Tag Archives: Africa Aerospace and Defence
2018 vs 2019 Airshow Seasons with a Look into 2020
The 2019 Airshow season has come to end and has been quiet year, yet it was busier than 2018.
In 2019 we lost Rand Airshow and has still not been added to the 2020 Airshow calendar. The Longest Current Running Airshow is Newcastle and it will celebrate its 10th Airshow in 2020. Newcastle took 2nd Place at African Pilot Airshow of the year award. Johan, lead organizer of the Newcastle Airshow said that they are aiming at the number one spot for the 2020 season.
Something new was the Sports Aerobatic Club Airshow at Klerksdorp this year. We truly enjoyed that airshow. This was an Airshow arranged by the Airshow and Aerobatic pilots themselves. The 2020 SAC Airshow will be in Bloemfontein.
Stellenbosch hosted a top-class Airshow this year and for that reason they took the African Pilot Airshow of the Year Award. Stellenbosch team will be back with a two-day Airshow in 2020. Mozambique and Swaziland (Eswatini) also hosted very successful airshows in 2019 and both will be back 2020.
The SAAF Museum – Swartkop Airshow was delayed this year due to the Presidential Ingurgitation. When South African Airforce finally decided on a new date for the 2019 Airshow, the SAAF Museum team had about one calendar month to arrange an Airshow with the size of what is expected by the public was a huge task! The team delivered an almost perfect show. Well-done.
The SAAF Museum – Swartkop Airshow 2020 will form part of the SAAF 100 celebrations and 2021 Swartkop Air Force Base will be celebrating 100 Years. The SAAF one hundred celebrations will be themed Embracing our Collective Heritage and 100 years of Air Power, through 25 years of Democracy
The Main SAAF100 – Public Calibrations Airshow will run in conjunction with Africa Aerospace and Defense 2020 that is to be hosted at Waterkloof Air Force Base in September 2020.
The Aeroclub of South Africa will also be celebrating 100 Years in 2020 with their main event is to run with the Aero Club Airweek and Airshow 1st Week in May 2020. South Africa will also be hosting the World Air Rally championships in Stellenbosch during 2020.
The 2020 Edition of the President trophy Air Race will be hosted at Ermelo in May and as part of SAAF and Aero Club centenary celebrations we will see a Silver Queen Air Rally to be hosted at Swartkop AFB.
Click here to view our online 2020 Calendar
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Airshows 2018 vs 2019
2019 Had 12 Airshows compared to 7 in 2018. 2019 Airshows had 355 total flying aircraft vs the 213 in 2018. Yes, 2019 had more Airshows so let’s have a look at the average number of aircraft per Airshow 2019 had 31 and 2018 had 30 average aircraft (Number of aircraft divided by number of Airshows)
The Top performer in airshow attendance was Team Xtreme Airshows, with attending 10 Airshows and total of 36 Aircraft vs 2018 Top Performers. Flying Lions, Attended 7 and 20 Aircraft appearances!
The Airshow with the most Aircraft for 2019 and 2018 was Swartkop with 53 for 2019 vs 54 2018.
3 Airshows up its number of Aircraft from 2018 to 2019 with Botswana Wesbank international Airshow showing the biggest growth.
Number of Aircraft per Airshow where the Airshow was hosted in both 2018 and 2019
|
Airshow |
2018 | 2019 | Growth |
| Matsieng | 24 | 37 | 13 |
| Newcastle | 26 | 32 | 6 |
| Bethlehem | 18 | 24 | 6 |
| Swartkop | 54 | 53 | -1 |
| Lowveld | 42 | 33 | -9 |
2 Squadron Gripen
SAAF Gripen remained the same with 6 Gripen’s flying in 2018 and 2019. C130BZ, another favorite among the public saw no displays during 2019.
Helicopters and Airliners was also in the decline for 2019. The Airlink Embraer E190 was a welcome newcomer to Airshows and flew at Lowveld, Newcastle and Ladysmith. The 2018 Season Lowveld Airshow was the only Airshow lucky enough get the Embraer E190.
Menno Parsons and his P51D Mustang also made a welcome return to the Airshows with 0 Airshows in 2018 and 7 in 2019. The Reason for 0 in 2018 is the Mustang engine was sent for a scheduled overhaul.
