Africa Aerospace and Defence 2010
Date: 25 September 2010
By Greg Pullin
Photos by Dean Wingrin and Greg Pullin
Africa Aerospace and Defence 2010 (AAD2010) was held at AFB Ysterplaat from 21 to 25 September, with Friday 24 and Saturday 25 September as public air show days. This year, AAD2010 featured more than 400 exhibitors from at least 25 countries. South Africa is increasingly been seen as the gateway to Africa due to our infrastructure and strong economy. Many civilian and military contracts were signed at AAD2010, but these are outside the scope of this article, which covers the two air show days.
It has been said that AAD2010 "belonged" to the Americans, mainly due to the numbers of participating aircraft and helicopters, and noticeably by the "presence" of the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. The take offs, flybys and landings of this aircraft were truly impressive, which is one of the largest aircraft to have operated from Ysterplaat.
Others say that the Italians stole the show with the Alena C-27J Spartan. Who can forget those amazing take offs, which went into barrel rolls and other fighter-like maneuvers. The over-used cliché: "climbed like a homesick angel" comes to mind. All accompanied by magnificent themed music over the pa system: stirring stuff indeed!
This demonstration of transport aircraft was to showcase and "sell" the various manufacturers' perceived solution to and to try and capture the SAAF medium / heavy transport aircraft requirement, after the cancellation of the Airbus A400M transport order. The Russians and Chinese had models of transport aircraft on display, but no static or flying examples.
This was the last time that the Africa Aerospace and Defence show was held at AFB Ysterplaat in Cape Town, as it will relocate back to AFB Waterkloof in Pretoria in 2012; now that the refurbishment of the runways there has been completed.
Both venues have advantages and disadvantages. With Ysterplaat being at the coast, an effective naval presence can be displayed nearby at Simonstown and at the V&A Waterfront; thereby adding to a more representative naval flavor to an otherwise aviation and military event, i.e. a more representative air, land and sea show. Ysterplaat's runway is short and not built for heavy aircraft, so many of these had to be based at Cape Town International Airport, where they were not easily accessible to the public. Waterkloof, on the other hand, can handle all types of aircraft, but it would be a bit difficult to transport a frigate to there.
The weather on air show days was good, which meant that there were no flying restrictions.
Participating Aircraft and Displays
I am not a serial number or registration hunter but have included these where I did make a note of them. The military aircraft participation far outweighed the civilian aircraft participation.
The L-39 Albatross ZU-TEE flown by Pierre Gouws and the Air Aquarius L-39 Albatross ZU-ROL flown by Mike Weingartz are "sexy" looking aircraft and their good looks are accentuated by the great displays that they did.
SAAF BAE Hawks 263 and the SA flag coloured Hawk 272 strutted their stuff making enough noise to impress the crowd. Lynx helicopters 191, 193 and 194 gave individual performances that overshadowed the utilitarian appearance of these helicopters. Now all three of them in formation would have looked great.
Locally based 35 Squadron was not to be outdone with displays by Dakota C-47 TP 6840. It was interesting to see a 6840 do a supply drop, with crates pushed out the door, suspended from parachutes fluttering down, then thumping on the ground. Somewhat pedestrian to that of a massed supply drop from the rear ramp of a CASA or C-130.
With all the recent publicity regarding the "mothballing" of the Rooivalk attack helicopter, it was pleasing to hear about their upgrade and re-introduction into squadron service in 2011. Rooivalk 677 from 16 Squadron in Bloemfontein gave her usual polished display and demonstration flying, with 670 on static display. I always seem to feel a sense of pride and what we can achieve when the Rooivalk displays.
SAAF Cessna Caravan 3009 seemed to have steroids in the fuel and gave an exciting display which went over the vertical and upside down a few times and then quieted things down with a feathered engine silent fly past. This was a great demonstration of flying skills. A 44 Squadron CASA 212 s/n 8010 showed off the light transport capabilities.
Displays by Augusta A-109, BK 117 380 and Oryx helicopters rounded out the SAAF helicopter force. Augusta A-109 4017 did a hoisting demonstration, showing off its capabilities as a rescue helicopter.
