South African Air Force Air Power Capability Demonstration

The South African Air Force hosted an air power capability demonstration at the bombing range situated just north of Polokwane (Pietersburg). 

It was a early start for all the all the guests,  arriving at AFB Base Waterkloof  at 6:30 ready to fly out to Polokwane International airport in two DC9’s, especially charted for the day. After a short briefing by the deputy Chief  of the Air Force snacks were served. The first of the DC9’s departed followed closely by the second. On arrival at Polokwane all the guests were bussed to the range under escort of the Military Police.   

The Event was opened in prayer and all other protocols were observed, Genral Bayne then gave a short summary of what can be expected for the day. Gen Malinga then addressed the guests reassuring all that the SAAF was ready and able to fulfil any requirement that  South Africa may ask of them. A short safety briefing by Gen van Heerden and then the action began.

SAAF Oryx with a Bambie Bucket 

An Oryx kicked of the action with a well placed water drop using the Bambi bucket, the SAAF often get tasked with fire control all over SA and for this reason Bambi buckets have become standard equipment in all operational Oryx’s.

SA Spes Forces skydivers exiting an Oryx helicopter 

.  Due to technical problems the C130 was slightly delayed, but as a war cannot be delayed due to technical problems, the South Special Forces pathfinders were dropped by an Oryx instead. The Pathfinders are used in a recon capacity to relay information to the rest of the forces from well beyond enemy lines.

Pathfinders dropping into the battle area

SAAF Oryx cargo slinging the Special forces ATV 

 Mortar teams were then deployed and the Special Forces Gecko was deployed cargo slung under an Oryx followed closely by two teams of soldiers to engage the enemy.

Oryx helicopter off loading the ATV 

One of them abseiled from an Oryx and the other being deployed very quickly after a spectacular operational landing, proving that the SAAF Pilots are ready to take on any challenge that may come their way.

Soldiers abseiling from a Oryx helicopter

Oryx moving out to after inserting ground forces

Oryx helicopter Ariving to collect ground forces 

Extracting Pathfinders 

SAAF Hercules C130BZ  doing a low Flypast over Battle Area

Two Rooivalk attack helicopters joined the party, firing missiles at enemy positions before offering “ top cover” for the troops on the ground by way of their 20mm cannons.  

Rooivalk AH-2 helicopter fireing missiles 

Target area

Rooivalk discharging its cannon 

Firing while hiding behind trees

Muzzle flash  

Two Hawks enterd the theatre strafing the remaining enemy positions with 40mm cannon fire, followed by a series of bombs dropped from up high behind our position resulting in a massive explosion clearly visible many kilometres away. 

Hawk joining the battle with Canons blazing

Rooival laying down cover fire while the Oryx lands to collect troops

The “friendly forces” were then evacuated by helicopter followed by a flare demonstration by the Rooivalk and then the Hurcules C130 which celebrating  its 50^th year of service with the SAAF. 

Rooivalk shooting flares 

Hawks in close formation

Hawks one with drop tanks the other without

Hercules C130 BZ comming in low and fast

C130 expelling flares  

Cessna Caravan equipped with koiler camera

The SAAF and the supporting units showed that even with the challenges faced due to budget cuts they are still more than capable of performing their role as defender of South Africa.

SAAF Caravan

Rooivalk AH-2 

Bombs away Hawk droping its payload

A delicious lunch was served then we were all bussed back to Polokwane for the flight back to Waterkloof.  A special thanks to all concerned for allowing us to experience the defence machine at work.