The Best Airshow of the year awards 2018 vs 2019
| Position | 2018 | 2019 |
| 1st | Lowveld Airshow | Stellenbosch Airshow |
| 2nd | Rand Airshow | Newcastle Airshow |
| 3rd | Ermelo Air Show | Middelburg Airshow |
Brian Emmenis and his Capital Sounds team was the broadcaster at all airshows in 2018 and 2019. At Some Airshows he had specialist co-commentators that was provided by the Airshow organizers.
The Sound was as always clear throughout the Flight lines. Brian and his Crew kept the crowds on their feet and well informed on all Pilots, Aircraft, Team, Airshows, Sponsors, Key Aviation Media, all the Safety and behind the seen personnel. We are looking forward to a festive and busy year 2020 in the compony of the wonderful team.
** Notes**
- AAD2018 is not counted as it’s not an Airshow but a Trade show.
- If an Aircraft or Team flew more than one displays a day it is still counted as one, counted per airshow and not displays
- Some Pilots and Teams displayed at other events that classified as an Airshow, these are also excluded
Below are the 2018 and 2019 Airshow Attendance lists
2018 Airshows
2019 Airshows
2020 Interim Airshow Calendar
|
Date |
Event |
| JAN | |
| 18th – 19th | SAC Gauteng Regionals – Vereeniging |
| FEB | |
| MAR | |
| 7th – 8th | North West Regionals – Klerksdorp |
| 21 & 22 | FASHKOSH 2020 Stellenbosch 2-day air show |
| APR | |
| 4th | Wings and Wheels Festival, Uitenhage |
| 25th | Garden Route Air Show – GEORGE AIRPORT |
| MAY | |
| 1,2,3 | Middelburg – Aeroclub Aero week |
| 9th | Swartkop Airshow |
| 16th | Lowveld Air show |
| 23rd – 25th | PTAR – Ermelo |
| 23rd – 24th | SAC KZN Regionals – Ladysmith |
| 30th | Wesbank Botswana Air show |
| JUN | |
| 5th & 6th | Newcastle Air show |
| 13th | Maputo Air, Sea and Land Air show |
| 16th – 20th | SAC National Championships – Tempe |
| 20th | SAC Aerobatic Air Show |
| JUL | |
| 22nd – 1st | SAC Advanced World Championships |
| AUG | |
| 22nd | Bethlehem Air Show |
| SEP | |
| 19th – 20th | AAD Waterkloof – SAAF100 |
| OCT | |
| 3rd – 4th | SAC Western Cape Regionals |
| 24th – 25th | SAC Judges Trophy |
| NOV | |
| 9th – 21st | SAPFA World Rally Championships |
| DEC | |
| 5th – 6th | SAC Ace of Base |
Do you want the Russians to return?
During the past week those in Gauteng were treated to some special visitors… the Russians, an African first for the landing of The Tupolev Tu-160 in Africa, and that in our very own South Africa.
The General that headed the team that visited South Africa mentioned the they might return soon during the farewell function held Friday evening.
One of the crew also dropped that they could be returning in 2020 during the time spend at O.R Tambo international Airport.
2020 We see the next Addition of Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2020) and also be celebrating SAAF100. Just maybe they will return!
Loading ...Below is and video of the Tupolev Tu-160’s departing ORTIA in the early hours of Sunday morning.
ADDRESS BY DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS, ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL AAD2020 LAUNCH
Programme Director;
Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Solly Shoke;
Chief Defence Materiel, Dr Mthobisi Zondi;
HE High Commissioner Nomathemba Tambo and the SA Embassy office;
Armscor Deputy Chairperson, and members of the Board;
AMD Chairperson and members of the Board;
Representatives of the dti;
South African exhibitors;
AAD international agents and partners;
Captains of Defence Industry;
Members of the media;
Ladies and gentlemen
Under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential”, I welcome Ministries of Defence of various countries present here today, our International Partners and agents, captains of the global defence industry, members of the media and other distinguished guests.
AAD is the largest aerospace and defence exhibition in Africa and the ONLY one of its kind, boasting a successful combined exhibition of air, sea and land technologies, a static aircraft display and an air show. Significantly, AAD is the largest assembly of African leaders and decision makers, undoubtedly a gateway to doing business in Africa and a key catalyst and partner to unlocking business potential and partnerships.
In his opening speech at AAD 2018, Hon President Cyril Ramphosa highlighted the significant opportunity that the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition offers in identifying and converting areas of synergies into joint ventures. These business ventures invariably translate into technology growth, employment, skills development and economic stimulus.
