SAAF pays tribute to late Rooivalk father, Dr Paul Potgieter

The South African Air Force (SAAF) has honoured ‘the father of the Rooivalk’ attack helicopter, Dr Paul Potgieter, who tragically passed away last month.

A memorial service took place at Moreleta Church on 12 January and was attended by family, friends and close associates in the aviation industry, as well as members of the SAAF.

Potgieter died on 13 December in a car accident while travelling from Pretoria to the coast along the N1 highway. According to witnesses, Potgieter swerved to avoid a loose truck tire on the road, and crashed into an oncoming Ford Transit van, Netwerk24 reported. The three occupants of the Transporter survived, although were critically injured.

Potgieter was one of South African’s esteemed aerospace engineers, and was the father of the Atlas (now Denel) Rooivalk helicopter programme of the 1980s.

The Rooivalk is the first, and to date only, attack helicopter to have been developed in Africa – a significant achievement. Originally conceived as a Cold War tank buster, the Rooivalk has since November 2013 been engaged in peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it has performed exceptionally well in support of the United Nations.

The Rooivalk was designed and built to withstand the tough African environment – it has excess power for high payload and agility, basic maintenance requirements and high levels of protection and redundancy to ensure it can survive combat damage. The Rooivalk first flew in 1990 and became fully operational in 2011, with eleven in service. Denel developed the Mokopa 10 km range anti-tank missile specifically for the Rooivalk, which has been exported – the programme as a whole has been a success story for local industry.

After leaving Atlas, Potgieter established Aerosud as a pioneering, private-sector aerostructures engineering firm.

Linden Birns, another well-known figure in the South African aviation sector and MD of Plane Talking, explained that back when Potgieter was establishing Aerosud, South Africa was still subject to international sanctions and Aerosud occupied a modest facility at Grand Central Airport in Midrand.

“One of its first challenging projects was to successfully modify the Mirage F1 and Cheetah D aircraft to accommodate the Klimov engine used in Russia’s MiG-29 fighters. Within months of the first proving flights, sanctions were lifted and the project was shut down. Paul saw the opportunity and grabbed it, becoming one of the first private-sector South African aerospace leaders and innovators to forge industrial ties with UK & EU (Airbus, GKN, BAE Systems) and US (Boeing, Spirit),” Birns explained.

“Our paths crossed several times from the early 1990s, initially when I was a journalist covering the industry. When I started working as Airbus’s PR advisor, Paul badgered me into facilitating an introduction to Airbus so he could present Aerosud’s alternative lower-deck cabin crew rest pod solution for Airbus’s A330 and A340 widebody jetliners.

“It took a few years for the two companies to get to know each other and for Airbus to place its confidence in Aerosud. The relationship helped transform Aerosud. It became an exclusive supplier of components and sub-structures to Airbus and Boeing. In doing so, Aerosud has been able to establish and support its own supplier network, which includes niche firms such as Daliff Engineering in Cape Town.

“In recent years Paul and his son, Paul Potgieter Junior, drove the AHRLAC project (an advanced high-performance two-seater reconnaissance light aircraft). But a falling out between Aerosud and its then shareholder, Paramount, saw the latter take over the programme,” Birns continued.

He added that Paul was devoted to the industry in South Africa, its growth and nurturing young talent to fill a pipeline of skilled people for South Africa’s high-tech industry.

Potgieter was a founder of the Aerospace, Maritime & Defence (AMD) industry body and a key supporter of the Commercial Aerospace Manufacturers Association of South Africa (CAMASA). He conceived the Centurion Aerospace Village as a Special Economic Zone for the local aerospace cluster, (which is still to realise its potential).

Paul was an early adopter of carbon composites, thermo-plastics and novel metallics for aerospace components. In 2011 he persuaded the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Laser Centre to launch the Aeroswift project, to develop and commercialise scaled-up 3D printing of large aircraft parts using titanium powder, which aligned with SA’s minerals beneficiation policy, Birns explained.

In an obituary by Aerosud Aviation, Potgieter’s impact on his company and its workers was described as “immeasurable”.

“His unwavering passion, innovative spirit, and dedication to excellence have been the guiding forces that shaped our organisation into what it is today,” Aerosud said. “Beyond his professional achievements, Dr Potgieter was a beacon of inspiration, reminding us to dream big and persevere in the face of challenges.”

In his memorial address on 12 January, Brigadier General Donavan Chetty, SAAF Director Corporate Staff Services, on behalf of Chief of Air Force, Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, reflected on Potgieter’s contributions in his development and design of the Rooivalk.

“Dr Potgieter, through his sterling work on the Rooivalk project, has given an indelible jab to the aerospace industry and the nation at large that we must never look down upon ourselves. I can state here without any fear of contradiction that it would be a dishonour to Dr Potgieter’s legacy should the aerospace industry and the country fail to outpace what he managed to showcase to the country and industry’s design and production abilities,” Chetty said.

