Tag Archives: Avgeek
SAAF Museum Flying Day May 2022
And so we were already into the May edition of the South African Airforce Museum Flying day at Airforce Base Swartkop in the city of Tshwane.
The flying days at the SAAF Museum are to keep some of the flying exhibits airworthy, keeping pilots currents, generating funds to keep the museum ongoing and encourage the public to visit the museum and grasp the 102 years of SAAF airpower.
This months flying day was definitely a busy one with a number of public visitors and a number of aircraft flying. The base Officer Commanding Lieutenant Colonel Trish Schoeman, Major Ntshangase and all the faces behind them can be very proud of the Base and the behind the scene people including the friends of the Museum.
Flying day safety director Lieutenant Colonel Keith “Fulcrum” Fryer. Colonel Fryer also provided some good commentary during the morning on each of the aircraft both flying and static.
The flying started at 9am with the rotary exhibits, that being the Alouette II and Alouette III flown by various helicopter museum pilots that being Lieutenant Colonel Billy Port, Lieutenant Colonel Dave Keijer and General Piet Burger.
The sounds of Lycoming engines that were a familiar hum over the field, by two Cessna C185s, two Bosboks and the single Kudu.
Three of the handful of Harvard’s flew including the most well known Harvard that was in SAAF service, that being 7111 known as “Nelson”.
It was great to see the de Haviland Vampire T55 that soaked up the basking sun and the museum ground crew did a engine run providing the photographers with a wet start flame as she whistled to life.
A word of thanks goes to the ground crew that keep the exhibits in airworthy condition. We are sure we will have a number of SAAF Museum aircraft that will take part in the AAD airshow in September this year!
AAD 2022 Media Launch
We are exactly 137 days to go until AAD 2022 officially opens its doors to the world and it is indeed an exciting occasion to be launching AAD 2022 during Africa month as Africa’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition and only one of its kind, which boasts a combined exhibition of air, sea and land technologies, a static aircraft display and an air show.
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AAD 2022 OVERVIEW
The 2018 edition ended on a positive note, and the organisers have been preparing for the 11th edition which was deferred in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
With that said, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the plans and theme for AAD 2022.
The upcoming AAD will be hosted from the 21 – 25 September 2022 at the AFB Waterkloof in Tshwane. The format will again comprise of three trade days and two air show days which will consist of elements:
- Indoor and outdoor exhibitions
- A hospitality chalet line
- Static aircraft park
- Capability demonstrations and displays
- Parallel events with conferences, seminars and B2B meetings.
AAD will once again give exhibitors and trade visitors a unique opportunity to interact directly with various stakeholders over the trade days and allow for the public to witness the spectacular display of the Aviation Sector and Airforce.
The planning for AAD 2022 is well underway, with over 50% of the exhibition space booked. We are happy to announce the following National Pavilions confirmed namely, USA, Turkey, Italy, UK, Belgium, China, India and Pakistan —- and we look forward to announcing more country pavilions.
AAD 2022 THEME
The disruption and resounding impact that covid caused the world was on a large magnitude we never imagined-……….
This was the driving force for the organising team to relook at the strategy for AAD future exhibitions……..
AAD is coming from an era of unlocking the aerospace and defence potential and we are now moving into a new era
Theme for AAD 2022
Exploring New Paths, Sharing Solutions and Showcasing Innovation and Capabilities.
And as part of our diversification strategy, AAD will expand the Exhibitor, Trade Visitor, Delegation and Stakeholder profiles which focuses on entering new markets and exploring new paths.
We invite new players in the Oil & Gas, Mining and Energy sectors to participate at AAD 2022.
Returning to AAD 2022, is the African Unity Pavilion and we are engaging with our partners in the African Union to make this a reality, with more countries and an improved partnership. The African Unity Pavilion is crucial as we work towards implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which was launched in January last year.
AAD will create significant opportunities for manufacturers to interact and share solutions with potential clients, generate business 2 business linkages and form strategic partnerships between countries, institutions, and stakeholders. As part of the exhibition, we will be hosting three conferences over the three trade days in parallel to the exhibition.
