A New Decade (1990 – 1995)
1990: A Commemorative Year
The SAAF celebrated its 70th year of existence in grand style in 1990. Among the events to mark the 70th anniversary, were several concert evenings, air shows and parades in various centres countrywide. The 70th anniversary of the SAAF’s oldest unit, 1 Air Depot (established on 1 February 1920 as the Aircraft and Artillery Depot), was also celebrated in 1990.
In the 1990 the 50th year service of the Harvard training Aircraft was also commemorated. Despite its upgrading in terms of avionics, navigation and communication equipment, time was running out for the Harvard, however. As early as December 1990 the Chief of the Air Force indicated that it would be replaced before the turn of the century.
Rationalisation
1990 was, however, not only a festive year for the SAAF. The year was also marked by the start of a comprehensive process of rationalisation and restructuring. Already in January 1990 the Chief of the Air Force announced that the Air Force had entered into a new year and environment that would make new demands and create new opportunities.
The first short term steps in the rationalisation of the SAAF entailed the withdrawal of several obsolete aircraft types from service, such as the Canberra B(1)12, the Super Felon and Westland Wasp helicopters, the Kudu light aircraft and the P-166s Albatross coastal patrol aircraft.
Other short term measures included the closure of Air Force Base Port Elizabeth and the disbanding of five squadrons, viz 12 Sqn (Canberra), 16 Sqn (Alouette III), 24 Sqn (Buccaneer), 25 Sqn (Dakota) and 27 Sqn (p-166S Albatross).
Personnel and equipment were to be transferred to other bases. Two Commando squadrons – 107 Sqn at AFB Bloemspruit and 114 Sqn at AFB Swartkop – were also disbanded. The rationalisation programme also made provision for the scaling down of activities in the Southern and Western Air Commands. Southern Air Command was scaled down to a Command Post.
Additional steps in the rationalisation programme soon followed. Further squadrons had to be disbanded, namely 3 Sqn (Mirage F1-CZ), 4 Sqn (Impala Mk II), 5 Sqn (Cheetah E), 10 Sqn (Remotely piloted vehicles), 30 Sqn (Pumas), 31 Sqn (Alouette III and Puma helicopters), and 42 Sqn (Bosbok). The well known “Cheetahs” (2 Sqn were deactivated and their Mirage III BZ and Mirage III CZ aircraft withdrawn. The squadron was reactivated with Cheetah aircraft at AFB Louis Trichardt in 1993, however.
A number of units were also closed, including Air Force Bases Potchefstroom and Pietersburg, AFS Snake Valley, 81 and 84 Light Aircraft Schools, 89 Combat Flying School, SAAF Road Transport Depot, 402 Aerodrome Maintenance Unit, and the Klippan Control and Reporting Post. Following the transfer of Walvis Bay to Namibia, the Rooikop Air Base was finally evacuated in February 1994.
The rationalisation also necessitated the relocation of the squadrons and units. The Central Flying School at Dunnottar was moved to AFB Langebaanweg and Renamed Central Flying School Langebaanweg in 1993. The 83 Jet Flying School (Langebaanweg) and 85 Combat Flying School (AFB Pietersburg) were merged under the latter’s name and relocated at AFB Hoedspruit. The Silver Falcons aerobatics team were also moved to AFB Hoedspruit, remaining under the control of 85 Combat Flying School.
The early nineties also witnessed the final withdrawal from service of the AM-3CM Bosbok light aircraft and the old stalwart, the DC-4 Skymaster.
Aircraft of the Nineties
In 1992 it was announced that the Swiss Pilatus Astra PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft would replace the Harvard as the SAAF’s new trainer aircraft. The first 60 Pilatus Astras (as they were christened by the SAAF) were delivered to the SAAF in October 1994. It was expected that 32 aircraft will be in service at CFS Langebaanweg by the end of 1995
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The old and the new flying together. The aircraft in the foreground in the Pilatus PC-7 MkII Astra trainer, due to replace the Harvard in the background (Photo: Sgt Pieter Droskie). |
In 1993 the Chief of the Air Force indicated that four highly sophisticated CSH-2 Rooivalk combat support helicopters would be bought.
