Air Force to mothball surplus helicopters?

While Parliament is probing the Government's controversial R43 billion arms procurement package, the Air Force is considering "storing unused helicopters until they are needed in a few years' time".

It says it has surplus helicopters, and can even consider reducing its number of Oryx and Rooivalk, should budget cuts be imposed. In spite of the fact that no country has yet purchased any of the South African-manufactured Rooivalk helicopters, there are no plans at present to scrap the Rooivalk project.

Air Force spokesperson Major Fanus Pretorius says the Air Force's command structure is making provision for 44 medium-range helicopters, such as the Oryx, of which the Air Force has 50. "We are conducting a study to determine how the available aircraft can best be used. We could also consider using surplus helicopters for spares, to enable us to keep the rest of the fleet in the air. "This study is not yet completed, and therefore no final decision has been made. The cost effectiveness of the Air Force's total fleet will determine what is to be done with the surplus helicopters.

The multi-million rand Rooivalk project has in operation for the past ten years in conjunction with Denel Aviation. It has been aimed mainly at foreign sales. "We are happy with the performance of the six Rooivalk we have at the Bloemspruit base. We should be getting another four during the course of the year." He said recent target practice with the Rooivalk weapons had been very successful.

"Budget allocations can of course seriously affect our plans. If the allocations are cut, we may have to get rid of some of our aircraft if we are unable to operate and maintain them," said Pretorius.

News24