By hosting this event, South Africa showcases its interest in growing
the economy and that of its neighbouring countries through leveraging intellectual property into tangible products and export contracts.
Planning for AAD2020 is well underway, with 40 % of the space booked and the organisers are working tirelessly to ensure that the 11 th edition of AAD is a resounding success for all the exhibitors, key partners and trade visitors. Testimony to this is that just in the last 2 days, the organisers have successfully signed up both Belgium and the USA as national pavilions and we await all other defence producing nations to do the same in the
next few weeks.
AAD is expected to attract over 400 exhibitors from at least 35 countries, over 10 00 000 visitors a day to AAD – many of them decision-makers in the global Defence, security and aviation sectors. The 2020 edition will also offer participants strategic platforms to engage in dialogue and discourse on international aerospace and Defence and other related best practices.
In closing, you may have noted that in his address at the Swartkop Air Show on the 7th of September, the Chief of the SA Air Force – Lt Gen ZF Msimang – noted that AAD 2020 takes place not only in SA’s Heritage Month of September but also in a year that marks the centennial commemoration of the SAAF as the second oldest Air Force in the world.It is no secret that for a very long time, the history of the SAAF has been one dimensional
and has often been told from the perspective of our erstwhile predecessors who sadly were also our colonisers and oppressors. Such an approach to our history has managed to diminish and undermine the cold weight of oppression and humiliation that was felt by the majority. In the interest of advancing the SA nation building project, we therefore are duty bound to reconfigure the SAAF and SANDF heritage landscape to ensure that it
reflects the diversity and the incredible efforts all South Africans and especially those who fought for the liberation of SA from the clutches of apartheid. It is in this context that the SAAF has chosen the theme of “100 years of Air Power, through 25 years of Democracy”. Commencing on the 1st of February 2020, SAAF 100 will culminate in the spectacular displays of air superiority in the 2 public days of AAD 2020 and we invite all Air Forces to bring their assets in celebration of this momentous achievement.
Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, I now declare AAD2020 officially Launched, and I invite you save the dates September 16th to 20th of September 2020 at the AFB Waterkloof in Tshwane. South Africa is open for business and partnerships to mutually benefit us all.
Thank you
Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow programme
Africa Aerospace and Defence Airshow programme
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Or
AAD 2018 Aircraft List
AAD 2018 Aircraft List
For all those airshow Fan’s out there, we are compiling an unofficial list of aircraft to attend AAD2018. Please not that this list is unofficial at this stage and can change at any time. We will soon be indicating if they will be flying or static.
Note:
#AAD2018 preliminary Aircraft list. We will update the list as we get closer to AAD.
Please note this is not the final list. The list currently excludes normal SA airshow aircraft that will be added later. More international aircraft also to be added once confirmed.
To view list on the official AAD2018 site click here
| Aircraft | Company / Air force/Country | Flying | Static | Number of Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbin Y-12 | Zambia Airforce | 1 | ||
| Hongdu L-15 | Zambia Airforce | 2 | ||
| MA-60 | Zambia Airforce | 1 | ||
| Paraglider | Various | TBC | ||
| Seeker SB7L-360A | USA | 1 | ||
| Boeing C17 Globemaster | US Airforce | 1 | ||
| US Airforce | Canceled | |||
| Boeing P8-Poseidon | US Airforce | 1 | ||