The SAAF Museum Harvard 7231 based at the SAAF Museum AFB Ysterplaat reminded one of the tremendous service these aircraft gave to the SAAF. It is particularly pleasing to see a Harvard flying in SAAF colours and one wonders how many SAAF pilots these aircraft trained.
All air shows seem to have a classic set-piece demonstration and AAD 2010 was no exception. The SAAF / SA Army "mini-war", was all noise, smoke and action with helicopters flying all over the place, explosions, gunfire, coloured flares, vehicles and dust. Oryx hoisting troops and Gekko vehicles, simulation of rescuing the crew of a downed helicopter, support fire from a mortar team, helicopters dropping off troops and equipment, protective, suppressive fire from a Rooivalk helicopter. Non-stop action which always goes down so well with the crowds.
The SAAB JAS-39 Gripen always impresses and the two seater 02 flown by Charl Coetzee (call sign ‘Bassett'), showed just how agile it can be and was an impressive demonstration of the capabilities and maneuverability of this aircraft. Fast jets, especially noisy ones are always a big attraction.
The USAF Lockheed Martin C-130J 51436 of the Rhode Island Air National Guard gave some spirited displays and also dropped the US parachutists over the airfield. Those with binoculars or long camera lenses could clearly see them exiting off the rear ramp.
The USAF Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk 26468 helicopter gave an impressive display including simulating the rescue of a downed US pilot. The display showed tight flying and an impressive pyrotechnics explosion representing the US aircraft crash. USAF parachutists (from the C-130) landed to secure the area and make contact with the downed pilot. All in all, a good demonstration of capabilities and teamwork.
The SAAF C-130BZ Hercules display is always characterized by a distinctive exhaust trail. These dependable and reliable transports have served the SAAF well and on wonders how long they will soldier on for until they have to be replaced.
Some regard an original piston engine Dakota as a "true" Dakota and the TP conversion as a bastardization of a classic airframe. Whatever your opinion, the SAAF Museum 6859 was there to please and please it did. What a graceful display.
One of the anticipated events was the 17 Squadron Oryx 1217, call sign "Spider" releasing flares. This is always spectacular and is a great photo opportunity and one relies on the commentator to warn the crowd as this is about to happen. Blink or turn away at the wrong moment and you will miss it.
The military vehicle demonstration and test track area was right up against the spectator fence and allowed a close up view of the vehicles in action. A favourite was the water trench which some of the vehicles sped through, making spectacular splashes and spewing mud everywhere. The German Leopard tank was truly impressive, especially its menacing pose across the ramp. There were always crowds around when it reversed off, or drove onto its transport carrier. The US was not to be outdone, showing how a Stryker ICV could become airborne. I noted that its subsequent displays were somewhat subdued. The SA Rooikat showed dexterous maneuverability and speed and the Olifant tank looked like it meant business. These displays were a real crowd pleaser and added a valuable dimension to the overall experience.
Formation Teams and Flypasts
Close your eyes when you hear the rasp of multiple Pratt & Whitney Wasp radial engines and let your mind wander back to the days of 7 Squadron's Harvards at Ysterplaat and Youngsfield....The evergreen Flying Lions aerobatic team with their new Cell C sponsorship colours standing out against the clear blue sky were a sight to behold. The team led by Arnie Miragelli gave their normal polished display; with new call numbers 1 - 4 painted on the cowlings: No 1 ZU-AYS, No 2 ZU-BET, No 3 ZU-BEU and No 4 ZU-BMC.
A new civilian aerobatic team consisting of RV 7 and RV 8, types, built at Robin Cross Aviation in Cape Town (ZU-CLI, ZU-MPH and ZU-LGN), put on a interesting display. Something different to the Pitts teams we normally see.
South Africa's "cockpit ambassadors", the SAAF's Silver Falcons aerobatic team gave their normal polished performances in their Pilatus PC 7 Mk 2 Astras 2025(1), 2020(2), 2018(3), 2017(4) and 2027(5). They had an imaginative new display sequence with a new manoeuvre of two opposing aircraft flying through the "box," which was particularly exciting. I am sure that such displays inspire many "would be" pilots to join the SAAF.
