NEWS & EVENTS - DISPOSALS
1 May 2007
SAAF Boeing 707 problems
Disposals
For some time now, only two Bowing 707s of the five originaly acquired have been flying with the SAAF's 60 Squadron at AFB Waterkloof. These are primary used for logistical transport rather than their previous in-flight refuelling and electronic ...
31 March 2007
Goodbye Alouette III!
Disposals
After 45 years of service, the verable Alouette III finally bowed out of service with the SAAF without any further ceremony.A formal ceremony was held at 87 Helicopter flying School at AFB Bloemspruit on 30 June 2006 to mark the withdrawal of the Alo...
9 March 2007
State of the SAAF briefing
Disposals
The Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, hosted a Media Day at AFB Makhado to brief the press on the state of the airforce.While the current status of the various aircraft acquisition programs are dealt with in a separate News entry, here...
20 September 2006
Mirage F1 package acquired by the Paramount Group and Aerosud
Disposals
In a media statement, the Paramount Group and Aerosud have announced that they have acquired the full complement of French designed Mirage F1 fighter aircraft from the SANDF.As part of the deal the Paramount Group and South African based Aerosud have...
17 August 2006
Mirage F1-AZs delivered to Gabon
Disposals
Further to the news story of 19 April 2006 whereby I reported that Gabon had purchased the surviving ex-SAAF Mirage F1-AZs (plus spares) for about R40m, I can now report that the first two aircraft have arrived in Libreville, Gabon.Aerosud were contr...
8 August 2006
Ysterplaat mounts an Impala
Disposals
After months of planning, an ex-85 Combat Flying School Impala MkI was placed on its pedestal at AFB Ysterplaat. Under grey skies, with the sun peeking out to have a look at proceedings, Atlas MB326M Impala MkI 531 (c/n A56) was towed from within the...
22 July 2006
South African fighter news
Disposals
Official sources have revealed that the sale of MB326KC Impala MkIIs to the Brazilian Government, on behalf of its Air Force, has now resulted in all the Mk IIs having been successfully sold, and there is no prospect of further examples being markete...
22 July 2006
Disposal of C-47TP 6811
Disposals
South African Government arms agency Armscor is advertising South African Air Force (SAAF) Douglas C-47TP 6811 (c/n 11986) for sale by tender. The aircraft, one of 32 SAAF Dakotas converted to turboprop configuration, was last reported in service wit...
30 June 2006
Last flight for 17 Squadron Alouettes
Disposals
In a final mass flypast, eight of 17 Squadrons Alouette III helicopters were flown around the north Johannesburg/Pretoria area, in what could very well be their last flight in 17 Squadron service. Three of the helicopters are reportedly going to the ...
4 May 2006
Last Formation Flight and short history of the Alouette III
Disposals
Article by Capt Y. ter Wolbeek - Corporate Communication Officer at AFB BloemspruitInfo on history supplied by Maj Jaco Steynberg - 87 Helicopter Flying SchoolOn 4 May 2006 the Alouette III's at AFB Bloemspruit participated in a final formation f...
19 April 2006
Ex-SAAF Impala in Brazilian Air Force service
Disposals
It would seem that the Airforce Monthly report on 1 April 2006 that the three ex-SAAF Impala MkII aircraft acquired the Forca Aerea Brasileira (FAB - Brazilian Air Force) would be used as a spares source may have been premature.The FAB has released a...
19 April 2006
Mirage F1s sold to Gabon?
Disposals
A rumour has been circulating that Gabon has purchased the withdrawn SAAF Mirage F1-AZ fleet for R40m....
1 April 2006
Brazil Acquires ex-SAAF Impalas
Disposals
Acting on behalf of the Forca Aerea Brasileira (FAB - Brazilian Air Force), the Brazilian Government has purchased a small follow-on batch of former SAAF Atlas MB.326KC Impala MkII strike fighters and operational trainers. The deal gained official SA...
1 January 2006
SAAF aircraft donated to Sudan
Disposals
According to recent local press reports, the government of South Africa has donated three unspecified military aircraft to Sudan, including one for VIP transport.No further details were provided in the report, but at least one of the two South Africa...
24 November 2005
Latest on HeliBase Super Frelons
Disposals
Further to the news item of 12 October 2005, ex-SAAF Super Frelons 302 and 312 are now confirmed as the examples at HeliBase in Cape Town, awaiting restoration.In addition to the two ex-SAAF Super Felons, HeliBase has also acquired civil SA321 JA Sup...
1 November 2005
Brazil Acquires ex-SAAF Impalas
Disposals
Brazilian Air Force plans to acquire Atlas Impala jet trainers from the South African Air Force appear to be progressing. MB-326M Impala Mk Is 484, 505, 522, 528, 551, 552, 566, 599 and 601, together with MB-326K Impala Mk IIs 1003 and 1034, were all...
