SAA and Silver Falcons

The SAA had dispatched an Airbus 319 as part of the display for this show. In a pretty unique display this Airbus performed a flypast display in conjunction with the SAAF Silver Falcons in their Pilatus PC7 Astras. It is not every day that we are entertained with this sort of formation. The Airbus, flown by Johnny Woods and Brad Bennets then went on to perform a very spirited solo display. Once the Airbus display was concluded enter show right, The SAAF Silver Falcons. As always the Silver Falcons are well received by the appreciative crowd and are worthy flying display ambassadors for the SAAF.

Brain Emmenis vs the band

And the band won....

In what was a poorly laid out plan a large stage had been setup in the public area facing inwards to the VIP area. A local Kwaito star was performing to the crowds but unfortunately the volume and direction of the performance was such that the commentary from the Capitol Sounds team was totally drowned out. This left those who were watching the airshow totally in the dark as to what was happening in the displays. This lasted for around 2 hours. An airshow without the commentary is a most frustrating event indeed and it is hoped that in future a more appropriate location for this act (if included again) be devised.

Mini War

Rooivalk - always popular with the crowd

The SANDF and SAAF really came to the party in Mafikeng with a major support in the form of flying displays and the demonstration of the tactical use of air power. This started off with a path finding task team parachuting into “enemy” territory to locate and engage a hostile force. This team consisted of members of the BDF (Botswana Defence Force) Special Services and SANDF Special Forces. It was scheduled to have a large military paradrop but due to the high winds we were experiencing this was cancelled. Instead the Hercules landed and the attack forces with their Geckos were disembarked to form up for the attack. Oryx helicopters performing in a trooping and battlefield support role brought more troops into the fray with their vehicles. Fire support from the air was provided by a Rooivalk attack helicopter providing suppression fire. Two of the SAAF Cheetah Cs also entered the battle in support of the ground troops with strafing attacks and canon fire. Not to be outdone the Army had fire support from a mortar team deployed on some high ground overlooking the battle field. Lots of bangs to thrill the crowd as well as constant action with multiple helicopters buzzing around were the order of the day.

C130 from 28 Sqdn

The effective use of airpower to support the ground troops ranging from insertion into the combat zone right through to emergency casevac was fully demonstrated to the public.  The whole event was narrated by General Alexander from 1 Parachute Battalion. This entire mini war was well received by the spectators.