Post by Marcus on Apr 4, 2009 8:35:32 GMT 12
Hi all
The following from the Dean Wingrins unofficial SAAF website.
www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/767/gripen-debuts-at-air-capability-display
By Dean Wingrin
The new Gripen fighter participated in a simulated operational exercise for the first time during the Air Capability Display held by the SAAF at the Roodewal weapons range yesterday.
The Air Capability Display (ACD) is normally held twice a year in which the SAAF is able to demonstrate its operational capabilities, including co-operation with the others arms of the SANDF.
It is the only time invited dignitaries and guests are able to witness live weapon firing at close range. According to Lt.Gen. Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SAAF, the main beneficiaries of the recent ACD was the Joint Senior Command Staff College students, the Executive National Security Programme (ENSP) participants and industry.
The Roodewal Weapons Range is situated in the Northern Province, roughly halfway between Polokwane (previously Pietersburg) and AFB Makhado, near the town of Louis Trichardt. As such, it is conveniently situated for use by the new Hawk and Gripen. A narrow gravel runway is available for use by light transport aircraft and helicopters.
After an introductory speech by a relaxed looking Gagiano, Col Bain (SSO: Combat Systems) commenced an informative commentary as the events unfolded.
What followed was 90 minutes of incredible noise caused by the live firing of missiles, rockets, mortars, cannon and machine gun fire, with the continuous clatter of rotor blades overhead.
The display consisted of two sections which flowed from one to the other: humanitarian assistance and conventional warfare.
The Humanitarian Demonstration commenced with a low-level run in by a CASA 212 and a C-47TP, the formation pulling up in front of the crowd to demonstrate the Low-Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES).
Once the supplies hand landed by parachute, troops were brought in by Oryx helicopter and an under slung load was deposited on a truck. An Oryx then provided a water bombing demonstration with a Bambi bucket.
The demonstration then blended into the Conventional Demonstration. This scenario commenced with a photo recce flypast by a Hawk with top cover provided by two Gripen.
Following a simulation shoot-down of an ‘enemy' pilot, three Pathfinders were dropped by parachute from a Cessna 208 flying at altitude. A display of assault and blocking force was proved by the A109s.
Troops were then inserted via two Oryx , while another dropped off a Gecko vehicle. This force was covered by two Rooivalk attack helicopters and a A109.
The two Rooivalk then commenced attacking target with their 20mm cannon.
Two Oryx and two A109's then uplifted the troops after a mock battle which included 81mm motors.
The Rooivalk then re-commenced their live cannon firing.
With additional fire-power required, three Hawks commenced their run and also fired their 20mm Aden cannon at targets.
Two A109's, followed closely by two Oryx then flew towards the crowd. As the first three helicopters broke away, the rear Oryx let rip with flares!
The battlefield interdiction scenario included more gun firing by the Rooivlaks and then the Hawks dropped 120kg bombs. The Rooivalk then followed up the softening of the targets by firing their 70mm FFAR unguided rockets (to tremendous applause).
Al lthe while the Oryx and A109 helicopters were darting into and out the battlefield.
The Air Capability Demonstration then reached a climax with simultaneous firing of 70mm FFAR rockets from two Rooivalks!
The demonstration concluded with a flypast. However, this was no ordinary flypast.
While a formation of two Rooivalk, four oryx and four A109s flew towards the crowd, a formation of a C-47TP, CASA 212 and a Cessna 208 approached from the right!
Then a formation of three Hawks and two Gripens broke overhead the crowd, followed by a final formation of four Hawks.
The SAAF has to be congratulated for organising a complicated demonstration in a safe and professional manner. The formation flying and coordination was excellent. The SAAF showed that it is capable of performing the various missions that it may be called upon to perform within the African peacekeeping context.
Due to the recent commencement of training pilots for the Hawk and Gripen, many of the jet pilots that participated in the demonstration were actually reserve force members.
The Unofficial SAAF website would like to thank Lt. Gen Gagiano and his staff for granting me the opportunity to attend the Air Capability Demonstration and for the hospitality provided.
