The SAAF Forum :: View topic - SAAF Radio Callsigns

A number of different call-sign systems used by the SAAF:

1. "W24F" (letter,no, no, letter). Known as a mission number and allocated by the command and control system. The pilot will file this in place of a civilian registration on the ATC flightplan. Mission numbers are not sortie related, and are chosen from a list of available numbers for the day.

2. Aircraft numbers are not used during any radio calls.

3. "Piranha", "Texas", etc are the pilot's personal call-signs. Allocated for training (non-operational) sorties only, and usually decided on by one's squadron mates. The call-sign gets approved by HQ, and is logged against the pilot's name in the command and control system. Almost all squadrons... Not just the fighter squadrons, use this system. Will also be used in place of a registration on an ATC FLPN, as will those below.

4. Formation call-signs... "Blue formation"... Blue leader, Blue two, Blue three... Etc.

5. "South African 1 /2 / 3"... Etc... SAAF VIP / IP transport missions (normally 21 Sqn, but also choppers / Hercs / Caravans etc sometimes.

6. "LMG 233"... SAAF transport missions.

6. "Pelican 14": 35 Sqn maritime missions.

There are others, particularly during times of war.

Used to work this way.....

Just something more on the LMG callsigns: On flightplans, etc it is written as LMG XXX. On radio it is "South African XXX". The first XX denotes the Sqn, such as 28 or 41. The last X indicates who is on board. 1 is obviously the president, 2 dep pres, etc. This is set for 1 to 5. From 6 onwards is used for other VIPs or flights over the borders.

Other unique callsigns are: Anything prefixed with a R (will be "Rescue" in stead of Romeo); and P (will be "Pelican" in stead of Papa). R is obviously for rescue and humanitarean aid missions, while P is for maritime patrol missions.

Author:	gerard [ 15 Jun 2010, 15:53 ]
Post subject:	SAAF Radio Callsigns
There has been much discussion lately on a couple of us monitoring radio frequencies to catch all SAAF action during the world cup. However, I find myself cunfused by certain callsigns, and distinguishing them from abnormal civilian ones. I know that most 2 Squadron and 85 CFS callsigns are that of the pilots, but sometimes you get different ones like Romeo Zero Five Echo or something like that - somtimes ending up to be a SAAF chopper. I also know that if a plane is carrying a VIP, they are called "South African". So does anyone know how SAAF callsigns are assigned, other than these ones?

Author:	Dean [ 15 Jun 2010, 16:29 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
The following is from Spool-Up on AvCom: Quote: A number of different call-sign systems used by the SAAF: 1. "W24F" (letter,no, no, letter). Known as a mission number and allocated by the command and control system. The pilot will file this in place of a civilian registration on the ATC flightplan. Mission numbers are not sortie related, and are chosen from a list of available numbers for the day. 2. Aircraft numbers are not used during any radio calls. 3. "Piranha", "Texas", etc are the pilot's personal call-signs. Allocated for training (non-operational) sorties only, and usually decided on by one's squadron mates. The call-sign gets approved by HQ, and is logged against the pilot's name in the command and control system. Almost all squadrons... Not just the fighter squadrons, use this system. Will also be used in place of a registration on an ATC FLPN, as will those below. 4. Formation call-signs... "Blue formation"... Blue leader, Blue two, Blue three... Etc. 5. "South African 1 /2 / 3"... Etc... SAAF VIP / IP transport missions (normally 21 Sqn, but also choppers / Hercs / Caravans etc sometimes. 6. "LMG 233"... SAAF transport missions. 6. "Pelican 14": 35 Sqn maritime missions. There are others, particularly during times of war. Used to work this way..... From Bushman: Quote: Just something more on the LMG callsigns: On flightplans, etc it is written as LMG XXX. On radio it is "South African XXX". The first XX denotes the Sqn, such as 28 or 41. The last X indicates who is on board. 1 is obviously the president, 2 dep pres, etc. This is set for 1 to 5. From 6 onwards is used for other VIPs or flights over the borders. Other unique callsigns are: Anything prefixed with a R (will be "Rescue" in stead of Romeo); and P (will be "Pelican" in stead of Papa). R is obviously for rescue and humanitarean aid missions, while P is for maritime patrol missions.

Author:	gerard [ 16 Jun 2010, 11:26 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
Thanks, Dean Very interesting to take note - now I shall have a better idea of the mission a SAAF aircraft is on when listening in.

Author:	Airfire [ 17 Jun 2010, 09:03 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
I know the backround sound on the mic's when pilots talk so usaually know what aircraft it is,with out worring about the call signs..helicopters have a noisey backround sound,the Augustas especially..the gripen a mmmm backround sound..and in mask sound,then you know its a in mask sound, also with pilatus very quite.almost no backround sound,hawk simular to gripen. always try to listen with earphones alot beter for listening well.then you wil get to know the what aircraft it is just by listening to the backround noise.

Author:	gerard [ 17 Jun 2010, 11:05 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
Ja you can ID some aircraft that way. The one aircraft which is unmistakeable with or without earphones is the Buccaneer. I have never heard anything other than a Buccaneer transmission that makes such a unique whiny noise in the background.

The SAAF Forum http://www.saairforce.co.za/forum/

SAAF Radio Callsigns http://www.saairforce.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2623	Page 1 of 1

Author:	Ace [ 30 Jun 2010, 22:39 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
Call signs for Gripen and Hawk is purely "Gripen 24" or "Hawk 65". So you can easily pick out who they are talking to.

Author:	JarrydZ [ 01 Jul 2010, 15:02 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
Thanks ACE! much appreciated. It isnt the same here in the WC. ours is on another frequency. Dont think im allowed to say it due to this being a public forum and all but thanks anyway!

Author:	Kremlin [ 01 Jul 2010, 15:44 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
Guys Other frequencies that have been posted here, were all general aviation ones. Let's though, keep the active operational SAAF frequencies off the forum please. There is enough negative hoohaa currently regarding the use of airband radios, without us adding to the security concerns. btw. Welcome to the forum Ace Cheers

Author:	Ace [ 01 Jul 2010, 20:56 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
My bad. I respect the forum's view on the frequencies It does however beg a point - since the Airforce are only using airband frequencies, anyone with a restricted radio license and a receiver/transceiver can pick out these frequencies. I always wondered why our Airforce never adopted the more discreet UHF radio's as the other countries do. Anyhow, thanks for the welcome Kremlin, I only stumbled on this forum this week but must say I have thoroughly enjoyed its content so far.

Author:	Dean [ 02 Jul 2010, 09:50 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
Glad to have you with us Ace.

Author:	OverTq [ 02 Jul 2010, 14:39 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
Ace wrote: My bad. I respect the forum's view on the frequencies It does however beg a point - since the Airforce are only using airband frequencies, anyone with a restricted radio license and a receiver/transceiver can pick out these frequencies. I always wondered why our Airforce never adopted the more discreet UHF radio's as the other countries do. Anyhow, thanks for the welcome Kremlin, I only stumbled on this forum this week but must say I have thoroughly enjoyed its content so far. How do you know that they don't use UHF. Besides, doesnt have to be UHF, they still use frequency hopping and digital encryption on their HF frequencies. And all the new a/c have UHF radios. Just because something is not mentioned doesnt mean its not happening.

Author:	Ace [ 02 Jul 2010, 21:30 ]
Post subject:	Re: SAAF Radio Callsigns
Thanks for the welcome Dean! OverTq, point taken wink wink ; - )

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