Rooivalk
The Denel Rooivalk (previously designated AH-2 and CSH-2) is an attack helicopter manufactured by Denel Aviation of South Africa. Rooivalk is Afrikaans for "Red Falcon", which refers to the lesser kestrel. Development of the type began in 1984 by the Atlas Aircraft Corporation. Its development was closely connected to the Atlas Oryx transport helicopter, with both aircraft being based on the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma and having started development at the same time. Development of the Rooivalk was protracted due to the impact of limited budgets during the 1990s. The South African Air Force (SAAF) ordered 12 Rooivalk, designated the Rooivalk Mk 1 in SAAF service, the first of which were officially handed over in April 2011. The helicopters are flown by 16 Squadron, based at AFB Bloemspruit near Bloemfontein.
Summary from Wikipedia, photo via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA.
- Manufacturer
- Denel
- Category
- Helicopters
- Country of origin
- South Africa
- First flight
- 1990-01-15
Specifications
- Cruise speed
- 150 kt
- Max speed
- 167 kt
- Range
- 400 nm
- Service ceiling
- 20,000 ft
- Rate of climb
- 2,620 ft/min
- Max takeoff weight
- 19,290 lb
- Empty weight
- 12,632 lb
- Fuel capacity
- 490 US gal
- Powerplant
- 2 × Turbomeca Makila 1K2
- Engines
- 2
- Seats
- 2
- Length
- 61.4 ft
- Height
- 17 ft
- Number built
- 15
Specifications are approximate and may vary by variant. Compiled from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Reference and training only. Specifications vary by variant — consult the manufacturer and the official documents.