SA Navy Festival 2008 Pictures
Louis Vosloo has taken some pictures of the SA Navy Festival 2008.
German Navy Hamburg, currently on visit due to Exercise Good Hope III - Image: Louis Vosloo
German Navy Berlin, currently on visit due to Exercise Good Hope III - Image: Louis Vosloo
New submarine S102 in dry dock beside the decomissioned S98 - Image: Louis Vosloo
SAAF Lynx 193 - Image: Louis Vosloo
SAAF Lynx 193 - Image: Louis Vosloo
German Navy Köln, currently on visit due to Exercise Good Hope III - Image: Louis Vosloo
Decomissioned submarine S98 - Image: Louis Vosloo
Valour class F147 - Image: Louis Vosloo
German Navy Westerwald, currently on visit due to Exercise Good Hope III - Image: Louis Vosloo
New submarine S102 in dry dock - Image: Louis Vosloo
Source: airpic.co.za
Exercise Good Hope III commences
SAS Amatola receives the refuelling probe during a RAS between FGS Berlin & SAS Amatola - Image: SA Navy
25 February 2008 dawned a clear and sunny day in the naval harbour of Naval Base Simon’s Town. It is here that Task Group 501, comprising of South African and German Naval vessels commenced on EXERCISE GOOD HOPE III. EXERCISE GOOD HOPE III is a multinational exercise between the German Armed Forces (Navy and Air Force) and the SANDF (mainly the Navy and Air Force) taking place in the Cape Town, Simon’s Town and Overberg area.
Our day started at 0800B when the Officer Commanding (OC) Captain Michael Girsa, briefed his ships company on the flight deck. The OC welcomed all the new members that had joined the ship for the Exercise. He furthermore passed his appreciation to the ships company for a job well done in getting the ship ready to sail as scheduled. The OC spoke of the forthcoming days’ events and how only good habits would help through this exercise. After a meticulous final check, the naval tugs assisted helped this operationally ready warship out of port. SAS AMATOLA sailed at 0900B.
At 1145B, ‘hands to flying stations’ was piped. An Oryx Helicopter from AFB Ysterplaat landed on the flight deck while SAS AMATOLA sailed out of False Bay. SAS AMATOLA plays host to the Commander Task Group (CTG) 501.02 Captain Steven-Jennings and his staff. The Task Force is divided into two Task Groups, with Captain Michael Budde of the Federal German Navy as CTG 501.01 which comprises of FGS HAMBURG, FGS KÖLN, FGS BERLIN, FGS WESTERWALD and task group 501.02 comprising the SAS DRAKENSBERG, SAS ISLANDWANA, SAS AMATOLA, SAS GALESHEWE, SAS ISAAC DHYOBA, SAS UMKOMAAS.
Similar exercises have been conducted twice in the past, between the Armed Forces of the two countries. These exercises are the largest undertaken by the German Defence Force outside of its North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) obligations. Good relationships exist between Germany and South Africa, not only on the military side but also politically and economically. The SAS AMATOLA is expecting to exercise drills and evolutions enabling training of the new personnel that have joined the ship in the art of modern naval warfare. It is expected that the crew will gain a lot of understanding and skills from this exercise. The task group will be alongside over the weekends with our first port of call being the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town for some much needed rest and recovery. Until then the five day passage will be filled exercises and training.
Source: www.navy.mil.za
Third Combined Military Exercise between SA and Germany: Exercise Good Hope III
From 18 February to 18 March the seas and skies surrounding Cape Town will be used to conduct military exercises between South Africa and Germany. This series of exercises will be called EXERCISE GOOD HOPE III.
This will be the third time that military exercises will be conducted in South African waters between the two countries, with the last exercise taking place two years ago. During this year's exercise there will be more than 1 800 personnel, 15 ships and 16 aircraft from both countries taking part.
The "theatre of operations" will be around Cape Town and some exercises will be conducted at the Overberg Military Test Area near Bredasdorp and Arniston/Waenhuiskrans. Some of the types of exercises will include live missile and gun firings, anti-submarine warfare with mock torpedo attacks, anti-aircraft drills, fleetwork and maneuvering and more.
