ZAF - Denel Rooivalk

Denel/Atlas AH-2 Rooivalk
Designed and built in South Africa, the Atlas AH-2 Rooivalk is an attack helicopter for combat zones during day and night deployment, even in bad weather. Atlas's Rooivalk helicopter (now Denel) was created as a result of a development program launched in 1981. The final Rooivalk prototype, originally designated XH-2 (Experimental Helicopter No.2), first took off on February 11, 1990. Later, the designation was changed to CSH- 2 (Combat Support Helicopter No.2- combat helicopter for air support) and even later on XDM (Experimental Development Model). The second prototype was designed for the development of avionics and weapons. Rooivalk is designed for use at low altitudes at high speeds. Stepped cabs for the pilot (rear) and co-pilot/shooter (front) are equipped with dual controls, as well as on-screen and transparent displays. The gyroscopically stabilized tower in the front part has a built-in system for automatic detection and tracking of the target, which includes a laser rangefinder, infrared display FLIR (Forward-looking Infra-red) for indicating targets in the front hemisphere and a TV camera. Both crew members have helmets with a built-in aiming system. SAAF first ordered 16 machines, of which 12 are combat. Standard series-produced Rooivalk with sophisticated exhaust shields to suppress infrared radiation and extended side attachments for avionics and ammunition. A pair of outer seats can be attached to these sides to evacuate the crew of another shot down aircraft, or to transport soldiers of special purpose units. The first SAAF unit with Atlas Rooivalk helicopters was the 16th Squadron, which received the first AH-2A (under this designation the machine is delivered) in May 1999, the last of which were delivered in 2001.
As SAAF has ordered only 16 Rooivalk machines, further production is uncertain, also because no foreign orders have been won.

Atlas CSH-2 Rooivalk patriaci SAAF.

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