South African Air Force

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South African Air Force
Active Aviation Corps founded: 1912
Became independent: 1951
Country South Africa
Part of South African National Defence Force
Motto Per Aspera Ad Astra
Commanders
Chief of the Air Force Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano
Insignia
Roundel
Aircraft flown
Attack Rooivalk
Electronic
warfare		 Oryx stand off radar jammer, Oryx stand off comunications jammer, ELINT C-47 Turbo Dakota
Fighter JAS-39C/D Gripen
Patrol C-47 Turbo Dakota, Super Lynx 300
Trainer PC-7 MKII Astra, Hawk Mk 120
Transport C-47TP, C-130BZ Hercules, Oryx, Agusta A109, CASA 212 Aviocar, CASA CN-235, Cessna Caravan

The South African Air Force (SAAF) is the air force of South Africa. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is Per Aspera Ad Astra (Through adversity to the stars). An official slogan, Through Diversity To Airpower Excellence, is also used.

Contents

[edit] History

The origin of the South African Air Force can be traced back to 1912, when the Union Defence Force (UDF) was formed. The first flying school in South Africa was started that year in Kimberley using a Compton-Paterson biplane.[1] This formation included the South African Aviation Corps (SAAC), which was formed as part of the Active Citizen Force (ACF).

[edit] World War I

In April 1914 six pupils (with the probationary ranks of lieutenant in the ACF) were sent to England to undergo further training. Five of them eventually qualified.

When World War I broke out in August 1914, these pilots were granted permission to join the newly formed Royal Flying Corps (RFC). The number of South Africans in the RFC eventually reached approximately 3,000, with 260 active-duty fatalities. They took part in aerial reconnaissance and artillery spotting missions over France during the war.

[edit] Inter-war period

SAAF roundel from 1927 until 1947.
SAAF roundel from 1927 until 1947.

On 1 February 1920 the South African Air Force was established with Col. Pierre van Ryneveld as the Director Air Services. Its first operation was in 1922, when it helped to crush the Rand Revolt, an armed uprising by white mineworkers. The SAAF bombed targets around Johannesburg, and lost some aircraft to ground fire. Col. Sir Pierre van Ryneveld himself was shot down, but survived.

In 1934 a significant increase in the defence budget was approved and in 1935 the Minister of Defence announced that the UDF was to be expanded.

[edit] World War II

Despite the expansions, the start of World War II in 1939 caught the SAAF unprepared. This caused the establishment of the Joint Air Training Scheme (JATS) in order to train Royal Air Force, SAAF and other allied air and ground crews at 38 South African-based air schools. This expanded the number of military aircraft in the SAAF to 1,709 by September 1941, with a personnel strength of 31,204 (956 pilots).

  • Home defence (1939-45): Patrols of South African waters, where German U-boats and Japanese submarines were active.
  • East Africa (1940-41): 2 Wing fought in British-led operations against Italian Somaliland and Italian-occupied Ethiopia.
  • North Africa (1941-43): 3 and 7 Wings fought as part of the Desert Air Force, in operations in Egypt, Libya and Tunis.
  • Madagascar (1942): A detachment took part in the British-led occupation of this French-ruled island.
  • Atlantic (1943-45): Two squadrons patrolled convoy routes off West Africa and Gibraltar.
  • Sicily (1943): 3 Wing provided air support during the Allied seizure of the island.
  • Italy (1943-45): 2, 3 and 7 Wings fought in operations to liberate Italy from German occupation.
March/April 1942, Landing Ground 121, Egypt. Lieutenant Robin Pare (left), Major John "Jack" Frost (centre) and Captain Andrew Duncan (right) of 5 Squadron SAAF, part of the Desert Air Force. All three had been killed in action by the end of June. Frost, the squadron commander, was the highest scoring ace in an SAAF unit during World War II.
March/April 1942, Landing Ground 121, Egypt. Lieutenant Robin Pare (left), Major John "Jack" Frost (centre) and Captain Andrew Duncan (right) of 5 Squadron SAAF, part of the Desert Air Force. All three had been killed in action by the end of June. Frost, the squadron commander, was the highest scoring ace in an SAAF unit during World War II.

In particular, the SAAF played a major role in North Africa, where its fighter, bomber and reconnaissance squadrons enabled the Allied Desert Air Force to attain air superiority over the Axis air forces by the beginning of 1942. Between April 1941 and May 1943 the eleven squadrons of the SAAF flew 33,991 sorties and destroyed 342 enemy aircraft, producing a number of SAAF WWII air aces in the process.

[edit] Berlin airlift

Post-war, the SAAF also took part in the Berlin airlift of 1948 with 20 aircrews flying Royal Air Force Dakotas.