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The Rooivalk Combat Support Helicopter. |
Meanwhile the SAAF was going ahead with the upgrading of certain aircraft types, including the Cheetah C, the DC-47TP Dakota (and a maritime version), the Oryx helicopter (which has replaced the Puma) as well as an upgrade programme for the Cessna 185, Impala and C-130B Hercules. The Oryx helicopter project was completed in 1994. The development of an engine upgrade package in the form of the SMR-95 engine for the Mirage F1-AZ Mirage fighter as well as the Cheetah D was announced in 1994. The Cessna 208 Caravan was also by this time in service with 41 Sqn, as were a batch of Boeing 707 tanker and electronic warfare aircraft with 60 Sqn.
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The Oryx helicopter, the Puma’s replacement (Photo Dave Becker)
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C-130B Hercules medium transport aircraft (Photos: SAAF: Dave Becker)
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The Transformation Process
The sweeping constitutional changes in South Africa over the past five years also called for an extensive integration of various military forces into a single defence structure. Within the Joint Military Co-ordination Council (JMCC), which met in January 1994 for the first time, a joint Air Force Work Group was set up to plan and implement an integrated Air Force for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
In respect of military aviation, an integration and restructuring programme involving the SAAF, the air wings of the former TBVC states and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) was instituted in 1994. This programme provides for the interim control of TBVC air wings and bases as satellite bases by the SAAF, the transfer of selected personnel and aircraft to SAAF squadrons and training of new members. Former TBVC air bases were closed at the end of 1994.
In terms of the Interim Constitution (1993) the SADF (and for that matter also the SAAF), were destined to become part of the new SANDF on 27 April 1994. In view of this development, the JMCC instructed that all National Colours were laid up before 27 April. On 15 April the National Colours were laid away for the last time by twelve SAAF units and squadrons for safe keeping at the SAAF Gymnasium in a symbolic parade on behalf of the SAAF as a whole.
In July 1994 the SAAF Gymnasium incidentally also became the first , SANDF unit where non-statutory members (formerly of the ANC’s armed wing, MK) of the SANDF were trained. The first visible results of the transformation process in the SAAF culminated in August 1994 when 47 former MK members completed their officer forming course.
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A group of proud SAAF candidate officers – former MK members – at their passing out parade in August 1994) Photo: Salut)
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Serving the Community
The SAAF’s assignments are inter alia to preserve life, health or property, to maintain essential services and to support and state department for socio-economic upliftment. Although the SANDF is the SAAF’s first client, the community have always figured prominently in the scope of its operational activities. The SANDF’s withdrawal from Namibia and South Africa’s new constitutional dispensation have put greater emphasis on the SAAF’s service to the community.
Despite its scaling-down and a drastic budget cut, the “learner” SAAF’s traditional role in search-and-rescue missions and other relief operations was not affected in the least. During the past five years the SAAF was called upon to render aid and assistance on numerous occasions, and each time it responded in a most professional and efficient manner. The role played by the SAAF squadrons and personnel during a dramatic rescue operation following the Oceanos ship disaster off the Transkei coast in August 1991, is a case in point. During the operation Puma helicopters airlifted 225 passengers to safety in foul weather and extremely difficult circumstances. In 1992 the newly instituted Air Force Cross was awarded to 27 SAAF members for their role in the rescue operation.
In the period 1990 – 1994, squadrons and units of the SAAF were tasked to participate in numerous other search-and-rescue operations. On 14 July 1991, for instance, the longest SAAF rescue operation ever (range wise and from a base) was carried out by two Oryx helicopters of 31 Squadron. During the operation the seriously ill captain of the Arabian Mist was airlifted from the ship in the Mozambique Channel and flown to AFB Hoedspruit where a SAAF Dakota was waiting to take him to Pretoria. During the operation a total distance of 1 151 nautical miles (2 129km) and 13 hours flying time were completed by the Oryx helicopters.
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A SAAF squadron trooping its Colour. Note the battle honours on the Colour. (Photo: Salut)
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The SAAF’s service to the community; is not restricted to rescue operations, however. Over the years SAAF units have, for example, successfully launched and maintained a number of conservation projects in the areas under their control. Since 1990 SAAF units such as AFB Hoedspruit and the Test Flight Development Centre (Bredarsdorp) won awards such as the Caltex Floating Trophy for the Protection of the Environment almost on a regular basis.
