Tag Archives: SAAF
Rand Easter Show 2018 Media Briefing
Rand Easter Show 2018 Media Briefing
Once again we were invited by the Rand Show organization team to the 2018 Rand Easter Show Media Briefing, the event is set to take place once again at the Johannesburg Expo Centre Nasrec from the 30 March – 8 April 2018. The Rand show is one of the biggest events in Africa and has been entertaining Families for over a year now, says Craig Newman CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Center.
The Media briefing was opened by Craig Newman adding what this year’s festivities are going to be like. We were then greeted by Brig Gen.Mafi Mgobozi who also informed us on what we can expect from the SANDF.After the briefing we were treated to a walk through some of the many exhibits the public can expect on the opening of the Rand Show on Friday 30th March.
The massive 12 000sqm SANDF display of Military Hardware that the public we be able to view from the many functions the SANDF have a role to play, including the SA ARMY, SAAF, SA Navy and SA military Health Service. The South African Air Force Museum is also present with static exhibits including the Zwartkops based Alouettes two and three. The mighty Rooivalk from 16 Squadron AFB Bloemspruit is also on Static display for the public to get up close and personal with Africa’s very own Gunship.
On the Easter Weekend the SANDF will thrill the crowds with a capability demonstration, this will include Ratel armoured vehicles, Helicopters from various Squadrons including Oryx and A109LUHs.Fighter assets we will see 2 Squadron Gripen simulating airstrikes. We will also see a solo Display by Major Sivu Tangana in the Pilatus PC7MKII from the Central Flying School Langebaanweg.
Please note the SANDF Capability Demo will only be taking place from the 30th March-2 April 2018, this also depends on the Availability of aircraft and weather permitting. We look forward to another highly anticipating arena program. Residents in the North and South of Johannesburg can be on the lookout for Helicopters operating out AFB Zwartkops on their routing to Nasrec during the mid morning from tomorrow!
SANDF De Brug Weapons Capability Demonstration Feb 2018
With the build up to the Armed forces day parade being held in Kimberley, the following day Wednesday the 21 February, much of the public have been getting up close and personal with both SANDF members and assets that have been put on showcase to the community who haven’t had the chance to interact with these forms of assets in this particular area with the major presence of SANDF.
On Sunday the 18th February, members of the public were able to attend the De Brug weapons demo, at the De brug weapons range outside of Bloemfontein. This also had a major impact on the public to witness live ammunition being fired in front of their faces from armored vehicles,ati-aircraft Guns and aerial support just to name a few.
On Tuesday morning 21 February ,Aviation Central had the opportunity to be flown down from Air force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria to AFB Bloemspruit situated at the Bram Fisher International Airport in the Free state town of Bloemfontein.Air force base (AFB) Bloemspruit is home to 87 Helicopter Flying school, operating the Denel Oryx Helicopter, the Agusta A109LUH and the Bk117 for training and operational duties in the South African Air force(SAAF).
We were then allocated to buses that would be taking us out to the De brug weapons range a few kilometers outside of the City of Bloemfontein. With the advantage the SANDF had the Military Police and other security squadrons escorting the buses,which onboard was members of the various media houses and Invited guests ,who got to the weapons range in no time. At this point this have many of the media who haven’t been to De Brug Weapons Range to explore the ‘Koppies’ behind the marquee that was specially put up to provide shade and refreshments.
This is also showed how big the range was compare to other bombing ranges that Aviation Central has visited in previous years.What we had been hearing and seeing on Social media from the demo a few days before we knew we were in for a treat that not many people can say they have ever witnessed in their lifetime.
The days proceedings started with a drop of pathfinders from a 44 Squadron Casa 212,the jet action started immediately with a 85 Combat Flying School Hawk Mk120 and being escorted by two 2 Squadron Gripens,both fighter assets operating out of AFB Bloemspruit.