And topics will include:
- Cyber security
- UAVS
- Medical
Lastly we will,
Showcase Innovation and Capabilities…The global aerospace and defence industry has developed cutting edge technology over the years and is Apex to the ecosystem. AAD will afford exhibitors locally and internationally the platform to showcase their innovative capabilities.
And as part of this, AAD will be launching Innovation Hubs.
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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
AAD 2022 will present a world class Youth Development Programme which supports the strategic intent of AAD in creating awareness about careers in the aerospace and defence sectors to the youth of South Africa. The YDP Chairperson will give an update this morning on the plans for AAD 2022.
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COVID – 19
As more and more people are getting vaccinated globally, with South Africa having passed the 30-million-mark, we welcome the announcement by the President of South Africa to lift the national state of disaster on Covid-19 in April.
— All health and safety standards will remain top priority for the organisers to ensure that we deliver a safe and business conducive environment for exhibitors and stakeholders.
CONCLUSION
We are confident that the 11th edition will allow participants to maximize their potential and bring even more trade visitors and delegations which are a crucial factor in the exhibition’s success.
We anticipate that AAD will contribute over R1 billion to the South African economy and create over 2, 000 new jobs. The 2022 event is expected to kick start the industry’s recovery programme and the recovery will translate into jobs, more opportunities for SMMEs and contribution to the GDP.
Exhibition bookings are open and we invite you,… exhibitors, sponsors and stakeholders to secure your place at Africa’s largest gathering of decision makers, innovators, government, manufacturers and buyers on the African continent.
On behalf of the AAD organisers, we look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful City of Tshwane on the 21st of September to the 11th edition of AAD 2022.
SAAF & SAPS Airwing in KZN Flood Relief Efforts
15 Squadron “Charlie Flight” based at Airforce Station Port Elizabeth are assisting in the flood relief efforts in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The PE based helicopters as well as an A109 and Oryx made their way to Durban Virginia Airport during the week as KwaZulu-Natal province has seen some serious rain resulting in flooding.
The Durban Airforce Station of 15 Squadron, which is located in the Southern side of Durban at the old Durban airport, was heavily impacted by the floods, leaving them displaced and unable to effectively assist in the relief operations. Thus “Charlie Flight” from Port Elizabeth was tasked with assisting in the relief operations.
The two Bk117’s and Oryx helicopters, are joined by an Agusta A109LUH from 19 Squadron AFB Hoedspruit. They are assisting two SAPS Eurocopter AS350 now the Airbus H125 Écureuil (Squirrel) helicopters, SAPS Pilatus Porter aircraft, SAPS Search and Rescue ground units and eThekwini Metro Search and Rescue ground units, in various relief operations around the flood damaged areas.
Search and Rescue ground units had K-9 units as well that flew in some of the rotary assets.
The ground units all deployed from Virginia as well after a briefing with the aircrews.
Using Durban’s Virginia airport, which is ideally situated for the efforts, as the base of operations, they have already been flying on many missions and will continue to do so over the coming days. This is also the reason Virginia Airport must stay and not be demolished for a housing development when it is the main hub in the middle of search and rescue operational area. The airport was opened in 1959 and was home to the annual Durban Airshow .
South African Airforce SAAF has always come to the rescue in times of natural disasters and provide a welcome sight to the people needing help.
SAAF Museum Flying Day April 2022
The first Saturday of the month means its the annual SAAF Museum Flying day,a day where some of the SAAF Museum inventory get to fly, pilots get current and a day for visitors to explore the museum from 102 years of South African Airforce history.
Air Force Base Swartkop is South Africa’s oldest air force base and houses the South African Air Force Museum as well as 17 Squadron as well as non aviation squadrons.
We go back and remember all who served the South African Airforce and who is no longer with us but some that were the driving force to the Museum as the likes of Rama “Dynamite” Iyer ,Des “Bishop” Barker ,Glen “Gringo” Warden” and Kim Pratley.