During the SAAF African election in April 1994, the SAAF launched Operation JAMBU at the request of the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC). During the operation, which turned out to be the biggest peacetime operation ever carried out by the SAAF, personnel of the IEC and ballot material were transported to various polling stations throughout the country. In the course of Operation JAMBU and the SAAF flew more than 175 special missions totalling close to 550 flying hours.
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The Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Ronnie Kasrils, taking the salute during a SAAF parade (Photo: Salut).
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The SAAF into Africa
In line with the normalisation of relations with neighbouring states, the SAAF had adopted an outward approach toward Southern Africa. The SAAF’s participation in air shows in Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland in 1994 clearly demonstrated its intention to play a constructive role in Africa. This change is further manifested by SAAF missions into other African countries to provide humanitarian assistance. The transport of relief supplies to Somalian refugees in Kenya (1992) and Rwandan refugees during Operation Mercy (1994) are cases in point.
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Caption: Food and medical supplies for Rwandan refugees are off-loaded from a SAAF Boeing 707 of 60 Sqn in Mwanza (Tanzania) during Operation Mercy in July 1994 (Photo: Salut)
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More recently the SAAF also provided fixed wing and helicopter air transport during Operation Amizade (meaning friendship) in the Mozambique election. “The SAAF is a leading force for peace in showing the flag into Africa and neighbouring states” said the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Ronnie Kasrils after a mass fly-past of the returning aircraft which had been deployed in Mozambique.
The South African Government has indicated that Southern Africa will enjoy top priority in South Africa’s foreign relations. The promotion of regional stability and economic development in co-operation with neighbouring states and international agencies is likely to be an important theme in regional relations. As recent developments in Angola have indicated, the is thus a distinct possibility that the SAAF. as part of the SANDF, will be required to contribute to UN-sanctioned multi-national peace-keeping and relief operations in the region.
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Four Malawians of the Malawian Army Air Wing (Dornier Sqn) recently followed a national technical certificate course at the School of Logistical Training, a SAAF training unit. This picture was taken in the electrical workshop (Photo: F Sgt Jarret Clark)
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Lt Col Everest Chabwera from the Malawian Army Air Wing attended a course at the SAAF College, Voortrekkerhoogte in 1994. According the Lt Col Chabwera the course was demanding but interesting (Photo: F Sgt Jarret Clark)
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Productivity Flies High
During the nineties the SAAF became renowned for the high standards set by its units in terms of productivity management and improvement. In 1992, for instance, SAAF units won four of the six major awards in the SADF’s annual Productivity Competition, with trophies going the way of AFB Bloemspruit and 2 Air Depot and 5 Air Depot.
In 1993 AFB Bloemspruit and 2 Air Depot received the Paragon Trophy for productivity improvement, with 1 Air Depot winning Silver Certificate. During the National Productivity Competition in 1994, the SAAF won the Silver Award with an entry of 180 projects amounting to a total saving of R70 million. In the same year SAAF units also took five of the seven awards in the SADF Productivity Competition . The Quality Circle Competition was successfully introduced in the SAAF in 1990.
The SAAF can therefore rightly claim to be one of the most advanced productivity-orientated state institutions.
Some other Highlights
The SAAF’s new Reaction Force was established at AFB Waterkloof in 1990.
The new golden and silver wings for pilots and navigators were introduced in 1991.
In 1991 three female officers became the first women ever to successfully complete the SAAF’s Senior Command and Staff Course.
The SAAF Museum branch in Port Elizabeth was officially opened by the Chief of the Air Force in 1992.
The restoration of the historical SAAF Officer’s Club in Voortrekkerhoogte, known as the “General’s House”, was successfully completed in 1993.
The relocated SAAF Museum at AFB Swartkop was officially opened by the Chief of the Air Force in 1993.
The SAAF’s participation in the inauguration of State President Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings (Pretoria) in May 1994. During this occasion an impressive fly-past by SAAF aircraft was given.
The SAAF moved into its new headquarters close to Army headquarters in Pretoria in 1994.
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An Oryx helicopter from 19 Sqn delivers boxes of ballot supplies at Brits during the 1994 election (Photos: Ad Astra)
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