Rooivalk

Rooivalk crew

From Bloemfontein the home of 16 Sqdn the SAAF’s most enthusiastic Rooivalk driver, Maj Steve Lodge with Hugo Visser as his WSO attended in Rooivalk 675. Following his display of flying cover for the simulated mini war at the Mafikeng airshow in October, Steve Lodge once again performed his breathtaking Rooivalk routine which showcases the exceptional human machine interface and power to weight ratio of this 8 tonne class attack helicopter.

NatureLink

PAC 750 XL

Chris Breiers demonstrated the PAC 750L and what this aircraft lacks in looks it certainly makes up for in functionality. Manufactured by the Pacific Aerospace Corporation from New Zealand this aircraft has phenomenal short take-off performance. In addition Naturelink also displayed the beautiful TBM 850.

Mini War – Airbase under attack!

TFDC pulled out all the stops for the subsequent displays as part of the ensuing mini war demonstration following the sounding of an air raid siren. Prior to the siren spectators were treated to the “bombing up” of the regular Cheetah C of TFDC no 344. Six inert Mk81 120kg bombs were attached to various pylons on the Cheetah with use of specialised ground handling equipment. This was accomplished in a relatively short time by the ground crew performing their team sequence to the letter. Maj Lance Wellington performed the “bomb run” to simulate the airbase being under attack. To aid viewing the inert bombs the ground crew painted the inert bombs in bright yellow & orange, over night to be ready on the Saturday morning.

Cheetah ground crew weapons handling

2v1

Three ship Cheetah formation - 2 Squadron

From AFB Makhado, 2 Sqdn attended with three Cheetah Cs. Let by Don Dormehl the Cheetahs were scrambled to “deal” with the attacking aircraft. After take-off the trio performed what has become the signature display of the squadron, the 2 versus 1 mock air to air display.