SAAF developing high-tech missile

IT Web, August 24: The SA Air Force (SAAF) is investing R292 million in completing the development of a state-of-the-art antitank guided missile to arm its controversial Rooivalk attack helicopter. The Rooivalk project has been underway since 1984 and has so far cost about R8 billion. It is not clear if the millions being invested in the Mokopa missile is part of that amount or whether it is "new" money.

The Mokopa is being developed as part of Project Impose, the overall Rooivalk development programme. The missile is a ‘fire-and-forget" weapon that once allocated a target uses its internal processing power and sensors to guide itself to intercept. The first air-launched tests from a Rooivalk helicopter took place in 1999, with the first guided tests following in 2000. The missile manufacturer, Denel, considers the missile to be very accurate. It is set to be accurate to a point within 30cm of the aiming spot at 10km. 

Defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota has told Parliament the SAAF has to date spent R120 million on the missile's development. Another R4.6 million is being spent on the missile this year and a further R98.25 million is expected to be spent on turning the missile into an operational tool. The SAAF has also banked R70 million to buy the missile when development is completed in July 2009.

Lekota also told MPs in a written answer to questions that the Rooivalk will be classified partially operational in May next year. Development is expected to wrap up in 2009. The aircraft, once a technological marvel, has had a troubled life. Lekota conceded that "progress on the Rooivalk program appears to be hampered by problems at Denel." The parastatal has posted losses for the last several years and has reported severe skills shortages in many key areas. Ironically, some of the development work on the helicopter includes upgrades and life-extension programmes.  

Lekota also updated MPs on the cockpit upgrade of the Pilatus Astra basic trainer used by the air force. He told MPs in a written answer to questions that 35 of the Astra aircraft are scheduled for an upgrade at a cost of R400 million. The minister said the central cockpit display started discolouring to the point where most of the liquid crystal displays were becoming unreadable. "These displays were supplied in the early 1990s by a now-defunct local company and have become obsolete to the extent that they have to be replaced," his answer said in part. "Subsequent to the initial estimates, further engineering studies were conducted and it was concluded that the only lasting solution to the Astra avionics obsolescence problems was a total cockpit upgrade."

The minister added the upgrade would be conducted by Pilatus, the original equipment manufacturer. "The upgrade will extend the lifespan of the Astra by a further 20 years. Armscor has been given the authority to negotiate timescales to meet the SAAF's requirement before the contract is placed."

Source: IT Web