The objectives that both countries want to achieve with these exercises are:
- To enhance and maintain the comprehensive defence capabilities of the two armed forces.
- To develop a common understanding of military interoperability and foster mutual trust, respect and co-operation between the German Armed Forces and the SANDF.
- To upgrade operational means and methods of multi-national conventional forces by employing different types of equipment whilst conducting and exercising according to a common set of guiding principles.
The German Defence Force will be represented by two Frigates (FGS HAMBURG and FGS KÖLN) and two Combat Support Vessels (FGS BERLIN and FGS WESTERWALD), six Tornado Fighter Aircraft and two Lynx Helicopters. The SANDF will send three Frigates (SAS AMATOLA, SAS ISANDLWANA and SAS SPIOENKOP), one Submarine (SAS CHARLOTTE MAXEKE) two Strike Craft (SAS GALESHEWE and SAS ISAAC DYOBHA), two Minehunters (SAS UMZIMKULU and SAS UMKOMAAS), two Inshore Patrol Vessels (SAS TERN and SAS TOBIE) and the Combat Support Vessel SAS DRAKENSBERG. In addition to this there will also be six Cheetah Fighter Aircraft and two Oryx Helicopters.
The public of Cape Town will be invited to view the German vessels at the V&A Waterfront on Sat 01 Mar to Sun 02 Mar 08. Thereafter the public can view most of the SA Navy and German vessels during the annual Navy Festival from 14 -16 Mar 08 in Simon's Town.
Source: SA Navy
Super Lynx handed over
Naval Base Simonstown, Cape Town, saw the ceremonial handover today of the Super Lynx Mk 64 helicopters to the South African Air Force (SAAF) and South African Navy (SAN).
Super Lynx MK64 194 - Image: Dean Wingrin
The symbolic handover of the Super Lynx by the Minister of Defence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, to the Lt. Gen. Carlo Gagiano (Chief of the SAAF) and R Adm Moseou Magalefa (Acting Chief of the SAN) provided a significant boost to maritime and air defence capabilities. In his speech, Lekota emphasised the transformation undertaken in the Department of Defence towards jointness of operations. The naval frigate and airforce helicopter comprise a potent organic partnership. While the airforce was accountable for the helicopters, they will be totally and indivisibly integrated with the combat ships of the Navy.
Super Lynx MK64 193 - Image: Dean Wingrin
All four Super Lynx were on display. Aircraft 192 was already aboard the SAS Drakensburg. After the arrival of the dignitaries, a three-ship formation of Super Lynx arrived overhead and broke over the assembled crowd. After a 19 Gun salute, aircraft 194, crewed by Agusta Westland test pilot Andy Ragett and SAAF Tactical Coordinator Maj. Mark Holden, then continued to perform some spectacular maneuvers, showing off the aircraft at its best. The helicopter then proceeded to land aboard SAS Spioenkop moored right in front of the guests. Meanwhile, 191 had landed aboard SAS Amatola and 193 aboard SAS Isandlewana.
Super Lynx MK64 191 - Image: Dean Wingrin
After the speech by the Minister of Defence, guests were invited aboard SAS Spioenkop to view the Super lynx up close. Thereafter, guests were invited to the SAS Drakensburg for refreshments.
Super Lynx 194 then lifted-off and performed for the samll group of photographers assembled on the bridge of the Spioenkop before performing a high-speed pass for the guests.
Later in the afternoon, aircraft 191 departed the SAS Amatola and also performed a high-speed pass over the ship. 193 then lifted off the SAS Isandlewana and departed for Ysterplaat.
History of the SAAF Super Lynx
Although it was announced on 18 November 1998 that Agusta Westland had been selected to supply four Super Lynx maritime helicopters to the value of R787m (£82.8m), the contract was only signed on 14 August 2003. The version purchased under Project Maulstic was the Super Lynx 300 Mk 64.