Saturday saw a bigger crowd then previous flying days, as Covid-19 restrictions start to become a lot calmer and starting to get aviation back to normality after the successful first airshow after the pandemic in the Western Cape at the Stellenbosch flying club the previous weekend.
The day started out with the rotary museum assets that being the Alouette II flown by Colonel Dave Keijer and an Alouette III flown by Colonel Billy Port.
Was good to see some of the former school master of the sky the North American Harvard flown by Martin Louw and Darryl Wright.
The Museums Kudu, both Cessna C185s made up of the rest of the tail draggers that flew during the course of Saturday.
One has to be thankful to the ground crew that keep these time pieces serviceable. Was good to see Colonel Keith Fryer as he was safety director for April’s flying day.
We looking forward to the SAAF Museum airshow and AAD later this year!
Please browse through our gallery below!
Armed Forces Day 2022-Mbombela Mpumalanga
After an absence of two years thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. Armed Forces day made a welcome return to Mbombela previously Nelspruit on the 21st February. The South African National Defence Force deployed some of its assets and people onto the door step of the Kruger National Park. One of the biggest tourist attractions in South Africa.
Each Armed Forces Day we remember the servicemen of the South African Native Labour Corps who perished during the sinking of the SS Mendi in the English Channel on 21st February 1917.
After the arrival of VIPs and President Cyril Ramaposa. As of any other parade opening a 21 gun salute econing into the hills around Mbombela and a flag flypast by helicopters including a Agusta A109LUH and a pair of 15 Charlie Flight Squadron BK117s.
President Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned below during his speech on the poduim “
“The SANDF has more than lived up to this task, particularly over the past year, when our country endured great tribulations.”
“How apt, then, is the saying that the truest measure of courage is perseverance under pressure.”
“As the Commander-in Chief of the SANDF, I could not be prouder of you. Our nation could not be prouder of you.”
“As a people, we are reassured that no matter the circumstances our nation faces, the SANDF will always be there.”
Onto the parade it was time for the mass flypasts. First up was the mass helicopter formation of seven helicopter assets. Two Rooivalk attack helicopters from 16 Squadron based at Airforce Base Bloemspruit. Two Agusta A109LUHs. Two BK117s from 15 Squadron “Charlie Flight” Airforce Base Port Elizabeth. And a lone Oryx Helicopter.
Pointer formation was next on the cards sigh four 41 Squadron Cessna 208A Caravans from Airforce Base Waterkloof. Behind them there was a Pilatus PC12, a 44 Squadron Casa 212-300 making up for the transport assets in the parade.
Central Flying School from AFB Langebaanweg in the Western Cape, with four Pilatus PC7MKIIs flew over in diamond formation led by Major Angus Maleka.
The final formation was from 85 Combat Flying Schoo, with four Hawk MK120s from Airforce Base Makhado led by Major Corne “Stilbo” Deventer, a former Silver Falcon Aerobatic Team member.
All marching columns, mechanised columns were next after the end of the flypasts. Thank you to major role players on hosting the parade and putting it together. We look forward to the SA Navy planning the next Armed forces day in 2023.
ROLLS-ROYCE ULTRAFAN POWER GEARBOX TOPS WORLD AEROSPACE RECORD
Rolls-Royce announced today that its UltraFan® power gearbox has set a new world aerospace
record at its facility in Germany.
The gearbox has reached 87,000 horsepower or 64 megawatts – enough to power a city the size of
Bath, United Kingdom – on test at Dahlewitz, near Berlin. The power milestone was achieved as build
continues on the power gearbox that will be delivered for the actual UltraFan demonstrator engine,
UF001, later this year.
UltraFan, which is scalable for narrowbody or widebody aircraft, is a key element of Rolls-Royce’s
commitment to making travel more sustainable. Gas turbines will continue to be the bedrock of long-
haul aviation for many years, and UltraFan’s efficiency will help improve the economics of an industry
transition to more sustainable fuels, which are likely to be more expensive in the short-term than
traditional jet fuel. The first test run of the engine will be conducted on 100% Sustainable Aviation
Fuel.