[edit] Korean War

In the Korean War, the famous 2 Squadron ("The Flying Cheetahs") took part as South Africa's contribution. It won many American decorations, including the unusual honour of a United States Presidential Unit Citation in 1952:

2 Sqn had a long and distinguished record of service in Korea flying P-51D Mustangs and later F-86F Sabres. Their role was mainly flying ground attack and interdiction missions as one of the squadrons making up the USAF's 18th Fighter Bomber Wing.
During the Korean conflict the squadron flew a grand total of 12 067 sorties for a loss of 34 pilots and two other ranks. Aircraft losses amounted to 74 out of 97 Mustangs and four out of 22 Sabres. Pilots and men of the squadron received a total of 797 medals including 2 Silver Stars - the highest award to non-American nationals - 3 Legions of Merit, 55 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 40 Bronze Stars. 8 pilots became POWs. Casualties: 20 KIA 16 WIA.[2]

[edit] Independent status for the SAAF

When the Union Defence Forces were reorganised into individual services in 1951, the SAAF became an arm of service in its own right, under an Air Chief of Staff (who was renamed "Chief of the Air Force" in 1966). It adopted a blue uniform, to replace the army khaki it had previously worn.

The SAAF was scaled down in the 1950s, and rebuilt in the 1960s, after South Africa had become a republic, and diplomatic isolation and the United Nations arms embargo had begun to have an effect.

[edit] Border War

From 1966 to 1989, the SAAF was committed to the Border War, which was fought in northern South West Africa and surrounding states. At first, it provided limited air support to police operations against the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (the military wing of SWAPO, which was fighting to end South African rule of South West Africa). Operations intensified after the defence force took charge of the war in 1974.

[edit] Angola campaign

The SAAF provided air support to the army during the 1975-76 Angola campaign, and in the many cross-border operations that were carried out against PLAN bases in Angola and Zambia from 1977 onwards.

It was also heavily involved in the 1987-88 Angola campaign, before the peace settlement that ended the conflict. Due to the international arms embargo imposed against South Africa, the SAAF was unable to procure modern fighter aircraft to compete with the MiG-23s fielded by the Cubans in this conflict.

[edit] 1994 elections

SAAF flag incoporating the new 1994 national flag.
SAAF flag incoporating the new 1994 national flag.

After the first multi-racial elections were held in 1994, the SAAF became an integrated air force as part of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

[edit] 21st century

Currently the SAAF is classified as a small air force.

[edit] Personnel

As of 2007 the SAAF has about 8000 regular uniformed members augmented by about 1500 civilians and roughly 900 reserves...

[edit] Budget

A budget of R9 billion (roughly US$1.1 billion at March 2008 exchange rates) was allocated for FY2008\2009.[1]

(The reason for the apparent large increase over the previous financial year's amount of roughly US$350 million, is the fact that in the 2008/2009 budget documents, the payments for new aircraft acquisitions have been included in the regular air force budget and then again, in the special defence account budget.)

[edit] Strength

The South African Air Force consists of about 200 aircraft of all types as of 2007. Including about 52 combat capable fast jets and 12 attack helicopters. The SAAF does however suffer from a severe shortage of pilots and technical personnel. The impact of this is that the combat force is in effect smaller than it appears on paper.

[edit] Current order of battle

[edit] Aircraft inventory

Aircraft Origin Type Versions In service Notes
JAS 39 Gripen Flag of Sweden Sweden Multi role fighter C and D (single and twin seat) 1[3] 9 JAS-39D twin seat and 17 JAS-39C single seat Gripens will be delivered between 2008 and 2012, the Gripens will replace the Cheetahs which were taken out of service in early April 2008.
British Aerospace Hawk Mk120 Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom Lead in fighter trainer Mk120 20[3] 4 to be delivered.
Atlas Oryx Flag of South Africa South Africa
Flag of France France		 Medium transport helicopter MKI and MKII 35 Currently receiving basic mid-life update (the single MKII version is adapted for Arctic conditions).
Denel Rooivalk Flag of South Africa South Africa Attack helicopter 12 To achieve intitial operating capability in 2008.
MBB/Kawasaki BK117 Flag of Germany Germany
Flag of Japan Japan		 Utility helicopter 4 Being phased out; replaced by Agusta A109 LUH.
Agusta A109LUH Flag of Italy Italy Light utility helicopter 20 10 more under delivery.
Westland Super Lynx 300 Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom Naval helicopter MK300 4 Operated from South African Navy Valour class frigates.
Lockheed C-130 Hercules Flag of the United States United States Transport C-130BZ 9 Upgraded with new avionics and glass cockpits.
Douglas C-47 Turbo Dakota Flag of the United States United States Maritime patrol / transport / electronic warfare C-47TP 10 5 maritime patrol, 3 transport, 2 electronic warfare.
Cessna 208 Caravan Flag of the United States United States Light utility / observation 208 12 Fitted with Denel infrared observation system.
Beechcraft King Air Flag of the United States United States Transport -200 / -300 4
Pilatus PC-12 Flag of Switzerland Switzerland Transport 1 Mostly VIP transport.
Pilatus PC-7 Flag of Switzerland Switzerland Trainer PC-7 MKII 35 Limited avionics upgrade under way.
Cessna 185 Skywagon Flag of the United States United States Light utility transport / observation 10 Withdrawal from service imminent.
CASA C-212 Aviocar Flag of Spain Spain Transport -200 / -300 4
CASA CN-235 Flag of Spain Spain Transport 1
Boeing BBJ Flag of the United States United States Presidential transport 1
Dassault Falcon 900 Flag of France France VIP transport 1
Dassault Falcon 50 Flag of France France VIP transport 2
Cessna 550 Citation Flag of the United States United States VIP transport 2

