Denel delivers upgraded helicopters

18 Jun, 2012

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 18 (UPI) — Denel Aviation reports it has delivered two more upgraded Rooivalk attack helicopters to the South African air force.

The delivery, described as “recent,” brings to eight the number of Rooivalk helicopters that have been upgraded. Three additional helicopters will be delivered in the coming months, the company said.

The Rooivalk AH-2 has a cruise speed of about 172 miles per hour, a service ceiling of 20,000 feet and a range of more than 400 miles at sea level. It carries air-to-air missiles, cannon, anti-tank missiles and rockets.

“The Rooivalk is flying on a daily basis and both Denel Aviation and the SAAF are very satisfied with its performance,” said Denel Aviation Chief Executive Officer Mike Kgobe.

The first lot of upgraded aircraft has been flown for more than a year, he said, and the company has received positive feedback from the military.

“This is a product that the South African public can be proud of — locally designed, locally manufactured and already successfully deployed by the Air force,” Kgobe said.

The upgraded helicopters feature extended and long-range fuel tanks. Additional details of modernization weren’t disclosed.

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