The SAAF Forum

Th Caravan with the Argos 410-Z is in fact doing the work of a number of those Robinson R44's that the police bought just for the world cup a year or two ago.That was the main reason behind the purchase of those helicopters..I have not seen one till now of any of those helicopters doing what they where bought for..at any stadium..seem's the police have too much money lately..and being spend in the wrong places..I still can't seem why the SAAF is doing Police work.When the police themselfs have there own equipment and manpower...EG..Helicopters,Aircraft..

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Adrian Munro
http://www.weddingduo.co.za
https://www.facebook.com/Airfirephotography/

My understanding is that the problem seems to be a racial issue again,ie the SAPS cant recruit non-white pilots so the posts remain vacant.(mention in another thread somewhere?)

I have noticed an increase in black pilots in the SAPS,I think those helicopters where in fact bought to train pilots in more than use them for the world cup.

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Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
But today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present.
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Adrian Munro
http://www.weddingduo.co.za
https://www.facebook.com/Airfirephotography/

I don't think its that simple. Although the Argus project(Project Koiler) was initiated a very long time ago, it only took off about 2 years ago. During the Confederation Cup last year the system was displayed at the NATJOC, with a very positive response. This is not to say that the police are not using their choppers, during the Confed cup the two systems usually worked close together, in fact the ground stations was positioned close to each other.
The Argos system can also be used for several other surveillance missions, making it a valuable system to the SANDF.

I suppose your main concern is over the fact that the police bought a system and now it seems that the air force is doing the same job. The air force is quite proud of this capability and is deploying it whenever they can in order to test the system in real life scenarios, usually with great success. Regarding the World Cup, the Caravan is also able to stay in the air for longer and cheaper than the police choppers, making it a cost-effective system for that type of sortie. Police helicopters are more tactical, tracking specific suspect, instead of lingering in the area waiting for something to happen.

The police PC6 Porter also has the same surveillance aspects as the caravan even better,becuase it can fly slower than the caravan and some I know have the same system to monitor..The Robinson R44 helicopters use much less fuel than a caravan and be refueled from anywhere..They were bought because they are so cost effective..and there main task was to monitor stadiums during the world cup..still does not make sence to me somewhere..

_________________
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is a mystery.
But today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present.
____________________________
Adrian Munro
http://www.weddingduo.co.za
https://www.facebook.com/Airfirephotography/

Just to let you guys know that I am at cape towns game today and there is not one but two police choppers doing work around the stadium. And I am sure there is also one on standy at cape town int. Just to let you guys in on what's really happening

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Enjoy the game.

"Police4" & "Police8" were doing the rounds .. along with "Media3". I trust you enjoyed the goal feast

Cheers

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Brent Best

Thanks kremlin! yes enjoyed it very much!

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Pull up, GO!