₦airaland Forum

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

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

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.

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GreenandGold:
Look who showed up at my former church.

He's here so regularly we should just give him citizenship!

MiddleDimension:
I am not a lawyer.

Ah, I see now I was confusing you with GeneralFarouq, who had mentioned being a lawyer, previously.

GeneralFarouq:
Off topic.
There is a nation that has guts
S.Africa fought for Palestinians today at the Hague, for the first time, I now understand why some are so jealous of this country!!!
Max Du Pelssi, summed up Isreal actions as calculated effort to commiting Genocide, wiping out the heritage, and identity of Palestinian pple.
Young Lawyers like me, really do get inspired by selfless actions as S.A's

Masterful presentation.
Prof John Dugard taught me International Law.
So, so proud today.
Free Palestine!

I had to log on to a meeting when the proceedings began at the International Court of Justice this morning. Have just finished watching it now, and immensely proud of the SA legal team.
I eagerly await Israel's presentation tomorrow.

Free Palestine!

2023 a year of ‘good’ mixed with ‘bad’ and some ‘ugly’ for the SA defence industry
James Kerr - 5th January 2024

2023 showed that the SA defence industry (SADI) is mainly on its own when looking for solutions and market opportunities.

2023 kicked off with a bang and the rolling story of the Lady R docking in Simons Town. Allegations were made that a SADI role-player could have been exporting weapons to Russia. This proved to be incorrect, but the damage was done. The story grew a tentacle with the landing of an Il-76 at Air Force Base Waterkloof. These should not have been issues, but the switching off of transponders really was an ugly occurrence that tainted the country’s name. These own goals really don’t assist SADI when looking to promote South Africa as a source of solutions.

As a good element countering this issue, Reutech has developed a passive radar solution for detecting ‘dark’ vessels. The Reutech defence and electronics unit had a strong year, with the business unit offering significant value for shareholders. A new strategy under Trevor Raman is taking shape nicely.

The SADI electronics segment remains strong, as borne out by healthy export figures. The DoD is looking at acquiring new radar systems, low-cost target drones and electronic warfare systems. SAAB Grintek Defence (SGD) are consolidating their integrated electronic warfare self-defence solutions with new top management, progressing naval and airborne solutions, including IDAS 310 development. Hensoldt SA remains a shining light within the SADI. The ASTUS UAV, Quadome (Radar Division), Skylark-N (EW Division) and Striker II Helmet (Optronics Division) show the benefit Hensoldt offers. Reutech, SGD and Hensoldt SA show the potential of the larger electronics entities. 2023 also saw newcomers in the sensor arena. One such newcomer is ‘To-the-Point-International’ with a range of turret sights and integrated remote weapon solutions.

It seems to have been a good year for Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM). Multiple 40 mm and 155 mm ammunition contracts were secured during the year. This is good for the SADI as there is generally a ripple effect in securing contracts with new developments. The end of 2023 saw RDM demonstrating refurbished ammunition as well as announcing the development of a ramjet-powered 155 mm artillery round.

The SADI armoured vehicle segment was active in 2023. DCD Protected Mobility celebrated its 125th anniversary with the launch a new vehicle (Springbuck Weapons Carrier) to compliment its already impressive lineup. The Defence Demo Day provided the opportunity for potential local APC suppliers to demonstrate their vehicles (OTT Solutions’ Puma, Milkor 4×4, Twiga Nyathi, ICP Reva X and the DCD Protected Mobility Springbuck) with a view to a response to the Armscor APC RFI issued in January 2023.

SVI secured a first order for the six-wheeled Max 3. Paramount made headway in the armoured vehicle segment with news of multiple Mbombe 6 customers and entry into India in partnership with Bharat Forge manufacturing the Kalyani M4 (Mbombe 4 variant). The OTT Solutions Ratel Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP) fire power enhancement was demonstrated to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The Ratel SLEP maximises the use of local solutions for a system upgrade that is suitable for enhancing a total fighting vehicle capability. The armoured vehicle segment is showing resilience in a tough market. The new timelines for Project Hoefyster were released. 2024 looks to be an exciting year for Denel Land System. The Badger solution still seems to be touted as a ‘silver bullet’ for Denel’s ailments.

The SADI’s challenge remains government support. Really good news was the Minister of Defence pledging support for the SADI. This was followed by a strong budget speech. The Minister has committed to finalising Revised Level of Defence Ambition by March 2024.

In May 2023, it seemed that there would eventually be a Defence Industry Lekgotla. Bad news! The Defence Industry Lekgotla did not happen in 2023. This is a missed opportunity. AMD did facilitate discussions on the potential for Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives in the defence sector.

The PCDMV & JSCD conducted a joint study tour to Germany in June 2023. The study tour looked at the benefits the defence industry could offer the nation. Positive observations were made around the defence industry. The Ugly element remains the study tour recommendation affecting SADI that needs most urgent implementation is the urgent finalisation and implementation of the Directorate Conventional Arms Control (DCAC) electronic permit application system. Why is this still not complete? Future study tours really need to take in Turkey and South Korea as guiding countries for the defence industry.

With the 2024 elections on the horizon, Minister Modise may not have a chance to assist in guiding the SADI future until after June 2024 at the earliest. General SADI government support then remains in limbo.

Government has offered support for Denel’s revival through the implementation of the Denel turnaround strategy. The Top SANDF echelon is up to speed on Denel “mysteries” and CSANDF expressed support for Denel. This is positive. Finally, Denel received a permanent CEO appointment. According to the Minister of Finance, Denel still remains financially distressed, but a full time CEO that has the relevant experience can have a positive impact.