Dr Holger Klinger, Sub-System Executive Power Gearbox, Rolls-Royce, said: “Reaching this record is
another great achievement that showcases the performance and durability of this key component for
our UltraFan programme. The power gearbox technology is central to the success of the next
generation of Rolls-Royce jet engines and I’m proud to see us pushing the engineering boundaries
again.”
The PGB is playing a central role for the UltraFan engine, helping to deliver excellent efficiency
levels over a wide range of thrusts. It has a planetary design, with each ‘planet’ capable of holding
the force of a Trent XWB engine at full throttle. It is designed to allow the turbine at the rear of the
engine to run at a very high speed while the fan at the front runs at a lower speed. This makes the
engine very efficient, making the UltraFan engine 25% more fuel efficient than the first generation
of Rolls-Royce Trent engines.
Development testing of the first prototype gearbox, focused on validation, endurance and reliability,
began in 2017 at the dedicated PGB test facility in Dahlewitz. During a rigorous test regime, the
power gearbox has since accumulated more than 650 testing hours and proven its capability of
managing the equivalent power of an entire grid of Formula 1 cars.
As well as high power testing, the PGB has been undergoing test on the facility’s Attitude Rig, which
simulates the effect of the gearbox being on the wing of an aircraft in flight, through phases such as
take-off, climb, banking and descent.
About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
- Rolls-Royce pioneers the power that matters to connect, power and protect society. We have
pledged to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in our operations by 2030. We joined
the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2020, and have committed to ensuring our new products
will be compatible with net zero operation by 2030, and all products will be compatible with
net zero by 2050. - Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and
leasing customers, 160 armed forces and navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear
customers. - Annual underlying revenue was £11.76 billion in 2020 and we invested £1.25 billion on
research and development. We also support a global network of 28 University Technology
Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research. - Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE:RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI:
213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).
AW109 Trekker-Rugged and Reliable
The AW109 Trekker is the new multi-role helicopter developed to provide the perfect solution for the most challenging missions in a variety of roles. Productiveness is guaranteed by outstanding performance, payload and a wide cabin space that enables quick role changes. The helicopter is ideally suited to a wide range of missions that require best-in-class lifting capability, alongside superior range and performance.
executive and private transport
MISSION READY
The AW109 Trekker combines excellent performance, the latest technology and high safety standards to provide customers an ideal combination of comfort and capabilities. The finest materials and the highest levels of craftsmanship give the helicopter a unique style and ensure passengers a pleasant journey.
OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY
The AW109 Trekker has a crash-resistant design for optimised safety and is equipped with modular state-of-the-art Genesys Aerosystems glass cockpit to allow a tailored fit to different customers’ needs: single or dual pilot, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The ergonomic cockpit design significantly reduces pilot workload.
EXCEPTIONAL CABIN FLEXIBILITY
The bright cabin boasts effective soundproofing and provides passengers with a quiet, safe and comfortable flight. Wide sliding doors on both sides guarantee easy access, whilst the extended baggage compartment has a high capacity for personal luggage.
medical and rescue services
MISSION READY
The AW109 Trekker is ideally suited to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions and para-public applications. Excellent Category A Class 1 performance capabilities ensure the AW109 Trekker can safely take-off and land from even very small areas. Best-in-class payload and performance facilitate fast and safe response to incidents whilst a spacious cabin provides an effective environment for efficient patient care.
(Photo: courtesy of Irene McCullagh)
OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY
The helicopter is equipped with a modular state-of-the-art Genesys Aerosystems glass cockpit to minimise pilot workload and ensure excellent situational awareness. High power margins and full crashworthiness provide maximum safety in all flight conditions.
EXCEPTIONAL CABIN FLEXIBILITY
The AW109 Trekker features a spacious and quickly reconfigurable cabin to accommodate 1 stretcher and 3/4 medical attendants or 2 stretchers and 2 medical attendants, with entire access to the patient. Large sliding doors ensure easy entry/egress, while the wide interior also accommodates a full suite of advanced life-support equipment.
utility
MISSION READY
The AW109 Trekker is the ideal solution for utility and aerial applications. Outstanding controllability, manoeuvrability and power margin ensure high level of safety in aerial work whilst the best-in-class sling load capacity even in ‘hot and high’ conditions maximises mission effectiveness.
OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY
The helicopter is equipped with modular state-of-the-art Genesys Aerosystems glass cockpit to minimise pilot workload and ensure excellent situational awareness. High power margin and full crashworthiness provide maximum safety in all flight conditions.
EXCEPTIONAL CABIN FLEXIBILITY
The spacious and flexible cabin layout is rapidly reconfigurable to meet all mission requirements and can accommodate up to 7 passengers. The large cabin allows rapid reconfiguration and can be fitted with specific role equipment such as rescue hoist and cargo hook to better fulfil the mission.
WEIGHTS (MGW)
Internal loads
3,175 kg 7,000 lb
WEIGHTS (MGW)
External loads
3,350 kg 7,385 lb
POWERPLANT
2 x Pratt & Whitney
Canada PW207C
OVERALL LENGTH*
12.96 m 42 ft 06 in
*Rotor turning
OVERALL HEIGHT
3.60 m 11 ft 09 in
ROTOR DIAMETER
10.83 m 35 ft 06 in
CAPACITY
Crew 1-2
Passenger 7-6
MAX CRUISE SPEED
(SL, ISA, MGW, MCP)
281 km/h 152 kt
HIGE (ISA, MGW)
4,609 m 15,120 ft
HOGE (ISA, MGW)
2,926 m 9,600 ft
MAX RANGE
(5,000 FT, ISA, MGW)*
833 km 450 nm
*with 634 kg usable fuel, no reserve
MAX ENDURANCE
(5,000 FT, ISA, MGW)*
4 h 20 min
*with 634 kg usable fuel, no reserve
The Kittyhawk Van’s RV fly-in 2021
After lasts years event was cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic, this past weekend saw the return of the almost now annual Kitty Hawk RV Fly-in with a number of Vans RVs flying in as well as other aircraft fixed wing and rotary.
Kitty Hawk Aerodrome was established as an Aero-Estate in 1995. This project has developed to its exciting status as an Aerodrome. The Kitty Hawk Aerodrome is completely divorced from all other developments and consists of hangar facilities, a small residential flat, clubhouse and a fuel bay.
The Van’s Aircraft, Inc. is an American kit aircraft manufacturer, founded by Richard “Van” VanGrunsven in 1973. Van’s RV series of aircraft, from the single-seat RV-3 to the latest RV-14, are all-aluminum, low-wing monoplanes of monocoque construction.
September 11th as you know was the 20th anniversary of terror attacks in the United States of America. Kitty Hawk held their event with all Covid 19 Regulations in place. Delicious breakfasts and lunches were served at the Kitty Hawk Aerodrome Club house, as well as a total of 79 RVs flying in for the day not counting other aircraft!
We look forward to next years event and hope that where the country stands with Covid 19 numbers the event will allow more victors and aircraft to fly-inn. To end of the day was a spectacular mass formation of RVs. Now this formation is getting bigger by the events that come by. What a treat!
Thanks to Pieter Cronje for the Awesome pictures of the day!
AIRLINK CONFIRMS SELECTION OF ROLLS-ROYCE TOTALCARE FOR ENGINE SERVICING
Rolls-Royce and Airlink have signed a TotalCare® service agreement for the AE3007 engines that power the South African airline’s fleet of Embraer ERJ135 aircraft. The agreement, which covers 28 aircraft, is an extension of service for a further 10 years, continuing the airline’s drive to maximise aircraft availability.
Airlink CEO, Rodger Foster, said; “Airlink and Rolls-Royce have worked hand in hand since the introduction of the ERJ135 to our fleet in May 2001. We operate 28 ERJs with a pool of 64 AE3007-A1/3 engines. We are proud of the phenomenal reliability we have achieved from these engines which have underpinned Airlink’s industry leading on-time performance, which has consistently been above 97%. Our TotalCare service agreement has been key to the management of engine maintenance costs and to ensuring the economic sustainability of the ERJ135 type for the foreseeable future. We are delighted at the dependability of the Rolls-Royce team and their engines.”