In tribute to the 75th anniversary of the Dakota, which first flew on 17 December 1935, there was a 4 ship SAAF Dakota flypast (1 x piston engine and 3 x TP). Unfortunately, the time allocated to this was too short, with only two quick passes.
As a tribute to the SAAF 90th birthday celebrations in 2010, a 19 aircraft formation by the some of the Silver Falcons and other Astra aircraft from CFS Langebaanweg flew over in the shape of the numbers 90.
There was a mass SAAF helicopter fly past and display comprising of 4 x Oryx, 1 x Rooivalk, 1 x Lynx, 2 x Augusta 109 and 1 X BK117.
A special event was the formation of the C-17 Globemaster III and the Silver Falcons, another first for South Africa. This formation thundered serenely and majestically over the display line and was a unique photo opportunity.
Many people stopped me to ask where the Thunder City Lightnings, Buccaneers and Hawker Hunters were and why they were not flying at the air show. It seemed like there was an expectation that they would automatically be there. I must admit to feeling more than a twinge of sadness that they weren't. RIP Thunder City.
Technical Bumph
For the more technically minded or good old fashioned enthusiast, here is a list of some (not exhaustive) of the participating SAAF aircraft serial numbers. If this doesn't excite you, skip to the next paragraph:
Augusta Westland A-109: 4001, 4003, 4012, 4017 (hoisting demo) and 4018.
Augusta Westland Lynx helicopters: 191, 192 (static display), 193 and 194.
BAE Hawks: 263, the SA flag coloured Hawk 272 and 254 on static display.
BK117: 380 and 382.
CASA 212: 8010.
Cessna Caravan: 3005 and 3009.
Douglas Dakota C-47 TP: 6840, 6877 and piston engined 6859.
Lockheed C-130BZ Hercules: 402, 405 and 406.
Pilatus PC 7 Mk 2 Astras of the SAAF Silver Falcons aerobatic team: 2025(1), 2020(2), 2018(3), 2017(4) and 2027(5) and 2024 (spare with duplicate no 3). No, I did not get the serials of the 19 Astras in the ‘90' formation.
North American Harvard: 7231.
Oryx helicopters: 1200, 1209, 1212, 1217, 1223, 1226, 1229 with floatation gear on static display, 1234, 1238 and 1244 (with floatation gear).
Rooivalk: 677 and 670 on static display.
SAAB JAS-39 Gripen: 02, 09 and 11 on static display.
Foreign Participation
Overseas military participation was more extensive than AAD2008 with the USAF being the main contributor.
From the Air Force of Zimbabwe, based at Thornhill, Harare, two K-8 trainer / light attack aircraft 2021C and 2017H and a CASA support aircraft s/n 812 (which was parked out of sight behind the fire section) participated in the show. It is always great to see our neighbours at AAD.
Static Aircraft and Displays
While many came for the air show, there was plenty to see on static display, both in and outside the exhibition halls: probably not enough time to see everything properly, unless you were there both days. The flight line was populated with many aircraft types, moving in and out for their respective displays. Civilian business jets, helicopters, UAVs, military vehicles and weapons systems were spread out all over.
Quite a few aircraft on static display were "open" to the public. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III was open for the public to walk through, with some some lucky enough to get up to the cockpit. This is a NATO Strategic Airlift Capacity (SAC) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III (PAPA 03) and this aircraft is based at the Papa Airbase in Hungary.
Various civilian helicopters were on display, such as the Russian Helicopter Corporation's Ansat and the Eurocopter AS350, which was delivered to the Namibian Police Force. There was also the AMS Agusta Westland 119Ke in medical rescue colours.
Military vehicles, tanks, infantry combat vehicles and weapons systems abounded, with youngsters climbing in and over many of them. A nice touch was the historic side with a WWII armoured vehicle and Crusader tank on display. There also were SA Navy divers in water tank to demonstrate and generate interest in a vital but somewhat uncommon career option.
