Stewart Penney/PRETORIA
A lack of maritime patrol capability is causing concern within the South African Air Force. The requirement is one of several buys the SAAF wants to push through over the next 10 years.
Despite the country's strategic position straddling the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, the SAAF continues to use Douglas DC-3s for maritime patrol and is unlikely to replace the machines in the short term. Lt Gen Roelf Beukes, chief of the air force, describes the maritime patrol aircraft (MPA)capability as its "Achilles heel". He says it requires medium- and long-range aircraft, but new equipment is at least 10 years from service.
The SAAF is also awaiting a government decision on whether to proceed with a purchase of four AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300s or to re-open a competition put on hold in 1999 after the European helicopter had been selected. The maritime patrol helicopters are to equip a similar number of corvettes ordered last year. Beukes says the corvette and helicopter "are a system, and you can't use one without the other". He expects a decision by November.
AgustaWestland's rivals are also awaiting the government decision. Kaman - which attended the African Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Pretoria earlier this month as part of a major US presence at the show - is waiting in the wings to offer the SH-2G Super Seasprite, with Eurocopter also expected to enter any new battle.
A US source says "there is a government decision to be made, but we would like them to consider Kaman". The company has identified potential South African partners, including Advanced Technologies and Engineering, Avitronics and Denel Aviation.
Meanwhile, AgustaWestland - which has placed around £8 million ($12 million) of South African contracts since 1998 - signed a deal at the show with Denel which will become active if the Lynx agreement is concluded.
Developing the Rooivalk attack helicopter has given Denel an avionics integration capability, while the company's structures manufacturing is cost-effective, says an AgustaWestland source. Denel could provide forward looking infrared sensors, electronic support measures and communications equipment for future Lynxs, suggests the source.
SAAF commander Beukes says other plans include a mid-life upgrade to the Denel Oryx - a Eurocopter Super Puma development - towards the end of this decade. Likely work includes new engines and replacement avionics.
Lockheed Martin C-130Hercules are receiving a Marshall Aerospace avionics upgrade. The type "will last another 30 years", says Beukes, adding that the aircraft will also receive electronic warfare systems.
There are also tentative plans to replace the Boeing 707 tanker fleet "at some stage" as in-flight refuelling is a key requirement for the SAAF. The type is also used as an electronic and communications intelligence platform.
Source: Flight International