| C130J-30 | US Airforce | 1 | ||
| LC-130 Snowbird | US Airforce | 1 | ||
| RQ-7 Reaper | US Airforce | 1 | ||
| Extreme Air XA41 | Team Extreme/Century Avionics | 1 | ||
| MX2 | Team Extreme/Century Avionics | 1 | ||
| Cows Pitts Specials S2s | Taillifts Cows RSA | 4 | ||
| H125 'Squirrel' | SV Aviation | 1 | ||
| SAFAT AK-3SAFAT02 | Sudan | 1 | ||
| SAFAT03 | Sudan | 1 | ||
| Bell 212 | Starlite Aviation | 1 | ||
| MD500E | Starlite Aviation | 1 | ||
| Douglas DC4 | Skyclass | 1 | ||
| Enstrom 280FX | SAFAMOR | 1 | ||
| Enstrom 480B | SAFAMOR | 2 | ||
| MD500 | SAFAMOR | 1 | ||
| PA28-180 | SAFAMOR | 1 | ||
| PA31-310 | SAFAMOR | 1 | ||
| Alouette II | SAAF Museum | 2 | ||
| Alouette III | SAAF Museum | 2 | ||
| Atlas C4.M Kudu | SAAF Museum | 1 | ||
| Bosbok | SAAF Museum | 1 | ||
| Cessna C185 | SAAF Museum | 1 | ||
| SA330 Puma | SAAF Museum | 1 | ||
| PC7MKII | SAAF CFS | 5 | ||
| Silver Falcons | SAAF CFS | 5 | ||
| Hawk MK120 | SAAF 85 Combat Flying School | 5 | ||
| CASA 212 | SAAF 44 Squadron | 2 | ||
| Beechcraft King Air 250 | SAAF 41 Squadron | 1 | ||
| Cessna C208A Caravan | SAAF 41 Squadron | 2 | ||
| C47TP | SAAF 35 Squadron | TBC | ||
| C130BZ | SAAF 28 Squadron | 3 | ||
| Lynx | SAAF 22 Squadron | TBC | ||
| Gripen JAS39C/D | SAAF 2 Squadron | 9 | ||
| Rooivalk | SAAF 16 Squadron | 3 | ||
| BK117 | SAAF 15 Squadron 'c' Flt | 2 | ||
| Agusta A109LUH | SAAF | 3 | ||
| Oryx | SAAF | 3 | ||
| Agusta A119 | SA Red Cross | 1 | ||
| Antonov ? | Russia | 1 | ||
| Russian Helicopter | Russia | 1 | ||
| Motor Glider | RSA | 2 | ||
| Robinson R44 | RSA | 1 | ||
| Robinson R66 | RSA | 1 | ||
| Sling 2 | RSA | 1 | ||
| Aerospatiale Gazelle | Private | TBC | ||
| Bathawk | Private | 7 | ||
| Boeing Stearman | Private | 1 | ||
| Glider JS1 | Private | 2 | ||
| Hot Air Balloons | Private | 3 | ||
| Impala MK1 | Private | 1 | ||
| Jet Glider | Private | TBC | ||
| L39 | Private | 1 | ||
| Raven 500 | Private | 1 | ||
| Slick 540 | Private | 1 | ||
| Wagtail Gyro | Private | 1 | ||
| Ahrlac | Paramount Group RSA | 2 | ||
| Fennec | Paramount Group RSA | TBC | ||
| T6 Harvards | Museum,Puma,Harvard Club RSA | 12 | ||
| Antonov 2 | Just Love Mission | 1 | ||
| Mahindra Aerospace GA Airvan | India | TBC | ||
| Gulfstream G600 | Gulfstream USA | 1 | ||
| Dassualt Falcon 8X | France | 1 | ||
| Bell 230 | Execujet | 1 | ||
| Gulfstream III | Execujet | 1 | ||
| King Air 200 GT | Execujet | 1 | ||
| Diamond 62MPP | Diamond Aircraft Austria | 1 | ||
| Diamond DA40NG | Diamond Aircraft Austria | 1 | ||
| Denel Cheetah D | Denel RSA | 1 | ||
| Embraer | Brazil | TBC | ||
| Bombardier Global 6000 | Bombardier Canada | 1 | ||
| CASA 212 | Airforce of Zimbabwe | 1 | ||
| K8 | Airforce of Zimbabwe | 2 | ||
| Airbus A320neo | Airbus | 1 | ||
| Airbus H125 | Airbus | 2 | ||
| Airbus H135 | Airbus | 1 | ||
| Airbus H215M | Airbus | 1 |
World class technology at AAD2018
World class technology returns next month when Africa’s Aerospace and Defence (ADD2018) takes place at the Air Force Base Waterkloof from September 19-23.
Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa chief executive Leon Dillman said the event was a must for everyone.
Dillman said this year’s exhibition had already created enough excitement to attract countries like Saudi Arabia, Slovakia and South Korea to participate in the multi-national exhibition for the first time.
“Guests will have an opportunity to see one of the best air shows on this continent.
“We have not just local but international participations and various civil acts. We are also planning to have a huge grand finale for the closing event, that’s going to be a first for us – but I cannot talk about it at this stage,” he said.
City spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said Tshwane was proud to be hosting this year’s exhibition yet again and he was confident it would not be the last.