Unfortunately, the defence capability experienced ugly incidents towards the end of the year. In September, three SA Navy submariners died during an accident at sea, four SA Army soldiers died in a fatal road crash on route to Exercise Vuk’uhlome, and then there was the runaway veld fire that claimed the lives of six soldiers. The Board of Inquiry results are still awaited, but budget constraints could be seen as a contributing factor. The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence have also mentioned that budget increase is desirable, but it needs to be based on the Revised Level of Defence Ambition that these committees still have not seen.

From a local defence force perspective, some of the best news for the SADI was the staffing of the Defence Materiel Division positions Director Army Acquisition, Director Air Force Acquisition and Director Navy Acquisition from 1 December 2023. These are the people that can drive the renewal element of the SANDF Journey to Greatness, hopefully using SADI capabilities.

From the above, it seems that the SADI can be proud of 2023. The question remains what is the overarching goal for South Africa’s defence capability.

Written by James Kerr, Orion Consulting CC, which provides Market Entry Strategy and Bid & Proposal services to the Aerospace & Defence related industry and assists international SME mission system product suppliers to gain traction in South Africa.

Source: DefenceWeb

Lurker4Long:
I've now finished reading the SA "Genocide Convention" plea to the ICJ against Israel.
It is 84 pages of rational, densely referenced, persuasive argument.
Personally, I think it is 50/50 on the first charge, because I don't think the plea accomplishes the objective of demonstrating intent.
The 2nd charge, incitement, should be a cinch, especially as it's the words of Israeli politicians uttering some vile things, repeatedly.

The plea: https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20231228-app-01-00-en.pdf#page=72

Free Palestine!

BTW, the ICJ hearing is on 11&12 January and will be live-streamed on UN Web TV here:
https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule

GreenandGold:
34°Celsius is a normal day in the Lowveld, we don't consider it hot any more.

MiddleDimension:
why is that?

Am I correct in presuming you're a lawyer?
I love the philosophy behind and of the law. The practice I find to be bureaucratic drudgery. One proximate example would be the dichotomy believers experience between faith and organised religion.

MiddleDimension:
You are a lawyer?

I initially studied law, graduated and was about to start pupillage. Changed my mind and went back to do economics. So, even though I've got the certification, no, I'm not a lawyer.
The law as a discipline I still find fascinating, it's the practice I cannot abide.

I've now finished reading the SA "Genocide Convention" plea to the ICJ against Israel.
It is 84 pages of rational, densely referenced, persuasive argument.
Personally, I think it is 50/50 on the first charge, because I don't think the plea accomplishes the objective of demonstrating intent.
The 2nd charge, incitement, should be a cinch, especially as it's the words of Israeli politicians uttering some vile things, repeatedly.

The plea: https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20231228-app-01-00-en.pdf#page=72

Free Palestine!

Off-topic:

I was intending to go to Newlands Cricket Ground today to watch SA v India, but at 34°Celsius, happy to watch it on TV.
Well, there's still Thursday and Friday, if India lasts that long !

I weep for our continent!

Off-topic:
Last night was a glorious Cape Town night for rugby!

Faithful007:
They are not really the same kind of aircraft.

The Tucano is primarily an attack/CAS aircraft while the other one is more of a counter insurgency/ recon /loitering aircraft. The Tucano is much more powerful and is comparable to attack jets while the Bronco (or whatever its called) will be much more comparable to drones. By this, I bet its strength would lie in its range.

While they have a good level of overlap, they're not interchangeable.

Care to include some references to back up your opinion? Like what makes Tucano attack/CAS oriented? How is Mwari/Bronco deficient in this role? How is Tucano more powerful? etc etc?
Substantiate your argument beyond mere assertions (as I used to tell 1st year students back at university when I was a student tutor).
US SOCOM put them up in the same competition, won by the Air Tractor and from which Tucano was knocked out early.
I rather think SOCOM knows its stuff.

willybaby:
I also wanted this over the super tucano.

Exnavyboy62:
I preferred the Nigerian airforce purchased this instead of the Tucanos

It was nowhere ready then. They hadn't even moved to the 2nd prototype stage.
Even now, they're still busy with weapons integration and the aircraft in Mozambique is ISR only.

willybaby:
Oh my bad, production timeline etc of the bird I came across seems to be false then.

It's an honest mistake. There was an unusually long time from the pre-production model (2nd prototype) to the production model (3rd prototype). Contractual disputes between the AHRLAC Company and Paramount; Paramount and Boeing (resulting in the cancellation of that marketing agreement) etc.
What seems to have turned things around is when the aircraft made it to the last 5 shortlist of US SOCOM's "Armed Overwatch" competition.

willybaby:
the Amauri is a very beautiful bird. Perfect for most airforces in sub Saharan Africa to the North. I wonder why it's doing poorly in the market ?

Orders for DRC and Mozambique. Invited to compete for the bids in Portugal and Poland late in 2024.
Since commencing production in 2023 Q2, has any potential client in Africa bought something else?
Explain what you mean by doing poorly.
9 aircraft sold in first year of production after 3 prototype iterations, doesn't sound that bad to me.

Homegrown.
POSTSCRIPT: when I posted this photo of Dr Potgieter and the 2 aircraft he had designed, I had no idea he had died. RIP to a great man.

...last.

Pre-deployment training, ahead of rotation to DRC...

.

Meanwhile, in Mozambique...

GreenandGold, the very best representation of the values of our Struggle.
Free Palestine!

From Father Michael Weeder, Dean of St George's Cathedral:

...last.

...9...