The USAF General Atomics MQ-1 Predator UAV (AF s/n 074) was on static display. This was the first time it had been seen in South Africa and generated much interest. It looked sinister with its bulbous nose and no cockpit. It is also bigger than the impression one gets from photographs and TV images and was interesting to compare it to the more familiar UAVs on display at the Denel stand.
There was also a dedicated Youth Development Centre which was a great introduction of aviation and opportunities to the youth of South Africa. This outreach is to be encouraged.
The SAAF Museum Cape Town at Ysterplaat had some of their aircraft on display with members (volunteers) from the Friends of the SAAF Museum on hand to answer questions and promote the Museum and hopefully recruit some more members. Aircraft on display were: Shackleton 1722 and Dakota 6832 in her K-OD 1950's colour scheme with Springbok roundels (the famous Coelacanth Dakota which is being restored), Impala 460 (the first one for the SAAF); Mirage F1 213, Mirage III 857, Harvard 7293, Super Frelon 314 helicopter, the S-55 helicopter in Royal Navy colours, Piaggio P-166 Albatross 96, North American Sabre 372 which has been magnificently restored as 601 Sherdanor II, which is a SAAF Korean War Sabre, anti-aircraft missiles, a target drone and a Marmon Herrington armoured car which was used for airfield defence. An Impala simulator and a beautifully restored WWII Junkers Jumo jet engine was on display in one of the hangers. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase not only the new and modern, but importantly the historical side as well.
IPMS Cape Town (the Cape Scale Modelers Club) had two impressive themed displays; SAAF 90 with examples of most of the various aircraft used by the SAAF to date, and a Dakota 75th tribute with over 20 models of the Dakota in various colour schemes; in all over 250 models on show.
Highlights
Some of my personal favourites were:
1. The mini-war set piece demonstration.
2. Seeing the Stryker ICV airborne over the vehicle testing area / obstacle course.
3. Posing of the SANDF Rooikat armoured fighting vehicle on the sand ramp with the SAAF Rooivalk attack helicopter hovering overhead.
4. Mass aircraft formations.
5. SAAF Museum aircraft display: Shackleton 1722 and Dakota 6832 (both unfortunately ground-bound).
Lost opportunities
Some of my personal gripes and frustration over missed / lost opportunities and what could have been are:
1. The USAF Lockheed C-5 Galaxy at Cape Town International Airport could have flown in a loose formation with the Globemaster III. Unfortunately it stayed earthbound at CTI and did not even do a flypast over Ysterplaat.
2. The SAAF C-130BZ could have could have flown in a loose formation with the USAF Lockheed Martin C-130J. Possibly also the Spartan and / or Globemaster III. What a missed potential photo opportunity!
3. Lack of civilian business jets, general aviation aircraft and helicopters on the public air show. One got the impression that this was a military air show only. No fly-bys by civilian airliners like at AAD2008.
While some lamented the scarcity / sparseness of the types of aircraft on display, the unfilled gaps in the flying program and the repetitive displays of the same aircraft, the realities of the slow recovery from the world economic crisis of 2008 / 2009 must be taken into account. AAD2010 still provided something for everybody. Food, parking and toilet facilities were fine, and anyone complaining about a traffic delay had only themselves to blame if they didn't start out early enough.
To the management of AAD 2010: Geoff van Hees - Exhibition Manager and Billy Nel - Head of Marketing and Public Relations, and their teams, a very big thanks. The media centre was well organized and well run and was of great assistance in providing the facilities to produce this report and the accompanying photographs. The photographers' area and placement on the far side of the runway was especially appreciated. The siting of raised stands along sections of the crowd line for the public to sit on was a great idea and well received. Pre-show ticket sales largely avoided congestion and the parking was fine. The staff and management of AFB Ysterplaat can also be very proud of the success of this five-day event. Other recognition which is seldom given must go to the base emergency services and ATC services for their contribution.
Commentary and announcements were ably handled by the Capital Sounds team headed by Brian Emmenis. Other persons also added to the commentary at various stages.
At the end of the day there were thousands of satisfied air show goers, who wished that it would happen more frequently.
See you all at AAD 2012 at AFB Waterkloof in Pretoria!