[edit] Air Force Bases

[edit] Air Force Stations

[edit] Squadrons

Denel CSH-2 Rooivalk flying at the Ysterplaat air show.
Denel CSH-2 Rooivalk flying at the Ysterplaat air show.

(The list below uses the following format: squadron number, base, type of aircraft flown.)

[edit] Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing(no flying units)

  • 18 Deployment Support Unit - provides logistic support to units on deployment(at temporary air bases etc.)
  • Mobile Communications Unit - provides mobile communications to deployed units
  • 140 Squadron - provides deployable 3D long range radar services to SAAF units
  • 142 Squadron - provides deployable tactical mobile radar services to SAAF units
  • 500 Security Squadron - (SAAF Task Force)Mobile Security services to deployed forces etc.

[edit] Reserves

[edit] Air Force Conventional Reserves

A pool of reserve posts were created to serve the SAAF and augment regular units as and when needed. All trades in the SAAF are represented in the reserves, e.g. pilots, security squadron personnel etc.

[edit] Air Force Territorial Reserves

Currently consists of nine squadrons of privately owned aircraft operated by reserve pilots on behalf of the SAAF.

These squadrons fulfill a very valuable role in light transport and observation, especially due to low direct operating costs.

Notes

  1. In addition to the above squadrons there are many other units such as, support units, air depots, security squadrons and training schools.
  2. The headquarters of the SAAF is situated in Pretoria.

[edit] Future

SAAB JAS 39 Gripen of the SAAF in Cape Town
SAAB JAS 39 Gripen of the SAAF in Cape Town

The SAAF is planning to transition to a tactical air force, fully deployable internationally. This will have to happen within the constraints of a very limited budget.

New acquisitions include the SAAB Gripen replacing the Atlas Cheetah fighters at AFB Makhado. These aircraft entered service in April 2008.

The primary air to air weapon (the A Darter missile), will not be in service until 2009. This will be a high off bore-sight weapon linked to a helmet mounted cueing system. It is expected that a new medium range air to air weapon will be purchased some time after 2010. As for the air to ground arena, the Chief of the SAAF Carlo Gagiano stated in an interview that the weapons holding for the Gripen will be kept as small as possible and he is inclined to use strap on systems.[4]

BAE Hawk Lead in Fighter Trainers were acquired, and have replaced the Impala trainers at 85 Combat Flying School. These aircraft were fully operational in the training role as of October 2007 and are armed with cannon and dumb bombs.[5]

Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopters are replacing the Alouette III. (At all helicopter squadrons except 22 and 16 Squadrons.)

Airbus A400M strategic transports will compliment and eventually replace the ageing C130BZ Hercules. These aircraft are slated to arrive in service by 2011, to be operated by 28 and 60 Squadron (in the strategic lift and air to air refueling roles), according to the official SAAF website.[6] There is concern over the capability gap in the air to air refueling role (2007-2011), left by the retirement of the Boeing 707 in 2007.

The SAAF is looking at purchasing light, side by side seater aircraft for ab initio flight screening/training. This is intended to cut flying hours on the more expensive Pilatus PC-7.

Further down the line the SAAF is looking at acquiring Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), possibly the Denel Bateleur Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV.

[edit] Aircraft fleet

Main article: List of aircraft of the South African Air Force

[edit] References

  1. ^ Tidy, Major D.P.. "They Mounted up as Eagles (A brief tribute to the South African Air Force)" Vol 5 No 6. The South African Military History Society. 
  2. ^ South Africa in the Korean War. Department of Defense.
  3. ^ a b South African military aviation OrBat
  4. ^ Helmoed Römer Heitman. "CAF interview", Janes Defence Weekly, April 2005. 
  5. ^ SAAF. "Thumbs Up for 85 CFS". Press release.
  6. ^ SAAF. "B707 retries at Swartkop". Press release.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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