The program then continued sticking with the fighters, when the airspace in front of the crowd, got very busy with a 2v1 dogfight,using the Hawk Mk120 as the bogey(Enemy Aircraft) and two Gripens intercepting the Hawk.
The Army engineers of the South African Army were next in line to show off the earth shattering explosions that were set off.The Air force was then overhead again, this time with Two 28 Squadron C130BZs dropping a parachute cargo drop and 64 paratroopers.
As soon as the area was clear from the Para drop and troops were brought out of the weapons zone, Ratels drove into the firing zone and engaged with small arms fire.
The battlefield was then kicked up with the roar the big guns the Olifant Mk1 Tanks and Rooikats kicking up dust from their cannon fire.
The air force was at it again, with two Agusta A109LUH performing a search and Rescue situation of a “simulated downed aircraft,”with 3 Oryx helicopters bringing troops to and from the batttlezone.At the same time Rooivalk atttack helicopters from 16 Squadron provided top cover.
Fast movers were then sent in to drop bombs ranging from the Mk81 and Mk82 bombs released from Gripen and Hawk fighter aircraft. It was also the first time seeing Gripens shooting their cannons.The usual 30mm Aden cannon from the Hawk was also put to use on the battle zone.
The two Rooivalk attack helicopters in attendance demonstrated the type of flying they sometimes do during peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raining 20 mm cannon fire down and unleashing 70 mm rockets onto the battlefield.
The demo was slowly coming to a close, the various aircraft that took part gave fly pasts which included 4 Hawks,5 gripens,3 Oryx Helicopters,2 A109s,2 Rooivalks and a C130.The main battle tanks and armoured vehicles then proceeded to give a salute to the Chief of the SANDF in a parade.
The guests and media were then treated to a display from the Silver Falcons of team 81,led by Major Mark”Katana”Gentles.Solo displays from the Hawk Mk120,flown by Lt Col Craig”Shark”Leeson and the Gripen flown by Major Geoffrey”Spartan”Cooper released flares during the course of their displays.
The night shoot then took place just after dusk showing off from the smallest arms fire to the biggest arms fire in the SANDF,this included assault rifles, machineguns, RPGs, mortars, Ratel 90 mm rounds and Olifant tank rounds.
Rooivalks then engaged the battlefield again with 70mm rockets and 20mm gun fire. The aircraft then closed off with flares over the battlezone
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Chief of the SANDF General Solly Shoke said the capability demonstration was part of normal training but was held in the run-up to Armed Forces Day to show the public what the armed forces do. “We train to be ready at all times,” he said, and added that the response from the people of Kimberley who previously came to witness the demonstration was “overwhelming”.
The next day being a early start of the Armed forces day parade in Kimberly, which saw new South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the parade.
More photos Below, click to enlarge
Armed Forces Day Kimberley 2018 Fan Park Launch.
The 21st of February each year, Armed forces day is observed to celebrate the lives of the native labour contingent who died when the troopship, SS Mendi sank off the English Coast in 1917.Today we saw most of Kimberley with most part mobilsed with Military contingent.
Kimberley is on a hive of activities from any form of Military platform the SANDF has to offer, This Morning marked the opening of the fan park at the A.R Abass stadium in Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The opening of the event was in form of a Guard of honor parade accompanied by Military bands and a fly past by Oryx Helicopters from various squadrons across South Africa.
The arena program was opened by a Para drop from a Oryx helicopter with various special forces and pathfinders member’s landing in front of a massive crowd as they’re cheered their brilliant landings they’re were executing. The public were treated to more procession drills from both the SA Army and SA Navy, and the famous gun run which is often seen at the Rand Show in Johannesburg from previous years. Aircraft that flew over the Stadium during the course of the program such as the Oryx helicopter mentioned above,2 Rooivalk Attack helicopters and the Silver Falcons Aerobatic team to name a few.
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The SANDF also has to offer at the fan park the career center for those that are interested about the work life and serving their country in many different aspects they’re have to offer. Its also a opportunity for the public to interact with Military personal and their assets they have on display.
