place at a rate of one a month.

Sapa

[Putcodrvr]

:ok: To fly is heaven; to hover is divine.
SOAFW = Stamp out all fixed wings.
Helo driver does it with both hands!

[Parrot]

Am I missing some of the plot here..??
At AAD 2004 there were a number of Agusta's with SAAF markings. Did they still belong to someone else at that stage ?

[Balloothebear]

Hey Dean, thanks for the posting relating to the closing of yet another era in a once proud SAAF history. Any indication as to how the SAAF will dispose of the Allo's.....:{

" We're chopper's we're choppers,
We're a long way from home,
We're highly 'bedonered' so leave us alone,
We drink when we're thirsty
We drink when we're dry
We never say die"
:ok:

[Deanw]

Thanks Balloo.

After chosing the Agusta to replace the Allo III in the training and liason role, it now appears that the SAAF will keep a handful of Allos for the basic helicopter training role!

[Gunship]

And may the Alo III of different variations never die ... anybody got a 319B for cheap ? :E

[Check Revs]

Guns,

"............ met of sonder die 20 mil"

K

:ok:

[Gunship]

Altyd met die 20 mm ;)

PS: Het jy enetjie vir my ? :E