The following from the Dean Wingrins unofficial SAAF website.
www.saairforce.co.za/news-and-events/767/gripen-debuts-at-air-capability-display
By Dean Wingrin
The new Gripen fighter participated in a simulated operational exercise for the first time during the Air Capability Display held by the SAAF at the Roodewal weapons range yesterday.
The Air Capability Display (ACD) is normally held twice a year in which the SAAF is able to demonstrate its operational capabilities, including co-operation with the others arms of the SANDF.
It is the only time invited dignitaries and guests are able to witness live weapon firing at close range. According to Lt.Gen. Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SAAF, the main beneficiaries of the recent ACD was the Joint Senior Command Staff College students, the Executive National Security Programme (ENSP) participants and industry.
The Roodewal Weapons Range is situated in the Northern Province, roughly halfway between Polokwane (previously Pietersburg) and AFB Makhado, near the town of Louis Trichardt. As such, it is conveniently situated for use by the new Hawk and Gripen. A narrow gravel runway is available for use by light transport aircraft and helicopters.
After an introductory speech by a relaxed looking Gagiano, Col Bain (SSO: Combat Systems) commenced an informative commentary as the events unfolded.
What followed was 90 minutes of incredible noise caused by the live firing of missiles, rockets, mortars, cannon and machine gun fire, with the continuous clatter of rotor blades overhead.
The display consisted of two sections which flowed from one to the other: humanitarian assistance and conventional warfare.
The Humanitarian Demonstration commenced with a low-level run in by a CASA 212 and a C-47TP, the formation pulling up in front of the crowd to demonstrate the Low-Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES).
Once the supplies hand landed by parachute, troops were brought in by Oryx helicopter and an under slung load was deposited on a truck. An Oryx then provided a water bombing demonstration with a Bambi bucket.
The demonstration then blended into the Conventional Demonstration. This scenario commenced with a photo recce flypast by a Hawk with top cover provided by two Gripen.
Following a simulation shoot-down of an ‘enemy' pilot, three Pathfinders were dropped by parachute from a Cessna 208 flying at altitude. A display of assault and blocking force was proved by the A109s.
Troops were then inserted via two Oryx , while another dropped off a Gecko vehicle. This force was covered by two Rooivalk attack helicopters and a A109.
The two Rooivalk then commenced attacking target with their 20mm cannon.
Two Oryx and two A109's then uplifted the troops after a mock battle which included 81mm motors.
The Rooivalk then re-commenced their live cannon firing.
With additional fire-power required, three Hawks commenced their run and also fired their 20mm Aden cannon at targets.
Two A109's, followed closely by two Oryx then flew towards the crowd. As the first three helicopters broke away, the rear Oryx let rip with flares!
The battlefield interdiction scenario included more gun firing by the Rooivlaks and then the Hawks dropped 120kg bombs. The Rooivalk then followed up the softening of the targets by firing their 70mm FFAR unguided rockets (to tremendous applause).
Al lthe while the Oryx and A109 helicopters were darting into and out the battlefield.
The Air Capability Demonstration then reached a climax with simultaneous firing of 70mm FFAR rockets from two Rooivalks!
The demonstration concluded with a flypast. However, this was no ordinary flypast.
While a formation of two Rooivalk, four oryx and four A109s flew towards the crowd, a formation of a C-47TP, CASA 212 and a Cessna 208 approached from the right!
Then a formation of three Hawks and two Gripens broke overhead the crowd, followed by a final formation of four Hawks.
The SAAF has to be congratulated for organising a complicated demonstration in a safe and professional manner. The formation flying and coordination was excellent. The SAAF showed that it is capable of performing the various missions that it may be called upon to perform within the African peacekeeping context.
Due to the recent commencement of training pilots for the Hawk and Gripen, many of the jet pilots that participated in the demonstration were actually reserve force members.
The Unofficial SAAF website would like to thank Lt. Gen Gagiano and his staff for granting me the opportunity to attend the Air Capability Demonstration and for the hospitality provided.