Denel 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 is closely connected to the Atlas Oryx transport helicopter, both aircraft being based on the Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma and having started development at the same time.
| Rooivalk | |
|---|---|
| A Denel Rooivalk in flight | |
| Role | Attack helicopter |
| National origin | South Africa |
| Manufacturer | Denel Aviation |
| First flight | 11 February 1990 |
| Introduction | 1 April 2011 |
| Status | Out of service |
| Primary user | South African Air Force |
| Produced | 1990–2007 |
| Number built | 15 |
| Developed from | Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma |
Development of the Rooivalk was protracted due to the impact of limited budgets during the 1990s, and a desire to produce a highly advanced attack helicopter. 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.