He added the SAAF and broader South African National Defence Force stands with pride, having tested the Rooivalk attack helicopter in battle and confirmed its power against adversaries. Mourners at Moreleta Church were reminded of the historic battle in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in November 2013, where the Rooivalk played a pivotal role in defeating the M23 rebellion – days after it was deployed as part of the United Nations mission there, the M23 announced a ceasefire, in large part due to the actions of SAAF Rooivalks.

In closing, Chetty, as reported by Ad Astra Sergeant Lebogang Ramaboea, said, “The SA Air Force and the defence force at large hereby salutes the now rested gentle giant of our country and aerospace industry.”

The SA Air Force commemorated Potgieter by presenting his family a hand drawn pencil portrait of the Doctor with the Rooivalk by Sergeant Sibiya of Air Force Base Langebaanweg.

Potgieter’s ashes were delivered by a SAAF Rooivalk crew to the family at the church as he took his first and last flight in the aircraft he created.

off topic:

Israeli influencers boldly pushing for Trump despite all the support from Biden, are completely stupid.

If Biden beats Trump, they'll pay heavily for it.

Faithful007:
off topic:

Israeli influencers boldly pushing for Trump despite all the support from Biden, are completely stupid.

If Biden beats Trump, they'll pay heavily for it.

What are you on about?
Of course the rabid Zionist nutters prefer Trump, who'll actively cheer them on as they obliterate all Palestinians.
In their shoes which would you prefer: Trump who says "Israel, right or wrong", or Biden who also offers unconditional support, whilst muttering ineffectual and hypocritical chastisement to appease various target audiences?

BTW, still waiting for proper reasoned argument behind all the assertions you made about Tucano and Mwari

A tale of 2 maps.
If you know, you know.

Baller254:


because with trump this war would have probably never happened or lasted this long, ukraine too
any common sense person can see trump is anti war and kept the world at peace, global inflation was low, oil prices low
with all thats going on why would any sensible person support the woke child castrating evil warmongering lefties

Lol 🤡

So you mean Trump would've stopped Israel from attacking Palestine? His MAGA cacus are busy in Congress asking for the war to escalate. Desantis even said that Palestinians should be evicted.

FDR no democratic president has ever started a conflict. All wars by the US in recent times were all started by Republican presidents.

Trump who you want to lick his ass opened up a front with Iran which caused US bases in the middle east to be attacked to the extent that most had to close. Anti-war indeed. Idiot.

yes trump would have prevented the war from happening by tightening the noose on iran (Hamas largest funder and supporter), Ukraine would have never happened too.
the demented biden is viewed as weak more concerned with transitioning children into transpeople with sex changes
cope all you want the democrats are going to loose.
they have mismanaged their economy inflation is crazy, opened borders for mass illegal immigration, and are behind the sickest form of child mutilation and gender politics that will be eventually be pushed onto other countries ,

mark this post. democrats are loosing the 2024 elections

Faithful007:


Lol 🤡

So you mean Trump would've stopped Israel from attacking Palestine? His MAGA cacus are busy in Congress asking for the war to escalate. Desantis even said that Palestinians should be evicted.

FDR no democratic president has ever started a conflict. All wars by the US in recent times were all started by Republican presidents.

Trump who you want to lick his ass opened up a front with Iran which caused US bases in the middle east to be attacked to the extent that most had to close. Anti-war indeed. Idiot.

!

good day, chiefs Lurker4long and Jln115. Sorry for bothering you guys. Wanted to ask if there is a specific department responsible for joint military operations in SA. Thanks.

wigan56:
good day, chiefs Lurker4long and Jln115. Sorry for bothering you guys. Wanted to ask if there is a specific department responsible for joint military operations in SA. Thanks.

Yes, the Joint Operations Division, responsible for all operations, exercises and Special Forces.
http://www.jops.mil.za/Pages/Home.aspx

Lurker4Long:

Yes, the Joint Operations Division, responsible for all operations, exercises and Special Forces.
http://www.jops.mil.za/Pages/Home.aspx

That's my other account chief. Thanks. What about joint military training exercises?

Faithful007:
off topic:

Israeli influencers boldly pushing for Trump despite all the support from Biden, are completely stupid.

If Biden beats Trump, they'll pay heavily for it.

will Biden be able to do anything to the Israeli lobby in America? The fact, America keeps dancing to the tune of the Israelis means that lobby is just too powerful. Not even Obama who was almost openly loathing of netanyahu and more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, could do anything about Israel and their grip on America's foreign policy.

Lurker4Long:
A tale of 2 maps.
If you know, you know.

Do you use that language in Msanzi too or did you learn it here, ''if you know, you know''?

Stormtrooper11:

That's my other account chief. Thanks. What about joint military training exercises?

JOps handles all of that.

MiddleDimension:


Do you use that language in Msanzi too or did you learn it here, ''if you know, you know''?

My Naija sojourns being put to good use.

Our international sports people have a somewhat related saying, when they beat the odds: "Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie".
Meaning, "They don't know what we know".

