AH-2A Rooivalk
Denel Aviation AH-2A Rooivalk.
Description
Role: attack helicopter
Crew: 2 in tandem (pilot and weapon systems officer)
Dimensions
Length: 18,731.64 mm (main rotor to tail rotor)
Fuselage length: 16,389.00 mm
Height: 5,187.30 mm
Rotor diameter: 15,580.00 mm
Weights
Empty: 5,190 kg
Maximum internal fuel: 1,469 kg
Maximum take-off: 8,750 kg
Powerplant
Engines: 2 x Makila 1K2 turboshaft
Power: 1,716 kW (sea-level ISA) 30 s rating
Performance
Maximum speed: 309 km/h
Combat range (internal fuel): 700 km
Ferry range (external fuel): 1130 km
Service ceiling: 20,000 ft
Maximum rate of climb: 13,3 m/s (twin-engined)
Armament
Gun: 1 x 20mm F2 dual-feed gas-operated cannon (400 or 700 high-velocity rounds)
Missiles: Includes 8 or 16 x Mokopa ZT-6 long-range anti-armour missiles, 4 x MBDA Mistral Atam air-to-air missiles, 36 or 72 x 70mm folding fin aerial rockets (FFAR)

The Denel Aviation AH-2 Rooivalk is a latest generation attack helicopter manufactured by Denel Aviation of South Africa. The name of the helicopter derives from the Afrikaans word for "Red Falcon".

The South African Air Force (SAAF) has ordered 12 Rooivalk AH-2As, the first of which entered service in July 1999. The helicopters are flown by 16 Squadron, which is based at AFB Bloemspruit near Bloemfontein.

Due to the SAAF's decades of helicopter experience in the harsh African environment, the Rooivalk has been designed to operate in very basic surroundings for prolonged periods without sophisticated support. All that is needed to keep the Rooivalk flying is a medium transport helicopter equipped with a basic spares supply plus four groundcrew.

Missions

The following types of missions are foreseen for the AH-2 Rooivalk:

• Reconnaissance
• Heliborne escort
• Close air support
• Deep penetration
• Anti-armour

External links

Denel Aviation Official Rooivalk Site