South African Department of Defence, The Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, calls them his “wonderful machines”. He was referring to the latest acquisition by the SA Air Force, the Agusta A109 light utility helicopter, which was unveiled to the media and other guests at the Bloemspruit Air Force Base on 19 October 2005.
Thirty A109s have been ordered to replace the current SA Air Force Alouette helicopter, which has been in service for over 40 years. Armscor was responsible for the technical specifications, the tender evaluation, and the final contracting of Agusta as the supplier of this light utility helicopter. Armscor will also play a role in the eventual upgrading of these helicopters.
The A109 light utility helicopter (LUH) has established itself as the world's best-selling military light-twin helicopter able to satisfy a wide range of requirements. The ability of A109 LUH to fulfil a wide range of missions makes the aircraft a true force multiplier and provides military commanders with excellent operational flexibility.
Roles for which the A109 LUH is ideally suited include transport, anti-tank, reconnaissance, medical evacuation and armed escort duties.
“This event is an important milestone in the project's history, highlighting the achievements of the company AgustaWestland, the joint project team and the Air Force. It also marks a major shift in emphasis on this project.
From today the focus will be on the Air Force as it starts to operate the new AgustaWestland A109 light utility helicopter,” says Mr Bruce Ramfolo, the Chief of Acquisition.
To date four pilots from 87 Helicopter Flying School have completed the first conversion on the A109 presented by Agusta on 13 October 2005. These members will continue with the operational testing and evaluation of the aircraft.
The second factory conversion presented by Agusta started on 12 October 2005 and consisted of three instructor's pilots and one pilot. The first A109 course presented by the SA Air Force instructors will commence in February 2006 at 87 Helicopter Flying School to enable eight pilots who are presently flying the Alouette III helicopters to fly the A109 helicopter. The training of other aircrew for the A109 helicopter will follow suit.
The first training session for technical personnel by Agusta was completed in September 2005. The second technical course started in November and the third course will commence at the beginning of 2006.
“This helicopter will also be the first in which a young helicopter pilot will obtain operational command. With the advanced features of this new generation helicopter, which will enable aircrews to perform even better, great things can be expected,” said Lt Gen Gagiano.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Defence, the Secretary for Defence, Mr January Masilela, said: “Today the SA Air Force receives the first of the aircraft to be formally delivered through the Strategic Defence Packages”.
He said that this helicopter would assist the Government to support the people of South Africa with, inter alia, search and rescue, law enforcement and the preparation for the operational readiness of the South African National Defence Force.
The helicopter would further enable Government to participate more effectively in support of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) initiatives, including the work of the African Union (AU) and contribute to the African Standby Force.
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