MiddleDimension:


will Biden be able to do anything to the Israeli lobby in America? The fact, America keeps dancing to the tune of the Israelis means that lobby is just too powerful. Not even Obama who was almost openly loathing of netanyahu and more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, could do anything about Israel and their grip on America's foreign policy.

First of all, US is not dancing to the tune of Israel. Israel is the only trusted ally we have in ME. That's why things are the way they are.

You can never trust Turkey or Saudi Arabia or the rest of the Gulf, or Jordan or Pakistan.

You see the way US and Iran quickly moved from friends to sworn enemies. It can happen with any of those countries.

Baller254:
yes trump would have prevented the war from happening by tightening the noose on iran (Hamas largest funder and supporter), Ukraine would have never happened too.
the demented biden is viewed as weak more concerned with transitioning children into transpeople with sex changes
cope all you want the democrats are going to loose.
they have mismanaged their economy inflation is crazy, opened borders for mass illegal immigration, and are behind the sickest form of child mutilation and gender politics that will be eventually be pushed onto other countries ,

mark this post. democrats are loosing the 2024 elections

My bad. I shouldn't have allowed this argument cos it's clear whee most of your 'information' is coming from.

FYI I'm neither democratic or Republican although I'm more democratic definitely. But I quit political debates long ago.

Bidexiii kabe1 Goodnews

The viper discount deal with Slovakia apparently has broken down due to Slovakia's reluctance to send MIGs to Ukraine. This means that the 12 vipers are most likely going to Nigeria now. I guess that's part of what Blinken will mention in his Nigeria visit.

Faithful007:
Bidexiii kabe1 Goodnews

The viper discount deal with Slovakia apparently has broken down due to Slovakia's reluctance to send MIGs to Ukraine. This means that the 12 vipers are most likely going to Nigeria now. I guess that's part of what Blinken will mention in his Nigeria visit.

Nice one from Slovakia. Good to know that there are still some states in the EU that can't be pushed over or blackmailed by the US

Faithful007:
Bidexiii kabe1 Goodnews

The viper discount deal with Slovakia apparently has broken down due to Slovakia's reluctance to send MIGs to Ukraine. This means that the 12 vipers are most likely going to Nigeria now. I guess that's part of what Blinken will mention in his Nigeria visit.

If Slovakia Vipers never existed they can't be transferred to Nigeria.

Nigerian AH-1Z helicopters are going to be new build, different order from what Slovakia would get.

The United States hasn't really been fair to Nigeria, not until Trump presidency and we've been loyal.

Hopefully the AH-1Z deal for Nigeria sails successfully.

Faithful007:


First of all, US is not dancing to the tune of Israel. Israel is the only trusted ally we have in ME. That's why things are the way they are.

[sarc]I'm sure the crew and family of the USS Liberty take comfort in such naive platitudes.[/sarc]

I mean what do you call it when an Israeli prime minister (Netanyahu) decides to circumvent a US president (Obama) by approaching directly the GOP in Congress to stymie official US policy he finds obstreperous?

Impolite, but in the real world we call that "tail wagging the dog!

Or as Clinton so pungently said after a similar encounter with Netanyahu, "“Who the f**k does he think he is?, “Who’s the f**king superpower here?""

Faithful007:


First of all, US is not dancing to the tune of Israel. Israel is the only trusted ally we have in ME. That's why things are the way they are.

You can never trust Turkey or Saudi Arabia or the rest of the Gulf, or Jordan or Pakistan.

You see the way US and Iran quickly moved from friends to sworn enemies. It can happen with any of those countries.

The US does not treat the UK, germany, Japan, South Korea, and The Philipines the way they treat Israel. So, yes, America dances to the tune of the State of Israel.

Faithful007:


First of all, US is not dancing to the tune of Israel. Israel is the only trusted ally we have in ME. That's why things are the way they are.

You can never trust Turkey or Saudi Arabia or the rest of the Gulf, or Jordan or Pakistan.

You see the way US and Iran quickly moved from friends to sworn enemies. It can happen with any of those countries.

Here is Netanyahu saying he can move America in the ''right direction'', more like I will make them dance to Israel's tune.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlnMflMdeZw&pp=ygU-bmV0YW55YWh1IG9uIGtub3dpbmcgaG93IHRvIG1vdmUgTWVyaWNhIGluIHRoZSByaWdodCBkaXJlY3Rpb24%3D

New local made tug boat . Algeria

El bassel class

Agusta Westland 101 Merlin [Rescue]

Mers el kbir naval base algeria

Nimr LRSOV , locally produced algeria

Missed the Algerian

MiddleDimension:


The US does not treat the UK, germany, Japan, South Korea, and The Philipines the way they treat Israel. So, yes, America dances to the tune of the State of Israel.

Well they do have a lot in common. There both colonial nations founded upon the violent conquest & genocide of another people’s land with deep rooted prejudices towards various minority groups. There practically brothers and family has to stick together after all especially when they share similar interests.

Off-topic

GreenandGold, another of those Cape windless summer evenings, outdoors at Maynardville, with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.