|
Entered service |
1999 |
|
Crew |
2 men |
|
Dimensions and weight |
|
Length |
18.73 m |
|
Main rotor diameter |
15.58 m |
|
Height |
5.19 m |
|
Weight (empty) |
5.9 t |
|
Weight (maximum take off) |
8.7 t |
|
Engines and performance |
|
Engines |
2 x Atlas Topaz turboshaft engines |
|
Engine power |
2 x 2 000 hp |
|
Maximum cruising speed |
309 km/h |
|
Range |
940 km |
|
Armament |
|
Cannon |
1 x 20-mm Armscor cannon |
|
Missiles |
4 x four-round launchers for TOW or Denel ZT-6
Makopa
anti-tank missiles, provision for air-to-air missiles |
|
Other |
launchers with 70-mm unoperated rockets in place of
the missiles |
|
The Atlas (now Denel)
Rooivalk (red kestrel) is the first operational result of a
development programme launched in 1981 for an indigenous attack
helicopter. The programme initially involved the XH-1 Alpha and
XTP-2 Beta as concept-proving and systems test-beds. The definitive
Rooivalk prototype, originally designated XH-2 (Experimental
Helicopter No.2), made its maiden flight on 11 February 1990. The
type was later redesignated CSH-2 (Combat Support Helicopter No.2)
and, later still XDM (Experimental Development Model).
A second prototype, the ADM (Advanced Development Model) flew soon
after this and was tasked with avionics and weapons development.
Although it looks like an entirely new machine, the Rooivalk is
based on a degree of reverse engineering of the
Aerospatiale Puma,
using the same engines (albeit in slightly uprated form) and main
rotor.
The stepped tandem cockpits for the pilot and co-pilot/gunner (rear
and front respectively) have dual controls, as well as three LCD
displays. The third display is used for threat warning. There is no
head-up display, but symbology is displayed on the helmet visor in
full colour. A gyro-stabilised turret at
the nose contains an automatic target detection and tracking system
which incorporates a laser rangefinder, forward-looking infra-red
and TV camera, and the two crewmen each have a helmet-mounted sight
system.
The South African air force has ordered an initial 16 examples as
four operational evaluation and 12 operational helicopters. The full
production standard Rooivalk will feature improved IR exhaust
suppressors and enlarged sonson cheeks housing avionics and
ammunition. A pair of external seats can be fitted to these cheeks,
allowing a Rooivalk to pick up the crew of a downed helicopter, or
to transport special forces soldiers. No16 Sqn, the SAAF's first
Rooivalk unit, received its first AH-2A (as the aircraft is known in
service) in May 1999, and also received the last of its 12 examples
in 2001.
|
Video of the AH-1 Rooivalk attack
helicopter |
|
|
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