Africa Aerospace and Defence 2008 - Show Report and Images

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Africa Aerospace and Defence / AAD 2008 - Show Report and Image Gallery

Story and Photography by Gerard Griessel

The 2008 Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition, held from 17 to 21 September, was an immensely successful event, where the South African defence industry presented their products and tools to the world in a very big way. Even though international Air Force participation was minimal in the form of three United States Air Force (USAF) C-130s, it was a huge improvement on the 2006 event, and it seems that it is well on it's way to becoming one of the best international aerospace exhibitions in the world once again.

The South African Defence minister, Mosiuoa Lekota, officially handed over the SAAF's first four Gripens to Air Force Chief, Lt. Gen. Carlo Gagiano in a spectacular ceremony on the 17th of September 2008 at Ysterplaat AFB. The ceremony was marked by a spectacular fly-past of the SAAF's first four Gripen Ds (01 through 04), after which they landed and taxied up to the ceremony to be accepted the the Air Force chief. Five more D versions of the Gripen will be delivered to the SAAF, after which the first single seat C version will be delivered, possibly by mid 2010.

The South African Air Force's official display team, the Silver Falcons, also used AAD 2008 as the perfect opportunity to unveil their brand new paint scheme and display, now using five aircraft in stead of the previous four. However, the fact that the team has been stuck in a rut of late cannot the denied.

Regular followers of air shows in South Africa can testify that crowds were becoming tired of the same display routine being repeated at each event, and it was time for the team to move on to bigger and better things. But it was at this event that the team showed new character. It has to be mentioned that team leader, Maj. Scott Ternent, put together an amazing display routine with his team. The standard of the display has picked up by quite a margin, and together with the new paint scheme, the team is now truly up to international standard.

Another very popular item with crowds, was the solo display by Charl Coetzee in the SAAF Gripen D. This display could not be described as anything less than magnificent, with Charl showing off every

angle of this powerful new aircraft. His display involved pulling the aircraft up into the vertical straight after take-off, a maneuver which sent the deafening roar of the Volvo RM-12 engine smashing into the crowds below. After this Charl demonstrated the aircraft's sheer maneuverability with a series of tight turns, loops and rolls. Overall, Charl should be comended for presenting an exeptional display, showing the SAAF's new machinery off in a very proffessional manner.

Enter the heavies

One thing that set AAD 2008 apart in terms of aerial displays, was the presence of large airliners, with outstanding heavy displays, and even a formation display involving two Boeing 737s from SAA Cargo. The first heavy display was conducted by the Royal Jordanian Boeing 747-400, kitted out with the latest VIP cabin. The aircraft was brought low over the crowd line as it entered the display line, showing off every little line and rivet, which was promptly followed by gasps from the crowd. Seeing such a large piece of equipment lumbering about the sky so gracefully, was most certainly a privilege to witness. South African Airways made a very strong presence at this year's event, bringing not only one of their Airbus A340-600s, but a formation of two Boeing 737 - 200 and -300 cargo aircraft, flown by regular airshow pilots, Scully Lavigne and Pierre Gouws. It was this display that stood out, and it was popular consensus that it was one of the best ever seen at any airshow in the world. Flying line-astern formation, the two 737s were flown with exceptional precision, performing an aerial ballet of note. The two aircraft eventually initiated a break, before performing a double touch and go, and joining up once again overhead the crowd before returning to Capetown International Airport.

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