24 October 2005
Ex-SAAF Puma in RAF colours
Disposals
This recently received photograph shows ex-SAAF Puma 144 upon completion at Eurocopter Romania (formerly IAR) in 2004. Of the six ex-SAAF Puma's purchased, 173/184 are in storage at IIangenech and will probably remain there because, since the pro...
18 October 2005
Impala farewell ceremony
Disposals
In the early sixties the SAAF embarked on a long-overdue modernisation programme to replace Harvards and Vampires utilised as pilot trainers. Several aircraft types were evaluated for suitability to manufacture locally. The Italian Macchi MB-326, bra...
10 October 2005
Brazil acquires surplus SAAF R-Darter missiles
Disposals
As part of the F-5BR programme, the Force Aerea Brasileira (FAB) is acquiring ten surplus SAAF Denel R-Darter beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, which will be tested prior to a decision to buy further examples to equip the F-5BR fleet when it e...
26 July 2005
SAAF C160Z Saga
Disposals
Despite the sale of eight retired South African Air force (SAAF) Transall C.160Zs (331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 338 and 339) to UK-based Heli-Lift Ltd on November 10, 2000, with all the SAAF's spares and ground support equipment (see News items ...
5 April 2005
Submission to the Defence Portfolio Committee on the maintenance of State facilities utilised by the Department of Defence
Disposals
The following are extracts from documents handed in at the above meeting held on 5 April 2005:Appendix A: Funds required in order to address the Deteriorating Condition of State Facilities Utilized by the DODRUNWAYSThe Department of Defence (SAAF) cu...
1 March 2005
SAAF Impalas for Brazil
Disposals
Official sources recently confirmed that a deal has been brokered by Armscor, the South African Government's official arms and marketing agency, for the sale of an initial eleven former South African Air Force (SAAF) Impalas to the Brazilian Gove...
10 February 2005
New deliveries of the A109 and Hawk slip
Disposals
It was mentioned on the SAAF News group that it was announcement at the Air Force Day Parade at Bays Hill, Zwartkop, on 1 February 2005, that it was the last occasion that the Alouette III and Impala would participate in a formation flypast at an Air...
6 September 2004
More news on the disposal of Transall aircraft
Disposals
It was reported on SAAF News that eight ex-SAAF C-160Z Transalls were sold for spares to an overseas based company. The intention was they would never fly again but aircraft spares were the prime reason for purchase. It is not known when the sale too...
1 September 2004
Chile acquires ex-SAAF Cheetahs
Disposals
A South African Air Force (SAAF) spokesperson recently confirmed that five Cheetah E strike fighters were recently sold to the Chilean government. After the type was retired from SAAF service with 5 Squadron in 1992, the 14 surviving Cheetah Es (of 1...
SAAF Boeing 707 problems
Disposals
For some time now, only two Bowing 707s of the five originaly acquired have been flying with the SAAF's 60 Squadron at AFB Waterkloof. These are primary used for logistical transport rather than their previous in-flight refuelling and electronic ...
Goodbye Alouette III!
Disposals
After 45 years of service, the verable Alouette III finally bowed out of service with the SAAF without any further ceremony.A formal ceremony was held at 87 Helicopter flying School at AFB Bloemspruit on 30 June 2006 to mark the withdrawal of the Alo...
State of the SAAF briefing
Disposals
The Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, hosted a Media Day at AFB Makhado to brief the press on the state of the airforce.While the current status of the various aircraft acquisition programs are dealt with in a separate News entry, here...
Mirage F1 package acquired by the Paramount Group and Aerosud
Disposals
In a media statement, the Paramount Group and Aerosud have announced that they have acquired the full complement of French designed Mirage F1 fighter aircraft from the SANDF.As part of the deal the Paramount Group and South African based Aerosud have...
Mirage F1-AZs delivered to Gabon
Disposals
Further to the news story of 19 April 2006 whereby I reported that Gabon had purchased the surviving ex-SAAF Mirage F1-AZs (plus spares) for about R40m, I can now report that the first two aircraft have arrived in Libreville, Gabon.Aerosud were contr...
Ysterplaat mounts an Impala
Disposals
After months of planning, an ex-85 Combat Flying School Impala MkI was placed on its pedestal at AFB Ysterplaat. Under grey skies, with the sun peeking out to have a look at proceedings, Atlas MB326M Impala MkI 531 (c/n A56) was towed from within the...
South African fighter news
Disposals
Official sources have revealed that the sale of MB326KC Impala MkIIs to the Brazilian Government, on behalf of its Air Force, has now resulted in all the Mk IIs having been successfully sold, and there is no prospect of further examples being markete...
Disposal of C-47TP 6811
Disposals
South African Government arms agency Armscor is advertising South African Air Force (SAAF) Douglas C-47TP 6811 (c/n 11986) for sale by tender. The aircraft, one of 32 SAAF Dakotas converted to turboprop configuration, was last reported in service wit...