In 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Airlink carried more than 2 million customers on more than 63,000 flights. Airlink currently operates a reduced route network to more than 45 destinations in 12 African countries, whilst remaining agile to the effects of Covid-19 and associated travel restrictions. Airlink was proudly the most punctual South African airline for 2020; its year-to-date performance up to August 2021 has been 98.1% on-time.
“Our partnership with Airlink goes back to 2001 and this TotalCare extension is a testament to our strong working relationship and mutual trust of one another,” said Stewart Evans, Rolls-Royce, Vice President, Customers Europe Middle East & Africa, “I’m especially proud of the way both teams have worked closely together during the pandemic to manage maintenance costs effectively for both parties whilst enhancing our service offering at the same time. The entire team at Rolls-Royce is honoured to be able to serve Airlink and their customers for many more years to come.”
TotalCare is the flagship integrated engine service cover provided by Rolls-Royce. It is designed for predictive maintenance planning, as well as off-wing repair and overhaul activities for operators of Rolls-Royce aero engines. TotalCare transfers both time-on-wing and maintenance cost risks back to Rolls-Royce, as well as offering advanced engine health monitoring and future product enhancements.
Aircraft covered by TotalCare achieve higher availability, increased long-term residual values, and benefit from the global Rolls-Royce Care Network; a large, capable and competitive engine service network that caters for the needs of engines at every point in their lifecycle.
About Airlink
Airlink is an independent privately-owned, full-service premium regional airline, serving a comprehensive network of destinations throughout Southern Africa. The airline is the largest in Southern Africa when measured by flight movements and emphasises reliability of service whilst maximising choice and travel opportunities for its customers. Airlink has more than 50 commercial jetliners operating throughout Southern Africa. Airlink is a member of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and is IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit program) accredited.
The Spanish Air Force Receives Its First PC-21
The Spanish Ministry of Defence, through the General Directorate of
Armament and Material (DGAM) will deliver to the Spanish Air Force, the
Ejército del Aire, based in San Javier (Murcia), its first PC-21, and will
immediately integrate the world’s most advanced training system by Pilatus
to be part of the 792 Squadron, the Basic Training School in the Spanish Air
Force Academy. Pilatus will deliver a total of 24 PC-21s to Spain by June
2022, raising air force pilot training to state-of-the-art level.
A highly efficient training aircraft to provide advanced training of Spain’s future
military pilots to protect future generations: After a lengthy and exceptionally
professional evaluation, Pilatus prevailed over all the international competition
to win the contract with the PC-21 in 2020. The first PC-21 was handed over in
San Javier on 14 September 2021.
Brigadier General of the Air Force León-Antonio Machés, DGAM (Ministerio de
Defensa de España) Deputy Director General of Programs commented at the
handover: “We are very pleased to be able to integrate such an advanced
training system. Not only will the PC-21 revolutionise our pilot training and
take it to a whole new level, it will also allow us to reduce the cost of our pilot
training.”
André Zimmermann, VP Government Aviation at Pilatus, added: “We’re
delighted that the first PC-21 in the national colours will take to the Spanish
skies as of now. Spain – a renowned and highly professional air force – is
already the third air force in Europe to have opted for the world’s most
advanced training system and we are confident that others will follow Spain’s
example.”
First PC-21 training course from 2022
The air force will launch its first pilot training course in September 2022. The
PC-21 will provide Spain with not only the most technically advanced training
system, but a cost-effective, ecological training platform as well. Experience
with existing PC-21 customers shows that the budget for training a student
military pilot can be reduced by more than 50 percent with the PC-21. These
single-engine turboprops require far less fuel than comparable jet trainers.
Besides the actual aircraft, the PC-21 training system includes state-of-the-art
simulators, computer-based training and virtual reality tools. Pilatus thus
offers the most advanced, most powerful integrated training system currently
available on the market.
