Leading aviation publications regard the Oryx as the best medium transport helicopter in the world. This is also the viewpoint of foreign flight crews, who had the privilege of flying this exceptional helicopter. Outside France, the SAAF was the largest user of the venerable, Aerospatiale SA 330 Puma. South Africa was the first export customer for this type and received the Puma, almost one year before Britain. Operations with the SAAF made the Puma a legend in the chopper world - at the time, regarded as the best medium transport helicopter, anywhere. From the snow capped mountains of the Drakensberg, the vast seas around South Africa, to the Bush War - many adventure seekers, seamen and soldiers owe their lives to this versatile helicopter.

Oryx Mk. 1

The Alpha XH-1.

The Oryx can trace its origins back to the Bush War. Despite the efforts of the gunship Alouette, the need for a dedicated gunship was recognized. Atlas Aircraft Corporation (now DENEL Aviation), produced an experimental attack helicopter, the Alpha XH-1. This helicopter was used for feasibility studies and could not serve any practical purpose - this led to the more powerful XTP-1 in April, 1987. Two XTP-1s were converted, and based on a Puma J airframe. Various weapons and other systems were tested on XTP-1 and paved the way for Project: Rooivalk! However, the dynamic flight components of the XTP-1, made Atlas realise what advantages, a so called upgraded Puma could have.

Puma XTP-1.

In order to demonstrate the Oryx phenomenal power, a 10 000ft challenge between the "Vlammies" ("Vlamgat" - burning backside, due to the afterburner section - all jet pilots in the SAAF are called "Vlamgat") and the Chopper boys, caused great sensation among aviation enthusiasts! The Oryx challenged a Mirage F1 to 10 000ft. Although, the F1 got there first by about 300ft, the Oryx shows by what degree, helicopter technology has progressed from the original Sikorsky VS300 design. The Oryx is a remarkable machine and probably the only medium transport helicopter, capable of such a challenge. The challenge was won by Cmdt D Prinsloo, OC 1 Sqdn.