20-Nov-2020Source: defenceWeb
Recent recipients of the SA Air Force’s (SAAF) highest operational honour – the Sword of Peace – are largely confined to the force’s helicopter squadrons. See Full Story.... Read more
21-Sep-2016Source: HeliHub.com
The South African air force is giving their 39 Oryx helicopters a full upgrade. The upgrade, which will be a multi-million Rand project, includes avionic and engine upgrades with a general renovation of all systems. The Oryx helicopters have been in use for the past 15 years. These helicopters are much needed as they are... Read more
18-Jul-2015Source: http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40001:saaf-oryx-damaged-in-drc-taxiing-incident&catid=111:sa-defence&Itemid=242
Nosewheel collapsed during ground taxi after hitting 5cm edge of newly laid tarmac. operating for UN... Read more
23-Feb-2015
Emergency landing on golf course... Read more
4-Dec-2014Source: Defence Web
It is rumoured that all flying activities of the South African Air Force’s (SAAF’s) fleet of Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) have ceased and, in effect, the fleet is subject to yet another grounding. See Full Story... Read more
6-Nov-2014Source: Defenceweb
The South African Air Force saw a significant increase in operational demands and external commitments in the last financial year, including its first fighter and helicopter operational deployments since democracy, but flew 5 000 fewer hours than the previous year, according to the Department of Defence. See Full Story... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: DefenceWeb
After five months of not flying, the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) fleet of Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) are back in the air again and converting new pilots. See full story... Read more
6-Nov-2013Source: DefenceWeb
After three decades of development and a development cost in excess of R8 billion, the South African designed and built Rooivalk attack helicopter has finally deployed operationally, and also fired its weapons in anger. See full story... Read more
1-Aug-2013Source: DefenceWeb
With the country’s military watchers united in their view the SA Air Force (SAAF) is fast approaching crisis point in terms of operational ability, the finger is – again – being pointed at underfunding. see full story... Read more
29-Mar-2013
Helicopter crashed during rhino poaching patrols. Al five POB killed – later named as Captain Jacobus Andries van Rensburg; Captain MP Chabalala; Sergeant Paulus Shongela Ndishishi; Sergeant GP Ruiters and Lance Corporal Bheki Petros Cele... Read more
15-Mar-2013Source: Defence Web
The South African Air Force (SAAF) has its full complement of Rooivalk combat support helicopters back on inventory after Denel Aviation returned the final aircraft following more than two years of work on Block 1F upgrades.(see full story)... Read more
26-Jun-2012Source: South African Air Force
C SANDF has pleasure in announcing the appointment of Major General Fabian Zimpande (ZAKES) Msimang as the new Chief of the South Africa Air Force with effect from 01 October 2012. Maj Gen Msimang intergrated into the South African National Defence Force in 1994 after the first democratic Elections as a qualified pilot on the... Read more
15-Jun-2012
The last of eleven upgraded Rooivalk attack helicopters will be delivered to the South African Air Force at the end of August (see full story)... Read more
30-Jan-2012Source: defenceWeb
The three A109 Light Utility Helicopter crashes were caused by mechanical failure and pilot error, but all technical problems have been resolved, the chief of the South African Air Force has said. (see full story)... Read more
20-Jul-2011
Wire strike during low level flying... Read more
21-Apr-2011Source: DefenceWeb
Concerns locally in South Africa as support costs rise and rise.... Read more
5-Apr-2011Source: Denel
The upgraded Rooivalk combat support helicopter has been handed over to the South African Air Force for operational duties. The helicopter, designed and manufactured in South Africa, was received by the Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano. The Chief Executive Officer of Denel, Talib Sadik, says the handover is the culmination... Read more
15-Dec-2010
Suggested tail rotor problem after helicopter observed to be “spinning wildly”... Read more
26-Nov-2010Source: Armscor
CONTRACT DETAIL FOR ACQUISITION/LOGISTICS (LGS) – ELGS/2010/336 Reference No: ELGS/2010/336 Requirements: Procurement of two Arrius 2K2 engines for the SAAF A109 light utility helicopter, inclusive of electronic engine control unit subsystem and long term storage container Awarded Date: 25 Nov 2010 Contract Value: R8 206 191,68 Classification: Restricted Contracts Awarded To: Agusta Westland Via del... Read more
24-Nov-2010
Hard landing incident during a scheduled military exercise involving the SA Army and the SA Air Force... Read more
17-Oct-2010Source: Engineering News
I’m not happy with the likely budgeting for flying hours for the next financial year,†affirms Lt-Gen Carlo Gagiano. “To operate all the systems in the SAAF optimally, I need a bigger budget. But we must never stop exploring ways of doing things better and cheaper.â€... Read more
20-Jul-2010Source: DefenceWeb
SAAF is flying the shuttle service for Government-owned PetroSA with effect from July 1. A spokesman added “We complied because part of our mandate is to assist other government departments†, also confirming the flights were infrequent.... Read more
12-May-2009
12-May-09 4022 AgustaWestland A109LUH Upper Tugela, South Africa... Read more