“The City has invested close to R2million in this and we are hopeful to have spin-off in terms of the economy and in terms of destination marketing for our tourism industry.
“We are not going to only have local people but international delegates and business people because this is a mega event that cuts across South African borders and reaches the entire continent,” he said.
Mashigo was particularly impressed that the organisers had assured him they were reaching out to disadvantaged communities to experience defence exhibitions throughout the year, and they would do the same for ADD2018.
Dillman said the first three days of the event would be be trade days for business-to-business deals, sales, networking and marketing.
Members of the public were invited to take along their children on the public days on September 22 and 23.
ADD2018 is expected to host 90 official delegations from 47 countries, 100 military and civilian aircraft and 450 accredited local and international media.
This included numerous exhibitions from 37 countries, 35000 trade visitors and at least 80000 general public visitors.
Numerous companies have confirmed specific aircraft they will be exhibiting, and the number is still growing.
We have inside information that those who wait the 17:00 On the Sunday will experience something very spectacular.
Organizers encouraged members of the public to download the AAD Expo 2018 application which is already available on Android and Apple. The app will allow users to live stream the air show and access daily content.
The Media was taken for a flight in a SAAF CASA 212 from 44 Squadron over Hartesbeesport Dam.
Read more on AAD here
Photos by Johan Stephens
Click to enlarge photos
Large Presence of US Air force Aircraft at AAD2018
The United States Airforce have confirmed a number of aircraft that will be attending the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) at Airforce Base Waterkloof from the 19-23 September 2018.We can expect the following aircraft from this point of time.
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. It was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. The C-17 carries forward the name of two previous piston-engined military cargo aircraft, the Douglas C-74 Globemaster and the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II. The C-17 commonly performs tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world; additional roles include medical evacuation and airdrop duties. It was designed to replace the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, and also fulfill some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, freeing the C-5 fleet for outsize cargo.
The C17 will be coming from the The New York Air National Guard.The New York Air National Guard (NY ANG) is the air force militia of the State of New York, United States of America. It is, along with the New York Army National Guard, an element of the New York National Guard.
As state militia units, the units in the New York Air National Guard are not in the normal United States Air Force chain of command. They are under the jurisdiction of the Governor of New York though the office of the New York Adjutant General unless they are federalized by order of the President of the United States. The New York Air National Guard is headquartered at Stratton Air National Guard Base, Glenville, NY, and its commander is Major General Verle Johnston.
C17
The Lockheed LC-130 is a ski-equipped United States Air Force variant of the C-130 Hercules used in the Arctic and Antarctic. Ten are currently in service with the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard.
LC-130
The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. The C-130J is a comprehensive update of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, with new engines, flight deck, and other systems. The Hercules family has the longest continuous production run of any military aircraft in history. During more than 60 years of service, the family has participated in military, civilian, and humanitarian aid operations. The Hercules has outlived several planned successor designs, most notably the Advanced Medium STOL Transport contestants. Fifteen nations have placed orders for a total of 300 C-130Js, of which 250 aircraft have been delivered as of February 2012.The C130J-30 will be coming from Ramstein Airforce base in Germany,Europe.
C130J-30
The Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker is a military aerial refueling aircraft. Both the KC-135 and the Boeing 707 airliner were developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype. It is the predominant variant of the C-135 Stratolifter family of transport aircraft. The KC-135 was the US Air Force’s first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratofreighter. The KC-135 was initially tasked with refueling strategic bombers, but was used extensively in the Vietnam War and later conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm to extend the range and endurance of US tactical fighters and bombers.This aircraft will be from the US Airforces in Europe.
KC135R Tanker
The Boeing P-8 Poseidon (formerly the Multimission Maritime Aircraft or MMA) is a military aircraft developed for the United States Navy (USN). The aircraft has been developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800ERX. The P-8 conducts anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction, along with an early warning self-protection (EWSP) ability, otherwise known as electronic support measures (ESM).[8] This involves carrying torpedoes, depth charges, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle.The Boeing P-8 Poseidon will be making its South Africa debut for the first time ever. This aircraft will be coming from the US Navy Forces based in Europe.
We will also see the Airforce Band ‘Touch-n-Go” preform at #AAD2018.
P-8 Poseidon
Stay tuned to our website for more updates on aircraft participation for the next weeks to come.