Last flight for 17 Squadron Alouettes
Disposals
In a final mass flypast, eight of 17 Squadrons Alouette III helicopters were flown around the north Johannesburg/Pretoria area, in what could very well be their last flight in 17 Squadron service. Three of the helicopters are reportedly going to the ...
Last Formation Flight and short history of the Alouette III
Disposals
Article by Capt Y. ter Wolbeek - Corporate Communication Officer at AFB BloemspruitInfo on history supplied by Maj Jaco Steynberg - 87 Helicopter Flying SchoolOn 4 May 2006 the Alouette III's at AFB Bloemspruit participated in a final formation f...
Ex-SAAF Impala in Brazilian Air Force service
Disposals
It would seem that the Airforce Monthly report on 1 April 2006 that the three ex-SAAF Impala MkII aircraft acquired the Forca Aerea Brasileira (FAB - Brazilian Air Force) would be used as a spares source may have been premature.The FAB has released a...
Mirage F1s sold to Gabon?
Disposals
A rumour has been circulating that Gabon has purchased the withdrawn SAAF Mirage F1-AZ fleet for R40m....
Brazil Acquires ex-SAAF Impalas
Disposals
Acting on behalf of the Forca Aerea Brasileira (FAB - Brazilian Air Force), the Brazilian Government has purchased a small follow-on batch of former SAAF Atlas MB.326KC Impala MkII strike fighters and operational trainers. The deal gained official SA...
SAAF aircraft donated to Sudan
Disposals
According to recent local press reports, the government of South Africa has donated three unspecified military aircraft to Sudan, including one for VIP transport.No further details were provided in the report, but at least one of the two South Africa...
Latest on HeliBase Super Frelons
Disposals
Further to the news item of 12 October 2005, ex-SAAF Super Frelons 302 and 312 are now confirmed as the examples at HeliBase in Cape Town, awaiting restoration.In addition to the two ex-SAAF Super Felons, HeliBase has also acquired civil SA321 JA Sup...
Brazil Acquires ex-SAAF Impalas
Disposals
Brazilian Air Force plans to acquire Atlas Impala jet trainers from the South African Air Force appear to be progressing. MB-326M Impala Mk Is 484, 505, 522, 528, 551, 552, 566, 599 and 601, together with MB-326K Impala Mk IIs 1003 and 1034, were all...
Ex-SAAF Puma in RAF colours
Disposals
This recently received photograph shows ex-SAAF Puma 144 upon completion at Eurocopter Romania (formerly IAR) in 2004. Of the six ex-SAAF Puma's purchased, 173/184 are in storage at IIangenech and will probably remain there because, since the pro...
Impala farewell ceremony
Disposals
In the early sixties the SAAF embarked on a long-overdue modernisation programme to replace Harvards and Vampires utilised as pilot trainers. Several aircraft types were evaluated for suitability to manufacture locally. The Italian Macchi MB-326, bra...
Brazil acquires surplus SAAF R-Darter missiles
Disposals
As part of the F-5BR programme, the Force Aerea Brasileira (FAB) is acquiring ten surplus SAAF Denel R-Darter beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, which will be tested prior to a decision to buy further examples to equip the F-5BR fleet when it e...
SAAF C160Z Saga
Disposals
Despite the sale of eight retired South African Air force (SAAF) Transall C.160Zs (331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 338 and 339) to UK-based Heli-Lift Ltd on November 10, 2000, with all the SAAF's spares and ground support equipment (see News items ...
Submission to the Defence Portfolio Committee on the maintenance of State facilities utilised by the Department of Defence
Disposals
The following are extracts from documents handed in at the above meeting held on 5 April 2005:Appendix A: Funds required in order to address the Deteriorating Condition of State Facilities Utilized by the DODRUNWAYSThe Department of Defence (SAAF) cu...
SAAF Impalas for Brazil
Disposals
Official sources recently confirmed that a deal has been brokered by Armscor, the South African Government's official arms and marketing agency, for the sale of an initial eleven former South African Air Force (SAAF) Impalas to the Brazilian Gove...
New deliveries of the A109 and Hawk slip
Disposals
It was mentioned on the SAAF News group that it was announcement at the Air Force Day Parade at Bays Hill, Zwartkop, on 1 February 2005, that it was the last occasion that the Alouette III and Impala would participate in a formation flypast at an Air...
More news on the disposal of Transall aircraft
Disposals
It was reported on SAAF News that eight ex-SAAF C-160Z Transalls were sold for spares to an overseas based company. The intention was they would never fly again but aircraft spares were the prime reason for purchase. It is not known when the sale too...
Chile acquires ex-SAAF Cheetahs
Disposals
A South African Air Force (SAAF) spokesperson recently confirmed that five Cheetah E strike fighters were recently sold to the Chilean government. After the type was retired from SAAF service with 5 Squadron in 1992, the 14 surviving Cheetah Es (of 1...