During the weeks and weekend celebrations, a number of events will be held at various venues:
The will also be career hosted and interested individuals can visit the center and enquire about careers in the Armed Forces – Ar Abass Sports Stadium
Music events at various schools between 12 – 15 Feb
Fan park at Ar Abass Sports Stadium 15 Feb
Sporting activities and Clinics at De Beers Galeshewe Stadium, formerly known as King George Sports Ground , between 16 – 20 Feb
Music events Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre 17th
Inter Faith Church services Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre 18th
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ROAD CLOSURES: 19, 20, 21 FEBRUARY 2017
19 to 20 February 2018 the roads will be closed from 09:00 for the rehearsals.
Memorial Road at the Monument.
Carrington Road at Dalham Road.
Lennox Street. (Must confirm where the road is to be closed.)
Du Toitspan/Main Road between Hercules, Lennox and Regiment Way.
Pniel Road between Stokroos Street and Old Barkly Road. (15 to 21 February 2018.)
Todd and Harley Street.
All roads connecting to Du Toitspan and Main Road.
Please take note:
Access to the hospitals in the area of the parade to be advised by the Department of Health.
Military Police personnel will assist with all road closures.
Public is advised to avoid the area bordering on Lennox, DuToitspan from
Regiment Way down to Hercules Street, Park Road, Synagogue Street,
Dalham Road, Hercules Street, Fabricia Road, Pniel Road as mentioned above, Carrington Road between Dalham and Elsmere Road.
We will bring more reports from next week Tuesday when we attend the Weapons demo in Bloemfontein at De Brug firing range.
Happy Armed forces day!
The Pride of the nation, The Silver Falcons
The Pride of the nation, The Silver Falcons
The Silver Falcons are the South African Air force official display team. The team of five Pilatus Pc7mkii plus 3 additional spare aircraft are based at the Central Flying School,Air force Base Langebannweg in the Western Cape South Africa. The main purpose of the Silver Falcons is to enhance the image of the South African Airforce, encourage recruitment and restore national pride.
The team was originally formed in 1946 as the Bumbling Bees display team. The team flew a 4ship formation flying the de Havilland Vampire. By the 1950s the team disbanded and left a major gap in South African Aviation. In 1967 at the opening of the Atlas Aircraft Corporation known today as Denel Aviation, there was an idea to change the name of the team to something a bit more bold. The Silver Falcons team which was chosen as they gave their first display at the event in November 1967,under the leadership of Col Chris Prins.
In 1986 the team was expanded to a five ship to bring more exciting displays and to include a solo display, at this team the aircraft were painted up in old South African flag display colors. The team operated out of AFB Langebaanweg until the early 1990s,when all impala jet training was moved to Air force Base Hoedpsruit on the Kruger National Parks door step in the lowveld region of South Africa.
Falcon 1 – Photo: Russell Dixon-Paver
ex -Silver Falcon Impala
ex -Silver Falcon Impala
ex -Silver Falcon Impala
Photos Credit Stefaan Bouwer
1995 Red Arrows and Silver Falcons photo credit unknown
This formed part of 85 combat flying school which is now located at AFB Makhado in Limpopo flying the Hawk m120. In 1994 with the new South African national flag, the teams aircraft were repainted to represent the colors of the South African Air force:blue, light blue and white. With SAAF75 in 1995 the Silver Falcons had the opportunity to tour South Africa with the RAF Red Arrows all over South Africa.
During 1998, the team moved back to AFB Langebaanweg and commenced training on the new Swiss Pilatus Astra turboprop trainers. The decision was taken to display the Astra trainer to the public, as the time was near for the retirement of the impala aircraft in 2005. The air force was getting ready for the introduction of the Bae Hawk mk120 into SAAF service.
