A109

Oryx: Battlefield mobility

The SANDF then showcased the modern battlefield with a demonstration of small calibre weapons found at platoon level. This included assault rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers and small calibre mortars. Helicopters have changed the both the face and operational use of combat equipment. In today’s battlefield everything is highly mobile. Two Oryx medium transport helicopters and an A109 from 17 Sqdn showcased exactly this aspect.

 Troops were deployed by repelling from the Oryx and their Gecko specialist vehicles with the use of the cargo sling moved into position to offer the troops extra mobility once on the ground. During this time the A109 acted as aerial scout and as the command and control aircraft.  

Large calibre fire power demo:

Vulture UAV

It was with great pride the individual members positioned their hardware for the fire power demo. Still part of the “mini-war” display, artillery is far more than firing a high-tech explosive shell through the air. Modern artillery is based on exact science, fundamental maths, advanced ballistics, meteorology, reconnaissance and communication equipment for a digital battlefield amongst others. All of these elements were demonstrated or placed on static display. Launched as part of the display was the Vulture UAV used for battlefield reconnaissance and gun fire correction.

G6 Transporter