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You are here: Home arrow Knowledge Base arrow Choppers arrow DENEL Aviation Oryx Mk1 & Mk2
DENEL Aviation Oryx Mk1 & Mk2 E-mail
Written by Anton Dyason - IPMS SA Media Group   
Sunday, 19 December 2004
Page 4 of 8
 

Colour Scheme:

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Highly effective camouflage scheme.
Upon delivery, the original Puma was painted in an all over Dark Green/ Green Drab colour. This was replaced by a wrap around Dark Earth and Dark Green camouflage pattern. The Oryx Mk. 1 also use the same colour scheme. There are no plans to update the scheme to the three tone scheme, as used on the Rooivalk. During the Border War the, two tone scheme was highly effective and this is still the case today. The flight crews admit, that even to their trained eyes, it is difficult at times, to spot a static Oryx or Alouette III in the bush or veld. The so-called "Maritime Oryx" was painted in an all over Blue Seagrey colour. The Oryx Mk. 2 use a brilliant white and bright red colour scheme. A few examples have appeared in an overall matt white colour scheme with minimal markings as part of UN support operations throughout Africa.  

The flight crew, which comprises a pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer, regard these machines as the Rolls Royce of transport helicopters. It's a pilot's delight, lots of power, well balanced flight controls, very manoeuvrable, rugged, reliable and very long legged. The Rooivalk's demonstration at airshows is legendary, but the Oryx quickly established loyal aviation enthusiasts of its own. The flying demonstration, which normally start with a high speed, low level fly past from left to right, is amazing to say the least, for such a large transport helicopter! Nowadays, it is a firm favourite with the aviation public and very popular at air shows. Foreign aircrews that flew the Oryx agree - it is an exceptional machine.

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  • More Than Game - H. Potgieter
  • African Air Forces - W. Brent
  • Ad Astra - various
  • IPMS SA Nat. mag. '94 - articles by L. Vosloo
  • On wings of Eagles - D. Becker
  • Aircraft of the SAAF - H. Potgieter
  • Airreport '94 - H. Potgieter
  • Flight International - various
  • Janes Defense Weekly - Various
  • Oryx Flight crews – anonymous

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Last Updated ( Sunday, 19 November 2006 )
 
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