Mr Lekota, Andy Ragett, R Adm M Magalefa and Mark Holden - Image: Dean Wingrin
Developed from the Super Lynx 100, Super Lynx 300 incorporates an all new integrated "glass" cockpit with a colour liquid crystal display system. The more powerful CTS800-4N engines, jointly developed by Rolls-Royce and Honeywell, complemented with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) delivers over 30% more power. The SAAF Super Lynx aircraft have a high level of South African sourced avionics and mission equipment making it the most advanced version of the Super Lynx 300 helicopter developed and produced so far.
The first of four Super Lynx helicopters for South Africa took to the air for the first time on 24th April 2006 at AgustaWestland's Yeovil factory in the UK.
22 Squadron crew - Image: Dean Wingrin
Pilot and ground crew conversion training was conducted by AgustaWestland at its Customer Training Centre in Yeovil starting in early 2007, continuing with Agusta Westland staff in South Africa after the delivery of the aircraft to the SAAF.
The initial delivery to South Africa was delayed by a month as formal acceptance was still awaited for one piece of equipment. However, the first two aircraft (193 and 194) arrived at Cape Town International airport aboard an Antonov An-124 on the morning of 13 July 2007. The Super Lynx maintenance crews from 22 Squadron unloaded the helicopters and, having had the transport protection removed and the main rotor blades fitted, were flown that afternoon to AFB Ysterplaat, accompanied by two Oryx and an Alouette helicopter.
Super Lynx MK64 193 - Image: Dean Wingrin
The final two Super Lynx (191 and 192) arrived in Cape Town from Yeovilton on 27 July 2007, also aboard an Antonov An-124. After being offloaded, they too were flown directly to AFB Ysterplaat.
The helicopters are based at AFB Ysterplaat where they will be flown by SAAF pilots of 22 Squadron for the Navy and will be deployed on the South African Navy Valour (Meko A200SAN) class frigates performing anti-surface warfare, maritime patrol and SAR roles.
Super Lynx MK64 193 - Image: Dean Wingrin
The helicopters will provide a surface search capability in the anti-surface warfare roles, search and rescue (SAR), maritime patrol and utility duties. Ancillary duties include vertical replenishment, personnel transport and casualty evacuation.
Source: www.saairforce.co.za
The Eagles Have Landed
On Friday morning, the 13th of July 2007, the first two Super Lynx 300 Mk64 touched South African soil when they were unloaded from the Antonov An-124 freighter aircraft that delivered them to Cape Town International Airport. The nose of the aircraft opened to allow the unloading of the two Lynx helicopters, as well as a consignment of spares and ground support equipment.
Ready for Take-off on first flight in RSA - Image: SA Navy
The event was witnessed by Col Jakes Jacobs (representing Director Air Force Acquisition), Lt Col Rob Sproul (Project Officer Project MAULSTIC) and R Adm(JG) Kevin Watson (Project Director Project SITRON), amongst the eager group of participants at the airport.
Antonov An-124 aircraft on the runway - Image: SA Navy
The unloading proceeded swiftly with the Lynx maintenance crews from 22 Squadron, Ysterplaat (who had all received technical training at Westland Helicopters in the UK) eager to prepare their new charges for the flight to Ysterplaat.
Nose opening for unloading helicopters - Image: SA Navy
The two helicopters were then towed into an adjacent hangar to have the transport protection removed and the main rotor blades fitted. Once this was completed and the systems checks had been performed, the first LYNX RSA 193 was towed onto the apron for starting checks before the flight to Ysterplaat.
First glimpse of Lynx RSA 194 - Image: SA Navy
View of RSA 194 moving down aircraft ramp - Image: SA Navy
Lynx RSA 193 against Table Mountain - Image: SA Navy
View of the cockpit - Image: SA Navy
LYNX RSA 193 took off at just after 13:30 in the company of two ORYX and an Alouette helicopter for a short tour of the Cape before landing at Ysterplaat at 14:00. The first helicopter was warmly welcomed at 22 Squadron, Ysterplaat by Col Butler and a large crowd of personnel from the base. Project SITRON, Project MAULSTIC, the SA Navy and the SA Air Force are rightly proud to have received the first 2 of 4 aircraft in South Africa. This now enables the start of the integration testing between the VALOUR Class Frigates and the Super Lynx helicopters, to eventually reach the point where the organic helicopter of the Frigates is fully integrated in the ships’ weapon system. The is the first maritime helicopter to operate within the SANDF since the withdrawal from service of the old Wasp helicopters in the 1980’s - truly a proud moment!