At AFB Langebaanweg the team was reduced to a four ship in the standard red and white paint scheme, known to pilots as flying coke cans on the Astra fleet. At this point of time the aircraft had no eye catching paint scheme on the aircraft.
In September 2008 at the African Aerospace and Defense (AAD) Expo at AFB Ysterplaat in Cape Town, the aircraft were specially painted in a unique blue and white and other additional liveries and the team was expanded to 5 ship once again. The paint for the aircraft was donated by a local paint supplier, First African Paints. The first display was flown at this major show.
From then on the Silver Falcons have been a hit at every airshow they’re attended, if they not flying with an SAA Airbus in formation. They up close and personal with one of Mango Airlines Boeing 737-800s.
Something new was when they started is flying with a fighter jets, including Hawk and now Gripen. The Gripen formation is also known as the “Aviation Central Formation”. Many of these particular formations have the crowds on their feet every time they are flown!
The team also made history when they opened the Fifa Soccer World cup in Soweto in 2010,the world had all eyes on them. Today the Falcons lead Major Mark ‘Katana’ Gentles is the most capped leader in the whole Silver Falcons history. With the rest of the team made up of Major Bheki Shabangu,Major Sivu Tangana,Major Wendy Badenhorst,Major Omphile Matlaone and the GLO Corne Deventer and don’t forget Falcon 8 Brian Emmenis who has commentated for almost every team.
To the very special ground crew who keep the aircraft serviceable and fix snags before shows at the last minute. If it wasn’t for you guys we would have no aircraft flying but hopefully taxing lol.
This year the Silver Falcons are celebrating their 50th Anniversary with an airshow at AFB Langebaanweg on the Capes West Coast on December 9th. With some of the rumors going around its definitely a show to attend, with a major SAAF presence. We would like to wish the Silver Falcons all the best and many more safe sorties. To the past team members,once a falcon …always a falcon!
Team Update 2018-07-17 “A new Number 2”
As we are well into the 2018 South African Airshow season,recently we saw the Falcons preform at the Total Air Newcastle Airshow in KZN in June.The Falcons are set to preform at the Bethlehem Freestate Airshow on the 25th August and the big one Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo at Airforce Base Waterkloof on the 19-23 September,this is promising to be the biggest show to date.This week the Falcons announced their new Falcon 2 Major Tiaan Stander!
Major Tiaan Stander
Major Stander will be flying in the number two position in the team, Tiaan joined the South African Airforce on the 23 April 2002!
Pilots Wings Course 03-2004-Wings Date 8-07-2008
Completed RWCC 18-05-05
A109LUH Commander 01-12-07
Oryx NVG Commander-22-11-09
Instructors Course 03-03-16
Aircraft types and Hours:
PC7MKII-842.8
Alouette III 49.9
A109LUH-376.2
Oryx-1510.7
Total-2779.6
Major Tiaan Stander is married and has two children.We look forward to seeing the new Number 2 preforming at the Bethlehem Airshow in August.The team will now be back to a 5ship and remain as team 82.
Silver Falcons Team 82
Falcon 1-Major Omphile “Biggy” Matloane (Flown the Pc7MKII,A109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 2-Major Tiaan “Excell” Stander (Flown the PC7MKII,Alouette III,A109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 3-Major Corne “Stilbo” van Deventer (Flown the PC7MKII,HawkMK120)
Falcon 4-Major Bheki “SwaziBoy”Shabungu (Flown the PC7MKII,Cessna 208 Caravan)
Falcon 5-Major Sivu “Sivuple” Tangana (Flown the PC7MKII,AgustaA109LUH and Oryx Helicopters)
Falcon 6 GLO- Major Musa Dlamini (Flown the PC7MKII)
Falcon 7 PRO- Captain Xander Albasani (Flown the PC7MKII)
Falcon 8- Commentator Brian Emmenis
See Falcon One’s Story here-https://www.aviationcentral.co.za/2018/04/05/from-soloist-to-lead-omphile-mutloane/