Being pushed back onto the flight line - Image: SA Navy
Congratulations to all involved!
Source: www.navy.mil.za
First Two SAAF Lynx Arrive in South Africa
It was a significant Friday the 13th July 2007 for 22 Squadron. On this day the squadron took delivery of its first two new Agusta-Westland Super Lynx Mk 64 naval helicopters.
Once operatoinal they will be deployed on the South African Navy's Valour- class frigates, although for practical reasons operated by the South African Air Force.
Both arrived at Cape Town International Airport aboard an Antonov AN 124 (RA-82043) the day before without any fanfare and were assembled there before being flown to their new base at Ysterplaat.
Lynx together with Oryx - Image: Louis Vosloo
Lynx 193 was first to depart and arrived at Ysterplaat at around 13h45 after an air-to-air photo sortie accompanied by two Oryxes and a single Allouette III, followed by 194 at around 17h00. Both were devoid of any of the visible sensors on the nose, so prominently evident on the SAAF examples displayed at International air shows recently.
Lynx - Image: Louis Vosloo
Both arrived at Yeovil in the UK prior to being loaded on to the Antonov 124, still wearing dual SAAF/RAF markings, the latter being ZK117 (193) and ZK 118 (194)
A further two (191 and 192, ex ZK115 and ZK116 respectively) are still to come. Tail number 192 was recently displayed at the Paris Air show, whilst the first example, 191, was extensively shown and flown at the Farnborough Air show last year.
Lynx - Image: Louis Vosloo
The 22 Squadron Alouette IIIs will be officially withdrawn from service at Ysterplaat Air Force Base on August 3, 2007. This will mark the end of the SAAF service for the Alouette III which served the SAAF since the early 1960s and is the last SAAF helicopter in service which saw action during the war in the Namibian and Angolan 'operational' area. After withrawal of the Alouette III, the Cessna 185 will be the last SAAF aircraft type left in service which saw service in this conflict.....the last SAAF warbird in service!
Source: airpic.co.za
Last two Super Lynx depart for South Africa
The last two of four Super Lynx 300 Mk 64 maritime helicopters ordered by the SAAF left Yeovilton on 26 July at 13h30 aboard An-124-100 RA-82044 ('VDA 2681'). Aboard the aircraft were Lynx 191 and 192.
They should have arrived at Cape Town IAP on 27 July and then flown to AFB Ysterplaat.
First Pictures of New Lynx in Cape Town
First pictures of the new SAAF Lynx after their arrival in Cape Town have been posted at avcom.co.za.
SAAF Lynx doing a fly-past the tower of Cape Town International Airport before routing to Ysterplaat - Image: Brent Best
Mixed emotions as Lynx choppers fly in
There's a new type of military helicopter in South Africa: two Air Force Oryxes and an Alouette escorted the first of the South African Defence Force's Lynx machines from Cape Town International to the Ysterplaat Air Force Base at the weekend.
The two Lynxes were delivered from Agusta-Westland in the UK by a gigantic Antonov cargo aircraft.
Four have been ordered, and will primarily see duty on board the South African Navy's new frigates.
The helicopters, flying in formation, did a circuit around the Cape town city bowl on Friday before flying up the West Coast and then landing at Ysterplaat, where the base's staff gathered to witness the event. For helicopter buffs it was something of a bitter-sweet day.
There was great excitement as the new Lynxes flew into view, but it was one of the last times the Alouette III will be seen flying in our skies.
Ysterplaat's 22 Squadron is the only unit still operating the Alouette III. They will be withdrawn from service at a ceremony on August 3.
Source: Independent Online
First Super Lynx delivery delayed until July
Although the first of the new Super Lynx aircraft was due to be delivered last week, the delivery has been delayed as formal acceptance is still awaited for one piece of equipment.
It is hoped that the aircraft will arrive in mid-July.
Source: SAAF Mailing List
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